Jonny Cade: "It's all about the positive attitude in the studio for me"

If you've already copped Jonny Cade's talents, then you'll likely already know that he's a producer of practically immeasurable talents. Since first coming to our attention courtesy of his work at Ralph Lawson's 2020 Vision imprint, Cade has quickly become renowned for a body of work that's as eclectic as it is downright delightful.

As such, he's quickly earned a reputation as a man who's just as comfortable producing deeper textures as he is more robust and harder-edged jams, the likes of which is a trait which courses through his latest effort, the brilliant 'Atrocious Focus', which is out now on the always on-point Swiss label, Morris Audio.

We caught up with Jonny recently to talk inspirations, productions and future plans. Here's what went down...

Can you tell us a bit about your latest EP? What inspired it?

My 'Atrocious Focus' Ep with Morris Audio has just dropped on vinyl and will follow up on digital in a weeks time. I only produced the music at christmas so it's amazing that Stefan and the guys at MA have managed to sort get the release out so soon.

I have been inspired by Taras Van De Voorde's rugged house sounds so the A-side called 'Make Me Wait' was partly influenced by his music. But saying that, my tracks are a little more layered and vocal orientated.

And what generally inspires you to make music? Do you need to be in a positive frame of mind while you're in the studio?

Yes, it's all about the positive attitude in the studio for me. I have some off days when I make tracks that sound as if they were produced by a deaf old goat. I tend to get most inspired after listening to other DJs and new music. I find listening to tracks and picking out sounds and concepts that I like provides me with a good understanding of where I want to take a track.

So the Morris Audio EP, how did that one come to fruition?

I made some music that I thought would do well on Morris Audio and sent it across to Stefan (the label owner) and he responded pretty much straight away to say he liked the tracks and wanted to sign them. I was obviously really chuffed as Morris Audio has released music from some of my favourite artists over the years!

What's been your favourite Morris Audio over the years?

Yes I have quite a few MA vinyl which I play regularly so the thought of having my own 12” on that label is brilliant. The first time I had heard of Morris Audio was actually when Huxley had his first release with them years ago. It’s hard to say who has produced my favourite Morris Audio release because they have all been decent. That's why I like the label so much, they release consistently good music which is why they are continuing to grow.

What was the most challenging aspect behind the EP?

I’m not sure how much of the production process was challenging. To be honest, this EP sort of just happened. Sometimes I feel like i’m forcing music out for the sake of it but in this case I just produced what I felt at the time. Recently I have been more interested in producing more peak time clubbing tracks as opposed to my older deeper numbers. So this change in style was hard at first to overcome but now I don’t think i’ll turn back. I’m loving the faster bpm and more driving elements of techno/house.

Do you tend to favour uptempo house music? Or do you make soulful stuff too? What do you listen to in your spare time?

In my spare time I tend not to listen to house music that much. I feel that it’s only meant to be listened to in a club or party etc. Unless you listen to some more soulful disco or funk. I love artists like Cuthead, Bonobo, Four tet and then I listen to a lot of old funk, jazz and soul as well.

Do you try and take chances with your sound? How do you try and push yourself as an artist?

I try and take some chances yes, because if you don’t you’re just going to be pigeon holed with every other producer who's making a generic sound. The only way anyone is gonna be recognized is from making themselves stand out. This is a tough thing to do as a everyone seems to be producing and DJing these days...

So are you trained or self-taught in music? What do you reckon are the benefits and drawbacks of each?

I am self trained in terms of music production.... I have played the drums since I was 6 although they have take a back seat in recent years so I can fully concentrate on my producing. I studied music at college and university so I have also had 5 years of music tuition. I think when someone teaches themselves how to make music you are more likely to find a unique and original outcome. Producing is one big science lab, experimenting is the key to figuring out how to make new sounds and interesting concepts that make people ask “how have they made that” which is something I am always trying to do.

You must have been delighted with Oli Furness' remix too. Is he a guy whose music you've respected for a long time? Did his remix end up as you expected it would?

I first met Oli when we were both playing in Amsterdam with Ejeca for Deep House Amsterdam. I got on really well with him so when Stefan asked me if I would be happy to have Oli on the remix I obviously said yes straight away. He’s a mint producer who loves using drums machines and other hardware which can be heard in all his productions. I’ve got a lot of respect for his ability to use all the outboard gear because it’s something I would love to do more. His remix certainly speaks for itself!!

What's the next chapter in the Jonny Cade story going to consist of then?

Well it’s hopefully going to be a good summer gigs wise. I also have a release on Saints and Sonnets which I produced with my friend Jonjo Williams and this will come out in May 2014. Then I have a remix on Silence In Metropolis coming out in the next month. I also have some exciting new signings which will be announced soon. Other than that I have lots of material which is yet to be sent out to labels so fingers crossed once they are locked in you can expect lots more Eps coming out soon.