INTERVIEW: Reflex Blue
Auditory proof that good has come from the lockdown…
With the Melbourne club scene’s revival in full effect, it’s only fitting a bunch of fresh local artists are bursting onto the scene after a year locked inside perfecting their craft. Well and truly amongst the pack is Peninsula product Cooper Fraser (AKA Reflex Blue), whose debut, five-track EP ‘Chem Trails’ on Espace Noir packs more punch than a Tyson uppercut. The cassette tape release channels elements of classic trance, prog and tech house in a highly futuristic fashion.
For my personal highlight, go no further than the opening track (you could literally choose any one of the five). At 104bpm, ‘Escape’ displays a softer, more dubbed-out side of Reflex Blue’s production and is the perfect soundtrack for both a set opener or a comedown. What follows is just as impressive; dark, proggy baselines, croaking frogs and bouncy drums. Need I say more?
In full, the release is described by Espace Noir as “a journey that might take you there and not quite back… Inhale at your own risk”. Well, I can confirm post experience that ‘Chem Trails’ is most definitely a risk worth taking. For more information about the man himself, have a read of the interview below.
After following your DJing and socials for a couple of years now, I sense you’ve been sitting on these releases for quite a while (assuming the Lockdown gave you plenty of spare time)- sort of tinkering & perfecting the production until it reached the level you were happy with. Describe the creative process for a) the EP and b) the new ‘Reflex Blue’ alias?
Yeah, it's been a pretty interesting 12 months. I have been working on developing my music production skills for a while now, but I think it's only been the last 2/3 years that I have put my whole focus into it all. My creative process begins with an aim/vibe and usually stems from some sort of inspiration- whether it be a track, place or feeling. I started with hardware about 5 years ago- which helped with my understanding of synthesis and function. Now that I have a better understanding, I pretty much only use my computer to make music, I'm most drawn in by the speed of workflow. In terms of Reflex Blue, I am pretty focused on making club music at the moment - I think that's where things are headed for me. Now that live music is back, I'm feeling super inspired to make lots of music and play it out.
It feels like Australian prog/trance scene is really booming at the moment with artists like yourself, Sleep D, Solar Suite, Escape Artist & OK EG holding down the scene here, whilst there’s also Aussies like Roza Torenzi who have taken their talents overseas. Where did you did you find the love for this futuristic, 'proggy' (for lack of a better word) sound that echoes all the way throughout your EP?
Man, there is so much talent in Melbourne right now! So many artists are working super hard and it's definitely starting to show. I think my love for this sound is how danceable it is. The drum programming and bass composition is where it's at for me - it's a great mixture of tech house (the good kind) and the proggy elements of trance. Keeping things groovy and fun.
Is there anyone overseas (artists, labels etc) who you’ve been digging lately and have found inspiration from?
C.K and Safe Dist are always killing it. The Regelbau crew. Sansibar has been making some great music. Echocentric and CoyMix have been doing some pretty fresh stuff and supporting lots of Australian Music. Holding Hands are doing some sick stuff right now. Roza and her new label! Can't forget that.
Although your production is all centred around that trademark sound, it is also very well rounded - shown by the slowed down, dubbed out A1 track compared to the higher octane breaks and trance that follows. In terms of DJing, describe the ideal reflex blue set in terms of pace, style, flow, vibes etc.
Ideal set for me is lots of energy and interesting features. I like to start off with an atmosphere and dive in from there. I'm never too sure where things are gonna go but the aim is to get people dancing. Good basslines and catchy grooves are very important.
Are there any other projects in the works we can look forward to? (eg. upcoming gigs, EPs, parties etc).
My main focus is on making music and I am going to be putting all my energy into that moving forward. I recently signed to Runnin Real who is looking after me now, they are the best bunch of people and I love what they do - excited for my next chapter with them. Looking forward to the 4 years of Espace Noir party at the Gaso with all the homies on March 28.
