Chook’s Evolution: Reviving Full Force And Redefining Drum & Bass

Chook, the Swiss record producer and DJ, has made a significant mark in the electronic music scene, particularly within the realms of Techno and Drum & Bass (DnB).

Known for his influential tracks and collaborations under the Full Force imprint, Chook’s innovative soundscapes and dynamic performances have captivated audiences worldwide. As he continues to evolve his musical journey, Chook shares insights into his plans, inspirations, and future projects.

Reviving Full Force

Reviving Full Force has been on Chook’s mind for some time. The imprint, known for its impactful releases and notable collaborations with artists like Phace, represents a significant chapter in his career. “Yes, reviving the imprint has definitely been on my mind. I’ve also had several discussions with Radic about it. I’m still considering whether or not to do it,” says Chook. The idea of rekindling Full Force remains a strong possibility as he contemplates how best to showcase his current musical explorations in Techno and DnB.

Inspirations Behind ‘Echoes of Existence’

Chook’s latest release, ‘Echoes of Existence,’ is a blend of ethereal pads and sci-fi soundscapes, reflecting his renewed passion for writing DnB. “There’s one track in particular that inspired me to create ‘Echoes of Existence,’ and that is ‘Machines’ by Corrupt Souls, which came out in 2006. I absolutely loved that track when it was released and played it in nearly all my sets. The blend of soundscapes and the bassline in that track captivated me, and I wanted to recreate something similar with my own twist,” Chook explains. This track is a testament to his ability to blend different elements to create something truly mesmerizing.

Fusion of Techno and DnB

Having written a lot of Techno recently and now reigniting his spark for DnB, Chook’s current production style is heavily influenced by both genres. “Techno has always been an influence on the music I produce, even from the very early stages. What has probably changed now that I’ve released quite a few techno tracks is that my music has become a little more musical, I guess. The structured, melodic elements of techno have found their way into my DnB productions, resulting in tracks that are less dissonant. Before I had my band Monophona, I didn’t have the slightest clue about musical theory. I still don’t, but it’s a little better than pre-2012,” Chook reflects. This fusion has resulted in tracks that are more musical and less dissonant, highlighting his evolving sound.

Production Techniques

Chook often shares production tips on his social media, and for ‘Echoes of Existence,’ he reveals a key technique that played a crucial role. “For ‘Echoes of Existence,’ I used my Moog SubSequent 37 a lot. I had about five layers of mid-range sounds in it. While I mainly work ‘in the box,’ it was actually a lot of fun to work on the Moog. I think I’m going to use it a little more again. During the production of the track, I discovered a little plugin called Rolling Sampler, which records in the background everything you do on your external synth. I was just playing around on the Moog, recording everything, and then keeping the parts that sounded good,” Chook shares. This allowed him to capture spontaneous moments of creativity, resulting in unique and captivating sounds.

Upcoming Performances

Chook is set to perform at an upcoming label takeover event with Virus and EatBrain in London. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the upcoming event with Virus and EatBrain in London. While my set won’t be reflecting the evolution of my newer sounds, as I’ve been asked to play an old-school classics set, I’m genuinely excited to dive back into those iconic tracks from the 2000s. Digging through those classic tracks has been a nostalgic journey, and I can’t wait to share that with the audience,” Chook says. This nostalgic journey through classic tracks promises to be a highlight for both Chook and his audience.

Impact of Full Force on Current Projects

Running Full Force in the past has had a lasting impact on Chook, particularly in terms of community and networking. “Running Full Force was an incredible experience, but I wouldn’t say it directly influenced my music production. However, it did teach me a lot about the importance of community and networking in the music industry. Managing a label also gave me a deeper understanding of the business side of things. While my production techniques have continued to evolve independently, I’ve learned the value of clear communication, mutual respect, and supporting each other’s creative visions, which are principles I carry into my work with Evolution Chamber. I’m also hopeful that some of the connections I made during my time with Full Force can be rekindled in the future,” Chook reflects. These principles have carried over into his current work, enriching his collaborative efforts.

Future Projects

Looking ahead, Chook has hinted at more music to come. “Absolutely! I’ve recently completed a remix of the first track I ever did with Claudine Muno, called ‘You Are All You Have.’ While I’m still finalizing the details on where it will be released, I’m excited about the possibilities and can’t wait to share it with everyone. Keep an eye out for more updates soon!” Chook reveals. Fans can expect more exciting releases and new ventures from Chook in the near future.

As Chook continues to push the boundaries of electronic music, his blend of Techno and DnB, coupled with his innovative production techniques, ensures that his future releases will be eagerly anticipated. With a deep-rooted passion for his craft and a commitment to evolving his sound, Chook is set to reach new heights in the world of electronic dance music. Stay tuned for more exciting projects and performances from this talented artist.