A mainstay on the club scene for several years now, Leftwing & Kody have been tirelessly honing their sound and attracting the attention of industry heavyweights in the process.
With Loco Dice signing their new ‘Snap Back’ EP to his Desolat imprint, we took some time out with the duo to get their thoughts on role models, inspiration and finding that all-important signature sound.
Hi guys, for those not in the know, what three essential things should we know about Leftwing & Kody?
Hey there. Three essential things that you should know are:
- We like to have a laugh and don’t take ourselves too seriously
- Jon can’t cook, no matter how many times he tells you he went to chef school
- Chris is not very good at mixed martial arts – he broke his rib during his second training session and has never been back since (retired undefeated)
Your new Snap Back EP has just been released on Desolat – a big compliment to get noticed by Dice, how would you describe your current sound?
Our current sound has been focused on the groove of the bass. We have tried to add a lot of tribal rhythm in our tracks recently by working the bass around low-end toms which are adding the bounce and punch to the track. We found this adds a definitive groove to our music which has worked well in the tracks we have been releasing over the last 12 months.
You’ve said previously that Loco Dice is someone you’ve always looked up to – how important do you think heroes and inspiration are for aspiring DJs and producers?
I think everyone has a hero or someone to look up to in all walks of life – music or otherwise. In this industry it helps to have someone to look up to as they make the dream real. At no point did we ever think that we would release on Desolat, but having Loco Dice – as someone who we respect in this industry – appreciate our music is very fulfilling and something we are very proud of. So, in a way getting the stamp of approval from someone you look up to is a goal that can help you focus on achieving what you may think is unachievable. Maybe that is the important thing about having an inspirational figure.
Do you think there’s ever a point in your career where you don’t need heroes and role models?
No, I don’t think there is – as we mentioned in the previous question, having someone as a role model can definitely set you on the right track.
What’s the best life or career lesson that someone you’ve looked up to has given you?
Never give up. There have been so many times when you may feel that you’re not good enough or that your wasting your time (we still experience feelings like this) but the only person that can really stop you succeeding is yourself. If you choose to stop then you will never reach your goal.
With so many producers and DJs all fighting to get noticed, it’s important to stand out and be different – what makes a Leftwing & Kody production stand out as one of your own? Do you have a signature style or calling card in your music?
Absolutely agree with you on that point – it is so important to stand out these days. For us we have our signature tricks and sounds that we always use in tracks. They may not be noticeable at first, but subconsciously they are working – when we talk to other DJs and producers they always say that they can recognise one of tracks pretty quickly because of the production which is great to hear. It’s really important to try and find that signature that people can identify with.
What advice would you give to aspiring producers who are looking to craft an original style or sound for themselves?
Something we have said everytime we are asked this question is that you have to put the hours in in the studio. It takes a lot of time and dedication to hone your craft and there certainly aren’t any shortcuts. That’s how you find your own sound: get as much time in front of the DAW that you possibly can.
The tech house sound is incredibly popular right now and people are starting to talk about what the next trends might be, where do you see things heading?
There’s a massive disco influence coming back at the moment. We think that this could be the next big thing.
And finally, what else should be keeping an eye out for from you both over the rest of 2018?
We have some really great releases lined up – another release on Moon Harbour is coming in the spring, as well as making our debut on Toolroom. In the summer we have a huge collab with Max Chapman coming on Relief and another collab EP with the legend Todd Terry on Solardo’s Solá. We have a follow-up EP coming on Solid Grooves and of course, a release on Lost Records. So, lots of new music ready to be unleashed.
