Within the electronic ocean known as the dance music scene there are a number of tracks and artists alike that produce to a formula - one that fits into a specific box, category or stereotype. There are others who make music as a true interpretation of their mind disregarding the confines of genre, and that is exactly where Dave Huismans aka 2562 fits in.
His minimal artistry and pastiche dubstep style has likened him to dub-techno stalwart Martyn. In past years he has produced broken beat under his Dogdaze moniker and techno as A Made Up Sound and this year has seen him have releases on Tectonic, a remix on Hotflush and his Moog Dub and Movern feature on the mighty Dubstep Allstars 6 compliation.
Good day Sir, how’s things?
Quite good, it’s nice and sunny in The Hague these days.
How and when were you first infected by dance music?
I was checking out the clubcharts when I was nine or ten and wondering what those ‘BPM’-numbers meant. Luckily the music turned out to be as fascinating as the numbers.
What are your main musical influences?
Berlin & Detroit techno, early ‘00s West London broken beat, mid ‘90s Metalheadz.
When did you start producing, and how long was it before you started making tracks that you were really happy with?
Respectively in early 2003 and about a year later I was contented. Although really happy… maybe two years later.
What are your personal favourite productions so far?
A Made Up Sound – Sleepwalk, 2562 – Aerial LP and a few unreleased things.
Describe your style in 5 words...
Understated, spatial, gritty, slinky, and sincere.
What two tracks of the past 12 months did you hear, and think wow: I wish I’d got my production fingers busy and made that?
Both have Peverelist involved; one is his tune Gather which is simply a beauty; the other is Circling (with Appleblim) which is exactly my kind of vibe.
What are your top 3 studio tips and what is your number 1 studio snack?
To be honest I don’t feel I’m a studio wizard; my one tip would be to just use your ears and try things different from what you know until you’re satisfied.
As for food, I often eat fresh bread with cheese and tomato behind the buttons. That’s hardly a snack though is it…? Smiths Bugles then.
Ahh the tasty Bugles catapult back to my excursions to Holland- To me it sounds like an amalgamation of random numbers but where does your name come from and what does it stand for?
It’s the zipcode of my area in The Hague. I usually try to raise my street cred telling people it’s in the list of 50 worst hoods in Holland. They don’t know that doesn’t say much, most of those aren’t that bad anyway.
Who would you most like to work/ collaborate with?
I’m most comfortable making music on my own.
What is it about dubstep that captures you?
The space, the bass and the room for experiment. For me it’s like a canvas you can project anything on.
After a recent trip to Amsterdam partying at Twisted and Oi at Paradiso catching Martyn, U-Dub and Tes Le Rok it was obvious to see that Holland has a prevalent scene. Describe how you see the scene in your native land and how it differs to the U.K?
I think the main difference is dubstep has no local roots here. Most of the heads who are into it discovered it after the breakthrough in 2006, when halfstep and wobbles were dominating, so the historical context of up-tempo beats with swing is missing. But the positive side of a young scene is that the parties can be very lively; there’s a lot of choice right now.
How do you view the role of the MC/ Vocalist within the scene and are there any forthcoming projects with vocalists?
There aren’t, I’m very much about instrumental music. The challenge to me is to make a track interesting and narrative without using vocals, even without vocal samples. As a DJ it’s a different story, I appreciate a good host MC who interacts with the music and the crowd.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2008, any festivals?
I’m playing Wilsonic in Bratislava alongside TRG and Skream; I’m in talks with a few other festivals so maybe there’s more to come. In general I’m looking forward to enjoy the summer now my album is all wrapped up. Other than that, writing new music is the main plan. My hands are itching.
What can we expect from one of your DJ sets?
As 2562: Energetic, mostly up-tempo dubstep, including lots of fresh dubs from myself. Deep and sexy… no tough guy macho-step. As A Made Up Sound vs. 2562: building up from quality techno to techno-influenced dubstep and more, mixing it up preferably over a longer time. I like to make a trip out of a set, not just drop bangers.
How do you think the crowd you play to has changed over the past 3 years?
Three years ago I played mainly broken beat and hip-hop, that was quite a different crowd from dubstep. Which is surprising in a way, as the bass-full, heavy kind of broken beat I played is actually not that far away from some dubstep or UK garage.
Describe the craziest gig you’ve ever played?
I remember a police-ended gig but that was a bit tragic rather than crazy. They came in with aggressive faces and their sticks ready without even listening. Big up the Rotterdam police.
What is the best party you have ever been to across the globe?
First DMZ I went to made quite an impact. The sound and the general excitement.
If you weren’t a DJ/producer, what would you be?
I’m still working part-time as a journalist, but without the music I would have liked to do a PHD in literature or music studies.
Which other producers and DJs do you rate?
Now: Shed, Andy Stott, Flying Lotus, Martyn, Peverelist, Pinch, Kode9, Burial All time: A.O. Rhythm & Sound, Shake Shakir, Jan Jelinek, Aardvarck, Herbert, Boards of Canada, too many to mention really.
Where would you like to be in 12 years?
At home, teaching my kids how to make beats.
Tell us one random fact about yourself that no more than 10 people already know?
My defense at table football improved a lot over the last half year. Midfield is in a bit of a crisis though.
Cheers for your time.
You’re welcome.
www.myspace.com/2562dub