HoS 036: Setaoc Mass - Pursuing Quality And Vision, Luck VS Strategy | Home Of Sound

Setaoc Mass is an esteemed DJ and producer who released on labels such as Soma, Figure, Clergy, Work Them and more. He also launched his own imprint SK11 and recently expanded it with the series SK11_X to host artists such as Yant, Phara, David Löhlein, Arkan and Border One. For those of you who still don’t know him, he played in some of the world best techno clubs such as Berghain, Tresor, Glazart, Lehmann Club, Fabric, Fabrik Madrid, Warehouse Elementenstraat and many more. In this conversation we talk about Sam’s personal story and how he developed and nurtured his passion for music, the story behind his label SK11 and the reason (or better the artist) why he launched SK11_X. We also have a truthful conversation about struggling with demos, releasing on other labels and the importance of getting music in the right hands. As we hear how much he values quality and personal vision, we also discover one of his biggest personal values: kindness. If you enjoyed this chat and what we do, please consider following the guest and Home Of Sound on social media and leaving us a review or comment! Launch of SK11 and SK11x, Yant and Arkan 0:00:07 SK11x First release anniversary 0:08:06 Impact of 2020 0:08:49 2021 Label releases (non)structured approach 0:10:55 Promoting Releases 0:12:30 Focusing on music quality 0:15:26 Starting a Label: Believing in yourself and consistency 0:17:04 Patience required for success 0:19:03 Accessibility of music tools 0:19:54 Personal rituals and trusting instinct 0:22:02 Building confidence through rejections 0:23:53 Discussion about demo submissions to labels: 0:27:54 Signing with Figure: 0:28:18 Luck versus planning in a music career: 0:31:30 The importance of having a plan and artistic direction: 0:31:39 A moment of luck: Jeff Mills playing Setaoc Mass's track: 0:33:03 Another lucky moment: Getting a gig at Berghain: 0:33:17 The process of creating the sample pack: 0:36:10 The financial struggles of artists during the pandemic: 0:41:18 Inspiration from the brutal side of life 0:44:38 Kindness: 0:47:00 Advice for someone going through a dark moment: 0:48:44 Advice on approaching sound design: 0:51:37 The continuous learning process in music production: 0:53:41 Thoughts on the Manchester techno scene: 1:05:11 The trend of groovy techno: 1:07:21 Current vinyl techno market: 1:09:41 The financial realities of working for independent labels: 1:15:23 Setaoc Mass's experience of making music his main occupation: 1:16:45 Setaoc Mass's "secret weapon": 1:18:11 Latest projects and upcoming album: 1:21:45 -- Setaoc Mass --   / setaoc_mass     / setaoc_mass     / setaocmass   https://skeleven.bandcamp.com/album/s... Kyle Geiger & others sample pack: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0xmwokzgdb... Escape from you: https://skeleven.bandcamp.com/track/e... Book for creativity: https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/makin... -- Home Of Sound -- Masterclasses with Ansome, VSK, Scalameriya, Lag, Swarm Intelligence, Inland, Manni Dee, Sigha, Rommek, VJ Martinovna, Arjun Vagale and more: www.homeofsound.co.uk Artists-selected playlists: www.adam-heaton.co.uk/playlists All latest links: linktr.ee/home_of_sound