Kick It Recordings: Featured Artist - Kouncilhouse

Man have we got a big one for you today. A review, an interview and a 6 TUNE FREE EP!!! Whom might this madness be coming from you ask!? Today we are talking about Kouncilhouse! Kouncilhouse, from the UK, is a Breakbeat force to be reckoned with. His production is topnotch and because of his hard graft over the last year, he earned himself a nomination at Breakspoll 2010 (International Breakbeat Awards) for ‘Best Breakthrough Producer’. Not to mention his DJing is on point. Kouncilhouse is the head and owner of ADHD Records and the founder of ‘It’s Good for the Soul’ - a 45 track compilation, to raise money for the Ellennor Lions Children’s Hospice in Kent. The album features tunes, spanning Breaks, House, Dubstep and D&B, from some of the world’s top producers. Kouncilhouse has a well rounded discography with releases like ‘Shed a Tear / Yes Man’ with D&B legend Micky Finn. His remix of Smart Systems ‘Tingler’ was released on Jumpin & Pumpin. Also his Salt & Peppa bootleg of 2009 ‘Pass the Pepper’ was huge and received radio play from Radio 1, Kiss FM, and XFM - as well as support by the big guys.

Kouncilhouse is definitely one to watch in 2010. He has clocked up a very impressive back catalog of collaborations including D’Cruze (Suburban Bass), Leeroy Thornhill (Electric Tastebuds) and Brian Douglas (Future Sound of London). He has some top releases in the pipeline for 2010, beginning with his remix of the massive rave anthem ‘Biting Back (She’s Breaking Up)’. Also his remix of The Freestylers’ ‘This City’ has just been confirmed for release by their label. Kouncilhouse tells me he’s about to head into the studio with MC Sirreal to work on his new summer anthem ‘I Don’t Care’ and will be working on more collaborations with many other well respected artists from within the EDM scene. He has also recently been signed by the label Electric Tastebuds, which is run by Leeroy Thornhill, formerly of The Prodigy. Koucilhouse’s remix and production work speaks for itself but just in case you’re unsure, here is a serious list of accolades.

Atomic Hooligan – “Big tings! Nice Boot. Was screaming for it, will definitely be banging this one!”

Tom Craft – “Sounds wicked and fresh – love it!”

Beat Vandals – “Have been playing Kouncilhouse tunes in my sets and they are totally rocking the floor… The Shizzle!”

Beat Assassins – “Kouncilhouse gets the party rocking with his solid grooves”

Rico Tubbs – “Brraaps! Pepper tune is killing it!”

Kouncilhouse Interview

I got a chance to sit down with Simon and ask him some questions to see what makes Kouncilhouse tick.

Q – At what age did you first find yourself gravitating towards electronic music and who were some of the artists that influenced that?

That’s a long way back to remember… I’ve always been into electronic dance music as far back I can remember but I think it was Grandmaster Flash to be honest. I remember going into Woolworths after school when I was a nipper and buying one of his albums on tape.

Q – What was your very first CD?

Can’t remember but my first piece of vinyl I bought was a dub plate of Cry Sisco - Afrodizziact (Oakenfold's Raid Mix)

Q – How did you first get involved with the electronic music culture and what was the first event you attended?

I was introduced at a very early age. My friend Sean Bighead Eddy first of all got me into listening to New Beat back in the day and then it just grew from there really. First event I attended was Woodstock in West Kingsdown in Kent (England)

Q – Where was your favorite gig you have had to date?

Hammersmith Palace (London)- which was a live P.A - around 2000 people going mad.

Q - Who have you been most proud to open for?

Not sure really…probably Terry Hooligan, Leeroy Thornhill and Soul Of Man - got a lot of respect for all of them.

Q - Where would you most like to play that you have not yet?

Well I’ve ‘played up’ at Glastonbury lots of times but haven’t got to play there yet.

Q – What is your favorite tune you have released?

Ummm… legally or illegally?
Well it would have to be my remix of Smart Systems ‘Tingler’ because it got released on vinyl on Jumpin & Pumpin which for me was something to be quite proud off, before vinyl really started going down the pan.

Q – Who is your favorite EDM artist?

Oh what a question… there’s so many! Liam Howlett, Orbital, Leftfield, D'Cruze, De La Soul, Future Sound Of London, Massive Attack, Meat Beat Manifesto, Cut Chemist, Atomic Hooligan, UNKLE, Soulwax, Chemical Brothers, Cooperation Of One, Scratch Perverts, Roni Size, DJ Shadow, LTJ Bukem, Joey Beltram, Soul Of Man, Fast Eddie, Art Of Noise …I really could go on all night!

Q - How about outside of EDM?

There are just too many to mention, I love Steal Pulse and R.D.F.

Q – Who are some artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?

There are loads of producers I would love to work with but my main collaboration in life would have to be with my son Bailey.

Q – What was your motivation for starting the ‘Good for the Soul’ project?

My mum passed away from cancer last Christmas and my mate’s little un had leukemia twice so it
went from there really.

Q – What is your preferred software for producing?

Cubase with a little side helping of reason!

Q – What life lessons has the music industry taught you?

Take everything you hear and know in the music industry ‘with a pinch of salt’.

Q – What does the future hold for Kouncilhouse and ADHD Recordings?

Lots! Watch this space…

Kouncilhouse on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kouncilhouse2010

Kouncilhouse on SoundCloud - http://soundcloud.com/kouncilhouse

Kouncilhouse on Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/kouncilhouse

Kouncilhouse - "The Remix EP" (6 FREE TRACKS!!!) -