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We spoke with Mr Attias of Future Jazz outfit Beatless and boss of the excellent new label Visions Recordings.
Why start Visions?
I needed to release some of my own stuff that is experimental, with total freedom and that no other label would take the risk to release; also to be able to help, develop and work with some unknown and underground artists releasing challenging music.
How do you feel about being labeled with the "West London" tag?
Well, for me it means that I am part of a bunch of like-minded producers who are working hard to develop underground music not restricted to one genre, but working hard to push and experiment in diverse directions.
I was doing that before I moved to London anyway, but now I don't feel on my own anymore!
Working with Dego (of 4hero) on your latest 12" must of been cool?
Dego is a friend. He's the person who hooked me up with many "West London" producers. I have been working with Dego for few years now, and I am quietly confident when I say that he's the coolest dude, and one of the most talented musicians / producers I know.
Do you agree that the electronic music scene is going through a bit of a renaissance at the minute, it seems there is a freshness to many new releases that was missing a year ago, especially in house/jazz based music?
When music gets worse, music gets better! Nowadays its all about money, there is so much shit music around that it creates a feeling of enough is enough. This allows people to feel free and make beautiful and creative music. The sound ain't bad at the moment but not only in the jazz house department but also in underground Hip Hop, R & B, and Techno.
Who do you rate as the best up and coming producers around at the minute?
Domu - Stephanie A - Hefner - Alicia Keys - Venom - Volcov - Recloose - Seiji - Vanessa Freeman - Numbers - Kaidi Tatham
Desert Island 10?
Well I don't really like to do that as I have so many records I love and of course narrowing it down to 10 is a bit difficult for me, but I will give you a rough choice!
Marvin Gaye - What's Going On [Motown]
Stevie Wonder Songs in the key of life [Motown]
Donny Hathaway - Live [ Atco]
Alice Coltrane - Journey to Satchinanda [Impulse]
John Coltrane - Lush Life [Prestige]
Johnny Clarke - Give Thanks [Ariwa]
Herbie Hancock - Flood [CBS Japan]
Sun Ra - Sleepin Beauty [Saturn]
Sahib - Shihab Companionship [Vogue]
A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders [ Jive]
What's next on Visions?
Vision 005: Stephane Attias "Solid Pleasure / Liquid Pleasure "
Vision 006 Idema + Co " Losange / Cascade "
Chart October 2001 ( Visions Inc Uk)
4 Hero - Creating Patterns [Talkin' Loud]
Alicia Keys - Fallin [BMG]
Various - Darker Than Blue [Blood And Fire]
Domu - Up & Down [Archive]
Agent k - Kaidi Tatham is... [Laws Of Motion]
Ayro - Let This [Omoa]
Stephanie Atlas - Travelers (Future Mix) [Visions]
Homecookin' - Do What You Wanna [Sole]
Asheru & Blu Black - Elevator Music - [Seven Heads
Hooper - Welcome to The World [2000 Black]
Life Mirrors by Beatless is out now on Ubiquity Records