Dummy Mix 102 // Tropics
Southampton producer Tropics has a knack for injecting his music with a touching warmth that resonates within. His sound is comprised of complex fluttering rhythms, emotive synth pads, careworn vocals low in the mix, and gorgeous pop-like hooks that are wrapped up in his organic, humanistic approach to production.
His debut single on Planet Mu in October of 2010, Soft Vision, immediately turned heads and was followed up by a full-length album titled ‘Parodia Flare’ this past September. This mix, like his releases, goes straight to your heart with its selection of mid-tempo moodiness and buttery analogue warmth. A nice pick-me-up distraction while the days are getting far too short and the holiday blues begins to linger in corners.
How’s it going?
Hey! Everything’s going well. Although I’m a little sad, I’ve just returned to the UK after our last gigs of the year. I don’t feel done with that yet for 2011 but I guess a two week holiday in South Africa will take my mind off it. An opportunity to get writing new material!
Could you tell us a bit about the mix?
Well we played a gig in Nottingham recently where some issues arose, and we ended up having no drum kit. So me and Morgan (my drummer) did an impromptu DJ set after getting a bit drunk. We don’t DJ often and decided to record it, and this is it (after a few bits tidied up!).
What was your highlight of 2011?
I think the highlight of 2011 was playing at Rewire Festival in Holland alongside Holy Other, Rustie and Dorian Concept. I’ve played that country three times this year and they make such an effort with underground electronic music events. The venue was awesome, it looked like some kind of high school in a horror movie with rippling water reflected all over the ceiling and walls.. Spooky!
Best thing you heard this year?
There’s a few and I’ve put most of them in this mix. I’d have to also tip my hat to the Drive soundtrack, bringing me a bit of nostalgia. I’ve always been inspired by that Balearic and Italo-disco side of electro music, (Chromatics, College, Desire etc). It was nice for it to have a part to play in 2011, even if just a new cult movie soundtrack.
If the world doesn’t end, what does 2012 have in store for you?
I’m really hoping it doesn’t end because I have a lot of big plans with the guys in my band. I’m currently working on a new EP, which is experimenting and uncovering a more ‘cosmic’ sound with touches of IDM. I’m hoping to follow that up with either a couple more EPs and a second album. I’d also like to just tour tour tour, its been so fun doing that.
Dummy Mix 102 // Tropics tracklist
1. Korallreven – A Surf On Endorphins
2. Jaycek – Whats The Difference
3. Kodomo – Disappearing Light (Shigeto Remix)
4. fLako – Lonely Town feat. Dirg Gerner
5. Trevor And Ever Good Love (Mary Mix)
6. Zomby – Natalia’s Song
7. FaltyDL – Atlantis
8. Toro Y Moi – I Can Get Love
9. Flume – Paper Thin
10. Jack Dixon – Coconuts (Disclosure Remix)
11. Onra – Keep On Loving Me
12. Bombay Bicycle Club – Shuffle (Jack Steadman Remix)
13. Dogtanion – Cheap feat. Kerry Leatham
14. Sepalcure – Carrot Man
15. Tropics – Mouves (Dam Mantle Remix)
