Hailing from Mannheim and being a coherent party of the BE9 and Parker Lewis crew the producer known as Gyspea has been on our radar for quite some time now. His music approaches the environment by shuttling between funky and soul-like grooves up to minimalistic features and bad-ass basslines. By combining his wide array of musical styles and influences, Gypsea always succeeds to compose in a committed and playfully individual manner, putting a high-quality inventive signature to the music. The ability to combine an unlimited chameleon-like facility across all musical traditions and genres with an unmistakable style, embracing all the different influences and leaving a distinct trademark stamp makes Gypsea one of the top producers of our time, worth keeping an eye and ear on.
allalonemagazine did some investigating and wanted to find more about his background, connection, and love to Mannheim and music.
So Domi, I know Mannheim and the Be9 crew play a leading part in your musical journey. We are curious to find out how everything began. How did you first discover electronic music?
When I was 20 the first club I went to was Robert Johnson. The very first festival I visited was Time Warp in Mannheim. Afterward, I consciously started listening to electronic music. Dominik Grunert, my buddy that I used to hang out with during that time started his label Valioso Recordings and built a studio for some friends, myself included. It was situated in a studio complex where I met Sedee (Sebastian Werle and David Nicolas) who had their studio next door. They had a big impact on me by introducing me to the groove of Mannheim. The first time I went with the crew to Sunwaves19 in 2016 was a big game-changer for me and my musical journey. This relaxed atmosphere and crystal clear minimal sound all day and all night long – this is where I had my first most intense musical experience when it comes down to electronic music. Definitely one of the best annual journeys with my Be9 crew.
Talking about the Mannheim groove, can you name me some tracks that define this vibe?
Sedee – Zayak 87Records
Fusal – Handicap Malonian
Fabe & Toby T- Audio Anabolika Be9
Fabe – Sketch 001 Valioso Recordings
Super nice choice! Now, tell us more. How has Mannheim and Be9 affected you in the process?
To me, Mannheim has a really special style of music and culture. At my younger age, I was influenced by graffiti and Hip-hop, where I still keep my interest. Back then I connected with Fabe with whom I was on the same page when it came down to old school Hip-Hop. Besides that our Be9 headquarter plays a big role for me. It’s that magical creative space that every artist wishes for. We would meet there before we would go to Parker Lewis. It is the gathering point for the whole crew, we chill on the terrace, exchange ideas, and always have a good time together. We are a crew of different personalities in which every single one plays their particular part. The studios are door to door in the building engaging a maximum exchange with my fellow artists at Be9.
And what does Parker Lewis mean for you? What impact did it have on your musical path?
Parker Lewis Club which unfortunately closed its doors this January means a lot to me as most of my productions were played by our Be9 artists in the club and I was able to decide which one is already done and which ones are not. Be9 was formed by the artists, friends, and founders of Parker Lewis. A lot of our friends worked there so the vibe was already set right for a banger club night. After the club, we would go to our studios with the artists who had just played at Parker Lewis. The feedback that I got from so many great artists outside of Be9 reinforced me to find my own way into producing and finding my own groove. I would go back to the studio after a great inspiring club night at Parker Lewis and start producing. The input I received at the club really drove me into new ways of producing and trying out new styles. Without Parker Lewis, I would have never been able to listen to underground music with this consistency.
What does Gypsea stand for?
My father is a Gypsy. I grew up with Gypsies and I was surrounded by a lot of young talented musicians. I decided to choose this name to embrace the roots from which I have grown.
Your style varies from funky and groovy minimal to baseline defined bangers, always managing to keep it trademarked. Where do the influences come from?
I listen to a lot of different styles of musical genres. Mostly Hip-Hop from the late ’80s till ’90s but also Jazz by Yussef, Alfa Mist and FKJ. I always try to mix those influences and combine them somehow. I love to produce 2-step funky baseline tracks but also storytelling tracks that arouse emotions to the audience – which touches and honors me the most.
Can you already spot a difference between your first release (BE9) and the tracks you are producing now?
Absolutely, improvement and growth are important. Through our Be9 community, we exchange ideas of producing music on a daily basis. I shared a studio once with Ben Balance for over a year which was really important as we always tried to push us to the next level. With him, I found my way into producing with the Elektron Analog Rhythm. The gear I use 90% during my sessions. It was Fabe that influenced my current way of producing. For now, I usually create the main themes in about 30 minutes and then switch over to the arrangement of the track. I definitely have become more self-conscious about my sound and always try to design that unique detail that defines my style.
By the way, I’m sharing my studio with David Nicolas today. I’m really excited about what the future holds for me and the whole Be9 crew.
Is there a certain way you start producing your music?
I become the most creative on the weekends when I’m off work and can’t wait to get back to the studio. I usually feel whether it is going to be a productive studio session or not within the first hour. I always start with a simple drum pattern with the Elektron. I continue with the bassline where I try to figure out in which direction I want the track to go. To be honest I never plan a track or really know where this drum pattern is going to lead me to. It’s always a journey where I just let things roll, let my creativity flow, you know? Sometimes it happens that I listen to some stuff on YouTube where one single noise triggers and catches me for a second. This is when I start sampling and creating something new out of it.
What are your next steps, plans, and projects? You said you are sharing a studio with David Nicolas now. Are you two producing together?
I’m sitting on my first album. I also try to Improve my live set skills as much as I can to share the amount of music I got in the pipeline. Dave and I are really connecting strongly when it comes down to producing sessions. We don’t know where the project we started is going to take us. We will see! 😉
What spirit do you want to convey through your music?
Funky fresh Gypsea grooves where people start dancing and get a smile on their faces.
QUICK QUESTIONS ROUND
Festivals or clubs?
Both. I love festivals when the crowd is growing together as a “family” but also enjoy parties at Robert Johnson, where I listen to a lot of underground sets.
3 smoked olives / Sunwaves / Parker Lewis / Robert Johnson
Your favourite track at the moment?
Gang Starr – Moment of Truth
Your favourite album?
Nas – It was written
Your favourite drink?
Sparkling Wine with the “Black can” from 25h the Acai Version
Salted or no salted butter?
No salted
Books or films?
Films
The first festival you have attended:
Time Warp
Spring or Autumn?
Autumn
Name your favourite release this year so far:
Tommy Vicari Jnr – Portrait of Thomas (LIZE005)
What does music mean to you?
I listen to music whenever I can, which is most of the time. It gives me so much energy for the day.
FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: GYPSEA HAS PREPARED A TRACK EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE PLATFORM AS A FREE DOWNLOAD.
The track will take you on a lovely journey. Enjoy, listen and download here: Gypsea – JuDo
MASTERING BY FABE.
What’s the story behind the track? It’s filled with many positive emotions, could you explore them for us?
I asked Julia who is one of my close friends to help me a bit with the interview. I decided to do it in the studio while I produced this track. She was asking me questions about my production procedure. That’s how this track was born – with a lot of good vibes and a real story behind it. Thank you, Julia.
CLICK HERE TO HEAR AND DOWNLOAD THE TRACK
Photos by: studiotroncone
