On The Boogiedownload: Mix 013 by Kid Optimus (All Original Material)

I have a special treat lined up for you folks. I’ve been in touch with Josh Guyotte, a New England based promoter who runs Hyper Hypo productions for a little while now. The other day he sent me a custom crafted mix from Worcester-based electro producer Andy Coache, better known as “Kid Optimus”. Optimus performs a first in the podcast series: it’s entirely a self-produced mix, containing either his own work, and a couple of remixes to boot. 

Although Optimus calls himself an “electro” producer, the styles and influences he brings to the table in this presentation are immense. All of the tracks include landscapes that are permeated by intense synth work, especially for the lead riffs, which come from trance. The tempo changes from time to time; it isn’t uncommon at all to witness dubstep breakdowns or even subtle breakbeat to 4x4 transitions take place in a calculated manner. The mix gels nicely together overall!

Optimus and I actually got in touch over the weekend for a quick interview as well. Here are some things he had to say.

How long have you been interested in electronic music for? Did you listen to it as a fan for several years before you realized you wanted to be a producer/DJ, or did it hit you straightaway that you wanted to get involved?

Ever since I knew what music was, it has been a huge part of my life. I started playing instruments at 10 years old with drums. A year later, I started playing the guitar, bass and even as a vocalist in bands up till I was about 15 when the movie “Hackers” hit the theaters. I remember falling in love with the sound track being the first time electronic music had ever hit my ears. About a week or two after buying the soundtrack, (about the age of 16) my friend Chris took me to my first electronic show. That’s when I decided I wanted to spin and got heavily involved with Trance. In 2002, I picked up my first music-producing program. I enrolled with Entertainment Career Connections and completed the Audio Engineering program. About two years ago, I started following the progression of EDM and found my niche with producing electro. 

What DAW/DAW’s do you use when you produce? 

I work with a few different DAW’s. For recording purposes, I use Adobe Audition, for sequencing and track building I use Fruity Loops Studio and for mastering I use pro tools.

Which producers worldwide influence you the most? Who are some producers we should be on the look out for (local or global)?

There are many great producers hitting the scene this year from all over the world, but one to keep an eye out for would be Drivepilot from Portland OR. He just recently made the switch from rock production, started producing electro in the past year or so, and is already on major record labels. He has also been an influence on my production.

If you were forced to work only with MIDI controller for the rest of your career, which one would it be?

KORG Triton for the win! I don’t actually own one, but if I was forced to only use a controller that would be it.

How did you come up with your alias (Kid Optimus)? 

My name was given to me by a friend back in high school. I don’t remember how it came about but it has stuck with me all these years!

Tell us what your plans and goals are for 2011. Where can we see you play out over the course of the next few months?

2011 looks like a busy year for me, with about 5 tracks and remixes being released in the next few months on Ear Time Records. Also with the production company I’m in, Hyper Hypo Productions, I will have many local shows including Rebirth on Feb 1st – Worcester, MA, as well as a headlining spot in Houston, TX - March 25th, L3V3L in Portland, NH - April 27th, SYSTEM May 27th – Worcester, MA along with web appearances on HHP’s Sunday Night Sessions & the official optimal podcast the 1st of every month. I hope to keep the energy strong well through the years with more gig dates and track releases!

On The Boogiedownload Mix 013 :: Kid Optimus

1. Break You Open (Kid Optimus Remix) - Aruna
2. Complete Control - Kid Optimus
3. Wait & See - Kid Optimus
4. Marie (Kid Optimus Remix) - 1200Junkie
5. Pleasantly Disturbed - Kid Optimus
6. Bass Minions - Kid Optimus
7. Sector # 5 - Kid Optimus
8. What On Earth - Kid Optimus
9. Revenge of the Synth - Kid Optimus
10. The Filibuster - Kid Optimus
11. Mind Over Matter - Kid Optimus
12. Bloody Tears (Kid Optimus Remix) - Castlevania