I first learned about Fourward last year. I know, I was super late. Nonetheless, I did some catching up and now they’re one of my most respected DnB producers. It’s odd how I never actually made the connection between “Fourward” = “Four people,” but hey, what’re you gonna do?
The quartet recently released a massive two-track EP, Foot Soldiers/Tingod, and I was really happy to get the opportunity to sit down with the Austrian group and ask a bit about their influences, current tastes and regrets/dreams.
How long have you been producing?
Ludwig: we started the Fourward project in 2007 and were making music in one way or another couple of years before that as well. Personally, I got into dnb in 2002, before that it was all about punk rock and metal for me.
Lukas: 13 years
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?
Ludwig: This may sound strange, but looking back I think I wouldn’t release certain tracks from our back catalogue. But all in all I wouldn’t want to change a lot.
Lukas: Nothing really except from buying one expensive/upperclass instead of three cheaper/low budget studio gear.
What’s the side of you that the public never sees?
Ludwig: I think the public doesn’t see 99% of “who” and “what” we really are, but I think that’s because you simply don’t know someone just by following him or her on Twitter/Facebook etc. What people see is our identity as the drum and bass group Fourward, not the four individuals behind it I guess.
Lukas: dancing alone in the studio [laughs]
What are you listening to lately?
Ludwig: Currently listening to a lot of older hip hop stuff, like the early Wu Tang albums, old Mobb Deep, that kind of stuff, plus old rock & roll stuff like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix.
Lukas: Todd Terje, Royksopp and Flying Lotus.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a musician?
Lukas: Living on a park bench? I don’t know!
Ludwig: Probably working a day job and still playing guitar in very unsuccessful punk or hardcore bands after work.
When are you completely satisfied with your work?
Lukas: That rarely happens, but normally when people enjoy the music.
Ludwig: This has never happened to me, I don’t know.
What advice would you give to people looking to get into making music?
Lukas: Don’t do it for fame or money do it because you love it.
Ludwig: If you like money and fame, do it for money and fame [laughs].
Purchase links for Foot Soldiers/Tingod are below.
Vinyl: bit.ly/FWD_Vinyl
Beatport: https://pro.beatport.com/release/foot-soldiers-tingod/1447762
