A short interview with Martyn Thompson, aka Fresh 27 and Kula Records owner.

1. Who are you and what do you do? How long have you been in the music industry?

I am Martyn Thompson aka Fresh 27 (I’ve also produced under the names Jack Fresh and Kula Knights) and I produce house music.  I also DJ and have DJ’d at various clubs around Europe.  I have been in the industry for 6 years. I currently host a fortnightly radio show on SSRadio called, ‘The Future is Fresh’. And I also own and run house label Kula Records.

2. What made you want to become a music producer?

I loved listening to house music and got into buying vinyl when I got some second hand decks from a friend. One day I picked up ‘Computer Music’ magazine to have a look and this got me into making my own sounds.

3. If you weren’t a producer, what job would you like to have had?

A spy like James Bond!! I just love all his gadgets, travelling and of course all those bond girls!

4. What’s the hardest thing about music producing?

Finding the time to fit everything in, it’s sometimes a struggle with running the label and DJ’ing etc.

5. What’s the most satisfying thing about music producing?

Knowing that people are dancing and enjoying your music. Seeing clobbers loving your music makes it all worth while.

6. Who are your main musical influences?

Masters at Work, early Defected records and Pete Tong (Radio 1 in the early 90s) plus listening to all the 7 inch disco singles that my parents had.

7. What is your all time favourite song?

This changes on a regular basis but today it has to be Masters at Work – To Be in Love.

8. What advice would you give someone breaking into the music industry?

Make music that you love and not what you think other people will like.

9. What’s your biggest achievement to date?

Having some of my tracks on the Ministry of Sound compilation CDs. I’ve had a couple on the ‘Housexy’ series. It was great seeing my name on the cover.

10. What or who is your guilty pleasure?

My wife

11. If you could have any artist (living or dead) to appear on one of your collaborations who would you choose?

I think it would have to be Stevie Wonder. That man knows how to make funky music that you just can’t help but dance too. HIs keyboard skills are amongst the best and he can sing a bit too. Fantastic!

12. What are your plans for 2012?

I am going to be attending the Miami Winter Music Conference in March where I will be promoting both the Fresh 27 and Kula Record brands, plus I might just have to attend the odd pool party. I will be looking to put on some Kula Record events in 2012 where I will be bringing together some of the Kula artists to a party near you!

13. What hardware/software are you using to produce and dj with?

I use a couple of Pioneer CDJ’s and a Pioneer DJM 800 to DJ with. I haven’t got into laptop DJ’ing yet. For producing I use a mixture of Logic Pro and Ableton Live on a Mac Pro with dual monitors. I use a MOTU audio interface and have Event near field monitors. One of my favourite plug-in is Rob Papen’s Predator and I like the Sony Oxford EQ and Dynamics plug-ins, PSP Vintage Warmer and Logic’s Rhodes EVP88. I have recently just kitted out my studio with some GIK acoustic products which has improved the sound of the room greatly.

14. What would your dream set up be?

I would love to have a vintage SSL desk with full automation along with some quality old school compressors. A bank of cool keyboards and an original Rhodes would be nice too.

15. What is your favourite fruit?

You can’t beat a good old Apple – but it has to be green and fresh!!