Magnetic Man: Interview

They've known each other for over a decade but it was their debut release as dubstep trio Magnetic Man that really got them noticed.

With the help of Katy B and Miss Dynamite, Magnetic Man provided some of last year's floor fillers in the form of 'I Need Air' and 'Perfect Stranger'. Before they head out on their UK tour Gigwise caught up with the trio to discuss the current music scene and plans for their next album

How did you all take to the chart success of the album?

Skream - It kind of felt natural for us all.

Benga - It was just weird seeing the reaction, seeing thousands of people paying to see you. All the press hype for me was the weirdest it seemed like they came from nowhere and then suddenly we were doing loads of interviews and press stuff.

How did Magnetic Man begin?

Artwork - We got together maybe four years ago, we’ve known each other for ten years, but we thought we'd get together and make something that was a bit different. We wanted to make music and see what people thought of it without people knowing it was us because we hid behind the Magnetic Man name. We did a few gigs and hide behind the curtains and nobody could see who we were. It wasn't very well received because people wanted to know who we were, some people got the hump. 

Benga - It was quite small back then so everybody knew every producer around at the time. So they were thinking who is the Magnetic Man? It freaked the hell out of them.

You worked with Katy B and Miss Dynamite on the album – how was that?

Artwork - It all happened off our manager Solider who at one stage managed them both. We knew they both really well, we had worked with Katy B before and got on really well.

Skream - We actually did a track with Miss Dynamite about eight years ago called 'Rope'. We had known her for years so it was a natural thing for her to get involved on the album.

When you started making the album did you ever plan to cross over to the mainstream sound?

Artwork - Not at all, we just wanted to make music first and foremost. Unfortunately loads of people seemed to like it.

Benga - That's the thing though, whatever we would have made or regards to what we have made, it was hotly tipped so you're always going to end up going down that mainstream route.

Did you have a set plan when you started recording the album?

Artwork - No plan at all. We just all knew we had to get together and make some music. The record company just said go do what you have to do. It was really strange for a major record label to say to us go and do whatever you want to do.

Did you learn anything individually whilst making the album?

Benga - I learnt a little about the vocal process and arrangement wise. I definitely learnt that I can't mix a vocal for s*it.

How did you find the reaction from people who have grown up with you all?

Benga - That's the thing we've always just made music for our mates and you always have to bear that in mind that you're making music for people you know. Just stick to that and you'll be fine.

Artwork - You don't freak out so much. I always do it but then I think I have got to make a big hit, I change the riff about a million times if I’m under pressure. But if I’m just making it for the sake of it or just building tunes then it comes naturally.

Skream - If you try and make a hit it never happens, ever.

Have your lives changed personally since the album was released?

Skream - Yeah it's really weird; they're singing the songs back. More people take the piss out of my hair now.

Benga - He gets called Jedward a lot.

Skream - For me when you hear someone's phone ringing and it's like they've got your tune as a ring tone that is mental.

What do you all make of the current dubstep scene at the moment, with acts like Jamie Woon and James Blake?

Artwork - I think it's great. It's healthy.

Benga - I think the fact is that everyone is aware of the state of dubstep so you get us who are kind of we've got to push the boundaries then you get new people who are kind of starting to think 'Hold on, we'll do a record that sounds like that record.'

You've got a new single with John Legend – how did that come around?

Artwork - That was through EMI and our publisher listened to the track and said it had a lot of soul and said that he was going to get us an artist that would match. He said how about John Legend? He went and recorded his vocal and then a week later it was all done and in our hands. We've never met him but we're hoping he will come on tour with us.

Skream - It would be great if he was at the Coachella show, that would be really amazing.

What is next for you all? Any plans to record the next album?

Artwork - The thing with us is that we only look to what we’re doing in a few weeks or next month. So the first thing on our minds is that we have some big shows coming up and trying to constantly make it bigger than the previous shows we have done. We have love big festivals coming up which we can't tell you yet but we're definitely playing Bestival and Cochella.

Are your live shows the most important thing for you all?

Benga - For us that is what it is all about. Our act is built for being live that is the most important thing. Put it this way were still doing shows were me might make a lot on tickets and sales but were not making any money because it's all going back into the show.