Pat Lezizmo (Muzik & Friendz) Interview

Belgian DJ, Producer and label owner Pat Lezizmo is one of those instantly likeable guys. I first came across him thanks to Massi - playing tracks from his uber cool Muzik & Friendz label, one thing led to another and Pat later featured on the UM Records label. His label stands out from the crowd with its dedication to an eclectic sound and vinyl releases - not to mention hand printed sleeves and a steady understated confidence of both the man and the music.

“Thanks for taking the time out to catch up - let’s start at the beginning - how did you start out in music, before you got to your debut album in 2013 on Conya?”

I have been always attracted to music, my parents played many records at home, mostly Rock music but also Disco and Soul. I quickly became a hardcore Michael Jackson fan, for his music and his dance moves.

Once a teenager I really got into Rave music, I loved this super heavy electronic music, which evolved for me in Jungle music later on. A bit later, I started to make tunes myself with a software called Ejay. It was super easy to use and actually well designed for total amateurs like me. Via a friend, I got in touch with fruity-loops, which had a lot more options to make music. I made downtempo and jungle music without releasing anything.

About 10 years ago, I moved to Opwijk and invested in new equipment. I got a Mac and Logic 9 and I started the Pat Lezizmo moniker with a focus on the deeper side of House music.

“What are your greatest influences? DJ’s, people, labels…?”

I like many genres of music, I am a hip-hop fan, I do love jazz and world music. I like the labels who do not really stick to one style; it is fascinating to see labels being successful with different genres. Labels like Ninja Tune, Ghostly International..., I try to do the same, and I experience it is very hard to accomplish.

As for artists, I think Ron Trent is a big influence to me. He has that particular sound which is timeless and fresh in the same time. There are few artists who are true craftsmen like Atjazz or Jimpster. They are so long in the scene and yet they come regularly with exciting new material. It is fascinating. They are a true inspiration to me.

“How would you describe your musical style?”

I once said to a friend “I make moody music”. I mean I need to have some kind of an emotion in my music. I cannot make happy music; it is always a bit dark and layered.

I do feel I am evolving all the time, I think I found a fitting sound now. It has a dance floor groove, and includes atmospheric elements with melodies that bring an emotion. That is what I try anyway.

“Which do you see yourself as most - a DJ or a producer?”

I started as a Dj and did that for a long time before making my own tracks. Now I feel much more comfortable in my studio making music. I really like it there and I get a great feeling when a track is getting in shape, even though it is a fantastic feeling to see the crowd go wild when you play in a club.

“Favourite place to DJ?”

I had the pleasure to play a few times in a club in Ghent called Decadance. The crowd was absolute fire there, very respectful to the dj’s. That club is closed now, unfortunately. My second choice goes to the Rockerill in Charleroi, which is an old metal factory. I played there once and the place exploded, there was so much energy and nice people in the room. I really felt the love there.

“What’s your usual preparation for a set? Picks tracks, sleep…?”

I try to rest before the gig. I am getting older haha.

I prepare my bag with CD’s and if it is possible vinyls. I know USB sticks are very handy but I need that feeling of searching the next tune between records and cd wallets. I have my selection of classic records and I fill in with promos.

“Any tips for up and coming DJ’s?”

Do it out of passion, not because of the hype of it. I have seen many dudes getting all wild and stopping after 2 years because success was not coming.

It is a very tough world, and finding your place takes a lot of time and dedication. Success might come quick, but most of the time it comes late.

“As a producer - how does your sound differ from the music you like to DJ with?”

When I play I need to make the crowd move, so the tracks I play are much more club tracks. In the studio, I can go deeper, which does not always result in peak time material.

I see myself as a warmup dj, where I have more liberty in the track selection. I do not need to play those bangers all the time.

“How do you feel production has changed in your career (good or bad)?”

In the beginning, I tried to reproduce what was in my head and what I was feeling. I think you can really sense it in my first tracks on Conya records. It was like some kind of therapy.

Later I tried to make tracks to get into a top 10 chart or whatever and that was a mistake.

I am getting back to that original state of mind and I am not trying to follow trends anymore. I am happy with the result I am getting now. I want the music to reflect what is happening inside of me.

“What’s your production set up?”

Very basic really. I have an iMac with Logic 9. A Midi controller and some vst’s. I do not have analog gear. I invested in a set of Dynaudio speakers and that made a big difference. I also have a Kordbot MIDI controller to help me out, as I do not have any musical theory knowledge.

I do want to investigate in the Roland boutique machines though. I believe it would open a new world for me and make it more exciting. Maybe later.

“How do you work in the studio - do you plan tracks or just go in and work something out there?”

I mostly have an idea of what I want to make, if it is a remix I have the original elements and I play around, but I mostly know where I want to go.

I like to start with a reference, which can be a sample loop or a mood. Once I am in the session the track gets build layer by layer.

I used to make a track a week, but it takes much more time now. I am getting slower because I really want it to be good. The sound needs to be right and the arrangement must be exciting. It is as if each new track might be the last one and it needs to matter at the end.

“Top tips for aspiring producers?”

Do not get tempted in installing loads of vst’s. Select a few and take the time to really understand them.

Finish your tracks, it is great to jam and make a nice eight bar groove. If you really want to get into producing, you need to make songs. From start to finish.

In addition, learn the basics of mixing; this will be very helpful on the long term.

“How did the label happen?”

I wanted to create a platform for my music. A platform where I could have control on artwork, remixers, promo, collaboration, on everything actually.

Moreover, I absolutely wanted to get my music on vinyl. I tried with different labels but I understood this was a very difficult and risky business. Therefore, I decided to do it on my own. I created the label end of 2014 and the first release came to life in May 2015.

I did not have a distributor back then so I went out selling the records straight to the record shops myself. This was and still is a very cool thing to do. I met many nice people that are true music lovers, this way. Whenever I can, I take a few records and go visit the local shop anywhere I go.

At first, it was a vinyl only label but I changed that because you miss out other audiences, other people who might like your music. Everyone has his way of listening to music, and I respect that. All releases are also available on the digital platforms and stream services.

“What’s the sound of Muzik & Friendz?”

It must have an emotion, and it must get my butt moving. I need to have the feeling that I am traveling, that my mind is going elsewhere.

“Has vinyl always been your passion - and where did the hand printed sleeve idea come from (personally love that!)?”

Yes, I love playing with vinyl.

Mojuba Records inspired me for the hand printed sleeves. They did it already and I was intrigued by the craft. Because I was going to do everything with the label, I could make the sleeves myself as well. Ginna (Synaesthesik) came with the design, which was perfect for this kind of sleeve. Same design but a different color for each release.

I found a workshop in Liege where I could learn and use the tools for my project. I did that for the first eight releases. I can tell you its hard work when you have to print each side of a sleeve for 300 copies. It is a day’s work and your back hurts. The result is awesome though.

The latest releases are now with a machine printed sleeve, no more handcrafted. I know it is a shame, but I have to take care of my back and my knees :-)

“What do you think are the biggest challenges running a label these days?”

The biggest challenge for me is to keep believing in what you are doing. Multiple times, I asked myself: “Why am I doing this?”. You are confronted with the fact that your music is like fast food.

People nowadays consume so much music that the music itself has a very short life span.

If you spend a lot of energy, and money, to deliver quality music and you see that it ‘lives’ for a few days, it can become very frustrating.

But then, sometimes, you see a respected dj play a track from the label and it makes everything worth working for again.

An extra tip: get a great mastering engineer, like Rob Small. This will make a huge difference, especially if you release on vinyl. Do not save money on that.

“Has social media become vital to getting heard or do you think people rely on it too much?”

I think it has become an essential part of any business nowadays. You need to invest time and effort in social media to be visible.

I do my best to be present without pushing too much. I try to have interesting and funny content that keeps people coming back.

 “What other labels are killing it for you right now - tracks you’re playing and loving?”

I follow the Belgian labels a lot. There are some people really doing something good like Khillaudio with his Gent’s & Dandy Records’, or Rawdio with House Cookin’. Besides being nice guys they have a clear vision and know what they are doing. It is great to see them growing and building something that will matter over time.

I am totally into that new Jullian Gomes album, Slow Poison. It is really good.

I am also following that new wave of breakbeat artists, like Lone. They are bringing back that early 90’s vibe I love with new flavors. It is very interesting!

 “You have a lovely blend of music and life on your Instagram - how do you find the time to run your social media - be a Dad, a DJ, a producer and run a label?”

Before being a producer, I am a husband and a dad. I also have a full time job. My music comes after all that.

I fill the little time gaps to do label work. I think I manage my time well, but it can be tiring though.

I am lucky that my wife and kids understand that music is important in my life. Sometimes they like to share my passion on Instagram, which is very cool.

“What’s on the cards for the next while - gigs to watch out for?”

2020 is getting in real good shape. There are 4 vinyl’s planned and some other digital releases.

First release of 2020 will be the remixes of my album ‘Jardin Secret’, with Dka, Max Telaer, Jon Sweetname, Martain and Binary Soul. Looking forward to get this one out!

After that, there is a wonderful new album of Frederick Alonso, and a tasty EP from Motomitsu.

I am working on two compilations too. The first one is called ‘Blossoms’ and focuses on Deep House music. The other one is called ‘Sunrays’ with a focus on downtempo music.

All good quality music!

Links

Website

Facebook

Pat Lezizmo (Muzik & Friendz) Interview

Belgian DJ, Producer and label owner Pat Lezizmo is one of those instantly likeable guys. I first came across him thanks to Massi - playing tracks from his uber cool Muzik & Friendz label, one thing led to another and Pat later featured on the UM Records label. His label stands out from the crowd with its dedication to an eclectic sound and vinyl releases - not to mention hand printed sleeves and a steady understated confidence of both the man and the music.

“Thanks for taking the time out to catch up - let’s start at the beginning - how did you start out in music, before you got to your debut album in 2013 on Conya?”

I have been always attracted to music, my parents played many records at home, mostly Rock music but also Disco and Soul. I quickly became a hardcore Michael Jackson fan, for his music and his dance moves.

Once a teenager I really got into Rave music, I loved this super heavy electronic music, which evolved for me in Jungle music later on. A bit later, I started to make tunes myself with a software called Ejay. It was super easy to use and actually well designed for total amateurs like me. Via a friend, I got in touch with fruity-loops, which had a lot more options to make music. I made downtempo and jungle music without releasing anything.

About 10 years ago, I moved to Opwijk and invested in new equipment. I got a Mac and Logic 9 and I started the Pat Lezizmo moniker with a focus on the deeper side of House music.

“What are your greatest influences? DJ’s, people, labels…?”

I like many genres of music, I am a hip-hop fan, I do love jazz and world music. I like the labels who do not really stick to one style; it is fascinating to see labels being successful with different genres. Labels like Ninja Tune, Ghostly International..., I try to do the same, and I experience it is very hard to accomplish.

As for artists, I think Ron Trent is a big influence to me. He has that particular sound which is timeless and fresh in the same time. There are few artists who are true craftsmen like Atjazz or Jimpster. They are so long in the scene and yet they come regularly with exciting new material. It is fascinating. They are a true inspiration to me.

“How would you describe your musical style?”

I once said to a friend “I make moody music”. I mean I need to have some kind of an emotion in my music. I cannot make happy music; it is always a bit dark and layered.

I do feel I am evolving all the time, I think I found a fitting sound now. It has a dance floor groove, and includes atmospheric elements with melodies that bring an emotion. That is what I try anyway.

“Which do you see yourself as most - a DJ or a producer?”

I started as a Dj and did that for a long time before making my own tracks. Now I feel much more comfortable in my studio making music. I really like it there and I get a great feeling when a track is getting in shape, even though it is a fantastic feeling to see the crowd go wild when you play in a club.

“Favourite place to DJ?”

I had the pleasure to play a few times in a club in Ghent called Decadance. The crowd was absolute fire there, very respectful to the dj’s. That club is closed now, unfortunately. My second choice goes to the Rockerill in Charleroi, which is an old metal factory. I played there once and the place exploded, there was so much energy and nice people in the room. I really felt the love there.

“What’s your usual preparation for a set? Picks tracks, sleep…?”

I try to rest before the gig. I am getting older haha.

I prepare my bag with CD’s and if it is possible vinyls. I know USB sticks are very handy but I need that feeling of searching the next tune between records and cd wallets. I have my selection of classic records and I fill in with promos.

“Any tips for up and coming DJ’s?”

Do it out of passion, not because of the hype of it. I have seen many dudes getting all wild and stopping after 2 years because success was not coming.

It is a very tough world, and finding your place takes a lot of time and dedication. Success might come quick, but most of the time it comes late.

“As a producer - how does your sound differ from the music you like to DJ with?”

When I play I need to make the crowd move, so the tracks I play are much more club tracks. In the studio, I can go deeper, which does not always result in peak time material.

I see myself as a warmup dj, where I have more liberty in the track selection. I do not need to play those bangers all the time.

“How do you feel production has changed in your career (good or bad)?”

In the beginning, I tried to reproduce what was in my head and what I was feeling. I think you can really sense it in my first tracks on Conya records. It was like some kind of therapy.

Later I tried to make tracks to get into a top 10 chart or whatever and that was a mistake.

I am getting back to that original state of mind and I am not trying to follow trends anymore. I am happy with the result I am getting now. I want the music to reflect what is happening inside of me.

“What’s your production set up?”

Very basic really. I have an iMac with Logic 9. A Midi controller and some vst’s. I do not have analog gear. I invested in a set of Dynaudio speakers and that made a big difference. I also have a Kordbot MIDI controller to help me out, as I do not have any musical theory knowledge.

I do want to investigate in the Roland boutique machines though. I believe it would open a new world for me and make it more exciting. Maybe later.

“How do you work in the studio - do you plan tracks or just go in and work something out there?”

I mostly have an idea of what I want to make, if it is a remix I have the original elements and I play around, but I mostly know where I want to go.

I like to start with a reference, which can be a sample loop or a mood. Once I am in the session the track gets build layer by layer.

I used to make a track a week, but it takes much more time now. I am getting slower because I really want it to be good. The sound needs to be right and the arrangement must be exciting. It is as if each new track might be the last one and it needs to matter at the end.

“Top tips for aspiring producers?”

Do not get tempted in installing loads of vst’s. Select a few and take the time to really understand them.

Finish your tracks, it is great to jam and make a nice eight bar groove. If you really want to get into producing, you need to make songs. From start to finish.

In addition, learn the basics of mixing; this will be very helpful on the long term.

“How did the label happen?”

I wanted to create a platform for my music. A platform where I could have control on artwork, remixers, promo, collaboration, on everything actually.

Moreover, I absolutely wanted to get my music on vinyl. I tried with different labels but I understood this was a very difficult and risky business. Therefore, I decided to do it on my own. I created the label end of 2014 and the first release came to life in May 2015.

I did not have a distributor back then so I went out selling the records straight to the record shops myself. This was and still is a very cool thing to do. I met many nice people that are true music lovers, this way. Whenever I can, I take a few records and go visit the local shop anywhere I go.

At first, it was a vinyl only label but I changed that because you miss out other audiences, other people who might like your music. Everyone has his way of listening to music, and I respect that. All releases are also available on the digital platforms and stream services.

“What’s the sound of Muzik & Friendz?”

It must have an emotion, and it must get my butt moving. I need to have the feeling that I am traveling, that my mind is going elsewhere.

“Has vinyl always been your passion - and where did the hand printed sleeve idea come from (personally love that!)?”

Yes, I love playing with vinyl.

Mojuba Records inspired me for the hand printed sleeves. They did it already and I was intrigued by the craft. Because I was going to do everything with the label, I could make the sleeves myself as well. Ginna (Synaesthesik) came with the design, which was perfect for this kind of sleeve. Same design but a different color for each release.

I found a workshop in Liege where I could learn and use the tools for my project. I did that for the first eight releases. I can tell you its hard work when you have to print each side of a sleeve for 300 copies. It is a day’s work and your back hurts. The result is awesome though.

The latest releases are now with a machine printed sleeve, no more handcrafted. I know it is a shame, but I have to take care of my back and my knees :-)

“What do you think are the biggest challenges running a label these days?”

The biggest challenge for me is to keep believing in what you are doing. Multiple times, I asked myself: “Why am I doing this?”. You are confronted with the fact that your music is like fast food.

People nowadays consume so much music that the music itself has a very short life span.

If you spend a lot of energy, and money, to deliver quality music and you see that it ‘lives’ for a few days, it can become very frustrating.

But then, sometimes, you see a respected dj play a track from the label and it makes everything worth working for again.

An extra tip: get a great mastering engineer, like Rob Small. This will make a huge difference, especially if you release on vinyl. Do not save money on that.

“Has social media become vital to getting heard or do you think people rely on it too much?”

I think it has become an essential part of any business nowadays. You need to invest time and effort in social media to be visible.

I do my best to be present without pushing too much. I try to have interesting and funny content that keeps people coming back.

 “What other labels are killing it for you right now - tracks you’re playing and loving?”

I follow the Belgian labels a lot. There are some people really doing something good like Khillaudio with his Gent’s & Dandy Records’, or Rawdio with House Cookin’. Besides being nice guys they have a clear vision and know what they are doing. It is great to see them growing and building something that will matter over time.

I am totally into that new Jullian Gomes album, Slow Poison. It is really good.

I am also following that new wave of breakbeat artists, like Lone. They are bringing back that early 90’s vibe I love with new flavors. It is very interesting!

 “You have a lovely blend of music and life on your Instagram - how do you find the time to run your social media - be a Dad, a DJ, a producer and run a label?”

Before being a producer, I am a husband and a dad. I also have a full time job. My music comes after all that.

I fill the little time gaps to do label work. I think I manage my time well, but it can be tiring though.

I am lucky that my wife and kids understand that music is important in my life. Sometimes they like to share my passion on Instagram, which is very cool.

“What’s on the cards for the next while - gigs to watch out for?”

2020 is getting in real good shape. There are 4 vinyl’s planned and some other digital releases.

First release of 2020 will be the remixes of my album ‘Jardin Secret’, with Dka, Max Telaer, Jon Sweetname, Martain and Binary Soul. Looking forward to get this one out!

After that, there is a wonderful new album of Frederick Alonso, and a tasty EP from Motomitsu.

I am working on two compilations too. The first one is called ‘Blossoms’ and focuses on Deep House music. The other one is called ‘Sunrays’ with a focus on downtempo music.

All good quality music!

Links

Website

Facebook