Urulu, or Taylor Freels, is a young chap from Los Angeles who has been stapling himself as a bright spot in the dance community by releasing some mint productions rooted in the deep house scene. His presence has been felt on respected outfits like PetFood, Rebel, DubNoir Music, Get Flavor Records and, more recently, Exploited Records. In a few days Urulu will be letting loose his new record, titled, Across The Sky via Exploited Records. The 3 track EP vents a chill vibe that sounds superb in any type of environment. Simple percussion patterns, sensual R&B vocal samplings and 90’s house influences are apparent throughout the EP. The release has already gained support from big name producers like Round Table Knights, Sinden, Jaymo & Andy George, DJ One Man Party of Soulwax – just to name a few. Since the release is quickly approaching (March 12th) I sat down with Taylor and got me some cheddar. Take a gander down below and support the EP when it is made available.
Urulu: Across The Sky (Skit) | Exploited by Exploited
What was life before turning to music? Tell us about yourself and how you got started with this career project of yours?
I don’t think there really was a definitive point. Music’s always been an aspect of my life, even though I’m not classically trained. I played the drums for about four years (although I doubt I could do much on a set now), so that probably helped in someway.
You have a new EP coming out this month titled “Across The Sky”. Can you tell us about what the influence point for the record was? And how did you end up connecting with Exploited Records?
The EP holds three originals: ‘Across The Sky,’ ‘We Belong (Together),’ and ‘Don’t Dare.’ I’m pretty happy the way it all turned out. Each track is deeply rooted in the late foundations of house music; simple 909 percussion, 4/4 groove, while on the other hand, I’d like to think they all give light towards future ambitions; bigger synth work, definitive vocals, etc etc. As for how I got in contact with Exploited, it was essentially just by email. I sent Jan the original three demos and he had happened to like them all. So he signed them and here I am. I’m very grateful for it all.
Living in LA must be damn cool, what is the electronic dance music scene like over there? Has residing in LA influenced your sound at all?
Yes, we are a bit spoiled here. Now that I turned 21 I’m noticing that more and more. LA has become a hub of new talent.
Dry Lake (Urulu’s Backroom Edit) – High Places by Urulu
How often are you in the studio? And on the topic of studio, what do you use?
By studio you mean my bedroom, right? (haha) Whenever I have free time really. It’s hard to balance the creative motivation between school and work, I find that the best inspiration comes at the most constrictive times. There will be instances where I’ll sit in front of my computer screen, staring at ableton aimlessly for hours on end, while other times I can grind a beat out in an hour or so. I’m strictly software now. I use to own an MC-303 Groovebox, but sold it. Now I’m aiming at picking up a Yamaha AN-200 (another sequenced based sampler).
What do you listen to in your spare time?
Surprisingly, not too much house music. I try to stay away from the 4/4 stuff unless I’m playing it live. My taste is rather eclectic: been listening to a lot of experimental stuff from people like Shlohmo, Lapalux, Dauwd, James Blake, Headshotboyz (who deserve way more credit, these guys are production geniuses). Also really into the more deeper bass stuff from people like Gerry Read, Youandewan, Blawan, Sepalcure and Joy O (who I saw last year in LA and still has been one of the best sets I’ve ever experienced). But, right now, I’m listening to this Trentemoller remix of The Do in my Marketing class. Such a beautiful mix!
Now lets roll into some fun shall we.. Are you a good cook?
When I want to be haha. I have to force myself to cook, or be on the verge of starvation. But I’d like to think I’m a decent enough cook from watching my mom.
Favorite cuisines?
As of recent, anything slathered in sriracha. I’m a huge sea food fan, so sushi is always a treat.
Funniest/ Weirdest experience since your introduction to the EDM world?
I was playing at this place in Santa Monica, the Central. I noticed these two individuals slowly, but hesitantly, dancing closer to each other. I remember telling my friend, “hey… you see these two? I bet I can get them to ferociously make out by the end of my set.” So time passes, I’m about 20-or-so minutes into my set, and guess what happened? YUP. They’re backed into a corner, face-to-face, eyes locked in a misty one-night-stand-gaze. And to top it all off, I ended with The Weeknd’s “Rolling Stone.” So I guess I’m the one to thank 9 months later for that new born haha.
Untitled 01 by Urulu
What does 2012 have in-store for you? (New releases, collabs, remixes, gigs)
Another release for Exploited, which will probably be out in summer, a new side project, and touring (hopefully), would really love to head out to Europe. I’m also trying to fill my remix catalog – which is a bit depressing at the moment. I’ve also finished a single with New Zealand’s Chaos In The CBD. Not sure what we are going to do with it, but hopefully we can shop around a bit. There’s a little video clip of it on my artist fan page if you’d like to listen.
Thank you so much for the time, certainly appreciated. Any final messages to our readers?
Ermmm, lets see. This was something previously told to me, and now I have noticed it even more and more. Artists seem to forget their audiences. The tendency to grow old of your own music is unavoidable. Consider the people who have yet to hear what may be a few months old to you. Oh… and here’s a picture of my friend’s chihuahua, stoned !
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