iHouseU interviews Lithuanian artist Anton Mcmillan
Under One Roof marks the kick off to a new series of releases dedicated to new artists.
Poker Flat head Steve Bug took part as a coach in the Mixmasters Retreat on Ibiza last year alongside veteran producer colleagues Huxley and Denney as well as singer & songwriter Jade PraiZe.
The output of last years students was so exciting that most of the tracks have been signed for Under One Roof and the coaches Huxley, Denney and Steve Bug each contributed a remix.
One of the artists involved is Anton Mcmillan, who, according to his bio, ” likes LSD trips on the seaside on a sunny day”. We were intrigued, so asked him a few questions.
Can you tell us about your experience growing up in Lithuania and how it has shaped your music and creative approach?
Growing up in Lithuania was an interesting experience. Electronic music was scarce, and the scene was very underground. Fortunately, I came of age during a golden era of dance music in the country. Around my teenage years, I started going to teenage clubs in the city, sometimes with fake IDs to attend grown-up parties. In a local nightclub, we would regularly have artists like Hernan Cattaneo, Satoshi Tomiie, OMID 16B, GPAL with Anna Maria, Deep Dish, etc. And that’s how it all started for me. Around the time I started university, the Lithuanian dance music scene was in full swing. Clubs and festivals were bringing in the biggest names at that time. Our country’s small dance scene got Global Underground to release its first compilation for Lithuania by Dave Seaman, which was a big deal. I also knew most of the top DJs in Lithuania, so it was easy to hang around people like Steve Lawler, James Zabiela, Dave Seaman, Omid 16B, etc., and get inspiration from them.
Can you share your experience participating in the Mixmasters Retreat and working with renowned producers like Steve Bug, Huxley, and Denney?
The whole experience was incredible. Simply getting up each day, having everything taken care of from sunrise to sunset, and only worrying about making music was profound. The group at the retreat was extremely cool, and the direction and expertise of the coaches significantly impacted my workflow. Steve Bug, from the first moments we sat down, suggested dropping the idea I was thinking about and starting a new one, which ended up being the best decision. Steve was also very precise and straightforward with his notes, which I really value. Huxley brought in a completely different vibe, always moving and talking, very hands-on with his approach, diving deep into the track for the smallest details. I now regard him as one of the most technically advanced producers I know. He blew me away with his knowledge. Denney was generally a top vibe, both in his approach to music creation and his overall demeanor. I even gave him the nickname “Ultra El Duderino Grande.” His coolness was unmatched. I am lucky to have a few friends like him in Lithuania, but Denney is a guy I would gladly swear into my Knights of The Round Table!
What was it like collaborating with singer-songwriter Jade PraiZe during the retreat?
It wasn’t my first time working with vocalists in the studio, and Jade is generally pretty funky, so the experience had a mildly intense undertone but was fun. She recorded general vocals for two of my tracks, but I later found that the tone of her voice didn’t suit the key of my track, so I had to leave the vocal lines out. It’s a pity. A few tracks in the compilation were in perfect key for her vocals, and those tracks are immense (Herve’s is my favorite).
How did the guidance from experienced coaches influence your creative process and output during the retreat?
Generally, I thought I didn’t need much guidance with the sound, because most of the things the coaches pointed out were already in my mind beforehand. However, what helped me was the overall mindset and understanding how a professional producer views the creative process and what it means to be a productive dance music creator. Other participants needed more technical or idea guidance, while I was looking for ways to enhance and optimize my creative process. And that’s exactly what I got!
Were there any particular moments or lessons from the Mixmasters Retreat that stood out to you?
One specific task that Huxley introduced in the middle of the retreat made my head spin and started a revolution in my thinking. Thank you, Michael; I am so much more productive because of that task! Returning from the retreat has boosted my creativity to the max. Although I have limited time to spend in the studio due to family and work obligations, the time I do spend is very productive. I am finishing tracks in days, which was previously unimaginable for me!
What was your reaction when you found out your tracks were selected for the “Under One Roof” series?
As weird as this might sound, and I don’t want to seem arrogant or too confident, but before coming to the retreat, I somehow knew in my mind that I was going to get signed. I can’t really explain it, but that was my mindset. There was a moment when all the coaches gathered, talked about something, asked to tone down the music, and at that moment, I knew what was going to happen. And it did! The rest is history. We had a very cool group of people with a great attitude and vibe, combined with the coolness of the coaches, the place, and the experience. I am sure it will change the lives of at least some participants.
How do you feel about having your work remixed by established artists like Huxley, Denney, and Steve Bug?
I didn’t get my track remixed, unfortunately, but I am very happy for the guys who did. All the tracks that got remixed deserved it and helped these artists gain more recognition and weight in the industry. I’m sure I’ll get a remix from them in the future!
What can you tell us about the tracks you contributed to the first installment of “Under One Roof”?
I think my track perfectly represents the style of music I like and want to put out there. It’s a raw, chunky synth sound with a groovy beat, a dark bass line, and some melodies on top. I am proud that my first original idea got signed to such a big label, and I know the ones that are coming after are even more interesting!
Your track “Casual Insanity” is described as a trippy, grooving track with some unexpected twists. What was the inspiration behind this track?
Honestly, this track started from a very high state in the studio where I recorded myself laughing, then added a beat and bass while the studio was up in smoke. The version that made it into the compilation doesn’t use most of the laughter and has a completely different bass, beat, and melodies. The version that made it is the best version from the Ibiza session. I have a couple of versions that I updated when I came back to my studio setup. I still have the old version and am sure I will find a way to release it in that form as well!
How do you see your participation in the “Under One Roof” project influencing your future work and career in electronic music?
I see it as a wonderful transition to the next step in the process. I want to sincerely thank Steve Bug for making that happen and believing in us. Because of this release, I am already benefiting greatly as certain doors have opened for me that wouldn’t have otherwise. I am finishing my webpage, having a professional designer create a high-level EPK, and will start gigging again this summer after a break from DJing. I also have a few tracks receiving great feedback from serious people in the business, so I look into the future with a big smile and just wait for the stars to align. I see it as a wonderful opportunity and a sign of great confidence and trust in me and my friends. And again, I am very thankful for it!
