Without a doubt, Ninety is one of the most interesting dubstep producers to emerge of late. The 23-year-old Russian has turned the world of dubstep on its head with a fresh, dark sound identifiable as his, and his alone. After his first-ever vinyl outing on the most recent Frozen Plates release, we had a chance to pose a few questions. We welcome you to read the interview, while giving a listen to his latest production mix!
Hey Maksim! How’s it going!?
Hey! It’s fine.
Please briefly introduce yourself!
I’m 23 y.o. music producer based in Moscow.
First of all, what’s going on in Russia? You guys really blew up the dubstep scene there!
Thanks! It is difficult to answer this question in such a way. Russia is a big country, in all its corners now in different ways. In Moscow, parties are gradually gaining momentum again, almost all (if not all) clubs are already functioning as usual. Lockdown is felt only on the subway or at the checkout in a groceries store.
Do you think there are any particular characteristics of ‘Russian dubstep’ which makes it distinct from other subgenres in the scene?
To be honest, I'm not sure. It seems to me that everyone has their own style in some sense. It's nice to think that there are people who would separate "Russian" dubstep from, for example, British dubstep by ear, but still, I am inclined to believe that in our time these boundaries are very blurred, thanks to the Internet in the first place.
Where does your producer name “Ninety” come from? Is there any story behind that?
Many years ago I was a fan of the poet Mayakovsky. He has a poem "A Cloud in Pants". I liked it so much that I decided to take the year it was written (1914) as my nickname. In the end I decided to shorten the nickname to make it more readable and that is how Ninety came about.
FZP13 was your first vinyl release and it sold out in less than five minutes. Please share some of your thoughts upon hearing about this overwhelmingly eager response.
That's fucked up. I just have nothing to say. Love to everyone who has bought the record. I can't wait for my copy to come to me to put it in a frame.
You’ve elicited a huge response in the world of dubstep, and lots of people have their eyes on you these days. It’s no secret that you’re labeled the ‘Russian wonderkid.’ What has been the most important factor in motivating you to carry on and do what you obviously do so well?
I have been writing music, probably all my adult life, and at different moments I was motivated by different things. Of course I dreamed of putting the tracks on vinyl, and when I first discovered Frozen Plates I dreamed that one day I would do it. And it came true and I am absolutely happy. You constantly complicate something in projects, twist something in the synthesizer for several days and you just enjoy it. I just stay myself doing my favorite thing.
Do you think it’s important to keep the physical format alive?
Definitely yes. And I think that the trend to buy records will only gain momentum in the future, and it seems to be doing quite well now.
Where did you release before FZP?
United, LDH, Dub.Raw, Dread Or Dead, Deep State Audio
When did you start doing music production?
About 10 years ago.
Can you let us have a peek into your production methods? Many are no doubt eager to know what tools you use for making music?
I don't use anything special. Common delays, reverbs, well-known software synthesizers. One of my favorite tricks is most likely resampling. Super powerful thing with which you can create the most incredible sounds.
When did you first get into djing?
About 4 or 5 years ago, when I met Baadwrk in the then popular Perm club "Custom House". In general, it was there that under his leadership I played my first sets.
What has been your most significant experience as a dj?
For the most part, the times when we were went on tours in Russia with our party with Baadwrk. We played in Kazan, Moscow and probably in a couple of other places that I don't remember. We had fun and had a very good time. I remember these times with warmth.
You are from Perm City in Russia, but recently moved to the capital of Moscow. Can you compare the scenes in these two locales?
Dubstep scenes here and there are very local. The difference is rather in the popularity and variety of electronic music and culture in general. In this regard, Moscow is incomparable. Speaking about Perm and dubstep, I can mention several names (Mugrah, Checkma, 137).
Speaking of Moscow, this is the whole United crowd.
When did you start listening to dubstep? What was the main thing that first got you into dubstep?
Seriously, I got into dubstep about a couple of years ago. For the most part, I love it for the rhythm, mood and difference from other electronic dance genres. First of all, it is about the state in which the genre is now. It is very different from where it started and this makes it even more separate compared to the rest of electronic music.
How do you feel about the dubstep scene nowadays?
It seems to be growing and transforming. There are a lot of brilliant and unique artists (Yoofee, EKSTR). This is amazing.
Do you listen to any other genres besides dubstep?
Of course, I listen to a bunch of everything from 80s rock to Russian rap.
Do you have any forthcoming releases? What are your plans for the future?
Lots of stuff, I'm not sure if I can talk about it, but I hope to release a couple more records this year.
Could you please recommend to us a few djs, producers and sound system crews from Russia that we all should know about?
Kercha is probably the most unique phenomenon of the CIS dubstep scene, I advise you to check it out. And, of course, my great friends United (Toton, Moscow Legend, Dubfellah, Oddkut).
If dubstep lovers were to go to Russia, could you any clubs, bars, and festivals that we should check out and visit?
We do not have any specific place. Recently United parties have been held mainly in the RNDM club, but the guys can always play in other places scattered all over Moscow. Perhaps I can only mention one festival, it is organized by DUB.RAW. Usually it takes place in the south of Russia in the open air for two days with a sound system and beautiful views.
Please recommend five tunes and a dj mix that should be essential listening for every human being – the sort that would leave your life incomplete if you’d never heard them!
I have a lot of music that influences me and sometimes it's very specific things. It's hard for me to find something specific, so I will share a list of tracks that mean a lot to me in dubstep:
Saule – Zeroes
Saule - Trouble Pending
Ago - That’s What I Was Talking About In ‘96
3WA - Bloody Mess
Epoch - Ribcage pt.II
EVA808 - Selekta
Speaking of mixes, my favorites today are two. I review them constantly and every time I get incredible ecstasy:
Kahn Boiler Room x Budweiser Lima DJ Set
Ago | Keep Hush live: Innamind x Green King Sound System
