10 Questions with Irish DJ, Matador

PUBLISHED September 20th, 2016 07:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:55 pm

It’s been a whirlwind three years for Dublin man Gavin Lynch, better known by his stage name Matador. From initial beginnings as a sound engineer and DJ in his native Dublin, the dedicated producer has plotted a carefully devised route right to the forefront of techno in just three short years.

The organic evolution of Matador’s productions and the cultivation of his instantly recognizable sound has been clear for all to see. Perc Trax and Cocoon were early stop-offs before Matador found his artistic home with Minus, the much respected stable of the legendary Richie Hawtin and the perfect outlet for an adventurous producer like himself, a label which has had a substantial impact on his flourishing career.

On his recent trip to Singapore for Ultra, we had a chat over email with Matador on his debut album, his early musical influences and what’s upcoming for him.

What is your favourite piece of studio gear currently?

I just picked up a pair of Juno’s, I’m using the 6 quite a bit, sounds wicked!!

Describe your surroundings right now.

Currently in Dublin city centre, right in the thick of it. There are four clubs on the same street as me and the tram runs past every ten minutes – it’s mayhem outside the window.  I’ll be relocating soon, somewhere a little quieter!

When did you start writing/producing music and who were your early musical influences?

I started writing and producing in my early twenties. Early influences include anything Mowtown related, through to Orbital, The Chemical Brothers, to Plastikman, Dave Clarke, Jeff Mills…the list goes on.

How would you describe your own development as an artist?

I guess I feel like any other artist, ever-developing, and over the past 3 or 4 years a lot of things clicked into place and I’ve been able to experiment with my sound.  I think it’s important that the music evolves organically while remaining true to the core sound. Pushing yourself to learn new equipment and trying new techniques is a key part for momentum in development.

Tell us about your studio set up.

My set up is a pretty even mix of analog and digital gear, running logic 10, some Native Instruments & Waves plug-ins, apogee convertors, into a Neve 5088 with Neve preamps, eq’s and compressors. Synth wise Roland drums, Juno’s, Moogs,  Dave Smith gear, a nice range of old and new.

For you, is the dancefloor a lonely place where you lose yourself in music or a communal place where you feel connected to everyone?

I think it covers a bit of both, certain nights have moments where you can close your eyes and loose yourself for whatever amount of time you see fit, but I feel it’s all about that connection with the crowd and maintaining that throughout the night.

You’ve just released your debut album. What does this album represent to you personally and artistically?

A great milestone, it was a totally different challenge, and I feel I brought something different to the table with it collectively. I  listen back to it now and then, and haven’t got tired of it yet, so that can’t be a bad thing!

What is one thing people don’t know about you?

I’M NOT SPANISH!!!

What’s next for Matador?

I’ve an EP of five new originals on Rukus later in the year and I’ll be touring pretty heavily too – lots to do!

How do you entertain yourself when touring?

Movies, TV shows, and eating.

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