In our continuing series charting the post-Red Bull Music Academy careers of Australian participants, we talk to Perth’s Regan Mathews, a Barcelona 2008 alumnus best known for his production as Ta-ku.
Name?
Regan Mathews aka Ta-ku.
Skills?
Producer. Part Time DJ.
Home town?
Perth, Western Australia.
Which session of RBMA did you attend?
Barcelona, 2008.
What expectations did you have before participating in the Academy and how did that compare to the reality of actually participating?
To be honest, from watching all previous videos on the RBMA website I had some idea as to how the academy worked – I was very excited and still so nervous about how the whole two weeks would unfold. In saying that, all my pre-conceptions and expectations were blown out of the water. Everything from the generosity of RBMA paying for all expenses to the amazing lectures and supportive creative workflow. It was like nothing I have ever experienced. A producer’s creative paradise!
Is there a particular moment or event that stands out for you from your RBMA experience, and why?
Eating dinner and talking with Chuck D one on one after one of his lectures. I don’t really think I need to explain why that was a standout!
Which fellow participants stood out to you as obviously destined for bigger things, and have they actually gone on to great success since?
I had some really talented and amazing classmates in Barcelona. The standouts being homies who are doing HUGE things today. Teebs and Onra have both gone on to take the world by storm. They are both really nice people too. Also can’t forget people like Dorian Concept, Pursuit Grooves and Fatima.
What influence did attending the Academy have on your musical endeavours since?
The academy is and will always be a never ending source of inspiration. When I left - I was determined to really experiment and yearned to keep an open mind about the music I make and listen to on a daily basis. I think the Academy also helped me realise that music should be something that makes you happy. Never a burden or competition.
What projects do you currently have on the boil?
Bricks & Mortar Split EP with Suff Daddy, a four track EP with Miles Bonny, Scarlette LP on HW&W Recordings, Shinrai EP self-released, 10-inch on Jakarta Records, 12-inch compilation track on Soulection, and a 12-inch compilation track on BamaLoveSoul. I’m also starting my own label called Sunday with a very talented UK producer Noyce first up on the roster. Very excited to polish off all these projects! All coming in 2012.
Check Ta-ku’s sounds out on SoundCloud @ http://soundcloud.com/takugotbeats.
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