What I’ve Been Listening To: 33 Below

33 Below is a fan of Leisure, ATRIP, ISPY, and feels like he could make great emotional garage/dance music with Don Toliver.

Have a listen to 33 Below’s EP below before getting to know more about his musical tastes. “With ‘PUSHER,’ I tried to make a collection of sounds taking in influences from the different countries the tracks were created in,” 33 Below says. “I have been working on the project for the most part of 2023, and was lucky enough to work with some dream collaborators in LA, London, and back home in New Zealand. The whole project is inspired by travelling and I wanted to do something to push myself from not only a song-writing standpoint, but my production as well – and not be limited by specific genres.”

Congratulations on the release of your new EP – what is PUSHER about?

PUSHER is a product of travel and drawing different influences from different countries. The project was made in transit between LA, London and New Zealand, and I got to work with some dream collaborators along the way. I wanted to make something without any genre limitations and to push myself as a producer and songwriter.

Who is 33 Below and how did your namesake come about?

One day I will spill all the secrets but for now it’s very mysterious, no one knows, not even me.

What artists or bands are on your must-listen to list lately and why?

Leisure – Leisure are probably my favourite band in the world right now, a great band from New Zealand. No matter where I am I can put them on and really just enjoy the moment.

ATRIP – I’m a massive fan of ATRIP. He is pushing the boundaries of future garage and dance music, he is a massive inspiration to my producing.

ISPY – IPSY is a great singer/songwriter, also from New Zealand and happens to be one of my best friends that I often collaborate with. He has a great ear for melodies and I always come to him for an honest opinion.

When you go into the recording studio to work on new material, what are your must-haves?

Chapstick is a must. And a good attitude.

Gum. Extra gum by default. But if I have Extra refreshers… well I’ll be making a hit with those.

And practically, my Macbook and mouse – I wouldn’t be able to make much music without this.

Which song, or songs, of yours would you recommend to a first-time listener and why?

PROTECTA – because it shows my melodic side, but also combines the dance aspect as well, so it’s a great place to start.

CYCLES – this one shows my ear for making emotional melodies which I incorporate in a lot of my music so is a great introduction to that side of my producing.

Which song of someone else’s (artist or band) would you like to feature on and why?

Don Toliver – I’ve been listening to Don Toliver for ages and I used to make R&B beats inspired by his sort of stuff. I feel like we could make some great emotional garage / dance music that would still be in his R&B pocket – but we could put a dance music spin on it.

What has led you into becoming a musician and why do you keep making music?

I wasn’t good at anything else… Well I wouldn’t pay attention at school and I’d just watch live DJ sets on YouTube instead. And I said, I want to do this one day…