INTERVIEW: Niko Boggs debuts with ‘Modular Funk’ on Dirtybird Records

Alejandro
29/03/2022

Armenian-American producer/DJ Niko Boggs releases his original debut ‘Modular Funk’, now available via Dirtybird.

‘Modular Funk’ is a standout addition to Dirtybird’s catalogue. A vibrant 6-minute cut, Niko Boggs’ debut is a wonderful arrangement of modular synth loops and bouncy drum patterns.

We have had the pleasure of speaking with Niko Boggs and this has been the result.

Can you tell us a little about your experience? Where are you from / how did you get into music?

I’ve been producing and DJing for roughly 5 years now. I’m from Los Angeles, I have been here my whole life. I got into music production specifically from going to different festivals/events and seeing the fun atmosphere.

Was it all internet based?

In terms of getting into the music scene, a lot of it was. I found so many labels, artists, and events that I’m into because of the internet.

Who have been your main inspirations (both musical and in «life»)? And how have they affected your sound?

Musically, artists like Lubelski and Kink have inspired me to get into modular synthesizers and live performance setups. They’ve affected my sound because they helped me approach production in a more raw methodology, and also have helped me enjoy the process of production more. Jamming out on my modular synth and drum machine always leaves me with a smile on my face, and it also gives me a unique approach to production. For life in general, I would say the comedian Bill Burr has been an inspiration for me overall because of his hilarious takes on the world and even everyday, mundane things. He’s a great example of someone who has started as a novice but has stayed true to their passion over multiple decades, and still remained authentic.

How would you define your sound?

I would define my sound as groove oriented, bass focused, percussive, and a bit funky.

How has your sound evolved so far?

My sound has definitely evolved to sound more “mature” and rhythm focused. My earlier productions definitely had too much going on – whether that was just having too many tracks in the project, build-ups that were too “in your face”, too many unnecessary fills, or bad sound selection.

What can you tell us about each song that makes up your latest work? What is hidden behind?

My latest release on Dirtybird is a single. It’s a dark track in terms of the bassline and percussive elements, but still retains a fun dynamic to it thanks to the modular synth, hence the name Modular Funk.

How are you living the current situation because of COVID? Has your work affected you a lot? Do you think there is hope? I feel like the underground scene will continue to persist.

At the time of writing this, my living situation hasn’t really been affected by COVID. At the beginning of the pandemic it definitely affected me because I would stay in my studio much more often to work and learn music production, but I don’t necessarily see that as a bad thing. I definitely think there is hope and think that music will always be here for us.

What projects are you working on right now?