S.U.R.E
We had a chat with Tim & Luc aka S.U.R.E on their 90' house influences, why having a collaborative partnership is a recipe for their success and why they view the music itself as the most important starting block, rather than the noise of social media and other obligations that it takes to be an artist these days.
S.U.R.E. is a high-octane musical act and conceptual project dedicated to bringing the electrifying energy of the 90's UK rave scene back to the forefront of the electronic music world. With a fresh-yet-nostalgic sound, this dynamic duo blends 90's dance, house, and rave.
They have rapidly gained recognition for their innovative productions and enlivening performances that push the boundaries of the modern electronic soundscape.
They’re no strangers to radio play, having had over 15 features on BBC Radio 1, Introducing, Dance, and Future Dance. Further accolades include being Awarded "Best Mix of the Year" by Mixmag in 2023 and achieving chart topping success with their debut EP charting at #1 on Juno and reaching the Beatport Top 10.
Could you tell us a bit about the process of making your track? How did it come about? Can you remember where you wrote it? What methods did you use to produce it?
This track was one of the first we made shortly after moving into our new studio. We’d been buying a bunch of 90s NYC house records around the time and we were both quite inspired by that sound. We built the track around the bassline, and chords from the Micro Keys. There are a bunch of break and percussion chops in there as well, but the rest is fairly simple – stripped back for the club.
If you could go back in time and give guidance to your younger self, what would you say that would impact your career the most?
Everything has to start from the music and emanate outward from there – after all, that is what being an artist is truly about. Any other approach that prioritizes some other element of what it takes to be an artist in the contemporary environment (social media, content, marketing, networking, etc) takes away from the artistic journey and can suck the life out of what impassioned us to do this in the first place. It makes the entire process something else. Music first, always.
What is the one thing that you always do when producing that if you didn’t, it wouldn’t be a ‘S.U.R.E.’ ’track?
808 and 909 drum kits, a breakbeat chop, and sample selection referencing a 90s dance music palette.
How do you feel about music producers having to DJ in order to bring in an income? What would you need to be fully dedicated to music production? Do you think it’s still possible to make a living strictly from production?
While it is possible to make a living from production only, it seems these days it is only really possible in the pop realm or the more commercial side of music generally, or within the ghost production space. As artists, we want to stay true to our vision and ethos around underground dance music, making music we want to hear, which is generally on the less commercial side. This presents a challenge in making a living purely from producing, as this dynamic can be limiting in terms of financial opportunities. But luckily, we love to DJ and throw parties as well :)
Do you have a ritual when composing music and how do you stay inspired after all these years?
We have a few rituals, but the most important thing for us is having each other. Having another person in the studio with you to help inject new ideas or points of reference, to sanity check you, or help breathe new life into an idea that has become stale to you has been a gamechanger. Being able to bounce ideas between each other helps keep things fresh. Not saying that’s going to be applicable to everyone but when in doubt – ask a friend to lend an ear.