With rousing sets around the world and the likes of DJ Shadow eager to collaborate, UK-raised, Shanghai-based lord of bass Conrank has been making waves this year. With a snarling new disc Ma Fan officially dropping at Uptown Records on October 14, we catch up with the man sometimes better known as Chaofan Ge.
Congratulations on the new disc, Ma Fan. How would you describe it musically?
Musically it's an ugly monster (laughs), but so ugly that it's beautiful; I hope. It's like a Frankenstein - lots of musical influences and ideas mashed together to create something totally different.
How does it differ from your past releases?
I suppose every release I do differs because I go in with fresh thoughts and ideas every time. The funny thing is people always tell me it still sounds like 'Conrank.' I don't even know what sounds like me.
No VPN? Watch Conrank's 'Boy Tell 'Em' video on Youku
There's an impressive number of guests on the disc including DJ Shadow. How did you guys hook up?
Shadow followed me on Twitter, which was a huge day for me. We just got chatting, started sending each other music and then blam, I suggested a collabo and he was down.
Do you get more offers once you have DJ Shadow appear on a track?
Yeah, I suppose you do kinda get more attention after working with a legend like Shadow. It's inevitable.
No VPN? Watch on QQ Video.
You've always been big on collaborations from songs with Peking Opera singers to the new EP with Busy Gang. Ma Fan also features people like Stylus Beats and Messy MC. What do you look for in a collaborator?
Someone I respect artistically and professionalism. The latter can sometimes be more important. There's no point in starting a project with someone who is super creative and talented if they are so "here there and everywhere" that it never gets finished. Just a waste of time.
You've had a really great year, touring internationally. How did the crowds outside of China receive your shows?
It's been epic. I have been amazed how well my sets were received, California was a big shock with people knowing my tracks. I didn't expect it at all. The scene in Cali is so dope – really nice vibes.
You've lived in China for years now. How would you say China has influenced your sound?
It's definitely opened my ears up. The UK has a very specific sound musically. It's where so many genres were born, grime, dubstep, dnb... the list goes on. So being in China has definitely had me hearing new sounds on a daily basis – listening to different artists and watching gigs I wouldn't usually watch. As an artist whatever surrounds you effects you, from the buildings we live in and walk past every day to the people we meet.
No VPN? Listen to Conrank on Xiami.
You also run the Rankadank label and a few of the artists like Misloop and Zean are becoming Shanghai staples. How do you feel seeing a young artist start to develop their style and a fanbase? Are there any upcoming releases we can look for?
Misloop is killing it at the moment. She can basically play anything and is one of the best female DJs I have seen out here due to her versatility. Regarding Zean, he is heading over to the studio to start working on some collaborations with me. The guy has really put in the work and is reaping the benefits. Music is his passion and he doesn't wanna do anything else. It's been really dope to see him go from a kid who had never touched Logic or made a track, to an artist I genuinely want to work with and enjoying listening to. I have been so busy that Rankadank has taken a back seat, but that will change soon. Expect material in the near future...
Ma Fan Release Party: // Oct 14, 8-11pm, free entry. Uptown Records.
Image by Eye Love Lu
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