Brent Reid, aka MASTRMIND, is building an empire that reaches from the inner corners of the emotional mind to the vapid freeze of deep space.
How are these two images part of the same aesthetic? MASTRMIND marries the feelings and sounds to express the effervescent empathy of EDM and the big, plumes of heavy bass. This is not a happy-medium, or even a mash of of these two sounds, but something different. This outlier style has been cultivated by MASTRMIND’s earlier interests in sci-fi’s theatrical soundscapes and other revolutionary and progressive electronic artists like K?D and REZZ, and has blossomed on tracks like ‘Portals’. FUXWITHIT was able to ask MASTRMIND some questions about what led to the creation of his aesthetic, who he wants to hear remix ‘Portals’, and what outer space has to do with making electronic music.
When did you know you wanted to make music?
Since I was 4 years old my favorite ever was to build things. I used to spend 8 to 10 hours a day building Lego space ships in my room. By age 10 I was building little toy robots in different sizes to take on missions. As I got older I became obsessed with sci-fi (Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel etc). The music written for major sci-fi films is breathtaking, as I witnessed in the film Interstellar written by Hans Zimmer. It was here when I realized I wanted to make specifically sci-fi themed space bass music and I knew all the genres of EDM created the perfect world to share the stories I wished to tell.
By age 10 I was building little toy robots in different sizes to take on missions.
What was your first instrument?
My first instrument was piano. This taught me the importance melodic storytelling in a far more organic way than any other instrument.
What era of music inspires your the most?
The 80’s and retro video games. 80’s synths and the retro grade scores of written for the original Super Mario World for hand held were ground breaking and timeless which inspired me greatly.
Who is your greatest contemporary inspiration?
Virtual Self. To me the most talented producer in the history of electronic music. Porter is the only artist I’ve seen be able to create virtual worlds in his music. Color, texture, melody, harmonically melding into perfect unity while taking one on an adventure with his music. While still being able to cross genre boundaries and invent new sub genres (ie. inventing 100bpm midtempo glitch.) I intend to do this same thing when I write originals. ‘Portals’ is a great example. To me this song feels like falling through a portal in space….
If you could join anyone on tour this year as their opener who would it be?
My first choice would be REZZ. I have plans to write a special demo to send specifically to REZZ. This may open the door to a special collab in the future. Will have to see what happens if Space mom decides to travel through space with me…
If you were headlining your own tour, who would you ask to open for you?
My first choices would be K?D, 1788 -L, LSDream and PEEKABOO.
As a self taught producer, the essence of musical bliss is discovery.
What is more exciting: creating music or performing it?
Writing music 100%. As a self taught producer, the essence of musical bliss is discovery. When spending great lengths of time creating virtual space worlds within the realm of bass music, discovering what the final version of a drop, breakdown or bridge will be never ceases to fill me with wonder…. many songs I write take almost two months to complete (mainly due to mix down and concept writing). The feeling when complete is breathtaking….
How has your local music scene influenced your sound or your music career?
At age 18 (in 2011) I attended the first ever Paradiso Music Festival because it was only a 3 hr drive from my house. Here I witnessed Knife Party on main stage and after hearing the theatrical story telling nature and crowd reaction to “Centipede” I knew I was sold on electronic music for life.
What is one word that describes MASTRMIND’s music?
Deep Space Requiems. (I guess that’s 3 words)
“The universe is endless… Music is timeless… This perfect unity creates endless inspiration.”
What is the inspiration behind your MSTRMIND aesthetic?
Unleash Yourself. To master your own mind and emotions and use them to your advantage is the key. To reach your greatest potential, you must master your mind… as for space music… The universe is endless… Music is timeless…. This perfect unity creates endless inspiration…. as for becoming a Cyborg, go watch ORIGINS on IG to learn more….
Tell us the story behind ‘Portals’- where and when did you write it?
Jan 1st 2019, I was inspired to write 3 originals. ‘Supernova’, ‘Elysius’, and ‘Portals’. After 6 months of work I am happy to report these three originals are complete. After writing and releasing ‘Asteroids’, at 150bpm ‘Supernova’ at 130bpm I knew ‘Portals’ (as the 3rd installment of these series of missions) would need to be 140bpm. This song took 2 months to write and finish… The first drop was finished 1 hr after seeing Avengers End
Game. Cinematic excellence breeds tremendous inspiration…
Who would you like to see shoot their shot and remix ‘Portals’?
My top three choices would be: REZZ, PEEKABOO, or VIRTUAL SELF. Virtual cinematic worlds deserve to be remixed by storytellers…
Where will you be performing next?
MIND CONTROL: End of the Universe Live My official 1 hour live club system show premiered in Seattle June 1st. One hour live djing always feels so good. I can’t give the official date but the location of my next show will be in LA. Very excited about the next show and the new visuals it will have. End of the universe takes you to far away planets and shows you the universe in many visual forms and with 6 different genres. Can’t wait to show you….
