High Fidelity  

We’re constantly being told to ‘think globally, act locally’. Lotek doesn’t see why he can’t think and act globally.

“I came here on tour and I really liked it,” the UK reggae, ska and hip hop producer and MC says of his decision to relocate his studio from London to Melbourne. “I tend to move around a fair bit. I've lived in London, Paris, Lausanne in Switzerland among other places and moving here seemed like a good next stop off. I ended up staying a little longer than I expected but it’s been fun.”

Known for his work in the UK with the likes of Roots Manuva and Speech Debelle (Lotek produced her Mercury Prize winning ‘Speech Therapy’ LP), Lotek completed work on his debut solo LP, ‘International Rudeboy’, in Australia. His international experience helps to set him apart from other producers in the region.
“It's certainly what makes me different,” he agrees. “I don't know if that will always relate to being an ‘edge’ over Australian producers. There are some great musicians, songwriters and producers here in their own right... I don't think the geography gives me the edge, but I think my experience working in commercial recording studios gives me a richer pool of experience to draw from than if I’d learned it all in my bedroom from the internet.”

Lotek has wasted no time strengthening his roots in Oz, recording a killer cover of Little Red’s ‘Rock It’ for Triple J’s Like A Version. They’re far from the only Aussie act to catch his eye.
“There's so many, even just here in Melbourne,” he says. “Some really good funk and soul bands like The Bamboos, Florelie and The Backlash Brew, Candice Monique and The Optics. There's also a cool ska scene here, Kujo Kings are a great example, so much energy!”

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see any of those acts added to Lotek’s long roll call of collaborations. It’s an impressive list, but he’s not about to pick a favourite.
“Not without upsetting someone! Every experience I've had with the people I've worked with has had its positive side. I've learned lessons from some people and had fun with others.
“I (guess I) have the best memories of the Roots Manuva projects as it was the first thing I had released professionally and I got to experience every level of it, from the demo stage to the European tour, where I was also responsible for putting the whole show together.”

Lotek plays Bellingen Global Carnival from Sept. 30 - Oct. 2. ‘International Rudeboy’ is out now. globalcarnival.com