Behind The Bass: Ian Munro On His Sound “Right Now”

Ian Munro is a name within the bass scene that keeps on building hype. Both his original and remix work has scored support from some huge names, and he regularly releases music on UZ’s Quality Goods Records.

Most recently, he dropped the new “Right Now” featuring Yuneer Gainz, and we felt it was the perfect time to hear more from him.

Hey Ian. Thanks for joining us! How has your week been so far?

It’s been great, thank you!

What’s a typical ‘day in the life’ when you’re making new music?

I don’t really have much of a routine in place. It’s usually just whenever and wherever I can find a place to write — whether that’s my studio, a café, or a hotel room. It’s either one of those sessions where you’re so engrossed the rest of the world stops existing, or it’s just broken up into lots of little pieces.

For about 4 months last year, I went to the same Starbucks and sat there for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week (shout out Starbucks on the corner of Queen & Victoria St in Auckland). I find that location doesn’t really matter — it’s more about creating an environment where all I want to do is make music.

What/who/where inspires you the most creatively?

On a musical level, people like Flume, Montell2099, Arca, AWAY, etc. really inspire me. The way they make music is just on a different level, and it shows in their art. Anyone that’s really just doing their thing differently and killing it.

On a more personal level, being a little out of my comfort zone really gets the best results creatively. I find if I’m too comfortable or familiar with what’s existing around me, it’s easier just to relax and let things get in the way of the process.

What are your favorite parts about being an artist? If you could change one thing about it, what would it be?  

My favourite thing would have to be that I get to be creative and expressive in my career. It’s something that I’ve always known that was integral to who I am, and it’s such a blessing to be able to do what I do.

If I had to change one thing, it would probably be just deleting writer’s block from life. That shit is awful.

Your new single “Right Now” has landed, and it’s a self-release. How important is it for you to give fans some music through your own platform?

I think it’s super important. We had it coming out on a major label and it kept getting pushed back and pushed back. It seemed obvious to my team and I that it wasn’t working, and we wanted to go a different route. Doing things independently meant we could handle everything also, which I feel is important.

How would you describe the tune to someone who had yet to hear it?

“Right Now” is a track that embodies this idea of proving yourself against ‘the world.’ It starts off sounding ‘broken’ and builds itself up from there. To me, it was the perfect combination the energy of bass music with the musical and emotional elements that I’ve felt are often missing.

Did you enjoy working with Yuneer Gainz for it? How did you first meet?

I’ve never met Yuneer unfortunately, but we got teamed up together management. I loved working with him. He absolutely killed this vocal. The track wouldn’t have been the same without him.

What are you bringing to the table in the rest of 2018?

A lot more music. A more refined sound. My sophomore EP. And a LOT more shows!

Connect with Ian Munro: Facebook / Twitter / SoundCloud