Author: Bradley Martinez
For our 25th instalment of our Frequent Players Guest Mix series, we reached out to producer and DJ, Will Lister. London based, Will Lister’s 2021 has already begun with a bang with the introduction of his new label Heald, Will has introduced us to a three part EP series that brings his recognisable dark, thought provoking music to the forefront.
We sat down with Will to learn more about his journey through his musical influences to how he sits down and creates the music he does. Check out the interview below and get locked into Frequent Players 025!
Foopatrol: Will welcome to Frequent Players! It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How are you?
Will Lister: I’m all good thanks! Been a weird few months but definitely looking forward to summer now.
FP: Lets jump straight into where it all began for you, how long have you been DJing for and what made you want to pursue it as a career?
WL: I’ve probably been DJing since I was like 16 or so. I was part of a youth club from the age of about 12/13 that held music workshops and they randomly owned a pair of Technics they used for parties and stuff. As I got older I ended up leading some music making groups with some kids that were slightly younger. I then managed to get them to lend me the decks so I could practice on them at home so that was pretty lucky. Moving to London for uni and seeing the potential for amazing club nights was something that definitely made me want to take it more seriously.
FP: We read that in terms of musical influences you have been inspired by pretty much any genre. How have these influences helped create your own sound?
WL: I think having been influenced by a bunch of different music has meant I’ve tried to make a bunch of different music. When I was younger I was trying to recreate anything from super cinematic/orchestral sounds as well as listening to like deep house, and also being obsessed with bands like Foals or Bloc Party. I’m now at the stage where all those little production or music things I’ve learnt along the way influence the kind of sound I have now, definitely in ways I don’t even realise too.
FP: Were they any artists within those genres that you used to use as a reference more than others?
WL: I don’t really tend to use any artists as a direct reference as i like to follow my nose when writing music. There are definitely artists or albums that have had a big influence on me and will always be considered classics for me, but i don’t often sit down to write a track with a particular finished genre in mind. I’ll usually just work on creating a single sound or chord pattern I like then see how those feel and bounce off those to give the track it’s direction.
FP: As difficult as a time the last year has been, how has it been as a DJ getting through it. Were you able to put much focus in creating new works or did you use this time to focus on other things?
WL: I mean i haven’t DJ’d or even really thought about DJing until I needed to put this mix together. The past few months have definitely given me time to focus more on producing and pursuing that in different ways moving forward. Putting together the releases for my new label Heald has been my primary focus, and working on my productions alongside that.
FP: With the end of lockdown now in sight and dates of when we can see a return to live shows and club nights starting to pop up, how does that make you feel? It must be exciting to be able to look ahead at any future sets in the pipeline?
WL: Yeah its super exciting for sure, people definitely want the release of being able to go party. It’d be nice to move forward in a progressive way with promoters taking a punt on more unknown talent, as well as pushing for people from underrepresented backgrounds to be more involved. There was a lot of performative action last year, so now it’d be good to see putting their money where their mouth is. The appetite for clubbing will be greater than ever, festivals/parties are selling out without even announcing lineups so this is a great time to be pushing for more diversity and equal representation in this industry. Frankie from Discwoman has written a great piece on this for Dweller, so i’d suggest reading that.
FP: We wanted to touch on the music you produce also. Your most recent project featuring your new singles Gridlines and Shadow Stem, has this really dark, almost futuristic feeling behind it with what sounds like Sitars. It’s an insane mix of sounds, could you walk us through the process behind the tracks?
WL: The main theme behind writing Gridlines was the idea of pushing and pulling the tension in the track, almost stretching it, over the different sonic elements. I wanted the percussion to be rolling but also stick out every now and then, with the melodic sections to be quite expansive whilst driving the track along. Shadow Stem originally started as an attempt to make a track that I could mix from roughly 120bpm into 170 bpm which is why the intro percussion is so polyrhythmic. It then became this track which is a play on moods in that it starts tough and intense but then the big pad that comes in changes the mood quite drastically, and then back again with the more aggressive arp lines into the big sub drop. I wanted to create a sonic world with both these tracks, for elements to come and go and the tracks to develop and evolve.
FP: How are you able to create these sounds you use?
WL: I use a mix of hardware stuff and then processing in the box. I learnt Ableton last year for some work and ended up sticking with it to write in. There are certain things you can do way quicker in Ableton than in Logic. I often start tracks using a synth or drum machine or something and try to create a really captivating sound or melody or something. That can be as simple as a kick and a hi hat sound, or something more complicated like a 16 bar chord pattern with a bunch of changing parameters. It’s all totally replicable in the box without having any hardware but i really find inspiration in not starting tracks in front of a screen.
FP: Well we’re really looking forward to hearing your mix you have curated for us! Thanks so much for allowing us to visit your studio and being a part of the Frequent Players channel. Before we let you go is there anything you would like to share with our readers, listeners and followers?
WL: Have a good summer!
Since its introduction, the Jordan Brand have brought a lot of attention towards its Air Jordan 1 CMFT silhouette over the last few months and it looks like that’s going to continue!
Their latest instalment see’s the AJ1 receive it’s staple use of colour blocking, this time however it features a vibrant burst of ‘Stadium Green’ and white in a mixture of suede and canvas. The stand out feature is the distinct lack of a panelled swoosh, instead Jordan have opted for an almost torn out look against the canvas.
Take a closer look below at this latest iteration below before getting your entries in for our online raffle!
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To enter the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Only), RAFFLE CLOSED!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Throughout each year there are always dates that stick out to people and have a deep meaning wherever you are in the world. For the sneaker community, one of these days falls on March 26th… Of course, this is Air Max Day.
Every year Nike celebrates it’s most explored technology with an array of new models and even revisits some of the most iconic. This year, we got another look at the Nike Air Max 90 ‘Bacon’ as well as the introduction of the Air Max ‘Pre Day’.
To celebrate this years Air Max Day, we paid a visit to Rhiannon Isabel, a stylist and archivist who we’ve previously worked with on our exclusive Air Max 95 ‘110’. Rhiannon took some of the recent Air Max models including the Tuned Max and Air Structure and styled a shoot using her diverse collection of vintage clothing. Take a closer look below whilst Rhiannon talks us through the looks she put together.
“Teamed with Shell suits for fitness or dipped in double denim for fashion, the cult classic Nike Structure Triax served all purposes in 1991.”
“Outfit moodier than Stratford Rex 99, Nike Air Max tailwinds looking all fly, and shock absorbing the baselines and general rudeboy attitude.”
“Ericsson phone lines blowing up on pirates citywide. Strictly for those who were Hood rich and ready to show it. The Nike Tuned Max was a truly stealthy status symbol and original London ting in ‘99.”
The YZY FOAM RUNNER, which is Made in the U.S.A., features injected EVA foam to provide lightweight durability. This model is made using algae harvesting technology that helps to keep lakes clean. The soft top layer in the footbed offers immediate step in comfort. The strategically mapped vents around the foot provide air flow and breathability. Additionally, the YZY FOAM RUNNER will usher in a new box construction that requires less material, which leads to less cardboard material waste.
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The online raffle (UK only) will be live at 12pm till 12:30pm (Sand) and 1pm till 1:30pm (Moon Gray). The raffles will be open for 30 minutes ONLY!
To enter the ‘Sand’ ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Only), RAFFLE CLOSED!
To enter the ‘Moon Gray’ ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Only) RAFFLE CLOSED!
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Few of us can withstand the cravings for bacon and knowing this, Nike look back to one of the most iconic iterations of the Air Max 90 that first came to light back in 2004. Sporting a range of deep reds and light pink hues, this colour blocking perfectly reflects the various stages of preparation.
To celebrate the upcoming return of the Air Max 90 ‘Bacon’, we enlisted the help of Elliot Cunningham from Eat Lagom to conjure up one of his culinary delights that spoke true to the ‘Bacon’. Elliot talks us through his journey so far and the burger he brought to life to celebrate this revisit.
RAFFLE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND BELOW!
Footpatrol: Firstly, we must say a massive thank you for joining us for the revisit of the Nike Air Max 90 ‘Bacon’, we couldn’t have thought of a better person to build a connection between food and the sneaker!
Elliot: Well thank you for having me, it’s an absolute pleasure to have been asked to collab on such a fun project.
FP: We must start with your story, could you give our audience a little bit of background to yourself and Lagom?
EC: So my name is Elliot, and I have been working as a chef in London for the best part of 8 years. I feel very fortunate to have worked with, and alongside some of the best in the industry. I’m Swedish/English/Chinese mix, for me and my family, food was always a fun and exciting part of our day. We loved food growing up, all mucking in together or helping one of the parents create a feed for the gannets. After a short stint at uni, with the aim to become a doctor, I left my studies behind to pursue a career in food – finding any job/opportunity I could and running with it. It was after a few years, that I felt confident enough to start my own food venture – Lagom. Recently I have launched a new concept as an off-shoot of Lagom, following its principles, but focussing on woodfired pizza – ELD pizza.
FP: Our understanding is that Lagom kind of means “Not too much, not too little”, would that be correct? If not then we feel it still perfectly sums up what it is you do. The food has a sense of simplicity about it but the flavours are always spot on.
EC: Well the word has no direct translation partly why I felt it was such a brilliant word to use for us; it starts a conversation, like good food should. A swedish word for the right amount, or thereabouts. Our Lagom aims to showcase bbq as not just pulled pork, ribs and burned sausages. We try to focus on the little details, that’s what makes our bbq what it is – from sourcing, to seasoning.
FP: One thing we’ve always enjoyed when we’ve come down to visit you is the variety of meats available within your burgers, whether that’s the goat cheese burger, the featherblade bun or the pastrami burger… It’s great to get such a range of meats that you wouldn’t normally find anywhere else with such a chilled out, BBQ vibe… What is it that makes you offer such a variety?
EC: I feel traditional barbecue typically isn’t very sustainable: the same favourite cuts used week in, week out – quantities cooked on mass. It didn’t sit well with me, as I’m aware that we all need to make an effort to reduce our meat intake and support the little guys. This results in a menu that changes, and means things aren’t always on the menu but will feature as specials when they become available. It’s this core idea we try and focus on, and a good example of this would be our goat meat burger – no need to grind down a whole forequarter of beef just for burgers when we were able to find a product that could rival the beef, purely with trims from more desired cuts.
FP: So just how important is it to try and cook with the best meat you can? We’re guessing, it can make or break the meal?
EC: Absolutely – you get out, what you put in. Use a cheaper piece of meat, expect to work for that end result. Use a great piece, and you will have to do very little to let that product sing.
FP: Although 2020 has been one of the most difficult years, especially for the hospitality sector, we saw you begin a new venture alongside Lagom, ELD pizza, just how did this come about?
EC: So Eld was a pop up we did last year, in an attempt to keep the wheels rolling, and our staff happy. I also like to be busy…. Following a successful few weeks at a cafe residencey in clapton we sought out a permanent home for Eld, on Hackney Road. Things age going great there, and we are excited for our official opening.
FP: We feel your pizza offering is similar to your burgers above, such a unique, yet simple offering, constantly experimenting with new things, is this what you love about cooking?
EC: I make food I want to eat, no frills just simple product led food that we are not afraid to have fun with along the way. This for me gets the best response.
FP: Now, to bring it back to why we’re here, the Nike Air Max 90 ‘Bacon’ and we understand you’re going to cook up a classic Lagom bacon burger, could you tell us a bit more about this creation and how people could make it at home?
EC: So our burger is very simple but relies on the core ingredients to do the talking; simply seasoned aged beef mince, dry aged bacon, punchy mustard mayo, pickle juice, American cheese and super soft milk bun.
The way we cook ours also relies heavily on the process – we smash em! So rather than forming a patty first, we just weigh up a ball of mince and place that directly onto our hot griddle – you can use a big non stick frying pan.
Place a square of greaseproof over the ball and press it flat with a spatula; be firm and press it out – this allows maximum contact = maximum crust = maximum flavour. The fat content (32-6) allows you to get maximum crust without it drying out.
Season with salt and coarse pepper, flip and throw on one slice of American cheese, your pre grilled bacon more cheese and your bun lid.
Place mustard Mayo on the bottom bun, and your dressed slaw, load on the cooked patty and cheesey goodness and you’re good to go!
FP: A Massive thank you for joining us for today to celebrate this launch and for creating some amazing food along the way!
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To enter the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Only), RAFFLE CLOSED!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
The YEEZY 700 V3 Kyanite features an upper composed of monofilament engineered mesh with RPU overlays for structure and durability while the bootie construction provides a snug adaptable fit. The RPU cage has glow in the dark features that provide a unique look and feel. This model features no-tie stretch laces for easy on and off wear and comes equipped with a second set of standard laces. The PU encapsulated EVA midsole provides comfort and durability, and the herringbone rubber outsole offers unique design cues and improved traction.
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To enter the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Only), RAFFLE CLOSED
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
The YEEZY BOOST 700 V2 Cream features an upper composed of full-grain leather and nubuck overlays that offer a premium finish, soft hand feel, along with a supportive and durable wear. Roller knit underlays provide lightweight breathability and comfort where it is needed while reflective details throughout add unique design cues and visual interest. The full-length BOOST drop-in midsole offers the ultimate underfoot cushioning experience.
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To enter the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Whats more comfier than a perfectly fitting, crisp white T-shirt? Nike thought the same so looking back to the turn of the millennium, Nike revisit their Air Presto silhouette to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
The Air Presto made waves within the sneaker scene thanks to its simplistic design that redefined the boundaries of modern footwear which is instantly shown via the five dots displayed on the midsole. This was a signal to its inclusion within their Alpha Project which housed some of their most innovative and forward thinking trainers. With that original question in mind, the Air Presto’s philosophy was born to adapt that look and feel of a T-shirt and was the brain child of a certain Tinker Hatfields brother, Tobie Hatfield.
To celebrate this 20th anniversary, Nike look towards their exclusive co.jp collection and the ‘Crimson Siren Red’ colour way. A vibrant gradient of colours are dressed across its super soft mesh making this a ‘T-shirt for the Foot’.
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To enter the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
The Air Jordan 1 has been full steam ahead for a number of years and Jordan Brand doesn’t seem to be stopping at any station just yet. Since the start of the year, the Air Jordan 1 has seen a number of releases such as the AJ1 ‘Citus Gold’ and AJ1 85 ‘Neutral Grey’ respectively. However, they’ve also focused on their Zoom line with the recent AJ1 Zoom ‘LDN’.
Now reverting back to the OG High cut, this next rendition is closer to home. Jordan Brand have focused on their Univerity Blue hue’s once again. With the original AJ1 ‘University Blue’ releasing in 1985, many similar versions have released over the years and have been popular to consumers and collectors alike.
Familiar colours, applied with a classic colour-blocking scheme, characterise this Air Jordan 1. The shoe brings genuine University Blue suede material and leather underlays to the ankle, heel and toe, with black on the Swoosh and collar and contrasting white on the quarter panel, midsole, tongue and toe box. A black Wings logo with University Blue branding on the tongue helps finish off the model’s clean and classic detailing.
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To enter the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
The YEEZY 450, the first YEEZY model to be Made in Germany, features a unique design language with an industry-leading technology that uses advanced automated manufacturing throughout the production process. The one-piece premium knit and sock-like construction provides an adaptable fit with exceptional comfort. Meanwhile, a soft PU injected midsole compound offers high-performance rebound and cushioning, delivering an innovative, one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
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The online raffle (UK only) is now live. The raffle be open for 30 minutes ONLY!
To enter the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Only), RAFFLE CLOSED!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
