Lane 8’s label This Never Happened has been responsible for not only discovering, but also grooming some of the most captivating Melodic and Progressive House artist that are bubbling up in the underground. And one day when I was going through their discog, I was acquainted with a track emblazoned with dreamy tones and melodies that glisten ever so brightly thanks to the lavish sound design – that track was “Boruta” by Forty Cats and I was immediately smitten with her sound.
Forty Cats is among the few female Russian producers making a name for herself globally when it comes to the Melodic and Progressive House realm. She’s not only a resident over at Lane 8’s imprint This Never Happened though she’s also released with a number of iconic labels including 8music and Run Recordings to name a few. In his interview, we get to know the story of the Murmansk City native and what makes her tick as a creative.
For those who don't know your story, how would you describe your journey with music thus far?
I started listening to electronic music back in 2005 when I discovered the Trance genre for the first time. It's been my inspiration for more than 9 years, but then I realized it's time to move on into darker, deeper, hypnotic music and I found it in Progressive House. Today I'm still deeply into that underground vibe, and keep on developing my own sound in that genre and experimenting with my production.
I'm curious as to how the moniker Forty Cats reflects the style of music you make?
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The answer is simple: it doesn't, haha) This name was kind of a joke: this is actually a famous meme in Russia; it's about a strong and independent woman who, if living alone for a long time, begins to adopt more and more cats, becoming the woman with forty cats. Apart from that, there's no deep and thoughtful meaning, unfortunately.
So you're from Murmansk, a city at the end of a deep bay off the Barents Sea. This place isn't entirely well known for House/Progressive music. What influenced you to start creating Electronic music specifically, and at first what kind of reactions did you receive being a female music producer in your city?
First of all, I can proudly say that there's been a lot of famous progressive house and trance acts visiting Murmansk city with the gigs in the last 4 years: from the true veterans of the scene like Dave Seaman, Nick Warren, Jody Wisternoff, Gabriel & Dresden, and Ferry Corsten to the modern stars like Yotto, Miss Melera, Just Her etc. Secondly, I started to DJ before everything else: I've been DJing since I was 18 years old. Soon after I realized I would like to try myself into production as well. My first takes were very amateur, of course, and were never released. Sadly, the reaction in my home city has been very biased for many years — both in my DJ career, and in music production. No one, except for my close friends, has actually believed in me but it couldn't stop me from keeping on, simply because I'm madly in love with the music.
How is your music received in Russia compared to the rest of the world?
I wouldn't say there is much of a difference between my Russian fans and foreign ones. I've definitely been feeling more support lately after having a very productive year with my new releases being launched each and every month, one by one. When you're on fire people notice it for sure! :)
Releasing your music on Lane 8's label 'This Never Happened' I'm sure must've done wonders for broadening your audience to various parts of the world? How did your relationship with the imprint begin and how did you know it was the right home for your music?
I've had about two years of writing a more "melodic house" kind of music back in 2019-2020. By that time Daniel (Lane 8) had already created a very strong imprint, and I really enjoyed most of their releases. I wrote the first track from my debut EP called "In My Darkness" specifically aiming at TNH, and sent it instantly. To my great surprise, Daniel answered two hours later saying that he really enjoys it and would like to sign the track. The fact that such a legendary producer believed in my music has boosted my morale to the heights. And the rest is history!
You've been on a heated release spree as of late and among my favorites of the new releases is the gem "Zero Point". How does the title connect with the mood and story behind the track?
This track represents a point of countdown for the entire Universe. Yeah I know — it sounds a bit pretentious but that's what I've had in mind while creating it.
This is a question I'm sure many producers will appreciate... What are 5 VST/pieces of gear in your arsenal you can't live without?
Great question indeed! Well, it's not hard at all — here you go: Analog Lab V, ANA 2, Vacuum Pro, Hybrid, Loom, Dreadbox Typhon Analog Synthesizer, Omnisphere. Couldn't limit myself to just five, sorry! :)
What are your thoughts about minimalism and constraints, and in which way do you incorporate those into your craft?
Nowadays I don't limit myself much in my own production but I should admit that minimalism in music is definitely a feature of the top professionals. When an artist can create an infectious vibe using only a few instruments and stems, it's impressive and cool. This is a gold standard of music production for me personally but before going deeper into this kind of sound design I'd like to spend a few more years just writing music with no limits and constraints. So far I just enjoy using a lot of instruments and various sounds in my tracks.
What does performing and DJing give you that producing can't?
It's simple: the energy of the live crowd that appreciates your music, right here at the moment. It gives a hurricane of bright emotions and a feeling of great bond with the fans. Neither a new released track, nor even a live stream on Twitch could ever repeat that. And above all, I'm madly in love with the live shows, it's like a drug to me.
What advice would you give to girls, who are aspiring producers, beatmakers, or engineers?
Just stay true to yourself, prepare to be VERY patient and work hard! But, above all, the key to inner harmony and peace of mind is just doing what you really love despite any obstacles and haters.
So... 1) An artist/band you would have a D.M.C (Deep Meaningful Conversation), 2) An artist/band you’d love to party with. 3) Artist would like to be your mentor? You're welcome to pick from artists/bands who are retired/dead.
1) Quivver
2) Khen
3) Guy J
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