Get to Steppin’

Photo credit: Scott Mao

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]K[/dropcap]nown internationally as one of the up-and-comers in new wave of American electronic music, Sectra has been producing and DJing for some time now, and recently decided to relocate from Chicago, Illinois to Denver. While some may question the decision to move from such a bustling urban hub, Sectra, also known as Jon Linskey, had a clear plan in mind when he made the trip. Drawn to Denver for its unique and growing EDM scene, Sectra plans to take full advantage of his new locale and all the bonuses it offers, from a club and music scene that supports him to added bonuses like legal cannabis. We spoke to Sectra about his musical plans and why he’s happy to call Denver home.

How did you get started as a producer and DJ?

I started producing electronic music in 2009. After already being a drummer since I was five or so, I heard Nine Inch Nails’ Pretty Hate Machine for the first time. I found out it was Trent Reznor doing every single thing on the record, and I was instantly like, “I wanna be able to do that.” So I downloaded an app on my phone that was basically a sequencer, looper and drum machine and started producing industrial, noise and hardcore on there. Then in 2012, I heard Truth’s EP Evil in the Woods, and I was immediately hooked on the dark, atmospheric and bass-heavy music they made. So straight away, I switched up my sound and alias, and here we are six years later.

How would you define or describe your sound?

Experimental bass music. Honestly at this point, I’m not even sure if I’m making dubstep anymore; I’ve essentially always been making noise and industrial influenced bass music at 140 BPM, with the occasional “dubstep” production here and there.

What do you currently have in the works that you’d like to announce?

For upcoming releases I have three confirmed vinyl releases, with a few that may be in the works, a digital EP that will be out very soon, and an EP that fellow Denver producer Trisicloplox and I made will be out later this year as well.

“Basically, I make the weirdest stuff possible whenever I smoke; it really does help you think of stuff you wouldn’t have if you weren’t high.”

Have you ever worked cannabis into your music as a theme? If so, how?

I actually have; I have an unreleased song entitled “Inhaling the Earth” which is basically just a euphemism for smoking.

How has cannabis impacted your life or creative process?

It has definitely helped me get out of my slump before and helped me be more creative in the studio. Basically, I make the weirdest stuff possible whenever I smoke; it really does help you think of stuff you wouldn’t have if you weren’t high.

What do you think about legalization so far? What could be done better or differently?

I think the legalization of cannabis in the U.S. has been going smoothly so far; I’ve heard a few people complain about too much government involvement, but I honestly don’t know enough about that situation to comment on it.

What is your favorite strain or cannabis product?

Anything sativa. I can’t do indicas or hybrids or edibles for that matter, but I absolutely love a good sativa strain. I just found one recently called Ecto-Cooler, and it’s probably my favorite at the moment. There’s another one that my friend and fellow producer Kali gave to me called Pucker; that one’s really good for getting the creative juices flowing.

www.soundcloud.com/sectra