If you’re a big fan of music that comes from the deadmau5 run label mau5trap, then you probably noticed a three-track EP released not too long ago that popped out of their catalog called Murmurs from one Mord Fustang. If this is your first whiff of his music, the Estonian producer and DJ has been inserting his sound into electronic dance music’s scene around late 2010. Combining the growing genres of electro house and progressive house with video game aesthetics took Mord Fustang from being another run-of-the-mill musician to one with a unique noise and retro style. Since his early singles, Mord Fustang has gone on to release two other EPs, an album, and remixes from LMFAO, The Glitch Mob, and Morgan Page with Sultan + Ned Shepard and BT to name a few.
Recently, I got to sit with the one and only Mord Fustang over Skype and we talked about his musical style, favorite video games of the past year, and possible future projects. Check out the full interview below.
What were some of the first records that attracted your attention towards electronic music?
Probably the Prodigy with ‘Fat Of The Land’. I mean that album is a classic; everyone knows that. Rammstein with ‘Sensucht’ which was their second album and one of the best albums of all time. The album ‘Tubular Bells’ by Mike Oldfield was also one of my favorites. If you know King Crimson, ‘Vrooom’ and I’ve probably talked about these bands before but they still hold true. Although a lot of my inspiration probably comes from video game sounds and classical music, these were a lot of records that my dad listened to with the Prodigy being the exception. 
What were some other genres of music you love or loved before and after getting into electronic music?
Progressive rock and progressive metal, mainly. A lot of 90’s experimental rock or whatever you would call that. Mostly instrumental rock, because vocals sort of make it “pop”.
With the re-release of 9999 In 1, some tracks included were either cool edits to songs from the original release or new songs that have been in your sets for years. Why didn’t some of these cuts make it on the album or why didn’t they come out sooner?
That is unfortunate, but 9999 In 1 was a very specific thing and could be considered a concept album. A lot of these extra songs could be considered B-Sides. Some of them have been around, but what better time to put them out than with the 5 Year Edition of 9999 In 1, right? And sometimes you have to get rid of it and start working on new stuff.
How did releasing your music on mau5trap come about? Did you approach them or did the label approach you?
It had been in the talks for awhile, but they approached me which was awesome because I have always been a fan of the label the mau5 himself. It’s just awesome! Everything I’ve done has been building up to it.
How does it feel to be a part of the label now?
It feels good, but I shouldn’t get too comfortable. I still have to push forward.
How long after your debut album did you begin working on the Murmurs EP?
A few months later. I completed the album in December of 2014 and began work on the EP in March while at the same time working on the Definitive Edition of the album and the ‘Counter Strike: Go‘ music pack.
What was it like writing music or work for the Counter Strike: Go music pack and when was that released?
That was released in October, just before ‘Murmurs’ came out and the same time as the Five Year Anniversary-thing. And it was awesome. It was great doing that because it was very specific. I would just cut loops, which is how I work anyway, so it was perfect. So I would render the loops and cut the track and that was it.
As an avid video game fan, what were some of your favorite video games in 2015?
Metal Gear Solid V is number 1, definitely! The Witcher 3. I haven’t finished it yet, but I love playing it. The new Need For Speed is fun, but I still think Midnight Club: Los Angeles is the better type of racing game. Fallout 4 which is not nearly as groundbreaking as Fallout 3, but nevertheless still enjoyable. Bloodborne, because that game is a lot of crazy fun. And finally GTA V because I have been playing that game all year.
Do you feel that when you’re playing video games or are doing other leisurely things that it is difficult to separate when play time is and working on new music? Is it difficult to separate these two things or is it easy?
No, it’s definitely not easy. It’s really difficult. I’ve gotten better about it over the years, at least that’s what I keep telling myself [laughs]. Sometimes I overthink to much over the quality versus quantity thing.
What are some new games in 2016 that you look forward to play when they are released?
Just one. Dark Souls 3. I mean to say that I’m not a fan of the masochistic play style of dying over and over again, but I love level design and the graphics. Just like with Bloodborne, so much fun to play.
What can we expect to see and hear from Mord Fustang in 2016?
This question is always one I hesitate over and leaves me saying, “what do I say?” to myself. There may be an EP and an EP after that and there’ll always be another tour, but nothing is really certain right now. I’m working on all of that.
Check out some of Mord Fustang’s latest releases on his SoundCloud below and make sure to stay tuned for more news from this electro-progressive powerhouse.
