Forres DJ and producer Acutek, AKA Duncan McBean, needs votes to allow him help others in the electronic music industry
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A CHART-topping local DJ is appealing for votes to help him teach music in the area.
Electronic music producer Duncan McBean, AKA Acutek - who has had three records on his own label ‘Flick’ reach number one in the Beatport charts - has entered a competition to win £50k that he hopes to invest in a visit to a professional studio in England before hosting his own music workshops.
He explained: “I hope to win funding for a visit to Devon Analogue Studio then host workshops to teach people how to use emerging technology such as Web3 software to release music. I’m trying to help the local scene and get others’ music out there. But I need to get votes to be in the running!”
The competition offers funding to further music careers. Duncan needs enough votes to be cast at https://somefund.xyz/?submissionId=c5f9b1a0-479a-4ffc-a8b2-fd5eb1b67363 to win.
“Experiencing Devon Analogue Studio has been a goal of mine for years,” he said. “I’ve submitted grant applications to afford it before but they were never accepted. I’d love to see what I could create with their classic Roland synthesizers, drum machines and other special kits.”
Duncan wants to add to his know-how then teach other aspiring local musicians.
He said: “There’s a disconnect between fans and artists these days. Platforms like Spotify encourage passive listening without engaging with the artists. If I see someone listening on my Spotify Artist App, I’ve no idea who they are but if someone collects my track on a Web3 platform I can reach out to them. There’s also a financial side to Web3: artists can earn money from their music in real time instead of waiting six months for Spotify to pay out £0.003 pence per play. There are only a handful of artists involved in Scotland. I want to try to help increase awareness of tech while helping others.”
Since last talking to the Gazette ahead of Flick’s club night in Forres last summer, Acutek has been working on new music. He also played live at the Terminal V festival in Edinburgh and the Unit 51 club in Aberdeen.
“I’m looking forward to releasing more music soon, he said. “There are a lot of great producers and musicians across the north and the scene is growing. We have something special in Forres where folk support local artists.”
Duncan is excited about the town’s upcoming live music.
He said: “Flick is moving to The Carlton with our first event on March 2. Tony Hawks Pro Soundsystem also have a rock, punk and ska night there in February.”
