by Montreal-based producer borne is at the top of our artists to watch list for 2024. If you’re unfamiliar, the producer has been dropping a ton of exceptional originals with releases on Monta, NIGHTMODE, and Dim Mak, plus killer bootlegs of Central Cee, Drake, Flowdan, and more. His most recent EP Deep End is a statement-making offering that cements his dark and hard-hitting garage sound with a sprinkling of DnB. With his releases consistently impressing and a massive year ahead we thought it was due time to connect with borne for a guest mix and interview.
borne came through with a very special guest mix offering up nothing but unreleased gems from himself plus his artist friends, including Fabian Mazur, Holly x Rezz, camoufly, Akeos, Darby, and more! For the interview we discuss living in Montreal, how the borne project came to life, what brings him joy outside of music, the hot topic of ghost production, and much more. Dive in below.
Tell us about the mix. Where are we going when we press play?
This mix was purposely made as an ID only mix to showcase the underground talent of my friends and I. In this mix you’ll hear UKG, Wook, Dubstep, Trap, DNB & More. If you’re a fan of all things BASS then you’ll love this mix.
How’s Montreal treating you? What’s the best and worst thing about living there?
Montreal is great! The best thing would be how aesthetic and nice Montreal is. Especially when you go in the Downtown/Old Port area you can really start to see the architecture pop out. Alongside that Montreal is super diverse in terms of lifestyles which gives Artists more recognition/love compared to some other provinces. The worst thing I’d say would be the major temperature drops that happen from time to time. Living in Montreal is honestly great but sometimes when it’s -25 degrees Celsius you start to wonder haha.
Can you provide a bit of background on your musical journey for any fans who aren’t familiar with you? When did you start making music? What brought borne to life?
I started making music towards the end of High School. Prior to that I wanted to be a DJ since the early age of 12 after hearing Martin Garrix for the first time. EDM was something that when I first heard it I immediately got hooked since it was like nothing I’ve ever heard before. At this time I’ve been producing for just under 5 Years and haven’t looked back. “borne” was initially supposed to be an Alias I started when I wanted to release more experimental and fun stuff from my prior releases, however I started enjoying “borne” more than my other project so I decided to fully go into this project moving forward.
when I heard how Garage songs used the percussion/rhythms & how they took advantage of empty space it really caught my eye.
What drew you to garage? What makes it special?
The drums are definitely the main factor from Garage that made me want to try it out. I was so used to hearing the normal rhythms and flows of House – Dubstep percussion that when I heard how Garage songs used the percussion/rhythms & how they took advantage of empty space it really caught my eye.
You have “SIC • PARVIS • MAGNA” listed in your bios. What is the significance behind it?
“SIC • PARVIS • MAGNA” means “Greatness from small beginnings.” It’s a quote I initially heard from the game series Uncharted which I’ve been a fan of since I was an early teen. I like to have this quote in my bio as a reminder to help motivate myself and potentially others.
You’ve been dropping some stellar bootlegs. What draws you to remixing a specific track? Any unreleased flips that we should look out for?
For most of the remixes I’ve done I’ve always been inspired by the Main Vocal. Whether it’s melodic vocals, hype vox etc… I always look for a song that has a catchy hook to some degree to where I can put my spin on the instrumental and take that song from a vibey classic to a DJ tool/Club edit. At the moment I have a few bootlegs in the locker so stay tuned for those.
The Ghost Production business has been super straightforward so far.
What is the ghost production business like? What prompted you to take that on as a service?
The Ghost Production business has been super straightforward so far. My main goal is to help DJs or people involved with the music scene reach their Production goals that don’t have the time to create original music. It also gives me the chance to experiment out of my stylistic comfort zone and make new genres which teach me a lot in the process.
When I’m not working on music I love to spend time with loved ones. Their constant support is one of the reasons I keep working towards my goals so spending time with them always helps me lock in and take some time off.
What makes you happy outside of music?
1000% My friends and family. When I’m not working on music I love to spend time with loved ones. Their constant support is one of the reasons I keep working towards my goals so spending time with them always helps me lock in and take some time off.
What can we expect from you musically this year (2024)? Are there any big projects in the works?
LOTS of new music. Whether that’s through Remixes/Bootlegs, Originals etc… PS be on the lookout for an upcoming A/B release in the near future.
Any final words?
Yes! I would like to take a second to thank everyone who’s supported me this year. I’m truly grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given this year and to see the love/support is truly heartwarming. Stay tuned for more music! Love you all <3>
borne FUXWITHIT Guest Mix Tracklist
borne – ID
Alexis B – ID
Phrva – ID
Oddly Godly – ID
HOLLY & REZZ – ID
Lizdek – ID
Fabian Mazur – ID
Overmono – So U kno (longstoryshort unreleased bootleg)
DETRE – ID
Darby – ID
borne – ID
Arya – ID
Rl Grime – Pyho (Oddly Godly unreleased Official Remix)
Doja Cat – Agora Hills (Jukaa unreleased bootleg)
CURE97 – ID ft. NETRUN
Lynzz – ID
NVADRZ – ID
Hackney Parrot (Strobez unreleased flip)
Akeos – ID
33 Below & Daniel Allan – ID
borne – ID
camoufly – ID ft. SHIA
Leondis & BUTLER – ID
