7XINS
DJ | Producer | Sound Engineer
7XINS is a live artist, producer, sound engineer and lighting technician who has worked in clubs all over London and is now a core member of the close-knit FOLD crew in Canning Town. Along with Voicedrone and James Newmarch, Ben aka 7XINS can be found working in the club almost every weekend. Ben is now a FOLD resident and plays live sets, something which has been a long time coming considering his abundance of knowledge on the intricacies of sound and experimenting with everything from standard to obscure hardware.
The below photo was taken at Unfold which is FOLD’s in-house Sunday morning party. The booking policy is strictly is local talent only - very occasionally a headliner from the night before joins the bill (Karenn and Anastasia Kristensen have played at the event). If you have been to Unfold before, you’ll know that no one is on their phones the party is not about looking cool. There’s a no-photo rule but a friend of Ben’s very sneakily took this picture which has emerged from the ether…
Where was this photo taken and why did you pick it?
This photo was taken during my set at FOLD's in house event, Unfold 007.
The reason I chose this particular photo is because Unfold has become such an important event for techno in London for so many people, myself being one of them. It is really hard to describe the vibe there, it has this really strong sense of community and the love people show for each other when inside is incredible. Our friends and people we know or regulars we have got to know through events at FOLD make up probably half of the crowd, but every Unfold that happens attracts a lot of new faces too. You can pretty much tell when it’s peoples first time just from the shock and sheer joy on the faces when they feel the atmosphere. This particular day was personally very special for me having a prime time slot on the bill with some of my favourite artists, at a place I can now call home surrounded by so many friends. It really was a day and set I will never forget. Everything went absolutely perfectly and the energy was just incredible. The place was rocking, there were people grabbing me from behind and all sorts whilst I was performing - it was crazy. Being down there performing in amongst the crowd in a full venue really gives a much stronger connection with what's going on and the dancers love it even more too. So yeah this was a particularly special one for me and one that I don't think it will be possible to top ever. I will always cherish this one for sure, especially looking back at it in the times we are facing now...
What are you listening to at the moment if you’re working from home? Or has the pandemic left you temporarily jobless?
The Coronavirus pandemic has left us all pretty shocked I am sure. Personally my whole line of work has been cancelled and put on hold, just like many other people I know. All the crew at FOLD (myself included) are just trying to keep ourselves busy (shoutout to Lasha for holding everyone together in this tough time). We have no idea when things are going to be able to continue so for now, I’m concentrating on finishing new music and perhaps brainstorming new ideas for when things get back to normal. It's obviously really tough having lost all our work including the European and local gigs we all had scheduled, but we are trying to keep things as positive as possible and remind ourselves we are all in this together.
At the moment I have been listening to this ambient compilation by Rrose and Silent Servant.
One particular track I also cannot get enough of at the moment from this compilation is 'Function - Zahlensender (ssb)’.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, do you have a go-to track or style of music that significantly lifts your spirits?
Yes this happens to me a lot. I like to listen to ambient and downtempo stuff in my own time and especially when I am feeling anxious and stressed out. I have two particular tracks that help soothe me really well when times get tough. ‘Skee Mask - 50 Euro To Brake Boost’ is one of them, this track always calms me and brings me back to the level. Holds some amazing memories for me and it's super relaxing too. It’s beautiful.
Secondly is ‘Answer Code Request - Ab Intus’. Another soother that has so much texture with a strong sense of depth and atmosphere.
How do you intend on celebrating once we’re out the other side?
We are really lucky as we have a small group who are in isolation together. Whilst a few of us are together, we are definitely so looking forward to being with our huge extended family again and particularly the next Unfold event where we can definitely be sure we will all be celebrating together getting through this tough time! That will be some rave!
Any tips on how to look after your mind and body during this slightly stressful time?
I am probably the worst person to ask on this but I will answer in the best way I can. I suffer really badly with an anxiety and a depressive disorder and I used to fight against my feelings a lot. These days I tend to just embrace my feelings instead whether it be sadness, anxiety or frustration or any other kind of feeling I may have. I try to just accept that I am feeling the way I am and I go and take some time out by doing whatever makes me feel comfortable. For me it's going to write music, chill and listen to music or read. These things help me even in the worst situations. Do something you love if your situation allows you. Also don't do what I have had a tendency for doing; isolate away from your friends (I have been terrible for this). You can still call them, they are still there. They will always help as much as they can. My thoughts go out to anyone feeling alone in this shit situation.
All of 7XINS’s live recordings from FOLD are available here and follow him below: