Artist Profile – Ark-Hive (4th Sun Alliance) – (UK)

Ark-Hive first fell in love with the ambient, ethereal sounds that would drift through theatres, paired with strange and unique lighting. That was back when everything was still normal. That fascination, combined with habits of tinkering with old machinery and listening closely to the curious noises made by forgotten artifacts, led to the discovery and recording of audible patterns and rhythms. What began as a personal curiosity gradually evolved into something resembling synthwave, then techno and drum and bass.

Driven by this passion, Ark-Hive eventually found the rare opportunity to re-create and reintroduce music once thought lost to the old world – sounds that would otherwise remain buried and forgotten. It seems that the long-abandoned Silver City Archives (SCA) serves as their unofficial residence. Rumoured to hold a trove of confiscated creative works from the bygone eras, it has become both sanctuary and studio.

Within these ruins, Ark-Hive sifts through banks of decaying data and forbidden histories, focusing primarily on unearthing and re-publishing styles rooted in old-world electronic music. Yet the frequent broadcasts from the SCA are far from confined to these dusty files. Re-imagined and reinterpreted versions of the classic sounds continue to emerge, along with entirely new hybrids born from them.

The main setup responsible is modest, but effective. Three mismatched salvaged belt-drive turntables – KAM BDX100, Ministry of Sound MOSTT1000, and Stanton T.52, complete with Gemini and Concord needles, allow for blending old vinyl.

A Numark Party Mix MKII DJ controller handles digital mixing. Audio is pumped through Mackie CR4X monitors paired with a CR8-SBT subwoofer. A Shure SM58 mic is used for dynamic vocals, while a Fender Squier Strat electric guitar and Harlem 4 Bass provide analogue textures. Everything runs through a humble AMD processor and a curved Samsung monitor.

The SCA label itself emerged organically through Ark-Hive’s rediscovery of music hidden deep within the data vaults of its namesake. The label is dedicated exclusively to works recovered and reissued by Ark-Hive, who demands that full credit is given to the long-lost original creators of each piece.

Current artists featured under Ark-Hive’s SCA banner include:

Pain Palace

Apocalypse Party

4^th Sun Alliance

Goryeo Joseon Survival Club

The Divine Underground

Sub-Levels Night Cafe

FREE DOWNLOAD LINK!!

This mysterious figure of a man first approached me via digital means some time ago. Maybe even a couple of Eons, and I kept the name on the back burner, tucked away nicely for a future endevour. 

That endevour was INSIDE DNB MUSIC, the cherry on the top of the inter galactic masterplan, and something I’ve dreamed of since the age of 18. Maybe even before. And that DOES seem like Eons ago!

Anyway, after much conversing and some idea swapping, we came up with the idea of sharing this gut crunching piece of post modern, break driven tech step with the world. Stopping off for a spot of deep spatial manipulation with James from Sola, and coming back out with something crisp and powerful, we proudly offer you INSIDE DNB MUSIC #02, the second of a set of four FREE DOWNLOADS to help set the tone of the INSIDE DNB MUSIC project, and to let the world know that we are not afraid to (and never will be) share music that is passionate and non-conformist as well as in-line and current. 

So what about the man (or is it half man/half machine?) that takes up the physical space occupied by Ark-Hive? Naturally, we wanted to know a little bit about the creature behind the concept!

I love your take on what is real, and the actual concept of realism. I mean, what is YOUR actual concept of the word REAL?

Good question. For me it’s like this… “I” seem to be present, talking to “you”. But what is that? Does that exist elsewhere, or just here, for you and me – and am I me and you really you? Or are we the same? Who says?
Reality isn’t a single thing, but a delicate balance between what seems to be, what we feel, and what we agree to believe. It’s a tapestry woven from chaos and patterns, shaped by observations and bound by invisible rules.
I am sure I’ve died a thousand times. Countless times. But I have no recollection of such, at least not just yet. And so, whatever I’m experiencing now, is real only in that sense – that I am experiencing something.

I once had a tremendous journey, aided by “an altered state of consciousness”. I journeyed for no less than a thousand years. Truly. And when I came “back” I saw strange things such as a stream of water turning to brick. The brickwork still exists today. You might say “it was always there” and I would say “I saw it made”. Because of these valid differences in experience, I believe it’s important for us to be kind to ourselves and to each other and to respect what we each believe to be “real”, because the common idea of a shared reality is not so common for all.

You have a deep love (like many of us reading this) of discovering music. Tell us a bit about the depth and range of the music you listen too, and what a typical journey through a genre looks like?

Music has been my escape through the darkest of times and the number one method I’ve learned to express myself, whatever that “self” is. Without music I really cannot imagine what this experience would be like. It’s impossible for me to hear anything without some pattern. I first learned this when running one time when I was completely out of breath, entirely drained. My footsteps echoed around me and my heartbeat thumped in my head. 

It was there that I discovered the power of trance-like shamanic drumbeats and how patterns in nature can evoke a tremendous energy in us animals that we might otherwise never learn to appreciate. I hear these beats at the core of most music, which is why I can appreciate any style, with maximum respect to the energy given out by the producer. If a piece of music is without a beat, I imagine one filling that space, almost like the music is communicating with me.

You’re also a fan of non-fiction mystical texts. Being based in Wales, I have discovered much about the Mabinogion, but there are presumably works like this from all over the world spanning the annals of time. Is this the type of thing you mean?

Wow, yes. The Mabinogion. I know of this ancient treasure and am equally fascinated by it as I am with many others concerning similar topics covered within. I have always been drawn towards the ancient tales of us, who we are and where we came from, and I believe there are a lot of truths shrouded in mystery in such books. Wales is such a remarkable place too, often regarded as the last of the true Britons, as far as I understand. Their unrivalled magic and wisdom have held my attention for longer than I can recall.

I feel a strong and strange affinity there. Of equal interest to me, without mentioning the much deeper and darker texts on my bookshelves, are the Vedas and other religious texts. Again, I feel there are truths hidden within, misunderstood and lost to ego over time. 

The cold weather is something you enjoy. I’m with you on this one, provided I’m well wrapped up of course. There is something incredibly refreshing about it, and life affirming. I thought the Wim Hof work, while jazzed up for the TV, was really inspirational. Are we likely to see you in a cold bath in the great outdoors this winter? 

Wrapped up is good. We should enjoy what we want to how we feel most comfortable. And yes, I agree. The core teachings of WH are incredible but far older than we give credit for today. I suppose TV must try and make these things attractive to gain traction.

For me though, the simplicity of icy wind, icy water piercing my skin like daggers reminds me that I’m alive and that everything is working well and beyond. The natural high I derive from being so close to this strange state of discomfort is invigorating for me, and I spend as much time there as I can.

Clearly an outdoors person, you have enjoyed the pleasure of witnessing both wild dogs and crocodiles in the flesh. The animal kingdom really is remarkable, and yet so few of us have really experienced it first hand for any length of time, and that’s probably a good thing, given the mess we’re making of the animal world?

Yes, we have butchered this planet, and we do not only continue in secret, ashamed, but we do so instead with a proud, strange smile. We are creatures of comfort, and our survival instinct is incredibly strong. Too strong.

We are driven to wipe everything out to be the last ones standing, not realising that without everything else, we cannot possibly stand for too long. You’re right. It’s a good idea that we try to leave this poor place alone whilst its existence hangs by a thread. Kind and careful seems not to be our default setting.

Fire also hold much fascination for you. Coming from a dystopian nether world, you’ve probably become quite accustomed to it, but really, it is one of the most fascinating chemical reactions planet earth has given us. Much like waves in the ocean, no two wave formations are the same. Not to mention the sheer beauty in those destructive, dancing shapes?

I agree with you. Many will find that they can stare at the licks of fire for hours. In my earlier years, I was constantly evading superiors who would chase me down after I lit another huge growling fire. I couldn’t stop. I found the whole thing very beautiful. How could something so weightless, so bright and pretty turn things so dark, twisted, until completely destroyed?

I’m much more restrained now – older and wiser. Still, a sensible fire in an incinerator in the yard I’m ok with, and this is one of my favourite pastimes, seeing chemicals come to life which otherwise are invisible.

Inner confidence and the true belief in self worth is a tragically painful experience for many of us. The modern world has spawned some deeply destructive habits in the mind of human kind hasn’t it?

Yes, it has. I wish everyone could see themselves for the beautiful, powerful beings that they are. I’ve seen and understood things about us that I wish we all knew. But I know that realisation comes when it’s ready, and these things ought not to be rushed – no matter how painful the waiting might be.

I agree, and yet so many of us are missing out on the sheer beauty of simply being TRULY ALIVE. What kind of habits or rituals do you incorporate into your daily practice to combat these modern demons?

A great question, thank you. Firstly, I imagine I am the only one who exists on this planet. Which isn’t difficult, since I believe everyone else is a manifestation, a projection of my thoughts. What this affords me is the ability to compare myself not to other humans, but to the backdrop of nature only. “Can I climb this tree?” No, I cannot, and therefore I need more strength, more muscle, more technique. “Can I fit through this gap, to explore what is beyond?” No, then perhaps I need to reduce my size, because until then, I am trapped. You see, by acknowledging myself to be the only one here, the only human I am to compare myself to, everything is simpler. And for me, simplicity in life is key.

Also, if the air quality about you is manageable, get outside. If not, get a breathing aid. It seems trivial, but by simply getting outside or opening the windows even, you expand your world. Confinement to our quarters is self-imprisonment. If you are free, remind yourself you are. Prove it. Demons like to prey on those backed into a corner.

You cite a lack of interest in much of modern society to help change the plight of the planet as a major concern. I think most of our readers would agree with you, but sadly, many don’t?

The uncleanliness of the air is poisonous, and this is no accident. Same for the toxic seas and the many other struggles this world faces. I fear that humankind is the only one that can fix it currently. What I fear more is the lack of interest to do so.

We are so fixated on our own abundance in survival. To survive together would be enough. But we seem to feel the need to survive and then some. To have “all I can fit in my arms” even if it means that others have less. The problem is that we see the human species not as it is, one, but as divided into many pieces. We imagine that we are all separate and rivalling each other. This is the most tragic self-borne illusion of all, and because of our innate strength, ingenuity and competitiveness, it will be our ultimate downfall.

I can see that you are a big advocate of self care, but also believe that to genuinely care outwardly, one must care for ones self inwardly? Tell us more?

Being kind is easy. Much easier than it seems. But it starts inside. If one can’t love and nurture themselves, they will never know what it truly means to do that for another, and I believe this is the root of many of the biggest issues in this world. Clean your face after a hard day. Clean your toes, which carry you miles without question. Respect yourself as holy, because without everything that comes together to form you nothing else could exist. This will breed in you an energy of care that others will benefit from, without fail.

This is all well and good if you have the confidence to project though right?

Yes, but we should remember that confidence is a concept. Everyone is their own author. Once upon a time I was extremely shy, and it ruined many opportunities for me. I realise now that certain things needed to happen for my character to build – so I don’t regret those moments, but the confidence I have painstakingly developed over time, to believe myself, and in what I love gives me more power than I ever imagined. Find yours if you haven’t yet. Whatever it takes.

We’re all the same. We all enter the same way, and we all exit in a similar fashion. Everyone has ups and downs. Currency means nothing.
Be kind if you can, love, care, forgive – do what you want – but let it be something you can smile about at the end.

If this becomes your focus, you will grow an armour about you where the negativity of the world about you will bounce off. In time, you will realise that you’ve always had the skills, the equipment, the power and everything else you need to “be” whoever you want to be. Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to nature, and ask “how am I proving today that I’m truly alive?”. With this approach, take each day as it comes, appreciating each moment fully, not wishing it away looking to tomorrow – and in time you’ll look back and say “ah – I did it. I’m here.”

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