Liverpool DJ/artist Mentis thas teamed up with vocalist Kate Wild for his debut single Excuses on Columbia Records UK.
Featuring spaced out vocals, thumping kicks and a catchy M1 synth top line, reminiscent of classic 90s house anthems, Excuses has already found itself on summer playlists streaming more than 5.1 million times worldwide in the past few weeks. The track which is currently climbing the charts, features vocals from Kate Wild, who has previously been featured on tracks by ShiftK3y, Hot Since 82, Luciano & Low Steppa.
Mentis initially caught the attention of Liverpool based record label & management company Sinister Sounds who have broken some of the best up-and-coming artists within the industry, including Mentis, Anto, Ben Rainey, Bissett, ESSEL & Lyle M.
Mentis says, of the track: “As a born & bred Liverpool lad who went to school in Kirkdale and spent many a night clubbing in Cream nightclub, it has been amazing to see the lyrics to ‘Excuses’ blown up huge and plastered across the city in the past few weeks. It feels great to finally get this single out there properly and to hear it all over the radio already – the support has been unbelievable”
Here, Mentis reveals his music inspirations to Andy Howells.
What was the first song that made an impact on you?
I’d probably say it was a mixture of both ‘Levels’ by Avicii and ‘Leave The World Behind You’ by Swedish House Mafia – two of the biggest, most inspiring house tracks that were blasted all over Ibiza back in the day.
What was the first single or download you bought?
(My) first single wasn’t a download, which might give my age away a bit (ha ha). Pretty sure my first buy will have been on a tape! I can’t remember buying a single specifically, but I used to get tapes off my older brother of live sets in the big clubs in Liverpool at the time (051, Cream, Paradox). If I had to pick one track as a standout it would be Camisra – ‘Let Me Show You’. Still love it now!
What was the first album you owned?
I’m not sure if it was my first ever album, but the one that springs to mind is Dr Dre – ‘Dre 2001’. What an album! I didn’t buy a lot of dance albums back then because I’d always listen to mixes or live sets as I said earlier, but I’d buy an awful lot of hip-hop albums… Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Ice Cube, Ja Rule, etc. My little CD rack (remember them?) was full of them!
What’s your constant go to track?
For me to listen to personally I’d have to say Crystal Waters – ‘Gypsy Woman’. Timeless classic, no matter how I’m feeling that track will lift my mood. Something about it makes me think about good times in the sun!
What’s your constant go to album?
Difficult one! Honestly, I tend to make playlists and listen to them which will be a bit of a mix of stuff… I have a load of house music playlists, some hip-hop, UK hip-hop & grime, few golden oldies like Motown (ha ha). If I had to pick a specific album that I put on a lot it’d have to be Dizzee Rascal – ‘Boy In Da Corner’. Monster of an album.
Who’s your latest music discovery?
Wouldn’t be right if I didn’t plug my good mates here (ha ha!) – have a listen to Nightlapse. The stuff they’re making is incredible. They’ve just had one out with Hayley May called ‘Sweet Love’ which I can’t turn off, absolutely love it. They’ve also got some real euphoric stuff ready at the min which I’m excited for them to release. Keep an eye out for them…
What’s your own track that best defines you as an artist?
I’m quite early on in my career so don’t have a great deal out there yet! So, I’d have to say ‘Excuses’ – uplifting, energetic, great vocal (Kate Wild is brilliant), with a bit of an old school vibe.
What’s the track that best defines you as a person?
Wow, what a question (ha ha)! Feel like I need time to answer this one… It really depends what mood I’m in! If you saw my music collection, you’d understand why this is so difficult (ha ha).
I’ll go with Ja Rule & Ashanti – ‘Always On Time’… Just because it’ll wind up anyone who knows me (ha ha – I’m late for everything!)