PIGMNT - Ginseng (EP) + 10 Questions

North West London producer PIGMNT returns with Ginseng, a five track EP released through Create Define Release (CDR) as part of its Pathways artist development programme. Drawing on UK Funky, Gqom, Amapiano and tribal house influences, the project blends heavy low end pressure with groove focused club energy.

Each track is inspired by a different medicinal herb, Nettle Root, Ginseng, Suma Root and Ashwagandha, reflecting PIGMNT’s interest in the connection between music and healing. The concept takes inspiration from MF DOOM’s Special Herbs series, reimagined through a distinctly London dance music lens.

Built around rolling percussion, deep sub bass and raw rhythmic intensity, Ginseng moves between high energy dancefloor moments and stripped back, soundsystem focused tracks. PIGMNT describes the EP as an attempt to create a physical, immersive listening experience where the music is felt as much as it is heard.

Closing the release is a remix of “Nettle Root” from UK Funky heavyweight Roska, who delivers a signature blend of swinging drums and infectious basslines.

A fixture in London's underground for the past five years, PIGMNT has previously released music through Sweet Shop, Club Djembe and Funky Adjacent, earning support from artists including Ikonika, Pearson Sound, Scratchclart, Emily Dust and Bok Bok.

Ginseng is out now via CDR's Pathways programme, an initiative supporting emerging electronic music artists through mentorship, funding and long-term development opportunities.

PIGMNT sat diwn with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

It all began with a game called Music 2000. That’s when the music bug really bit me. I actually found the game by accident in the pre owned section, took it home and started messing around with it. I started making little beats and experimenting with sounds, and I’d say that’s probably where everything really started for me.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I would say a big influence on me from a young age would have been The Neptunes, but yeah, sadly that link up will probably never happen for obvious reasons.

So if we’re keeping it UK, I’d probably say the Tribal Brothers. They’ve also been a big influence on me, not just musically, but also in the way they keep that strong African Caribbean energy and identity in their electronic productions.

If we’re talking internationally, I’d say someone like DJ Lag or Que DJ. I think doing some kind of South Africa, UK fusion project would be really sick.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Personally, I don’t like saying too much too early, as things can always change or get postponed. But I will say this, there are a couple international producer link ups in the pipeline which I’m very excited about, so hopefully something great comes from that.

Other than that, I’d definitely like to get one or two more projects out this year on my own imprint Native Moves, but honestly I just want to take my time and create properly. I don’t want to rush things, put rubbish out or burn myself out.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as weighty, forward thinking, unique and fluid. I’d say it has a strong foundation built from UK Funky, but frequently explores different elements and rhythms from across the African diaspora.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I’d say my proudest moment is kind of ongoing in a way. Early on in my journey I got told “no” quite a few times, and I also dealt with a string of beat thefts, which definitely knocked my confidence for a while.

But being able to get back on my feet, continue creating and eventually start releasing my own music independently, which has gone really well, is something I’m genuinely proud of.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

I’d say only do it if you really have to, and by that I mean if you genuinely have that thing inside you where you need to create. I feel like you need that to survive in this industry.

You also need a thick skin and, in this day and age, you need to be able to wear multiple hats. Producing, mixing, visuals, content creation, all of that jazz, because it’s all part of the game now.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

To be 100% honest, I don’t really have any right now. I’ve had my head down for most of this year focusing on this EP, but now it is out, I’m looking forward to updating the usb, enjoying the good weather and hopefully discovering some new artists and producers to add to the collection.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I don’t really listen to albums or playlists like that to be honest. Most of my spare time is still spent working with music in some way, so maybe there’s some kind of reasoning there as to why I’m not a big playlist guy like that.

Usually I’ll just throw on a mix from YouTube or Mixcloud instead to be honest, and lately it’s been a lot of Gqom and Tribal mixes.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

If I’m not making music, I’m probably on YouTube University trying to learn something, or listening to a podcast and trying to pick up some new information. I like learning in general to be honest.

I also try to fit in some gym here and there whenever I can.

10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?

At the beginning of this year, definitely a big packet of sweets. I like to have something to nibble on while I’m in the studio, although I’m trying to switch that up for fruit and be a bit healthier.

Definitely need a big bottle of water too, and my phone is always nearby so if something’s loading or bouncing I can jump on that.

Basically, I need anything I might need around me at arm’s length so I don’t have to keep getting up and breaking the flow.