Exron Exclusive Interview: QRTR

After a massively successful year in 2021, rising talent QRTR reflects on a year of milestones. With the release of her sophomore album, ‘infina ad nausea’, the Brooklyn-based producer further defined her studio prowess with her carefully crafted soundscapes. Each of the tracks showcase QRTR’s keen ability to transcend genre lines and her ecletic versatility shines throughout the album. ‘infina ad nausea’ serves as a follow up to her debut album, ‘Drenched’, which was released in 2020. 

Preparing to release a slew of remixes for the album, QRTR has just revealed the first remix from UK-based producer Breaka. Lending a wavy drum and bass feel to the single, “Want Me 2”, Breaka’s rendition allow the listener to experience the original in a reimagined light. Full of uplifting energy, Breaka uses his remix capabilities to add his own flair to the track.

 2021 saw QRTR release her second album, sign with UTA, and play her first major music festival. Proving to be on a hot streak, QRTR’s upcoming remixes for ‘infina ad nausea’ promise to enchance her sophomore project as she positions herself as an artist to watch next year. The promising producer is also gearing up for a performance at the coveted Electric Forest during festival season in 2022. 

Catch up with all things QRTR and stream Breaka’s remix of “Want Me 2” below! 

Exron Music: Congrats on a successful year in 2021! What was your biggest accomplishment this year?

QRTR: Although I’ve hit a few major milestones this year, I am definitely most proud of releasing my second album, infina ad nausea. Runners up include getting Pitchfork love, signing with UTA and playing my first major music festival!

Exron Music: You just revealed the Breaka remix of your album single “Want Me 2”. Why do you think it’s important to have remixes as part of your discography in addition to your original work?

QRTR: Breaka’s remix of “Want Me 2” is actually the first part of a pretty insane rollout of remixes for the album. I am lucky enough to have over a dozen artists that I admire remixing various tracks from infina ad nausea, and we have some really cool plans for how we intend to release everything over the next few months. I’ve discovered a love for collaboration while working on this second album, and the remixes feel like an organic extension to the process of writing music with other people. It’s amazing to see how these artists interpret and reimagine my music, and it’s a great opportunity to expand the sonic world of infina as nausea.

Exron Music: You released your sophomore album ‘infina ad nausea’ on Dome of Doom earlier this year – can you describe the contrast between this album and your first album, ‘Drenched’. What kind of growth do you feel like you made between the two?

QRTR: My second album infina ad nausea feels like a totally new chapter for me in terms of my growth as not only a producer, but an all around artist. Although I’m proud and happy with my work on Drenched, this latest album feels so much more elevated and well-rounded as a project. It showcases not only how my music has evolved, but how I have grown as a collaborator whether it’s through the features on tracks or the way I worked with my partner Bren Haragan to produce all the visuals and physical packaging of the vinyl. All round I just feel like QRTR has matured sonically through this new phase of music and I’ve just been so excited for the future since this new album dropped.

Exron Music: The album demonstrates your capacity to fuse genre lines. How would you describe your signature sound to a new listener?

QRTR: This is always a funny question to answer because people don’t like to hear “electronica” for an answer, although that seems like the most apt way to describe my music sometimes. For folks who want something less vague, I generally say it’s all centered around house music, but I like to keep it interesting with some deviations into other genres whether it’s in my productions or sets.

Exron Music: Do you have any studio rituals when creating new music? When do you typically find yourself to be the most inspired?

QRTR: If I feel a creative block, the best way to push through is to get my studio super organized, throw on one of my “inspiration” playlists, light some incense and allow myself to just have fun working on some new music. It’s all about setting the scene to get into that flow where nothing matters except executing your vision in that moment. It can take some time to get there, but it’s always worth the effort.

Exron Music: What are your favorite things about the Brooklyn dance music scene?

QRTR: I love producers and DJs in Brooklyn because they aren’t afraid to take risks. Touring this past year has especially shown me just how unique the scene is in Brooklyn because you notice how safe people play it in other cities. There’s nothing more fun than being pleasantly surprised on the dance floor.

Exron Music: What are you looking forward to in the new year? Any upcoming plans you can share with us at this time?

QRTR: I can’t wait for people to hear some of these insane remixes we have in store, and let’s just say we’ve got some exciting bookings in the works for 2022 including a couple music festivals that I’m really stoked for.