Eric Lau is creating a new definition for the producer in today’s industry. With his first major release, New Territories, the British-born beat junkie is showing that he is on his way to the top.  Lau, though fairly new to the game, is definitely going to be one of those peeps you name-drop. Separated by gallons of ocean, I recently spoke with Lau about his newfound success, growing as a producer, and why there will never be another Dilla.

How is the music scene different in the UK compared to the States?

The UK is obviously a lot smaller so there are less supporters of music than in the US, especially for independent music. I feel the mentality is very different over in the UK, in terms of work ethic and competition. In the States you have so many more people competing that it makes people hustle and step up their game up more. Over in the UK there is a scene, however we are far less direct in our hustle. That’s just British people; we are more reserved and less hype, which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of folks below the radar on the album; who would you like to work with in the future?

God willing, Jay Electronica—I really wanna help him save rap in some way. Muhsinah—she has such great energy, would love to be part of that. Erykah Badu—she has been setting such a great example for hip-hop and for me personally. I would love to shape something for her one day. Bilal. D’Angelo, Elzhi Eska, Heidi Vogal, Annabel. Fatima Szjerdene, Joy Silva.

You have a similar style to Dilla and Sa-Ra; have you ever worked with them in the past, or is it just a coincidence?

I haven’t worked with Sa-Ra yet but I’m definitely open…I feel that if you are to achieve greatness then you start out by looking at the best; Kobe Bryant I’m sure studied Michael Jordan’s game and took some elements, same with Magic Johnson. After a while he [Kobe] has come into his own and has his own signature style. The main fundamentals are there but his interpretation of a fade-away jump shot is obviously different to Jordan’s. I’m sure me and a lot of other producers would say Dilla set the bar. Once we master the fundamentals then maybe we can take things to a level near him. 

Dilla has recently gained a large following due to his untimely death.  In terms of success, Does Eric Lau want to be the Dilla of the UK?

There will never be another Dilla like there will never be another James Brown or Marvin Gaye. However, after James Brown, there was Prince and after Marvin there was D’Angelo. I am definitely inspired by what Dilla did. His music, the way he carried himself and his work ethic. So in terms of being the Dilla of the UK, I will never be. The one thing that I want to do is try and get a Dilla-like work ethic so I can become the best I can be. Same as Madlib, Pete Rock, Premier and 9th Wonder. I want to be doing that.

For more visit: http://www.myspace.com/ericlaumusic