Our latest Substitute Teachers comes from Seattle-via-Columbus based producer Rumtum, whose beat tapes and collaborative EP with Monster Rally have been some of our favorite releases this year. I shot him a few questions after listening to his mix.

Where does the name Rumtum come from?

It’s like a Native American/tribal name.

Was there a particular track or artist that got you started producing?

The Whitefield Brothers track that is the first song on the mix. That bass is just way to funky for humankind.

What software are you using to create your work?

I tend to use a mix of Ableton, Logic, and Reason. I actually use samplers more then software, I kind of hate producing on a computer. Recently I’ve been recording more instruments and sampling from my own work.

Are there any other beatmakers from Columbus that we need to know about?

Blueprint, RJD2, DJ Self Help, Lab Rats, Monster Rally, AARRMMSS, Moss Point, L E I T, and Loudcloud.

How would you describe the process of working with Monster Rally on your collaborative EP? Will there be any more collaborative projects in the future?

I had been wanting to work with Teddy for awhile so the collaborative EP was a total karma payoff, It was just the time to make an album, and we felt good about it. I don’t recall trying to take any direction in particular, we just let it form whatever it was. Recorded the album and rehearsed at Relay Recording in Columbus, we had this whole giant studio to ourselves. All of the space in the studio really helped the album grow, our sound was more live.

After the album was released we both planned to head out west, we started working on a few songs before moving. Walters Jam & Sunbay Hotel was released as a pre EP. Teddy is now doing good living LA now. He’s actually about to play his first show already. We are planning on playing more shows as well as releasing more music.

You recently relocated to Seattle. How has it been out there? Any projects in the works with local artists or labels?

Seattle is great! There is a really cool scene happening. It’s nice to be able to go see Animal Collective one week and Bonobo the next.

What’s in this mix?

It’s my ModFunk mix, I’ve been labeling a lot of artist and beat producers as “modfunk”. I just feel that hip hop, electronic, beats, Brainfeeder, Warp, Stones Throw, Dilla, and Madlib, they all have this modern day funk to them. It’s what funk has become. This mix is all about being in the pocket, staying with the groove.

Do you have any releases/live shows in the forthcoming months that we can look forward to?

Yeah. Seattle label Crew 932 will be releasing my third beat tape. Gold Robot just released a more dance based 7″, and I’ve got a few other albums and podcast releasing this year as well.

Whitefield Brothers – Joyful Exaltation
J Dilla – Beat CD ’05 #3 Track 9 Untitled
Prefuse 73 – Get ‘Em High
Yesterday’s New Quintet – Play Car
The Stuyvesants – Girl He Ain’t Me
Bullion – Let’s Go Away For Awhile
Flying Lotus – Robo Tussin
The Stuyvesants – Panty Dropper
Bibio – Fire Ant
Jaylib – Raw Shit ft. Talib Kweli
Monster Rally & Rumtum – Coasting
Mr. Scruff – Jusjus
Yesterday’s New Quintet – Uno Esta
Eric Burdon – Don’t Spill The Wine