Chances are that if you heard Derek Plaslaiko’s name mentioned in the last 15 years or so it was in the context of his internationally renowned DJ sets. These days, however, it seems his focus has shifted towards producing music instead of placing it in context. As an appetizer for his set at The Bunker Unsound Edition 1 on Friday, February 5th, Plaslaiko is giving away his foreboding banger, “The Unforeseen,” which is also his production debut. The tune can also be found on Halcyon’s free Unsound Festival New York Compilation.

Download: Derek Plaslaiko, “The Unforeseen”

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We also had a quick chat with Derek about the tune, how a long DJing career impacts his productions, and his new focus on making music.

How long were you working on “The Unforeseen”?

Derek Plaslaiko: Well, I was asked by Bryan Kasenic if I had a track I could use for the Unsound comp. I told him I could have something for them by Friday. The next morning, I woke up to an email from Shawn from Halcyon saying the deadline was that day! So, I got to work. I think it took me about seven hours with a quick lunch break in there somewhere. It felt done to me, so I submitted it. I think if I had more time, I would have done a few more things to it, but I am really happy with how it came out. Been trying really hard not to obsess over details too much, and just put tracks to bed. It does feel good to say it took me one day, even if it’s not perfect. But, is anything really perfect in production? Maybe, but it’s rare.

What was on your mind as you made it?

Not to sound like too much of a douche, but I was thinking solely about my very recent and extremely sudden breakup with my ex-girlfriend. We can leave it at that, I think.

With a long DJ career under your belt, how did your experience working crowds influence how “The Unforeseen” took shape?

I’ve always been a fan of tracks that just grow and grow. I felt there was quite a bit of tension in it, and it seemed like it was going to work out. I’ve played it out a few times now and have been totally happy with the results.

You told me before that you’d been working on music for some time but had not felt comfortable putting it into the world. What’s changed?

Well, I kinda made the decision a few months ago that I was ready. That there were too many things I wanted to say through my own productions, and now I just feel comfortable putting it out there. I think finishing a few things over the last six months and playing them out have given me more confidence. So, I feel the time is right for me to do it. Some of the feedback I have gotten in the last couple months has been really satisfying, and definitely giving me more confidence in the studio.

Any idea when can we expect your vinyl debut?

I have a collab 12″ with Kate Simko coming out on Introduction Records out of Scotland hopefully in the next few months (the tracks have been done for a bit now). That’s supposed to be the first thing, but who knows, something may end up coming sooner.

Any other releases slated for 2010?

Upon the release of “The Unforeseen,” I got a few offers to do records for a couple different labels. I’m going to work on those right now. Hopefully those pan out. I’m not going to stop with production, though. This is my main focus right now. Hopefully, I will have a few releases out by the end of this year. I’m also considering starting my own label, too. We shall see!