Over the past year SBTRKT production work has really come to the fore. A steady flow of releases, both solo and collaboration projects, has seen him develop into one of the most promising producers in the ever more indefinable underground dubstep/garage/house scene. Him wonderful music is just as intriguing as the African tribal masks he decides to wear when playing live or djing. This combined with the fact very few actually know who the producer is attributes him a sense of mystery, an aspect which his productions complement. Think of the composition of ‘Evening Glow’, a track which takes you along an incredible journey of which you never know the destination, unpredictability abound. This is further shown in how SBTRKT’s releases have varied in styles and tempos, alternating between deep house, smooth 2-step influenced cuts to more techno inspired sounds.
We expect his next release ‘Step In Shadows’ EP, up-coming on Young Turks in November, to be just as unique as his previous work, differing from what he has created before. If the title track is anything to go by, this could be his strongest release to date. A luscious 2-step beat pounds alongside a forever driving bassline, punctuated brilliantly fuzzy synth lines and intricate percussive layers that provide a nice contrast to the smooth and crisp beat. ‘Step in Shadows’ will no doubt be a dancefloor killer, yet the three further tracks remain unknown at this point.
We managed to get in touch with SBTRKT to discuss what we can expect from ‘Step In Shadows’ EP, as well as his rise to success over the past year and where he finds such fantastically crafted masks. You can read the interview below.
Hi SBTRKT. Could you quickly introduce yourself for the unitiated?
SBTRKT is a musician/producer who creates music primarily in the electronic domain for people to dance or nod their heads to.
It’s been a successful year for you in terms of releases. Are you happy with how the past year has turned out?
I’m really grateful for the reception the music has recieved over the last year. From music fans to dj’s and other artists, it’s great to hear people react in a positive way to something that you’ve put your heart into. I’ve just continued writing and tend to ignore what other people expect of me. I’m attempting to better my productions release by release and follow my own path. I think that’s key to keeping creative. I’ve written a lot this year, and I’m really looking forward to people hearing it.
Your new EP ‘Step In Shadows’ is due for release on 1st November on Young Turks. Can you tell us a little bit about the EP; what sort of sound should we expect to hear?
It’s a varied selection of tracks, although all of them tell stories of their own. The titles are generally my window into where I thought they fitted when writing them! They definitely conjure a mood collectively though – music that appears from the shadows and gradually seeps out into the light! ‘Look At Stars’ features my long term collaborator Sampah on vocals referencing my love of UR & Metro Area records. ‘Step In Shadows’ is a bit more routed in the 2-step scene. ‘Hide Or Seek’ is just a long sub-aquatic journey. ‘Colonise’ is an instrumental version of a track that got a lot of support from Gilles, Annie Mac, Mistajam amongst others.
Your past releases seen to vary in terms of style and tempos. How would you describe your sound, or do you dismiss having one?
I thinks it’s fair to say I don’t fit in a distinct genre umbrella. You could probably box things up if you wished too, but it wouldn’t really have a point. The underlying theme is that I try to build a picture with my sounds, whether they are spacey, atmospheric tracks or club tempo defined ones. If you can build a story in your mind when you listen to the music I feel like making the track was worthwhile, rather than just liking or disliking it! Too much dance music is built wihtout emotion and is just sequenced with the limited skills the producer has. My favourite musicians always managed to stir some hidden message.
One element I have noticed and enjoyed in quite a few of your tracks in the presence of a 2-step/garage beat. Is the garage/2-step sound of the mid-late 90s something which influences your work?
Yes. US Garage and then UK Garage were large influences on my sound. Not so directly anymore, in such I wouldn’t blindly copy the staple patterns, chords and arrangements. But the vibe and feeling those tracks produced is still present in some part of my brain. An intangible link to some hazzy summer London nights.
Can you tell us why you decide to wear tribal style masks during live performances? They’re extrmely cool, do you have someone who designs them for you?
The decision to wear them wasn’t so much seperate from the process of creating the music. It’s about bringing out a persona that befits the music. In African socities masks were used in religious and social events representing spirits and ancestors. They come to life, enhanced by music and atmosphere of the occassion. I base it around the sentiment that SBTRKT is about the musical identity hence the mask bringing that to life, rather than who’s behind it. I work alongside a designer named Hidden Place who interprets each release I make with visuals.
Finally, do you have any future releases we should look out for after ‘Step In Shadows’, and any DJ sets or live performances people can catch you at soon?
Aside from an album I’ve completed for release next year (label yet to be announced)… I’ve a track featuring on Modeselektors forthcoming compilation ‘Modeselektion Vol.1′. The track is called ‘The Unspoken’. I also have a collaboration with Jamie Ware for the label Numbers. The track for them is called ‘Nervous’ and the b-side is ‘Fright’.
14th oct – SBTRKT (Live)- supporting Metronomy @ Barbican, London
22 oct – SBTRKT (DJ) – Trouble Vision , Corsica Studios, London
30 oct – SBTRKT (DJ) – Haunted House, Hardfest , Los Angeles
11th dec – SBTRKT (LIVE) – Modeselektion @ WHP, Manchester
No Comments