Congrats on the new single ‘Weakness’! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single? What message or vibe did you want to convey with this track?
Thank you, I rarely go into the studio with an idea already in place but this time around I wanted to make something that reflects the sounds that inspired me growing up. House & Garage music played a big part in my upbringing, so I tried to combine elements of both genres in this record. This is going to sound so cliché but I wrote the top line about Music being my weakness. Everyone has as weakness, whether it’s a person, foods, environments, smells, sounds etc. For me, certain records just hit the spot and no matter how much I’ve listened to them, they still have the same effect on me.
O Beach Music launched in June and is now releasing Weakness. Can you tell us more about your history with the iconic venue and the story of releasing the single with them?
I’ve had the privilege of playing O Beach in Ibiza a few times now and it’s always been amazing. They have well and truly cornered the market for the daytime party scene in Ibiza. I have also known some of the O Beach team for many years and when they approached me about material for the label, I had a few tracks in my catalogue that instantly came to mind. Weakness felt like the perfect fit and I’m so happy the label agreed.
Since Tough Love transitioned from a duo to a solo act, how has your creative process or musical direction changed, if at all?
Not many people know this, but my history in music stems much further back then Tough Love. I had a solo career touring as a DJ and producer under different alias’s and genres. Myself and Alex still have a fantastic relationship and work together in other fields but I suppose the sound would probably tilt a bit more towards the genres that I grew up on. I want to make music I like and feel happy playing in live shows. We were guilty in the past of making stuff for others that didn’t truly reflect what we wanted as an act, so I suppose I feel a bit more pressure when releasing as the creativity and final decision now falls at my feet. I’m just having fun and experimenting at the moment.
You’ve had highlights this year having collaborations with artists like MJ Ultra and Nate James. How do you choose collaborators and what is your usual process?
The industry can be really difficult to navigate and a lot of people are super strategic in their thinking when it comes to collabs. Mostly to try and benefit themselves or piggy back another artist with a bigger following. For me, If the vibe is right and we create something great together then there’s no reason for it to sit on a hard drive no matter what level of the industry the artist is sitting in. I want to work with people I like and get on with. There is some fantastic talent out there that deserves to be heard.
What shows do you have coming up to share with our readers?
On Nov 2nd I’m playing at Egg in London for a new party called Friction, then towards the end of November I should be over with the O Beach team in Dubai. Nov 29th I’m doing a special 360 booth show in London at Basing House, then Headlining the new white studio at E1 London for The Night Is Calling on DEC 14th. Then onto the Christmas and NYE celebrations with shows to be confirmed.
What were your early inspirations that helped you decide to make electronic music?
I started DJing pretty young. At 13 I had my first set of belt driven turntables and pirate radio was the go-to source for new music. House and garage dominated the airwaves and that’s where I found my love for electronic music. DJing naturally progressed into music production and the rest is history.
What are your musical influences from childhood?
I’m from an Irish household but grew up in West London on such an eclectic mix of music from rock, pop, soul, reggae, Motown and more. Jungle, Rnb, Hip-Hop, house & garage were my preferred genres going through my teen years and probably had the most influence in my musical taste to date.
What do you do when equipment goes on strike?
Hahaha I think I’ve experienced every musical mishap this industry has to offer and one thing I’ve learned, there is almost always a solution. It might not be perfect but it’s the cards that have been dealt so you just have to roll with it. If that means whole system shuts down, best believe the crowd will be doing karaoke until that system comes back on.
How do you handle music requests?
I don’t mind requests. It doesn’t mean I’m going to play what’s been requested though. Sometimes you get a reasonable one and most of the time it’s completely bonkers but ill usually smile and politely decline if the request isn’t right.
Is it even possible to argue about musical tastes?
Music is a matter of personal preference, so arguing about musical tastes is a complete waste of time. I’ll just do me and keep things moving.
Which track would run when you moved into your boxing match?
Lethal B – Pow, or Tempah T – Next Hype. Both tracks will make you want to fight your nan haha.
Describes your sound to someone who has never heard it before.
I try not to pigeon hole the sound into sub genres such as tech or deep etc. I play and make house music. It’s such a broad category. Each set is different, each track is different. When playing live there may be some older material, there may be some brand-new material but no matter what I’ll try my best to bring the best possible vibe I can. If I was forced to create a term then it would most likely be the bumpier side of house music.
Do you have any good tour stories from clubs or festivals?
Hahaha I could make a Netflix series of them. I’ve had an insane journey so far but as the old saying goes, what happens on tour stays on tour.
What would you do if you weren’t a musician?
I went to university in London and studied sport science, played a decent level of football growing up and would most likely work within the sport and fitness industry but I have such a love for creating things. I like to use my hands, I love to draw, design and generally understand how things work.
Which style of music should have the most followers? And why?
House music. It’s a universal sound. There’s so many sub genres and influences across the globe. People always want to dance and it’s a tried and tested genre that has stood the test of time.
What is the most important musical equipment invention of all time – and why?
What a great question. For me it would probably be the piano. I know the flute is considered the oldest known musical instrument but for me there is something magical when hearing a piano played live. It’s such a beautiful sound and can evoke so many emotions.
What would you advise to become a professional?
Work Hard. I think this resonates in every professional field. The harder you work, the more opportunities you create for yourself.
