Since emerging in 2019, LEGATO has woven intricate sonic narratives, blending melodic depth with rhythmic fluidity. Rooted in Birmingham’s rich musical tapestry, his journey has flowed through celebrated imprints like Eton Messy and All Day I Dream, each release a reflection of his evolving artistry. Now navigating the freedom of self-releasing through LabelWorx, LEGATO crafts music with quiet confidence and intention. In this conversation, he opens up about the rhythms of his journey, the silence of recovery after ear surgery, and the meditative process behind his latest single, What If I Told You.
What’s been the biggest challenge for you in carving out a unique voice in electronic music?
Hey Club Map, thanks for having me! Big question to start things off… I don’t really see challenges in carving out my unique voice. I don’t try to chase trends but focus on creating a sound that feels truly authentic to me. I guess it’s about finding a balance between staying fresh and staying true to the music I want to make, and I’m grateful that people are connecting with that. I feel so grateful to be a part of the electronic music world, it’s an incredible place to be filled with so much talent.
What’s your take on how streaming platforms have shaped the way electronic music is discovered and consumed?
Aside from my own artist project, my day job is working in marketing for a record label, so I see firsthand the rapid development of how people consume music, and nothing has hit the industry harder in recent times than streaming. From an A&R perspective, I think streaming has had some negative impact on the creative process. Electronic artists are now making tracks to fit within the time constraints of the playlist model, or chopping their “original” or “extended” mixes to a more streaming friendly version, as opposed to the other way round. Sometimes a track needs its 8 minutes to build, grow and breathe, and that can’t be achieved in 3 minutes. On the other hand, music discovery has never been better. The algorithms built into Spotify, Apple Music etc. are excellent, and I’ve discovered so much music I otherwise wouldn’t have.
How do you balance making tracks that resonate on a personal level with ones that work well in a club setting?
It’s about finding that sweet spot between staying true to what I’m feeling and creating something that hits on the dancefloor too. I want my music to resonate with listeners on a personal level, but also have that energy that gets you moving. If I can nail both, I know it’s working.
Are there any lesser-known artists or producers you think are really pushing boundaries right now?
I’ve always got my ear to the ground, and there’s some amazing artists on the rise. I’ve been listening to a lot of ATRIP, dan.be and berlioz over the past few months.
What drew you to electronic music in the first place, and how has your relationship with the genre changed over time?
I grew up playing classical music. I was involved with Orchestras from a young age playing viola. That shaped my love for music, not only playing but creating. My world changed when I discovered drum and bass when I was about 16. From there dubstep became the obsession through my 20s and University era, and then I moved into house and techno and its subgenres into my late 20s into 30s. I still have a massive love for all this music. I think having a broad sound palette only benefits my own experiences in making music.
What role does live performance play in your music? Are your tracks shaped by how they’ll sound in front of a crowd?
A big aspiration of mine is to eventually take my music into a live performance setting – keyboards, samplers, drum machines, the like. I also absolutely adore DJing, something I want to do a lot more in 2025 and beyond. I love the freedom DJing gives you, particularly when you have the opportunity to play longer sets and move between styles and genres. Agents, hit me!
What If I Told You has a really hypnotic groove. How important is rhythm and repetition in your music, and how do you keep it fresh?
It’s all about finding that emotional core first for me. I start with a feeling or idea, then find the right sample or chords to match it. From there, I build the groove and expand it into the track and its structure. I’m focused on creating something that pulls the listener in while keeping the energy and rhythm driving forward.
The textures in your productions are so vivid. Do you find inspiration in specific environments or places, like cities or nature?
Absolutely. A lot of my inspiration comes from the places I’ve been and the experiences tied to them. There’s a lot to draw on from the world around us. Whether it’s the buzz of a crowded city of the calm of nature, I try to channel that energy into my music. I also get a lot of influence from visuals – art, tv and film play a big role in shaping the sound of a track.
With electronic music constantly evolving, how do you approach staying innovative without losing your identity?
As I mentioned earlier, I don’t really follow trends – I just focus on creating music that feels true to me. It’s about finding that balance between staying fresh and staying authentic. My style is always evolving, and that’s part of the process as I continue to build my catalogue. Sometimes I’ll look back at tracks I made in years gone by and compare them to what I’m making now. It’s like a personal musical timeline.
If you could play What If I Told You in any setting, from a festival to an intimate club, where would feel the most perfect for it?
I feel like What If I Told You sits comfortably between personal listening spaces and the club. I hope people can connect with it on a personal level, but I also love the idea of it coming to life in a club.
Thanks for having me!
