Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I’m coming to music as, what feels like, a bit of an outsider. I never had any formal music schooling, so being a solo bedroom producer, it’s important to ensure things don’t get too echo chamber-y! When I was young, my parents insisted I try to learn piano which, like for a lot of kids, I couldn’t hack the discipline. It always stuck with me though, how much I felt connected to the “sound” of it, more than any other hobby. Fast forward to teenage years and being a band drummer, I really started to feel a strong connection to rhythm and a deeper sound. My favorite music memory is of sneaking into a EDM gig at 16, not really knowing much about the genre, and being absolutely blown away. My friends were mostly there to have a good time, but I felt so inspired that I knew someday I’d love to be able to produce the same. I’ve been obsessed since!
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Spaced Negative”?
A: Rumblings is my first ever release so that is a very good question! For me it’s all about authenticity. I’m still rooted firmly in the mindset of growth and exploration, so these are the first glimpses of trying to find a voice that aims to share its DNA, focusing less on arriving and more on becoming. That journey is something I think everyone knows a thing or two about, so sharing it honestly, feels about right.
Spaced Negative is about being open and honest with yourself & others, which is something I hope people can feel connected to.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Thats a tough one, honestly a lot to choose! Sharing your art with the world is kinda terrifying so I’ve a newfound respect for anyone doing so. I’ll have to give a bit of a wider answer and say it’s just anyone putting themselves out there! My own inspiration is similar, but with a small addition. Enjoying music has always been such a huge part of my life and to be able to give back, even in the smallest way, is a great feeling.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Rumblings.”?
A: Rumblings is about the beginnings of change in the ebbs & flows of life. Sometimes we see change coming a mile away but sometimes its something in the air we sense but haven’t quite figured out yet. The track bounces between lighthearted and a more serious tone, as life often does, so it’s important to remember that opportunities for change always come again.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Connection! (Space-y felt too cheesy lol)
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Rumblings”?
A: Rumblings is the first track of a completed three part EP. For the project I deliberately avoided sticking to one genre, (ranging from the high energy of club electro house, the emotiveness of progressive house, and the melodic depth of deep house) so trying to keep it all woven together by a consistent sense of purpose within the EP was a definite challenge. Rumblings itself has a lot of rhythmic elements to it so keeping everything lined up was key!
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Music for me has probably been the most consistent thing throughout my life. It’s always there to elevate the good times and soften the bad ones. So to be able to do the same and be part of listeners lives in that sense, would be the goal. We’re all stuck on this giant floating rock together so leaving things in a slightly more positive way than you found them is important!
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I think it would have to be Aphex Twin. He’s obviously achieved legendary status due to his technical and composing ability so the fact that it was built during an era before major music software is crazy. He had to make it work by relying on deep understanding, tons of experimentation, and an innovative mindset rather than leaning on modern tools. I have a technical background myself so to be able to pick his brain would be a dream. He seems like a pretty cool guy too!
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Making and sharing music can be such a liberating experience, almost the same joy as discovering a new toy as a child. My advice would be make the music you want to listen to and not what you think others want to listen to, all while constantly challenging yourself. Oh and learn how to fail, and fail, and then fail, and finally fail a little more. It’s normal to face a lot of rejection in this industry so learning to take it in your stride and keep going forward is pretty important.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Everything happens the way it’s meant to. Sometimes it can be tempting to look back and see if you could have done things better or differently in the past, but you just have to trust the process. Life is good and it’s important to be present in the little moments!
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