Where are you currently based?
London
How did you first start producing and mixing?
I came from a rock and metal background originally. I was never into actual instruments myself but my friends were and I loved being around that environment. I was lucky enough to have a computer at the time, and managed to start teaching myself how to produce. I was then introduced to Pendulum who were obviously the only people doing rock and drum and bass at that time, and it sort of stemmed from there.
How did your career start?
I got in with Monstercat when they just started, around 2010. I put out a few beat sample packs with them, but then Mike Darlington really encouraged me to go farther and that’s when I put out my first EP, The Takeover.
How has your COVID experience been so far?
It’s given me more time to work on music that’s for sure. I probably wouldn’t have finished the album as quick as I did if I had still been touring. It’s been rough not being able to test my songs live though!
What influenced the sound and songwriting for your epic new album ‘The Promised Land’?
The whole album was inspired by a lot of different themes, mainly how nature and technology clash and interact. There wasn’t any particular moment that inspired the entire album but I went on a journey of discovery for the past couple of years, listening to a broader range of music and tying my vast range of influences into the album.
What did you find most challenging and rewarding through the process of creating this album?
This is my debut album so the finished product was the most rewarding. The most challenging was probably admitting that it was done, because I’m always looking to keep improving the tracks!
Your sound has evolved from the stereotypical Drum ‘n Bass sound to a more mature and cross-genre sound, please tell us about how and why this has come about:
The main thing that I wanted to do with the album was start expanding from drum ‘n’ bass and start doing other genres. People have this impression of me, because I make drum ‘n’ bass all the time, that I only listen to drum ‘n’ bass and that’s completely untrue. People who know me know I listen to and love literally all kinds of music.
I love everything from, as I say, film and video game scores to screamo to french house to electro house to old school garage to whatever. You name it! I listen to everything. I really tried to hone that in when I pulled influences for the album, just to show people that it doesn’t have to come from drum ‘n’ bass at all. A lot of them don’t even come from dance music. Very rarely, except maybe some sound design and mixdown things.
The main goal with it was to start introducing MUZZ as a multigenre brand and artist rather than drum ‘n’ bass only.
Where do you see Drum ‘n Bass progressing in the coming years?
The future of any genre is to evolve it and mash it with other styles and new sounds, which is what I’ve always done since I started making music, and this album explores those new territories. I love the genre, and always will, but I also love many other genres and don’t want to close those doors.
What do you like to do outside of music?
Gaming, food, traveling!
Which artists are you listening to at the moment?
Grimes, Rezz, Charli XCX, Fade Black, Oakwite, Loathe, G Jones are currently on repeat for me.
What is planned for the remainder of 2020?
Just to continue promoting this album as much as possible. It’s been such a process having it come together, I’m so happy it’s finally out!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
You can’t beat Middle Eastern food, and I honestly just love being in my studio in my own world.
Twitch: twitch.tv/monstercat
YouTube: youtube.com/UKFDrumandBass
Facebook: facebook.com/MUZZHQ
