Boasting releases on labels such as Vapour Recordings or Pangea, Secluded Records & Events founder Higgins wrapped up his 2022 with ‘All That You Want’. With his latest EP, the Manchester-based artist returns to UK behemoth Krafted Underground with a two-track offering that showcases the producer’s trademark sound, while also featuring two highly engaging reinterpretations, courtesy of Lexicon Avenue and Medway.
EG caught up with Higgins to learn more about the drop of ‘All That You Want’, the progressive scene in the UK, his history, and more.
EG: Hello Higgins, thank you for joining us today. Where are you located right now?
Higgins: Hello EG! I’m in Manchester.
EG: To start, could you tell us how you first got into DJing and producing dance music?
Higgins: I’ve been interested in dance music since I was young, growing up in the UK and listening to radio shows from DJs like Stu Allan, Jay Wearden, Moggy, Mark XTC, and Mix Factory on stations like Key 103, Klash FM, and Sunset Radio. I would stay up late and write down names of tracks and artists, then go to record shops like Sound House in Ashton-under-Lyne and Eastern Block Vinyl Exchange, Spin Inn, and 3 Beat in Liverpool to search for new music.
EG: Who are some of your musical influences that have shaped your sound and style? Can you name any specific artists, tracks, or events that have been particularly impactful?
Higgins: Some of my musical influences include Stu Allan, Jay Wearden, Moggy, Mark XTC, Mix Factory, Dream Frequency, Sasha, John Digweed, Nick Warren, Carl Cox, D-NOX, Joris Voorn, DJ Hype, Steve Bug, Dilby, Nick Curly, Quivver, Dave Seaman, Audiojack, DJ FT, MJ Hooker, and Ricky Ryan. The list could go on.
EG: Can you take us through your process for producing music and describe your approach when making a track?
Higgins: I always start with the drums. I use Logic Pro X, although I prefer using NI Maschine for its tactile feel. I create drum patterns in Maschine and then drag the WAVs into Logic. I also use Arturia Collection, Roland Prophet, Moog, and the Jupiter 8 for pads, bass, and synths.
“My tip is to not stick to one genre. I play anything from old-school house to melodic techno. You need to be able to adapt to different events.”
EG: Congratulations on the release of “All That You Want” on Krafted Underground! Can you share with us what inspired this track?
Higgins: ‘All That You Want’ was written in one day with my studio partner Ian Bland (Dream Frequency). We work well together and created the track by combining a kick, percussion, spliced vocal, layered baseline, and a couple of synths to give it a dance floor vibe. We sent it to Denis White (Sentre) for mastering and that was it.
EG: What tips do you have for staying innovative and fresh in the ever-changing electronic music industry?
Higgins: My tip is to not stick to one genre. I play anything from old-school house to melodic techno. You need to be able to adapt to different events.
EG: How has the UK club scene, and more specifically your local scene, evolved in recent years and what impact has this had on your career?
Higgins: I think the UK electronic music scene has fallen behind other countries like North and South America, Mexico, etc. It has become too cliquey and unless you’re a social media star with millions of followers, it’s difficult to get noticed. That’s why I prefer to set up my own events and help up-and-coming DJs and artists play alongside bigger names, something that wasn’t done for me when I was starting out.
EG: Can you give us an update on any current projects you have in the works and what fans can expect from you in the future?
Higgins: I am currently working on an album, which I aim to release by the end of the year. I am still in the process of finding the right label for it. In the meantime, I have a few other tracks that are almost ready and I will be launching them on my own label, Secluded Recordings, this summer.
“I am currently working on an album, which I aim to release by the end of the year. I am still in the process of finding the right label for it.”
EG: For aspiring DJs and producers, what advice would you give for breaking into the industry?
Higgins: My advice would be to stay true to yourself and be original. Don’t try to imitate others. Put in the hard work, as success in this industry won’t come easily.
EG: What would be your dream venue to play at and why?
Higgins: Warung Beach would be a dream come true for me. It’s simple and straightforward.
EG: Lastly, what is your opinion on the impact of social media on the music and arts industry?
Higgins: Social media has both positive and negative effects on the music and arts industry. It’s a new form of platforms like Mixmag, DJ Mag, Muzik Mag, etc. that we all use.
EG: Thank you for your time and all the best for the future!
Higgins: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s much appreciated.
Higgins’ ‘All That You Want’ EP is out now via Krafted Underground. Purchase your copy here.
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