With a perceptive ear for all genres of electronic music, Taylor has established himself as an enduring presence in the scene, evolving from his initial Drum & Bass roots of the music nebula to a proprietor of the whole spectrum. Making the most of London’s heady flavors – from its crate-digging spots, bastion clubs and social networks – his deep entrenchment within the capital is apparent through the projects he has made his way through over the years, spawning longevity that has his comprehensive music knowledge to thank.
With a production back-catalog that has seen releases on legendary Detroit imprint KMS Records, Poker Flat, OFF Recordings and London’s Lowerhand Records, Taylor has built a steady repertoire of dancefloor supplies which provide an abundance of moods. From psychedelic-hued house groovers to growling warehouse tracks, his productions are as colorful and rich as his diverse selections.
Having settled into a now-equanimous stride, Taylor looks towards developing upon his esteemed projects, bookings, and productions as he continues to cultivate his musical career.
Electronic Groove: Hello, Taylor, thank you for your time. How has these last months been for you? And what positives have you found during these crazy pandemic times?
Taylor: Hello EG, thank you for having me. When the pandemic began, I found the whole thing rather overwhelming, the quick loss of income from gigs sent many of us in the industry into panic mode. However, once I realized this was out of my control, I surrendered and decided to focus on what I can control, starting with self-development and rediscovering creativity. The opportunity to be more still at home, made me reflect and appreciate my passion for art, music, as well as my close friends and family, is a positive aspect of this Covid-19 situation, I guess I was forced to see what truly holds great importance in my life. Another positive, seeing people getting more creative again, learning new skills, and starting new projects too, this inspires me, even when I feel a little down at times, it keeps me going.
These past months, I spent time going for early morning walks in parks, being around nature, reading artist biographies and self-help/spiritual books, helped keep me both entertained and optimistic, digging into my old vinyl collection was a joyful experience too. I’ve compiled a few mixes including for Bloop London Radio, Eclipsar, and took part in live streams too, which kept me active. Finally, video calls with close friends did wonders mentally, even led to building deeper bonds and formed new project ideas, one being with myself and production partner and friend Kiiski working in the studio on new material.
Electronic Groove: Let’s talk about your musical background. When did it all started and do you remember any particular artist or song that struck you for life?
Taylor: From a young age growing up in London, I was exposed to a mixture of 80’s pop music, reggae & hip hop at home. I was fascinated by songs in this era, so much so, when most kids around, would spend their pocket money on sweets and computer games, I tend to save up and buy records, but the game-changer song for me, was ‘Charly’ by The Prodigy, I first heard the song on a BBC Television show called ‘Top Of The Pops’, this blew my mind, sounded out of this world and was totally hooked and sparked my journey into discovering electronic dance music. I then began to listen to DJs on tape packs, provided by my older cousin, the likes of Andy C, Mickey Finn, DJ Hype, Fabio & Grooverider got me deeper into the underground scene. My first proper live event I attended to hear this music was Slammin’ Vinyl at Bagleys (King Cross, London), I finally got the opportunity to see these DJ’s live and from that night onwards I was on my journey into being a part of this culture. Over the years I expanded my tastes in different genres, from drum n bass, to breaks, to house and techno, making a hobby into a profession, all from the spark of a song crafted by The Prodigy.
Electronic Groove: Can you name some of the artists that influenced you to take the music path and why did they inspire you?
Taylor: First and foremost, I have to say Goldie, his debut album ‘Timeless’ had a massive impact, the blend of light and dark tones throughout, the influence is very evident in my selections and releases over the years on imprints like KMS Records, Poker Flat and Lowerhand Records, I’ve always aimed to have that balance of light and dark themes, other artists such as LTJ Bukem, Massive Attack, Jeff Mills, Kevin Saunderson, Robert Hood, Kerri Chandler, Masters At Work, Four Tet, Sweely, Objekt, all provoke my outlook musically, the raw energy, the complex beats executed in a simple format, which stands the test of time, these acts have definitely achieved this multiple times over, just check out their back catalog, very inspiring for sure.
Electronic Groove: Moving into music production. Tell us about your latest works?
Taylor: In recent months, I’ve had plenty of time in the studio with Kiiski, it’s been a little while since I’ve released material, due to working on a host other projects, including co-founding a company called In:Bloom Management, that looks after the young talented duo called SUCASA, who have been supported by the likes of Enzo Sigurausa from FUSE London, Burnski from Constant Sound, and scored a residency for Dutch imprint PIV Records. Myself and my studio partner Kiiski spent days just experimenting on different genres and coming up new ideas and sounds, but recently we shifted our focus on constructing these experimental sessions into full-blown tracks, built for the dancefloor in mind, backed with a timeless feel, we both at an age where the celebration of the electronic music, we loved over the years is our mantra in terms of creating productions, is most important to us and we excited to share this soon.
“I’m looking forward to performing at more socially distanced events in London, also in the early stages of expanding my brand
INTER_VAL into a record label”
Electronic Groove: What’s your process when working in the studio? How do you approach a new track?
Taylor: I tend to listen to a range of different types of genres, not just electronic dance music. I want to capture a mood, once I get an idea, then I go through loops and chop up samples, note down some bassline ideas. I proceed to bring my track sketches to Kiiski’s studio, then we share our ideas to each other and begin to construct a track, which is pretty much our regular process, but from time to time we just turn up to the studio with no plan at all, and just go with the flow.
Electronic Groove: Does your surroundings play a part in the inspiration behind your music? Does it affect the outcome?
Taylor: For sure, living in London, a city that is always evolving, it’s a melting pot of cultures. These aspects play a role in the outcome for sure, the city is home to art galleries, bars, nightclubs, and a host of great record shops, Phonica, Kristina Records, Rye Wax & Rough Trade, which I visit frequently for inspiration.
Electronic Groove: What’s your set up like? Do you have any new favorite gear?
Taylor: Just a basic set up at home Ableton Live, iMac, Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitors. Our studio setup includes Macbook Pro, iMac, Ableton Live, Ableton Push 2, Logic, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2, Juno Keyboard, Equator D8 Coaxial Studio, and Yamaha HS8 Monitors.
Electronic Groove: What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Taylor: I’m looking forward to performing at more socially distanced events in London, also in the early stages of expanding my brand INTER_VAL into a record label, continuing music production with Kiiski, and working on other projects.
“Myself and my studio partner Kiiski spent days just experimenting on different genres and
new ideas and sounds”
Electronic Groove: For good or bad, how do you see the industry evolving?
Taylor: In terms of good, I believe most people are going to find a whole new level of appreciation for the industry, and once things ease up after lockdown, people are gonna be excited to perform to crowds. I’m trying to keep optimistic despite the current climate of the world, but I have faith that our music community is evolving in a positive way.
Electronic Groove: Thank you so much for your time, Taylor! We wish you the best going forward!
Taylor: Thanks for having me on your platform, keep up the great work at EG!
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