Interview: Huxley

Huxley talks about the process of making his new ‘A Day Trip To The Valley’ EP for HE.SHE.THEY., what he has releasing in the coming months, and how he approaches a collaborative project.

‘A Day Trip To The Valley’ marks a new chapter for you. What was the main concept you wanted to capture when creating the EP?

I’m not sure there was a concept as much as I knew working with a forward thinking label such as HE.SHE.THEY. would allow me to stretch my legs creatively, and really push my sound over the course of the EP. The harder, housier and in parts, more fun, side of myself, I think are shown throughout all three tracks.

You’re a veteran of your craft at this point, how has your writing and studio process changed? Are there habits or methods you rely on now that you didn’t earlier on?

I think the world of production has changed a lot since I started writing over 25 years ago. To get the sound you wanted you had to work a lot harder to get it, and in some ways I miss that, but in others I definitely don’t. I also find I work a lot quicker now than I used to, but I’m also a lot more cut-throat with bad ideas as well. Whereas before I would work on something to finish it, I now think I’m back in the mindset of only finishing things if they’re worth it.

You’ve built a reputation for versatility within UK house. How do you balance experimentation with maintaining a recognisable sonic identity?

I don’t really see it as only UK house to be honest. I would say that I get inspired by all forms of house. I don’t really think about my own identity when writing music, as that would just put on barriers, and would be completely boring to me. I think identity comes from subtle and sub-conscious choices that anyone makes throughout the process of learning to make music. I think the thread that comes into someone’s artistry comes naturally.

Dumb Safari has become an important outlet for both your own work and for other artists. What do you want the label to represent in the current club-music landscape?

I just want it to represent me and what I play. It’s a selfish thing but I’m very conscious that if I won’t play the track then I won’t sign it. Stylistically I think it’s just house. Be it deep, straight up house or just techy, it doesn’t matter, but I need to be able to play it.

How about your own music on other imprints – what’s coming down the pipe?

I have a release on my new self-release only label, Southern District, called ‘4 TWO 5’, and next I have an EP coming on MOXY, a single on Adesso, and my next Rekids EP comes out early next year. As well as a few remixes dotted in here and there.

Collaboration plays a steady role in your career. What makes a studio partnership productive for you, and how do you usually approach working with another artist?

I think collaboration is a great thing and artists should never shy away from it. Even if in the end you don’t come out with a record you release, there’s always things to take from someone else’s approach, or mindset when they sit down to write.

Each collab is different, so I don’t have a standard way to do it to be honest, but I try and make sure that each person gets as much say as they want, and something to always remember is it’s better to be direct and honest if you’re not into something and work together on getting the music to where you’re both happy.

Anything else to add?

If you are a budding producer or artist then make sure you check out our production community R-TRYBE. We’re a great space to find like minded people who are striving for the same things you are, as well as track feedback, monthly podcasts with huge guests, and much much more. And also, thanks for having me Soundspace!

Huxley – A Day Trip To The Valley EP is out now on HE.SHE.THEY.

40 Questions: Ramon Tapia