Following his latest EP release; Papa Luvr/Rock Da House, we sat down with Skeptic to talk about his go-to production software, how he approaches DJ sets and exciting plans on the horizon.
The Southampton-based artist is known for a his versatility as a producer, blending elements from various genres, as well as performing high octane sets. Championed by the likes of Interplanetary Criminal, Sammy Virji and Joy Orbison, his unique sound which comprises of UKG, Jungle, 4×4 and more has caught the ears of many fans around the world.
Hi Skeptic, thank you for speaking to us!
Firstly, let’s go back to the start. What drew you to becoming a music artist, and were you a DJ or producer to begin with?
I started off with production actually, I was influenced hugely by my parents who constantly listened to different sorts of music in the background and I guess taking up productions was just a way of me trying to impress them.
Your music has been heavily championed by the likes of Joy Orbison, Jamie XX and Sammy Virji. Talk us through your emotions the first time you heard your music supported by these huge names and how it inspired you as an artist?
I honestly still get so excited whenever an artist I have looked up to asks for my music, but one time that sticks with me is when Sammy Virji first asked me to send him music and I literally dropped what I was doing and spend the next hour curating a folder for him.
You operate between many different genres including speed garage, jungle, 4×4 and more. What draws you to these sounds and how do you approach balancing them in your sets?
So I like to curate my sets based on where I play and what kind of event it is. For a headline event I like to dive into as many genres as I can, and I like to play a lot of my own stuff too. For a support set I usually like to keep it tame just in respect for the headliner but I’ll always play a lot more of my own stuff, and for a closing set I like to go into much darker, faster stuff so it really just depends on the location, crowd and set type.
You’ve produced an ever-growing catalogue of high energy bangers such as ‘Whine Up’ and ‘Join Hands (Dark Dub)’. What DAW software do you use currently and why do you prefer this for making music vs other options out there?
I first started in FL studio and I still use that now. A lot of people have tried to convince me to switch but honestly I don’t see why I should if I’m comfortable where I am. Granted, it’s a little slower than other DAWs but recently they’ve started to push out better updates with better features so I really don’t see a reason to switch – it’s it’s super user friendly and easy to get used to!!
Can you tell us about any exciting new tracks or ideas you’re currently working on?
I’ve got an EP out on the 8th November which I’m super excited about [as well as] working on a sample pack actually to sort of dive into the producer world. Working on loads of new music with some of my favourite labels which also just super gassed about, so loads on the way!!
Jumping outside of music, what’s your favourite film, franchise or tv series?
My favourite film is by far Beautiful Boy. I just love the casting, the script and everything about it really.
I’m currently watching this TV series called Lost which I’m a huge fan of as well.
You’ve got upcoming shows in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds before the end of 2024. How do you find playing to UK crowds vs overseas? Do you curate your sets any differently depending on the location?
I always change my sets based on where I’m playing in the UK – the further up north I go the harder and faster stuff I play, and to be completely honest the better the crowds as well. Overseas stuff can be tricky and I usually get extended sets which allows me to experiment, but nothing really beats a UK crowd.
Can you tell us what is on your rider?
Most days I’ll have a few nice beers, water and some energy drinks. If it’s a special event with friends or I have a chance to let loose a little then I’ll move to magnums and/or spirits and mixer. All night longs include fruits like bananas and grapes, dried mango, redbull etc.
You’ve shared the lineup with many talented artists including Prozak, Silva Bumpa and Interplanetary Criminal. Given your choice, who would be your dream b2b and where would you play?
My dream b2b in this current point in time would have to be Kettama. I just think he brings a crazy level of energy to his sets and the euphoric hard groove/tech he plays would work so well with some of the stuff I like to play.
As we move closer to 2025, what’s on the horizon for you next year? Are there any goals or milestones you’re looking to achieve?
Seeing as next year will be the year I graduate, I’m really looking forward to finally having the time and being able to do this all without any other commitments. I’d love to push out some more EPs, collaborate with more artists and definitely play more countries outside the UK – I really just want to be able to give it my all and do this every hour of every day, and I’ve not got long left till I do.
Finally, what’s your favourite track by another artist, that you wish you’d made?
Dance music wise, I’m gonna have to say Rockport stomper by shorterz. I just think it’s the perfect track and it’s made so well, works a charm every time I play it out to a crowd, and I honestly wish I made it because it’s gotta be one of the best tracks I have on my USB.
Follow Skeptic on the links below:
Instagram
Soundcloud
Spotify
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