Unorthodox is a London-based DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist. An avid synth, vinyl and drum machine collector, he draws upon a detailed understanding of both the music he loves and its associated production gear when creating music. Having worked with a number of respected songwriters, he is now focusing on his own projects, exploring classic house sentiments with a fresh palette. His signature sound inherits catchy vocals, hypnotic basslines and club-ready structures to form infectious tracks with meticulous technique. We sit down with him to discuss his new single ‘Rock My Body‘, coming out on Gavin Koolmon of Disciples’ new label, SIKR…
Hi, thanks for joining us! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Thanks for having me. I’m an extrovert, all round music maker who spends most of his time in a dark room full of equipment, creating and writing music and working with artists with an edge.
How did you first get into music and when did it become a career for you?
I have been into music since my first heartbeat I believe and made a career from it, I guess when I quit my last 9-5 and that was probably 12 years ago.
You’ve been in the scene now for a while now, what have been some of your career highlights so far?
Getting my music supported by 3 artists who I was first inspired by – Todd Terry, MK and Todd Edwards. They have all supported something I have created, so that is an unreal experience to have.
You’re releasing your track ‘Rock My Body‘ on SIKR, the label ran by Gavin Koolmon from Disciples. Can you tell us more about the track and the inspiration behind it?
I was in the studio with Eda and I was writing music with chords on the piano. I then wanted to take that element away and make something that is bouncy, so I created the track in about 20 minutes. Eda came alive and started singing these amazing melodies and started writing immediately. We then created this simple hook from repeating parts and then found what we loved about the whole track.
The vocals on the track come from Eda Eren, how did this collaboration come about?
I met Eda through a friend Route 94, who has been working on many tracks with her and we all made a record together a few years back. We initiated a connection and recently reconnected to write some new ideas.
This is your second release on SIKR, with your first being the launch release in which you teamed up with Blackhill on the track ‘Yeke Yeke’. How does it feel to be invited back to the label for a solo release?
Love the label and ethos behind it, very happy to be a part of it and think it is the best label for supporting this record. Looking forward to the support.
As an avid collector of production gear, what’s your studio set up like?
Lots of synths, speakers, outboards and lots of stuff I never use haha.
I hear you also collect vinyl, where are your favourite places to go vinyl hunting?
I’m mainly online at Discogs as I’m always searching for something rare, so I spend my time on the web hunting them down.
What advice would you give to any aspiring producers?
Never give up, compete with yourself. Try to understand musicality. Build your brand and get a good team behind you.
Finally, what else do you have upcoming in the next few months?
My next release is forthcoming on a new label called No Rules, an EP of more bumpy house music and then I have another big vocal record dropping in the future.
Unorthodox ‘Rock My Body’ Feat. Eda Eren will be released 5th April 2019 via SIKR
