Hyroglifics is fast becoming a name to be reckoned with in the world of deep, resonating drum & bass. His new EP on Peer Pressure, is a collection of different-sounding beats, brought together with soul and sentiment. Kmag set out to capture the essence of the man and his work, and you can even check out a free track right here.

 

Hey Hyroglifics, for those that might not be aware, please tell us about your background and some of your releases to date.
My name’s Matt Harris and I produce drum & bass under the name Hyroglifics. I'm currently based in Guildford and have been making music for just over a year. I first started listening to drum & bass through the LTJ Bukem Fabriclive CD when I was 16. I thought all the music on it was incredible, and have just loved drum & bass ever since! At the moment I'm studying Creative Music Production at the ACM in Guildford and am going into my second year of the degree. I've had two releases so far, a single on Regal Records and my debut EP on Peer Pressure. As well as this I've been getting a lot of support from the likes of London Elektricity, Amoss and Fathom Audio.

 

 

You’re dropping your very fresh-sounding Senseless EP. Take us through the tracks if you will.
The EP consists of three tracks. 'Senseless', 'Grow' and 'Annodam' I wrote the backbone of 'Senseless' a while back but felt it needed some vocals to bring the tune together. I've been friends with Peta since college and have been making tunes with her for a while, and think her vocals really make the tune what it is. The second track 'Grow' was the last track to be finished on the EP, and was really an experiment with my sound, especially using a vocoder on a tune as that’s something I've always wanted to do. Annodam was the first track to be finished on the EP and was also one of the first tunes that I ever made!

 

 

 

 

 

How are you able to capture your signature sound through your production?
I'm really into fresh and unique sounding music and take a lot influence from a wide range of sounds. I’m generally influenced from anything that stands out or captures a listeners attention and think that this is reflected in the music that I write, and pushes me to write music that is unique sounding. The most important thing about my production is to keep it as clean as possible as well as using the best samples that I can find as I think sample choice is key within music production.

 

 

And how about the songwriting side of things – what tends to be the order that tracks come together?
Each tune I write tends to be a lot different to the last. I wouldn't say I really have a set way about writing a tune, as it tends to be different every time. Usually I start with a drum beat that I've made or a particular pad or sample that I feel I can expand upon. With my EP I wanted to keep a similar style to Annodam and tried to give the whole EP a particular sound.

 

Your sound is described as futuristic and forward thinking – how do you think this is realised in the end product?
I try to make music that’s a little bit different as well as combining a lot of different elements. From dancefloor elements as well as also being able to have a listenable aspect to it. I love tunes that are able to do this and I think that this influences the way in which I make write and produce music and helps to create a more forward thinking sound.

 

 

 

 

 

Related Links:

• Senseless Launch Synesthesia Art Project
• Podcast 29
• A1 Bassline Returns With Shock Headed
• Introducing: FD
• Label Profile: Senseless Records

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