Following some of their nastiest and most celebrated releases to date, Deep Dark and Dangerous again proves an acuity for steadfast sonic prowess and infallible taste, bringing new life to the curation and perception of deep bass experiences. As the beastly brainchild of dubstep luminaries TRUTH, the label and movement continues to consistently deliver top quality music as they jam pack a growing roster with the talented exports of fiery up and comers. DDD05 falls nothing short of this bar with the “Hush Hush” EP from Sheffields’ own Taiko. Expressing beautifully through hypnotically orchestrated and no- doubt bone crushing articulation through frequency, each track teems with emotion, merciless yet gentle in it’s summoning. We had a chance to learn a little bit about what makes Taiko tick in a brief chat, highlighting some wise words and digging into the groundwork from which he finds unrestricted motivation.
We are supremely stoked for your release on Deep Dark and Dangerous, coming through with some raucous tunes that buzz with emotion and fresh personality, and we would love to gain some insight into your musical world both in and out of the studio. Where do you tend to draw inspiration from when it comes to music making?
Nice one! I’m humbled to say the least it’s an honour to be working with the TRUTH guys and everyone involved with the label. Most of the time if I’m just listening to music it’s not electronic and I think that’s a big part of it. I find there’s a lot more to draw from sampling-wise, especially when you start getting into the pretty weird stuff it’s good fun. On the flip-side to that you’ve still gotta be able to dance to the tune so keeping up with the scene is important to me, it’s great to see so many artists pushing through at the moment and making some really high standard tunes. Not to sound too ‘floaty’ but I like to think you can take inspiration from anywhere and anything really. If you’re feeling really shit, or even the best day of your life you can make music that reflects that.
I couldn’t agree more. Tell us a bit about yourself; where do your roots lay, and what has been something you’ve taken particular notice of in your musical evolution?
My hometown is Sheffield UK (airhorn X 5). Growing up I always had music around, a lot of classics like Rolling stones, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Hendrix stuff like that. I think I was about 12 when I started really getting into metal/rock and soon after took up the drums so that’s definitely where my interest of the more percussive areas started for sure. It wasn’t until I was about 14/15 that I took notice of electronic music a lot more. My brother was a regular drum and bass DJ in the city at the time and started coaxing me onto the genre, I was just stoked to find some music that was just as heavy if not more so than what I was into at the time so the transition was surprisingly easy! We started mixing together and he showed me the ropes so to speak, dubstep was still coming up at the time but once it clicked with me that was it and here I am I guess (laughs). I’d say what I’ve noticed the most is the change in my own production over the last few years. It’s only really until recently that I feel like I’ve settled into my sound.
Definitely seems to have taken a natural transition. On that note then, we’re going to hit you with this one. 3 of your favourite tunes of all time, any genre?
Oooh this one’s always tough, in no particular order:
Cab Calloway – Reefer Man
Animals As Leaders – CAFO
Venetian Snares – Szamár Madár
Artwork by M7 GrafiksVery nice! So awesome to look at the tunes we love and recognise the different patterns and feelings they bring forth. What would you say are some of your musical intentions or ideas you like to channel?
I’d say I definitely try and get a certain amount of ‘emotion’ into my music, whether that’s with the textures or melody or whatever, I just want people to feel something. And like I said before I always try and make the track dance-worthy! I’m loving all the avant-garde kinda tunes people are coming out with at the moment but on a dance floor I’m still skeptical (laughs).
Fair call. If you can tell us one ‘secret’ that you would say greatly improves your workflow and productivity in the studio, what would that be?
For me the biggest thing is not to force it, in terms of feeling inspired or wanting to make a tune. I’ve done it before when you make yourself sit there and wrack your brain for ideas, but it usually just takes the fun out of it for me. Be patient and don’t beat yourself up if you’re going through a dry patch.
Wise words my friend, and an awesome tip to keep in mind. All the tracks on “Hush Hush” carry a very distinct and cohesive vibe, we can tell it’s you, and that’s dope. Sonically, what are some of your favourite sounds and vibes?
I like to have a certain amount of ‘crunch’ in my tunes, whether that’s the effects I’m using I’m not sure but consistency is always good. I’m also a big fan of orchestral music and what it brings to the plate, so more often than not I’ll have a bit of strings/pianos to fuck with. Lastly, I’d say resampling. I rarely make my mid noises on synths anymore and I couldn’t be happier.
Hush Hush is out now and available from Unearthed Sounds, Redeye, White Peach, Juno, Intense Records and the Deep Dark and Dangerous Store.
📷 : Matt Debondt
