With hit records such as ‘How We Go Back’, ‘Golden Shaker’ and ‘Drift’, and remixes for star studded names like Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Chocolate Puma and Kelly Rowland under his belt, it’s easy to understand why Scorch Felix has been at the forefront of the music industry for the past two decades. We caught up with the multitalented artist to find out more about his musical journey.
Hi Scorch Felix, how are you and what’s going on in your world at the moment?
I’m very well thank you. It’s been an exciting year with new genres emerging and plenty of cross pollination between music styles, so I’ve taken full advantage of this in the studio with new tracks like ‘How We Go Back’, ‘Golden Shaker’ and ‘Drift’ – mixing old school sounds with new Big Room production. I’m also kept busy doing my weekly radio show ‘Scorch Felix Live’, which helps me keep my ear to the ground in the ever changing music scene.
Where are you currently based?
I’m currently based in a little village called London (Victoria).
How would you describe your sound?
My sound definitely has a harder edge, but with plenty of musicality and groove. Even though they’re Big Room tracks they still have a basic swing to them, and a chunky chord led breakdown.
Who were your influences growing up?
There where so many, but probably the most influential would be from the likes of Derrick May (Strings of life), Lil Louis (French Kiss), Jam & Spoon, 808 State, Nomad, Shades of Rhythm, and a whole truck load of other artists.
How did you get involved in the Dance music business?
I started running an after-hours event overseas, whilst at the same time doing a certificate of sound engineering, and luckily landing a weekly radio slot on Kiss 90 FM.
Where would you like to see yourself in the months ahead?
Definitely playing more live sets as I’ve been working hard in the studio experimenting with different sounds and trying to develop my own unique twist. I also want to see my productions reach a wider audience and keep that dancefloor pumping.
Which is your ultimate career dream?
My career dreams and goals are constantly evolving as I progress as an artist, but for now it would be to play on the Tomorrowland tour.
You’ve been on the scene in various guises for quite a while, remixing everyone from Michael Jackson to David Bowie and Chocolate Puma to Kelly Rowland, but what does your new moniker, Scorch Felix, enable you to do?
My latest guise has enabled me to be more varied and push my boundaries as a producer, hitting styles like Future House, Big Room Electro, Big Room House and a foray into Festival Trap and Hard House.
Who’s inspiring you in 2016?
There are so many great producers at the moment really pushing boundaries and merging styles, it’s a difficult choice to make as I take inspiration from many, but I’d have to say Steve Aoki, only because I saw him last year at EDC UK – he just owns the stage and he has a real passion for the scene and the music (even without cake) – truly inspirational!
If you could choose, who would you like to collaborate with?
Steve Aoki hands down. He has a real diverse approach to production and artists. Just check out Dim Mak – no boundaries, love that.
Tell us something not many people know about Scorch Felix?
Well, two years ago I qualified as a deep-sea rescue diver and last year took up body building (purely for fitness and health reasons), so I guess I like to be active!
Anything to add/shout outs?
Over the years I’ve got help and been mentored by many people, but these are the ones that stick with me today. Gary from the Hoxton Whores gave me a great opportunity to engineer in his Brick Lane based studio, and recently Vern (Stretch and Vern) and Alex Blanco (Computer music) were great mentors in helping me with music production and engineering tricks in Ableton and Logic – that still serves me today.
Scorch Felix Online
https://www.facebook.com/ScorchFelix
https://twitter.com/ScorchFelix
https://soundcloud.com/scorch-felix
https://www.instagram.com/scorchfelix
