UK talents Huxley and Skapes combined once again last month to drop their massive ‘Electronic Drums’ EP on Solardoโs Sola imprint, following on from theirย equally asย impressiveย 2017 collaboration ‘Donโt Call’ on Green Velvetโs label Relief. We managed to catch up with one half of theย pairing, Alex Calver aka Skapes, to talk past, presentย and future, his dream back-to-back and to get the inside scoop of anyย potential futureย collaborations from the two artists.
Hi Skapes, thanks for chatting! How are you and what are you up to right now? ย
Hey! Iโm really well thanks, loving this heatwave weโve been blessed with at the moment and getting ready to watch England!
2018 has been a strong year for you already – have there been any particular stand out moments so far?
Iโve actually not been too busy with shows, but the standout moment definitely has to be the recent release of my ‘Electronic Drums’ EP with Huxley on Sola!
You recently released your โElectronic Drumsโ EP alongside Huxley on Solardoโs label Sola. Could you tell us a little about how the two tracks on the EP came about?
Weโve actually made a load of tracks together. We work quite quickly and efficiently by sending each other ideas over the internet and working on productions that way. Weโre currently shopping a batch of new material to labels so stay tuned!
You also released another collaborative EP with Huxley on Green Velvetโs Relief at the end of 2017. What is it like working with him and have you picked up any key tips / secrets from collaborating with such an influential and versatile artist?
Weโve actually not spent much time actually sat down in the studio together as weโve been working on productions separately, so we havenโt really got round to swapping tips as of yet.
Having also released on the likes of ABODE, Armada Subjekt and Kaluki this year alone, youโre starting to build up an impressive catalogue of work. Is there one label in particular thatโs still the dream label for you to release on?
In all honesty, not reallyโฆ Iโve been releasing records since 2002 and I love making music no matter what label it goes on or even what genre it is! I just make music and I donโt worry too much about anything else.
You also hold down a monthly radio show on Pioneer Radio. How important do you feel this has been to both your development as an artist, but also networking and establishing further connections and relationships within the industry?
I started my Eskape Musik show on the D3EP radio network where I used to do two hours and I always had a guest artist on the show, which was good for networking and chatting to peeps. I only do an hour now that itโs on Pioneer radio, so I just find the best hours worth of music each month and try and mix it in one take off the fly. I really enjoy doing it and feel lucky to have been offered the slot!
Youโre definitely part of what seems like a ‘new wave’ of producers emerging from the UK at the moment – who else should we be keeping an eye out for?
Iโve been releasing music and DJโing professionally since 2002 so I donโt really feel as though Iโm particularly ‘newโ, however thereโs so many amazing producers and great music about at the moment – honestly thereโs too many to mention!
Dream back-to-back partner? Where are you playing? And who plays the last track?
Tony Blackburn, Avalon, Hollywood, Iโd let him drop the last beat.
Lastly, can you leave us with your three essential records for summer
1. Jhonsson – Rockin
2. Mihalas Safras – Don
3. Huxley & Skapes – Electronic Drums
Huxley & Skapes ‘Electronic Drums’ is out now on Sola – buyย here.
Socials:
Facebook –ย https://www.facebook.com/SkapesMusic/
Twitter –ย https://twitter.com/skapesmusic
Soundcloud –ย https://soundcloud.com/skapes-1
