Introducing: Artifact

There’s no doubt that Bristol has recently been giving Manchester a run for it’s money as the Best Musical city in the UK. Producing budding producers almost daily, the city will be launching its festival season early with the Simple Things Festival this Saturday.

Alongside a line-up that includes hard-hitters Ghostpoet, Nicholas Jaar and Hudson Mohawke to name a few, will be upcoming House talent, Artifact. We caught up with Artifact to discuss polyrhythmic patterns, production techniques and his upcoming set at the Simple Things Festival.

For those who don’t know your music, how would you describe your sound?

Like a blend between Techno, House and Garage. Theres some Dubstep in there as well, but I’d generally describe it as really bouncy dance music.

You have a background in heavy metal. How did this influence the way you produce? 

I definitely got some of the breakdowns and rhythms I use from heavy metal. My favourite sound right now is polyrhythmic patterns in the bass sounds that goes over a 4/4 beat.

Why do you think so many successful DJs and producers have come out of Bristol? 

The university’s here and because of that a lot of producers meet each other. I moved here to do Dubstep and was shocked when I arrived to find that it had been replaced by Techno. It completely changed my direction. It got me into some Broken Beat, UK Funky stuff and then I travelled to Germany. Whilst in Germany, I experimented with this new influence and started to make a sound I liked, a dark Garage sound. I’ve kept it every since as my signature style.

What is your favourite production technique?

The most useful thing I use has to be parallel compression. I hard compress my drums, mix it up with everything else and it makes them punch through the mix.

How do you go about choosing the samples you use?

I know what I want when I find it. I’m normally looking for something that when I frequency shift it, it’s discordant but interesting.

Do you have any tips for budding DJs and producers?

Be patient, take your time. Don’t be lazy, be persistant and you’ll get there. The younger you start, the better you’ll be as it takes time to build up experience.

Which tracks of yours will you be dropping at your set at Simple Things?

Definitely the remix I just finished for Somethink sounds and my EP ‘They way It Do’. You can check out all my past tracks and remixes on my Soundcloud page.

What other headliner are you most looking forward to seeing at Simple Things?

That’s a tricky question, the line-up is insane! I’d probably have to say Ziro who I’m playing alongside.

What future projects do you have in the pipeline?

I’m currently working on an EP to come out soon on Halocyan, (xxxy, etc.) that I’m really excited about. Of course there’s a couple of remixes too to come next year.

To catch Artifact at the Simple Things Festival in Bristol on the 12th October, pick up one of the few remaining tickets HERE.