Noise: Huxley

2011’s been a good year for Michael Dodman aka Huxley, cementing his reputation as a top notch producer and adding “label boss” to his repertoire, not to mention a rammed DJ schedule that has seen him grace institutions such as fabric, Privilage and Le Batofar.

With 2012 tapping him on the shoulder, Huxley’s wasting no time with a release dropping on the HOT Hypercolour in February and an EP on 2020Vision at a later date. We snapped up the opportunity to chow down on his ear to find out more about the man himself…

Starting things off, what’s been the highlight of 2011 for you?

This year for me has been pretty good all round to be honest. I’ve released tracks and remixes with some great labels including, Morris Audio, Leftroom, Tsuba, Rebirth and the list goes on. The highlight though is probably launching my own imprint. I have worked for and run labels before but this one is extra special to me as I’m lucky enough to have started it with a like-minded soul who has the same vision and drive as me. (Playing at privilege was pretty fun too - apart from missing my plane, losing my shoes and generally getting lost in Ibiza).

Is there one tune that stands out for you in the last year?

I’d say that the tune that stands out for me most is Mosca “Bax”. It’s a track that resonates with me greatly. It comes from the same background I’m from (UK Garage), sounds great and works really well on the floor. Away from House music I’d probably say that Submotion Orchestra “All Yours”. The track is just phenomenal.

Where did things kick off for you? Was there a party you started DJing at or a demo that got you noticed?

Well it all started when i was about twelve when I gave up the guitar (which didn’t go down well with my parents) and then I started to play old Rave and Drum ‘n’ Bass, then onto Garage. I started producing when I was about 16 and I released my first record, which was Garage, when I was 17. In terms of my House career I first got noticed when myself and Ethyl sent our demo out to a few labels and Nicky Curly from Cecille noticed it and the rest is history.

You mentioned you were into US Garage and UK Garage in your early days, two different genres but I suppose in 2011 they are “closer” than ever - would you say your music reflects those styles?

Definitely. I think if you listen to the music I make and my DJ sets it still comes across quite a lot. Although sometimes I really don’t want it to. I think that whatever you grow up with will always be ingrained on your music, even if it’s just on a subconscious level.

Photo: Katie Palmer

As you said, you’ve just set up your own label, Saints and Sonnets; what’s the vision behind it and what made you decide to get involved in that side of things?

Well I’ve actually been working for, running or helping out labels since I was about 17. Whether it was managing, A&R, promo or producing some of the music. I guess it just made sense that I put some of this stuff to good use and started something which I could really sink my teeth into. As i mentioned before, it really helps a lot that I started it with Jimmy [Posters]. He and I pretty much have the same vision for the label and artists we want to work with. We have some great stuff coming up. The ethos is just top quality music, obviously most of it will be House, but we’ve also got some Garage, Dubstep, Techno and Chill Out coming too.

You work closely with Ethyl - how did that partnership come about and do you prefer teaming up than going it alone?

Well they both have their benefits. I mean it’s nice to have someone in the studio with you and I’ve worked with some cool people over the last year including my close mates, Jonny Cade, Sam Russo and obviously Ethyl. I have more stuff planned with them next year but sometimes having someone there can slow down the process and also sometimes you just want your own way.

Going into 2012, is there one thing the underground could do without? A kind of new year’s resolution for the scene say…

People who block the side of the escalators that I’m trying to walk up are pretty irritating.

What should we be looking out for from you in the new year?

Well I’m pretty excited about the start of next year already. My first release of the year will come on the fantastic Hypercolour. The track, ‘Let it Go’ will be on a two track vinyl, original one side, Eats Everything mix on the other. The next thing I have lined up is my first EP for the legendary 2020vision. For me to release with them is really a dream come true, as it’s been one of my favourite labels for the past however many years. A part from that, a lot of gigs planned already and some remixes for cool labels such as murmur. So i’m hoping 2012 will carry on from the great year that was 2011.

Huxley ‘Let It Go’ released on Hypercolour Feb 2012

Thanks Huxley!

“Noise” is a series of interviews with those making BIG noises in the scene.