The world of electronic music is comprised of its own genres and rules that appear foreign to one not a part of the community. Artists of this community typically break into the realm of Top 40 with remixes of tracks that have already been accepted by the masses. UK musician/ producer SBTRKT (pronounced subtract) may have gotten his start remixing, but his individual style is stepping into the world of indie on its own two feet.
SBTRKT began his career as a DJ in a London club, but has quickly risen to notoriety by remixing tracks by MIA, Modeselektor, Basement Jaxx, and Mark Ronson to name a few. His style is a fusion of many electronic genres including dubstep, Chicago house and garage two-step. Basic translation: throbbing bass lines, crisp hooks, soulful vocalists and occasional World music flourishes. While the masked DJ refrains from stepping up to the microphone, he employs the talents of Sampha, Jessie Ware, Yukimi Nagano (of Little Dragon) and Roses Gabor to give the music that human touch.
Perhaps the strangest quality is the SBTRKT chooses not to reveal his true identity and bask in his newfound celebrity. He would rather have fans and critics focus on the music than on the person who makes it. Regardless of what his driver’s license says, SBTRKT is serving up some contemporary UK dance music with a spoonful of Pop for the wary.
If you like: Little Dragon, Massive Attack, The xx, Hot Chip
Check out: SBTRKT (start with his self-titled debut album, continue with the Step in Shadows ep and graduate to remixes and collaborations)
Feeling brave: Jamie Woon, James Blake, Gold PandaAI level: Intermediate