Stagedoor FM

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two years since Blinkie hit the ground hard with his excellent Don’t Give Up (On Love) – supported by many of the big tastemakers across the sphere (all the way from Radio 1 to Capital and Capital Xtra), the joint launched the producer across the big-league, leading to invites to drop remixes for the likes of Major Lazer, Anne-Marie and Sigala.

It’s therefore refreshing to hear that his summer joint Halfway has received similar acclaim (it’s a belter btw), and having just landed a new remix EP, we had a quick sit-down with the Londoner to find out more about his sound, Halfway, launching his own imprint, and much more:

How did you first get into production? Has music always been a part of your life?
I’ve always been into music. I started off with dancing from a young age, then when I got a little bit older, I started rapping & MC’ing. In secondary school, I started learning how to produce. Music was one of the only lessons that could shut me up. I was so focused to the point that my teachers would just let me use the computers to practice production.

Having grown up in London, how do you feel that has affected your sound?
I like fusing different genres and styles of music and that’s developed from growing up in London. Growing up in London has been a creative blessing because there are so many different cultures and so many different genres of music which, for me, means different musical influences that I can learn from and incorporate into my music.

You stormed onto the scene with your debut single ‘Don’t Give Up’ a few years ago and now you’re back with ‘Halfway’ – what has changed between the two releases?
I’m more established as an artist now and I’ve gained quite a bit of support from a lot of different people, which is great and I’m truly grateful for.

‘Halfway’ was released on your own label Edendale Road – what inspired you to start your own label?
I’ve always wanted to build my own label. I’ve always had amazing musicians, singers, rappers and songwriters around me that have never got the chance to be heard, so I’ve always wanted to make something for all of us. Something that enables us to have the freedom to make records entirely on our own terms, with full control and ownership of what we create, that we can release to the masses, and eventually that we can make some kind of living from.
The main thing is for us to able make great music freely and be able to share it with everyone, while having full control of what we do.

What would you say your main goal is for Edendale Road?
The main goal for Edendale Road is to make a mark on the music industry by delivering hits.

You’ve recently released a set of remixes for ‘Halfway’ that all draw from UK influenced sounds – why do you feel it is important for you to reflect the genres that are prevalent in the UK?
A lot of these sounds from the UK are what inspired me to make music in the first place. I was really happy to get the Distant Light remix because it really gave flashbacks on old school UKG. I also feel that it helps the song get heard by a wider audience and helps to get different DJs to support the record.

You’ve also remixed for the likes of Major Lazer, Anne Marie and Sigala – what is it that you enjoy about remixing other artist’s tracks?
When I first got into music production, I started off sampling. Sampling is something that I really enjoy doing and I like to think that I’m really good at it. Remixing songs is kind of similar – using the original track to create my own version. I love it. It’s almost like I’m making a new a song.

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
Working on releasing more music from myself and some of the artists on Edendale Road. Also spending more time in the studio.