What inspired you to become a DJ, and how did you get started in the music industry?
So DJing was actually the last thing I learned how to do, and I guess it was something I felt I needed in my locker as a way of playing out the electronic music I was making as well as helping to carve a route into the scene. I grew up playing and writing music from a young age, with my Dad and Brother, and went on to study music at Leeds College of Music before making a career predominantly as a drummer and percussionist. I have always been creative and solely performing wasn’t enough for me hence taking the plunge into the world of production to support my songwriting - and I feel this project is really my way of expressing the truest form of myself.
Growing up in Scotland, what local influences shaped your musical taste and style?
I was lucky enough to grow up with a big brother who had the most ridiculously vast CD collection across all genres, so I was constantly getting to hear new and interesting things. From playing in bands on the Glasgow circuit at an early age I developed a real love for the post-rock scene unbelievably. There’s so many Scottish bands that shaped my early teens and I’d have to say the likes of Frightened Rabbit, Mogwai, Biffy Clyro really carried a lot of weight in terms of my musical identity at the time and even now.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences and why?
I could sit here all day really when it comes to musical influences over the years but I guess the ones that make most sense to mention in regards to CARMICHAEL, sonically, it would have to be some artists that bridged the gap between sort of band music to electronic music and opened the doors to me finding my sound. I’ll only list a few so we’re not here all day - Radiohead/Thom Yorke, Bonobo, Four Tet & Burial. (My brain is shouting at me currently with a million other possible answers)
How has the Scottish House music scene evolved since you started?
Before I moved to Leeds I was really quite new to House music. I’d been to a few raves but didn’t quite have the full understanding of the scene till I was a bit older. Since moving away I’ve had to watch the Scottish dance scene flourish from afar, but I feel it has really developed into a top tier level in terms of events, artists and of course the crowds which are always unrivalled in me opinion.
Can you walk us through your creative process when producing a new track?
This really varies for me - depending on whether I’m in the studio or at home / on the move as I’ll have a separate set up. I get bits of inspiration randomly in my day so usually I’ll try and capture a voice note of what my heads trying to create (be it a hook, vocal, drum groove, bass line etc) I’ll then develop the idea into something as soon as possible on my laptop and just let it snowball from there. I’ll generally have a vibe/feel in mind of what I want my next track to sound like.
What equipment and software do you use in your studio setup?
I’m an Ableton boy. I converted from Logic about 5 years ago and personally for the music I create I feel it works best for me. In the studio I’m fortunate to share the space with two of my best mates and over the years we’ve accumulated a tonne of amazing equipment - whether it be live instruments or synths we’re really spoilt for choice up there. I tend to write on a Wurlitzer and then use some analog synths (Prophet Rev2, Moog Sub37, Roland Juno) but I’m not shy at using a solid VST like Wavetable or Serum either depending on what sounds I’m after.
How do you stay inspired and keep your music fresh and innovative?
I feel like I find inspiration in a number of ways. As the music I make is emotionally driven I think a lot of what I create is a way of expressing how I’m feeling. I use life’s challenges as fuel I guess to drive my motivation. Sonically I am always listening to new releases and underground mixes / radio shows which really helps me find a sonic spark.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a DJ?
I’ve found a fair few challenges when it comes to DJing. I’d say it’s been very difficult to establish myself in any sort of scene for a number of reasons. The music I make and like to play out in sets is very genre-blurring which often isn’t what promoters want - especially for local club nights etc. and it’s not as if it’s easy to just jump straight in and play at a big festival or warehouse where this style of has more of a market. Face to face networking is also a difficult one for me personally, as I have a young family and also still work as a drummer I don’t get the opportunity to attend events and build up the rapport with promoters and other likeminded DJs / producers so I have had to approach networking in different ways e.g. Track collaborations/remixes/radio shows in order to try and cement a name for myself.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs who are just starting out?
I’d say really to roll your sleeves up and just get stuck in. Prepare yourself for countless setbacks and don’t expect anything as a given. It’s a ruthless and cliquey industry. Collaboration for me is the way forward in terms of progression - collaborating with other producers and DJs will open doors - the electronic scene has a great platform for artists supporting each other - whether it be playing your tracks in sets or remixes or support slots. I guess my final cliché would be consistency and perseverance.
How do you spend your time when you're not making music or performing?
I find it very difficult to switch off from music completely as I’ve constantly got something rattling round my head, but I love to spend time with my young family and I’m a keen sports fan much to my detriment being Scottish.
What projects or collaborations are you currently working on?
I’m pretty stacked up release wise till the end of the year to be honest. I’ve got a 3 track EP coming out on Night Mayors in October (First single ‘undertsandme’ dropping 20th September) I’ve got another 2 track release due to come out in December and have a couple of official remixes dropping in between as well. On top of all that I’m working on a larger project for 2025 which has really started growing arms and legs and may well end up becoming my debut album!
