Contributing Writer
Manchester mainstay Dark Room Robot makes the sort of music that gets the club bumping. His blend of house, techno, electro, bass and sound system culture always results in high-impact sounds with irresistible frequencies. His latest EP, ‘Lights Down Low’ comes after high-profile support from BBC Radio 1 of his Four Tet rework. We caught up with him for an insight into his upcoming drop…
Dark Room Robot! Welcome to Music Is 4 Lovers, how’s life?
Awesome cheers. Thanks for taking the time to interview me. I’m currently enjoying a nice cup of Yorkshire tea while taking a studio break from working on new material.
You’re currently based in Manchester, we’d love to know more about what you get up to within the North-West’s club scene.
I’m from the North of England, which is known for being super friendly. Trance was big here back in the day. Having lived in various countries I can definitely advocate the triangle of Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield as having a cool vibe, worthy of a city break for your readers.
In terms of music, I love all sorts from Mozart to Megadeath, but particular rhythm focused stuff. Manchester is great because I can see a classical pianist on a lunchtime break at Stroller hall or Royal Northern College of Music, catch some cool jazz or soul at Matt & Phreds in an evening, or alternative Theatre at places like Hope Mill or cool Comedy and art shows.
I particularly love day parties these days. I like my sleep haha. On a straight rave tip, Manchester is super fortunate to have one the best clubs in Europe – Hidden. The Old Mill venue is a great 3 floor space, and the Void Sound system on the second floor is in my top 3 in Europe for sure, super clean and punchy. The owners and promoters there do a great job of bringing new and established artists. I’ve caught some epic sets in there over the last year from Maurice Fulton, Luke Una to Eris Drew. On an edgy tip, White Hotel is continuing doing great work pushing more arty electronic vibes.
Next month, you’re closing out 2024 with a jam-packed EP on your Forbidden Fruit Recordings imprint. Tell us about ‘Lights Down Low’ and what you hope listeners will take away from the project?
After releasing some ambient music (Expansions is my series of psychedelic soundtracks), I wanted to get back to a series of club focused tracks. I’ve been enjoying listening to radio shows by the likes of Floating Points, Kassian and BBC R1 Resident shows, to keep introducing me to new music and then doing a dive on discogs. early Harry Cho Cho Romero is currently on the open tab!
So this EP is me working to blend some of those influences into a continuation of my style. Blending bass and dub influences with DnB, original Tech House and Techno, guilty pleasure Pop. Techno Harry Styles interesting anyone? ha ;p
What’s your number one goal right now as a DJ/artist?
My aim is always to have fun making sounds that excite me, the experience of making music is such a beautiful thing, everything else is secondary to me really. Hopefully those creations also resonate with others, and maybe soundtrack some dancefloor moments.
How do you feel about phones on the dancefloor?
No for me, other than the odd cheeky snap. I came of age in the late 90s and part of the transcendence of dancing and clubbing is being lost in the moment and feeling the energy. If your friends aren’t there to share it then make them envious with the stories so they join next time. Let’s be honest, you’re almost never going to rewatch those videos are you…
Could you give us some personal highlights from the year? These don’t have to be related to music 🙂
For a challenge I decided to do a standup comedy course at the start of the year. Totally cliff edge stuff but great fun and met some cool people. I’m going to put it out there, the comedy scene seems a lot more supportive than the music industry. Maybe it’s because you get your ego stripped bare on stage every gig that everyone is already exposed and naked. After very sad events with the Aslice demise and lack of major DJ support, I think the music industry could do well with casting an eye to the comedy world…
I sing (bass) in a Pop & Rock choir. Our Pride gig this August to about 150 people was an epic atmosphere. The leader, Jonny, does some brilliant arrangements. One of my favourites is a choral version of Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own’ is super cool.
Probably predictable, but Four Tet at the Warehouse Project recently was epic. Day party with just Kieran playing all day in the best sounding space there, The Concourse. Super selection of tunes and atmosphere from the go. Such an inspirational artist and DJ.
What else have you got planned for the year ahead? Further releases? Show?
On the music front, I’m studying piano and working on developing a loops and drum machine set. In part, this is so i can jam ideas and start to play events and have fun with a crowd. I love what people like Kink and Mr G do, simple but super fun and effective. I’ve been saying this for couple years, so I need to get my finger out ha
Release wise, I have a several EPs lined up on Forbidden Fruit over the next 5 months, alongside being more active to get some music on labels that inspire me.
Outside of music, I love adventure, so currently planning a boys back-packing trip across Slovenia to summit Mount Blan next Summer. I’m a firm believer in having challenges every year, and can’t recommend this enough to any of your readers. Start small with a weekend mini adventure, the ‘Wild Guide’ books are great for inspiration.
Dark Room Robot’s ‘Lights Down Low’ EP is released 12th December 2024
Pre-Order the EP HERE
Follow Dark Room Robot: Instagram – Soundcloud – Beatport
