MI4L catch up with Collier following his debut ‘Freak’ EP on Hottrax

Hi Collier, welcome to Music Is 4 Lovers and congratulations on your debut release with Hottrax! How does it feel to have your track ‘Freak’ gaining so much attention from DJs?

Hi guys, thank you for having me! To put it simply, surreal. It’s been an insane few months seeing some of my favourite DJs playing both ‘Freak’ and the B side ‘Rhythm Requirement’, even from DJs that I thought wouldn’t like the tracks. It’s been crazy.

Releasing on Hottrax at just 22 years old is an incredible achievement. How did the opportunity with the label come about, and what was your initial reaction when you found out Jamie Jones was supporting your work?

So I sent ‘Freak’ back in April of this year, and Jamie played it in his next set, which was in New York, and then the next one, which was Sunwaves in Romania. Prior to this, I hadn’t had much support on my music from big DJs, so this was basically a first for me. Following this, he continued to play it for a few weeks before letting me know he wanted to sign it to the label. He asked me for another track to complete the EP. The first track I sent was ‘Rhythm Requirement’.

In terms of initial reaction – I  knew he had downloaded it, so I searched through Instagram after his next set and stumbled across a few videos. It was a great feeling. However I never felt that it would go as far as getting signed to Hottrax.

As a Manchester-based artist, has the city’s rich musical history influenced your approach to production and DJing? Do you feel there’s something special about the Manchester scene that sets it apart?

Sadly, I am too young to have experienced places like the Haçienda, but I feel like I understand the impact places like that have had on the industry. I had a work colleague who would tell me stories about it, and to say I am jealous is an understatement. I definitely feel like the Manchester scene is special. I feel like the crowd and energy are different to other places across the country. Also, there are so many young producers and DJs in the city, which means there is a constant supply of new talent.

Your sound blends UKG, 90s House, and Disco. Can you tell us what influenced this particular style? 

It’s essentially a combination of what I enjoy listening to. I try to take little bits from everything I listen to and adapt them into my own style. I feel like I listen to a wide range of music, and I am influenced by all sorts of genres.

How do you approach the creative process in the studio? Do you have any particular routines, techniques, or equipment that are essential to your workflow?

I try to always go in with some sort of idea/inspiration and if I don’t I will spend time searching for one instead of jumping straight into something for the sake of it. In terms of techniques/equipment, I do everything within my computer; I have no external hardware. I feel as though doing everything within my computer allows me to work really quickly, which I think is essential to getting an idea down fast. I am a big believer in getting the idea down and then refining it / adding extra details at the end.

Where do you see your sound heading in the next few years, and what trends in dance music are you most excited about?

In terms of my sound, I couldn’t tell you to be completely honest. I feel as though my sound is constantly evolving while I experiment with new sounds and techniques. In terms of house music as a whole, I am excited to see how it continues to evolve and change. A lot of producers are incorporating old sounds and giving them a modern twist which is something I am excited to hear more of.

Finally, what advice would you give to other young producers who are looking to break into the scene? What lessons have you learned on your journey so far that you’d like to pass on?

I would say that consistency and motivation are key. I think I sent Jamie about 20 demos before he played one and so you’ve have got to keep going and cannot get disheartened if someone says no. You must remember that music is subjective, so just because one DJ doesn’t like your track doesn’t mean no one will.

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