Q: How would you describe the music that you usually create?
HOOS: I would say it draws influence from the world of Aphex Twin and Squarepusher with aspects of Jazz and Hip-Hop. Very glitchy programmed drums with dense harmonies recorded on synths.
Q: As ‘Peaceful Madcap’ lyrically investigates the human thought process and psychology behind impulsivity, was there a specific life event that drew you towards this topic?
HOOS: I wouldn’t say there was one defining moment that led me to produce this song. Rather a range of behaviors that I notice in myself and others that swing between calamity and insanity. I find the the definition of a “dark horse” interesting and am intrigued when I meet people who give little away on the surface but have a deep understanding and a somewhat unconventional take on this strange world we live in.
Q: You can only listen to (3) albums for the next year. What are they?
HOOS: A very hard question as my answer would probably differ from week to week. If I had to pick though I would say Flying Lotus’s “Cosmogramma,” Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” and The Comet Is Coming’s “Trust In The Lifeforce Of The Deep Mystery.” All incredible master pieces.
Q: ‘Peaceful Madcap’ has some pretty sick drum breaks throughout. Can you elaborate on your creative process when creating such intricate rhythms that flow so nicely?
HOOS: I’m glad you dig the breaks! A lot of these rhythmic ideas come from listening to Jazz drummers such as Tony Williams or Elvin Jones and trying to put myself in their shoes as if I’m playing a killing drum solo. The process involves trial and error. A lot of the time it’s the ‘lucky mistakes’ that I end up using for the final track.
Q: What’s the meaning behind the song title ‘Peaceful Madcap”?
HOOS: The title taps into the calamity/ insanity idea. There are people who appear collected yet have whacky, bonkers ideas and an unorthodox way of approaching life. This is what makes living so interesting and unexpected. And for me it’s the life I experience that leads to the creation of these tracks.
Q: How has growing up in the east of London had an affect on your music making?
HOOS: From a young age I was exposed to a wide variety of Black music. From going to school with talented gospel drummers to learning about Jazz on a Saturday with the great pianist Julian Joseph, I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to many interesting genres and cultures.
Q: What can your fans expect to see and hear from you in the near future?
HOOS: More of the same. I want to explore rhythm and groove whilst keeping the harmony dense and pleasing to the ear. I am also as much of a keys player as I am producer so merging both live and programmed music is one of my biggest pursuits.
