Wyatt Marshall has quickly come to fruition as one of the most exciting new talents in underground house. Wyatt puts his effort into what’s important: the music; building his reputation on a steadfast commitment to production while exploring the endless sonic avenues of analog and modular synthesizers.
This unwavering focus catapulted Wyatt’s career over the past couple years, landing him releases on prominent labels including Gruuv, Desert Hearts Records and Dirtybird, where he collaborated with Claude VonStroke numerous times.
Most recently on the minimal symphony ‘Youngblood’, the first single from VonStroke’s new album “Freaks and Geeks” which sat atop the Beatport Minima/Deep Tech chart for several weeks.
Wyatt has a new EP, “Mind Control”, out on Desert Hearts and, in 2020, is set to drop new music on Deeperfect Records and Percomaniacs for which he is a head A&R and DJ resident.
Besides answering some of our questions, Wyatt has kindly presented us with a scintillating mix for your listening pleasure:
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
I’ve always had a passion for music and creating in general so naturally, I gravitated to music production and now it is something I can’t live without.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
Music has always been a huge part of my life, I have taught myself how to play a few instruments but once I started raving in my early teens I really fell in love with House. I am always trying to learn new skills, so It was only natural that I felt like hey I can do that. Then I just spent every minute of the next 10 years trying to master it. Still have a long way to go though.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
Analogue synths, drum machine and modular have helped me find my sound. Using these instruments has helped me develop a different workflow then I previously had and allowed me to think outside the box while not getting hung up on the details of a sound
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
I wake up at 8 AM every day. Make my coffee and head out to the studio. I typically work anywhere from 8-12 hours a day. I try to mix down in the morning when my ears are fresh and work on new ideas towards the end of the day.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
I used to produce in a traditional way, starting with an idea and finding sounds to fill it in. Ever since I got into modular, I’ve developed a new workflow where I go into the studio with no ideas and just riff on my modular and record a 10 -20 minute jam. From there I find the parts I like most and the song forms around them.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
I use pretty much all hardware. I have a Prophet 6, Novation Peak, Korg Minilogue, Novation Bass Station, Moog Minitaur, Elektron Machinedrum, Analog RYTM Mk2, and a 3u Eurorack. I am also in the process of building a new Modular case to keep expanding. I find it easier to record on physical instruments as the limitations stop me from constantly tweaking a sound and never getting a solid idea.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
I like to listen to sets from my favourite artists. The Fuse show on Rinse FM is one of my favourites. Also just hanging with my friends who produce and showing each other music always gets me excited to work.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
Like any other performer, I try to match the energy of the crowd. I also make a point to always engage with people in the crowd, say what’s up, throw them a peace sign or just point them out. I feel like this makes people feel special and when I was just going to shows that kind of stuff always stood out to me.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
Tequila soda and my lovely girlfriend
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
I would say I am always improving and changing. Since I started my music has gone through many different styles, recently I have been taking a more stripped back approach to my productions.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
I have an EP coming out with Lubelski on Deeperfect, this week, and a Solo EP coming out on Percomaniacs next month. Other than that, I am hard at work in the studio, I have three solo EP’s done and a collaboration EP with Sly Turner that I am particularly excited about.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
I’m not a huge collaboration guy. I have a few choice people I enjoy working with, but I need to be in the studio with the person otherwise I feel like It’s hard to get the vibe right.
What’s on your current playlist?
Some of my favourite producers right now are Per Hammer, Micheal James, and Diego Krause. Aside from house music I love classic rock, Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd and Queen are some of my favourites.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Sly Turner from San Diego is a really great up and coming artist. Everything he has been sending me lately is amazing.
Any side projects you’re working on?
No, not at the moment.
Famous last words?
Put in the time in studio even when you don’t want to work.
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