We’re happy to spend some time chatting today with celebrated producer STIKMATIK; greetings and salutations, Stik! Before we begin kicking the proverbial tin can down the dusty road, how has your 2022 been treating you thus far?

2022 has been great so far, It’s been a journey already but a great one. I’ve spent lots of time in the studio, working on music and myself, my sound but mainly adjusting to the world again post covid. Traveling and pushing my big ideas world wide!

What sort of journey did you take to get to this point in your career? Is there a Secret Origin story you could share with us?

I started as a Dj and producer in my local scene in London, and I have been super blessed to be surrounded with amazing musicians from the jump which has shaped my understanding of who I am and what I could become. So yeah, I’ve spent loads of time in small studio house’s learning loads as a producer and learning how to write songs. In 2018, I signed a publishing deal with Stellar Song/Sony which really gave me the jump in to pursue it professionally. I dived a lot into Grime, Hip Hop and R&B, slowly elevating up to Dance music which I have been passionate about and shares my tone of voice best.

For those late to the party, could you talk about some of the bands and artists that you’ve worked with over the course of your career?

So I’ve worked with Wretch 32, Tiesto, Banks, Tala, Mr. Eazi, Mad Teeth, DJ LYAN to name a few 🙂

Is it the ultimate professional compliment to work with a band or artist and then, later on down the line, have those same artists request to work with you again?

I mean, yes it definitely feels like a pat on the back when an act requested for you, because you know you are providing the wave for that person. But, honestly past the managers etc, it tends to be super organic and you tend to have relationships with these artists who understand what they want from you or how you could help.

You’re based out of the great city of London, England. How does London inform you not only as a producer, but also as a human being?

London for me is the main reason I’m able to do so much, genre wise London isn’t caged in, clubs play everything from afro beats, Bollywood to techno. Also as a cultural melting pot of people, you meet people from all over which has been so instrumental in helping me as human become who I am.

You hail from a wonderful culture, being born as the child of a Mauritian immigrant family. What did that potent cocktail of different cultures mean for you as a child? Did it expand your world-view and open you up to more than one or two doors, so to speak?

Everything lol. Having grown up on Sega (traditional music) and Indian music, then being a native Londoner with those cultural roots gave me a sense of grounding. I guess especially the immigrant mindset that I can really do anything with my life and succeed if my parents came to London with nothing and built their whole life ya feel me?

Breaking into the London producing scene, was it at first an exclusive club which you had to stick with for a time before being fully embraced?

Growing with the grime scene at the time, we didn’t feel or need the validation of the pop/major label world because it was DIY and actually COOL to be DIY. The people rocked with what was popping underground. Only when I grew a little older did I understand the impact of global music and reach. Hence why I had to embrace that to really grow. It did feel exclusive, till you realize it was just about graft and who’s ready to get down to work!

You have such a deft hand and sensibility with the Electronic and Dance genres. What specifically appeals to you about these sounds?

That fact you can sound like anything you want to be, synths, basses, kicks whatever as long as you paint a picture. I love acoustic music but I really find the computer world of electronic music pushes the bar for me as an artist and you can create crazy sounds which connect with someone.

What is the secret to being a good producer?

Be you. No secret. Just learn and be you. Maybe your style isn’t trendy right now, but it will be and you’ll have that time to really grow into yourself. Also keep it simple, simplicity is an art form in itself.

You’re also an accomplished songwriter. Which comes first for you – The lyrics or the music?

Really either because it’s all about what moves you to make the next move. Sometimes anything as a whistle or hum is the special sauce which created the whole formula.

How does your family feel about all of your success in the recording industry?

At first they didn’t understand what the music business was, but as I have grown further they are over the moon and have been supportive. Very grateful.

What do you have coming up in the future, work-wise? Any hints you can drop for us?

Lots and lots of music. My next single ‘Toxic’ is due in July. I’d hate to ruin surprises 🙂

INTERVIEW: STIKMATIK

Related Articles

About rj frometa

Check Also