Saytek: Hardware Junkie

Over the past decade, British producer Saytek has built a reputation for innovative, improvised hardware heavy live sets that span the house and techno spectrum. Having recieved nomination for DJ Mag’s Best Live Act last year, he is now widely regarded as one of the nation’s very best live performers, resulting in a bookings across the globe, including Fabric London, Space Ibiza and Tresor Berlin to name but a few.

With releases on My Favorite Robot, Soma and Monique Musique, Saytek is no stranger to production acclaim either. His new Live On Cubism 3 album, out now on Cubism Records, is already becoming one of the year’s most essential records.

So with all this praise lavished upon him, we thought it was about time to catch up with Saytek and find out all about the man behind the music.

Can you tell us a little about who you are and what makes you unique as an artist?

Well I am a live act, one that uses a lot of hardware and does a lot of improvisation. That is certainly quite unusual for the UK. Also my music and live show are pretty eclectic as it covers a lot of styles within the house and techno spectrum. For me it’s not about specific sub genres, but i suppose it’s unique as I am a pretty fussy person. I like things to sound a certain way and have a deep sense of integrity around them. I will not make or play anything that doesn’t float my boat. A lot of people don’t expect me to be from the UK when I turn up at a gig I hear “I thought you where from Germany or something”.

What does your live act entail? 

Firstly i need to create the music as loops , which are broken into the smallest elements possible so I can reconstruct them live. I use a lot of hardware to express myself. I like lots of buttons and tactile control, and I love to jam and vibe with the crowd. To put it simply, I am performing my own music using a bunch of machines and a laptop but not in the traditional sense. I am like a conductor of the machines telling them what to play and when. Also I am creating synth lines and drum beats on the fly, triggering and warping samples and remixing the results live as well… So a lot going on.

As you don’t use other people’s records, how do you go about programming your live shows? 

At the moment I will be showcasing material of my new album live on cubism vol 3 album, but as I have so much control, the same raw material will sound very different every time I play it. For instance hearing me perform at an after party, the set will be deeper and more twisted, whereas at a peak time slot I will be jumping around in the groove and the results will be a more energetic sound and performance.

Could you tell us a little about your new release on Cubism? Your sound is really accomplished – can you talk us through how you produced his volume? What equipment you used etc? 

It is the result of a couple of months worth of long studio sessions. A lot of work has gone into this album, probably the most yet. For the most part, it has been programmed from the ground up with a lot of sound design and sample warping. It’s a collage of my own musical ideas arranged live. The full kit list for making and performing the album goes like this: Roland MC 909, Ableton 9  AKAI APC 40, Korg Kaos Pad 3, Korg Volca Bass, Pioneer RMX1000, Arturia Spark, Native Instruments Machine, D16 Silver Line and a Pioneer DJM900 mixer to mix it all together.

Your releases have gained critical acclaim across the board and widespread DJ support your last few releases as alone have got props from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Marcel Dettmann, Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, Luciano, Danny Tenaglia, John Digweed, Steve Lawler , DJ Sneak, Kevin Saunderson. How does it feel to be recognised by so many people as a role model, and have your own production played worldwide? 

Yeah it’s a nice feeling , but on the whole I don’t take much notice of DJs supporting records. However, when you get a legend like Sneak charting a record or see Steve Lawler or Carl cox playing your track in front of thousands at space closing in the Ultra stage, it makes you realise your music does get appreciated by people. I really just do what I do for the love of music and to be able to make a living from what I love most. I think it’s important to keep your feet on the ground and stay humble.

Who would you say are your biggest influences in getting you where you are today? 

Far too many to mention. I have had nearly a life time love of electronic music, over 14 years experience gigging and I worked as an sound and lighting engineer in top clubs before doing music full time. I love so much music and respect so many artists, so to mention names would just mean I’m missing many others out.

Any new projects on the horizon that you’ve been working on? 

I have been working very hard on music this year. I have tracks coming out on Kevin Saunderson’s legendary techno label KMS, and loads of other stuff coming on amazing labels.

What constitutes success for you as an artist? 

To make a living from what I love without having to compromise artistically.

Catch Saytek “jamming with my machines,” alongside Dubspeeka, Moniker Ross, Barber and Leander, at the Mirage Halloween Party, November 1st at London’s Nomad. Grab your ticket below!

To buy tickets for this event please visit the events page: Mirage Halloween Party w/ Cubism & Data Transmission tickets from Skiddle.

These tickets are on sale for Mirage Halloween Party w/ Cubism & Data Transmission. Skiddle.com is an official ticket outlet for this event. All credit card purchases you make at Skiddle.com are encrypted through our Secure Server Technology

Tickets for sale from Skiddle

]]>