We have a new guy in town that goes by the name of Killa Hurtz. He is an up and coming Dubstep producer originating from Manchester. Starting his career of music whilst he was 11, Killa Hurtz is no stranger to a kick and a snare. He has a roster of EP’s and tracks, so we had a cheeky chat with him to see what he was all about.


Example: So what got you into the dubstep scene?

Killahurtz: I first heard dubstep when i left school at 16 and started at City College in Manchester doing production. The first tracks I heard were Bass-Weight from DMZ and all the usual culprits. But just as i got introduced to this i was introduced to drum n bass also, and that took most of my attention until i was 19 when i met Joe Synkro, he gave me some percussive stuff like Skull Disco and from then on i dug deeper into the genre and its past and i was just hooked on it from then on (about 2008).

Example: Did you or do you still have any major influences?

Killahurtz: Yeah definitely, band music is what got me interested when i was really young like 10 years old. So i'm still really influenced by a lot of my old favourites. Dillinger Escape Plan, Sepultura, The roots, mostly drum intensive stuff ! Drums were my first instrument and i still enjoy them.

Example: Who is your favourite Manchester based dubstep producer?

Killahurtz: Its hard to choose, because i love Synkro's music and also Indigos. They're both mates with each other and i've never met Liam Indigo, but from what i gather their sounds are something they both collectively collaborate and help each other with, which if you've ever heard, i'm sure you'll agree is a really interesting take on this whole Autonomic/IDM/Dub Techno sound emerging from the underground.

Example: Are there any specific genres of music that influence you?

Killahurtz: Right now I'm loving Dub Techno, Dub & Reggae and Bass-Weight Dubstep as well as all the bands i like/mentioned too. Sometimes its not even music that influences me, when i wrote snowflake i was looking out of my window as i got snowed in and the whole track was complete in the couple of hours it took to stop snowing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwLl8rOn_hA&feature=related

Example: Are there any other genres of music that you feel you are branching out to?

Killahurtz: Well since my first release "Root" my sounds just varied with regards to the genre. I feel it's just boring to keep churning out the same sounds. In every track i start, i never re-use a synth sound or drum sound. But what i will say is I'm branching out to include more live elements, percussion and drums in particular as well as vocals. My next Ep includes a future garage track and another catchy garage track with live drums, both are vocal and i cant wait to get them out. I'm just taking my time on getting the right label as this isn't one to rush out there. I'm in the process of signing a management deal so this will hopefully push things in the right direction !

Example: So what are you up to now? Any new projects?

Killahurtz:I've been really busy lately, I just produced and recorded a single with Virus Syndicate which we are looking to get out later in the year (possibly summer). I've been writing my new EP, and as i've mentioned its been a little more time consuming using live performances, but hopefully it will be the breath of fresh air bass music needs to branch out even more ! And I'm also arranging some DJ gigs and working on my live show which will include live drums ;)

Example: Describe yourself in three words.

Killahurtz: Eccentric sound manipulator.

Example: Tell us something about yourself that you haven’t told any one else in an interview...nothing explicit please!

Killahurtz: Ha ha ! Okay ermmmm … My next tattoo is gonna be the VU meter from the Universal Audio La2a which is like my most loved mixing habit ! If i could put it on toast I'd put it on toast and eat it, butsadly it will have to be a tattoo on my foot.