GAWP has built a reputation for finely tuned productions on labels including Toolroom, Dirtybird, Elrow, and This Ain’t Bristol. Known for an off-kilter approach that balances crisp sound design with underground character, he’s become a consistent presence on both sides of the Atlantic, touring extensively and picking up support from major players across house and techno.
His latest single is Feel Alone on Doc Brown’s Unlearn:Records alongside a remix from the label founder.
What was the starting point for Feel Alone? Was it the vocal, a groove, or a texture?
Straight up, it was the vocal. As soon as I heard it I was like, yeah, that’s the one. Built the beat around it and just kept it rolling without stepping on the vibe..
The vocal feels intimate and understated. How did you process it to sit so naturally in the mix?
* EQ
* Compression
* De Ess using Soothe2
* Hot Sauce and a tin of beans!
You’re known for a detailed approach to sound design. How do you decide when to strip things back and let space do the work?
If a sound’s not pulling its weight, it’s out. Simple. Sometimes the emptiness is what makes the groove bang, I also think the track Feel Alone was flexing a more progressive style for me so was fun to make.
How has the evolution of the UK house scene influenced the way you produce today compared with a few years ago?
The UK’s always been raw. Lately it feels like it’s swung back to proper grooves and less fancy polish, which is exactly where I like it. Bit rough, bit gritty, keeps the energy real.
What role do you think smaller independent labels like Unlearn play in shaping house music right now?
They’re everything. Doc Brown runs Unlearn and he’s always had my back. Love playing his parties and hanging out with him when it’s not work too. Those labels give you freedom to do your thing without chasing some big commercial sound.
You often combine analog and digital gear. Is there one piece of equipment you’d struggle to work without at this point?
Elektron Rytm MK2 oh and the Moog Voyager RME! no question. I can sit with that for hours and always find new ideas. Gets me out of the laptop and into proper jamming. This one I used few loops from Christophs Sample pack and my new Toolroom one which is out next month! Not forgetting my LockUp plugin for that bass!
Touring and club culture are changing quickly. How much do you consider current dancefloor trends when you sit down to make music?
Honestly, I don’t. If you’re making tunes just to follow what’s hot, you’re already behind. I just write what feels good, then test it out in the club. That’s the only feedback that matters.
Do you see your music as more connected to the UK’s house lineage or to the international circuit you’ve become part of?
Bit of both. The UK gave me the roots and the grit, but playing around the world made me realise the sound connects everywhere. I try to keep that UK edge but still make it work on any system, any crowd as you have to adapt.. I remember the first time I played USA, tried deep groovy house in start of my set.. went down really bad, switched it into a party after that and learned alot.