Behind The Sound: Teej
We chat with Drum & Bass producer and label owner Teej about his journey, NYX Recordings, and the future of the scene.
7 minutes read
We sat down with Bristol-based producer and label owner Teej, who has been making serious waves in the underground Drum & Bass scene. Teej has been carving out a reputation for deep, minimal productions and shaping the new wave of 130-17bpm music through his own imprint. We talked about his journey as a producer, the Bristol sound, the vision behind NYX Recordings, and where he sees Drum & Bass heading next.
Journey & Process
I love working with a diverse range of artists with different sounds to mine so we come up with something exciting and refreshing.
- Teej
What first drew you into Drum & Bass, and how did you begin producing?
I remember hearing some old tape packs back in the day, in school too and thinking it was mind blowing at the time. Then as any UK youth up to shenanigans I used to go to freeparties (DIY raves, usually unlicensed) a lot when I was in my mid-teens, discovering a lot of electronic music and further expanding my pallet.
Once I went to college I starting hearing more of that early - mid 2010’s Drum & Bass and it really resonated with me. I began DJing at clubs when I was around 16 to like 2 people and just grabbing every opportunity I could. Then as time went on I found the other side of the spectrum (production) and was immediately hooked.
How would you describe the evolution of your sound from your earliest tracks to now?
Well my oldest music sounds a lot less polished than now thats for sure! I would say my general sound has gotten a lot more sub heavy and tight in the drums, I've heard that now I have a bit of a signature sound which I think is amazing, but then again I'm my own biggest critic so I’m not too sure about that. I’ve had that darker edge to my tunes for like 7 out of the 10 years that I’ve been producing music and that hasn’t changed, but the level of my production in terms of mix down, sound design etc has definitely improved and is improving constantly.
Can you tell us about a track or release that felt like a turning point in defining you as a producer?”
It’s hard to say really. Maybe ‘Nice Up The Dance’? That one done the rounds a lot in the bigger circles.
When you’re producing, do you think about the dancefloor first, or do you focus more on exploring sound and ideas?
I just think about what I want to explore and make in that exact moment most of the time, but how it will sound in the club is always on the back of my mind. Unless it’s something more soulful like liquid, then it's all about having that longevity and mood lifting vibe that is always at the forefront of my mind.
Collaboration is huge in DnB, what do you look for when working with other producers or MCs?
Synergy with an MC is obviously very important. I also love to work with them so they also have an input in the production stages so we can really make a track together, instead of just me having the vocals and then having full control.
With producers, I just love working with a diverse range of artists with different sounds to mine so we come up with something exciting and refreshing. Of course, I have those I collaborate with a lot just because I know we work so well together. People like Tweakz, Objectiv, Resslek etc...
Bristol
There are few cities in the world like it. Maybe Manchester and Berlin from my own experience come close, but there’s something about Bristol thats just different levels.
- Teej
Bristol has a big reputation in Drum & Bass. How has being part of that environment influenced your sound and career?
I definitely have made a huge amount of connections and friends in this city that have inspired me to make more music in general. The quote on quote ‘bristol sound’ itself in DNB isn’t necessarily the stuff I make often, but the influence from a large number of the pioneers as well as up and comers in the city can definitely be heard in some aspect in a lot of my tunes.
What do you think makes Bristol’s DnB scene stand out compared to other UK cities?
I think you can only really understand that if you come to Bristol haha! The music culture here is incredible and it's all around you. A party somewhere basically every night, you can hear music everywhere you go. There are few cities in the world like it. Maybe Manchester and Berlin from my own experience come close, but there’s something about Bristol that's just different levels.
Can you share a memorable Bristol moment, a rave, venue, or collaboration, that shaped you?
I remember when I first moved up and didn't really make many friends, Kyrist added me to her guest list and took me to Trinity for the first time where I met so many artists, who I looked up to, in the green room and had some very inspiring chats. Shout out to Kirsty for that one!
NYX Recordings
A label that is not just for the listeners, but for giving back to the artists as well.
- Teej
What was the inspiration behind starting NYX Recordings?
Minimal, dark music has always been my passion and I've always thought about one day running a label myself that I could release that sort of music on. After co-running OCC for a good while I thought it was time to use what I’ve learnt in another space and make a label that is not just for the listeners, but for giving back to the artists as well.
What’s the bigger vision for the label, where do you hope to take it in the next few years?
Worldwide! I already have so many talented artists from Europe, Eurasia and elsewhere involved that I would love to throw parties with and get on lineups, so to get NYX events across the world is something that is in my sightline.
How do you go about selecting which tracks or artists to release on NYX?
The music has to be dark. Thats the criteria. Of course it has to have a certain level of polish and production to it to make the cut, but the biggest and most important thing is deep, dark and truly underground sounding. I don’t care about your followers or any of that rubbish. Just send me something good, don’t have an ego and you’re part of the family.
What’s been the most rewarding moment for you since launching the label?
Throwing the first label event last August. I was on the door myself scanning tickets for pretty much the whole night! Throwing an event as a new brand is always daunting especially nowadays, but the event was a major success and It will always stick with me how lucky I am to have people that believe in the vision and myself.
What have been the challenges in balancing your role as both a producer and a label owner?
Time mostly, as someone who has so many fingers in different pies such as patreon, label running, teaching, mastering etc, it can definitely add up to a lot of days where im staring at my computer for over 12 hours. But I’m incredibly lucky and grateful for the chance to make a living doing it.
Current State of DnB & Future Vision
At the end of the day art is art and it's subjective.
- Teej
How do you feel about the current state of Drum & Bass, in Bristol and globally?
There is a lot of commercialism in it currently where the only goal is how much money will be made, which is not what drum & bass is about. I think the underground is coming back in a big way and the discourse about ‘grassroots culture’ is very popular now for good reason. Hopefully it continues to be in discussion and things start to shift.
What’s next for you, any upcoming projects, releases, or collaborations you can share?
Expect a couple more tracks on some other peoples projects as well as compilations before the year is out. There is also one special solo project thats been in the works for a while too…
Looking ahead, what’s the dream milestone you’d love to achieve, either with your own music or through NYX Recordings?
One of my personal dream milestones is being reached as we speak so watch this space and keep an ear to the ground to hear about that soonish!
But I’d say just make NYX a label that is in the conversation as a one of the most consistent minimal labels around. Thats the goal.
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A big thank you to Teej for sharing his story and insights with us. From his work as a producer to his vision with NYX Recordings, he continues to shape the sound of underground Drum & Bass and support emerging producers in the scene.
Stay connected with Teej and keep an eye out for his upcoming projects.
↳ bandcamp | SoundCloud | Instagram | Spotify
↳ NYX Recordings: bandcamp | SoundCloud | Instagram
