DJ, Producer, and acid bassline obsessive. Active since 2018, variable_self strives to show that there are no real boundaries in electronic music, as when given free reign he is unphased by genre and BPM constraints. Jumping between intensities and styles to take the listener on a journey and showcase a vast library of unique taste, alongside an affinity for fx abuse. 

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Now based in Bristol, he features in various cosy spaces throughout the city, and has held residencies on 1020 Radio and the Trow Red Room for over a year. Any combination of deep progressive House, gritty pumping Electro, peculiar outlier club, transcendental Techno, and much more can be heard. Previously he has played at venues in Southampton and Plymouth, and has supported the likes of Dj Seinfeld, O’Flynn, and Dr Banana. 

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Owning 3 different 303 clones, he tastefully squeezes the signature squelch of acid whenever possible, in the forefront or background of nearly every one of his productions.  More recently included in hybrid DJ sets that feature live acid lines alongside a library of hard hitting electronic music. 

 

In 2021 he released 4 tracks from a combination of a VA feature and his debut EP “Acid Romantique”, both on London label Misplaced Recordings. Stylistically taking influence from the 2010s lo-fi house emergence, and classic Detroit electro of the 90s. Musically they sit somewhere between the two while on a tangent into unknown territories, and inspired by feelings of isolation during lockdown. The EP gained a strong first reception, with a feature on Houseum, and backing from Hammer.

 

Appealing to the nostalgic feeling, he blends recognisable analogue sounds with new techniques and approaches, to create a fresh sonic palette that still feels familiar. Utilising modern clones of vintage gear that emulate the Juno-106, TB-303, Roland Drum Machines and more, the early sounds of the underground are present while still being pushed into unique realms. Melancholy melodies and bittersweet harmonies blend between minor and major to blur the lines of opposing emotions, invoking both sadness and hope. Weaponsing simplicity and complexity, he creates tracks that can be energetic and relaxing, fit for a pounding club soundsystem, or solo deep listening.

 

Currently variable_self is creating their first LP, with several tracks already finished and itching to be released. Spanning an array of genres and including newly discovered sounds and methodology, “Wilted Bloom” will be a display of musical interpretations of the transient moods that follow love and loss. Alongside reworking old material and producing current works, he is working towards a live set, which will feature renditions of original compositions, dotted with improvised pieces throughout. Acting an audial exhibition of his creativity plus inspirations, and desire to be known as an electronic artist, not solely a DJ.

"Class. Stand out, real good stuff"

                                                             - Hammer @thehammerhits