SoundOf: Madeaux

The future house pioneer from Miami, Madeaux, mixes up an hour of the best in house, bass, hip hop and everything in-between.

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SoundOf focuses on the DJs and producers who are making waves in the dance music underground.

Each edition features an exclusive mix and interview with an artist who has been handpicked by the team at Ministry Magazine.

This week we're casting our Spotlight across the Atlantic to the US and an exciting young producer known as Madeaux. A pioneer of the future house sound, Madeaux one of the best examples of the cross pollination between UK bass, classic house and US hip hop. His first full length, Love The Machine was released in early 2014 and his latest single "whatchawannado" is a smooth R'n'B meets bass joint reminiscent of the likes of Jacques Greene, Lapalux and Koreless.

Listen to his frantic, party starting mix read our exclusive interview below.

MoS: First of all thanks for doing an exclusive mix for us, what did you go for in the mix? Is this a representation of what you play out now or more what you listen to at home?

Madeaux: Thanks for reaching out! Upon listening to some of the earlier mixes in the series, I decided that house music would be a good starting point. I wanted to take this opportunity to showcase my music as well as some tunes that have inspired me. You'll hear everything from house to hip-hop, IDM to future rnb. I took the liberty to include several unreleased tracks as well! Most all of these tunes are tracks I would play out. There are a couple that may be a little too abstract for the dancefloor but I don't mind taking risks for good tracks!

For those who may be new to your music, how would you describe your sound?

This question is always tricky to answer so I find the best way to approach it is to go through the common elements of my tracks. My sound is composed of cinematic atmospheres, stadium-sized drums, glittering synthesizers, and varying degrees of dance floor sensibility. I enjoy working in all tempos and vibes because I find it gives me more versatility in making my sets emotionally dynamic.

How did you first get in to music, when did you know you wanted to be DJ?

I first started producing music the summer of my senior year in high school. I had just gotten a macbook and I would record my guitar onto garageband. One day a drummer friend and I decided to make an electronic tune just to play with the synths. We wrote this cascading wall of arpeggios that would've been impossible for me to get out on guitar and that's when I realized the freedom of electronic music. Since then I just started delving deeper and deeper and in the process encountered the music community, realizing it was possible to build a career in this space.

What have you got coming up on the horizon?

I am in the process of building a super colorful EP which I am very excited for. One of the tunes actually appears in this mix! I also have many tracks coming out this summer, looking forward to getting more shows lined up and traveling.

What do you think of the state of dance music at the minute?

It's very easy to get jaded with dance music but I find that if you keep an open mind and look carefully you'll come across some remarkable tunes. These days I find producers are so willing to splice influences, throwing caution to the wind and developing styles that are absolutely mental.

Who are the most exciting underground artists that our readers might not have heard of but who you think will be big names to come?

I don't follow many artists religiously but there are several producers that I've had my eye on lately who are prodigiously talented. Lido for one released a huge EP several weeks ago that set the internet on fire, seamlessly melding elements of jersey club with neo-soul flair. Geotheory is a lesser known artist but I believe his talent for jazzy composition and immaculate production will take him far. I've had "Medusa" on replay for what feels like a month now.

Who are you biggest influences?

When I started Madeaux I was strongly taken with Flying Lotus's label, Brainfeeder, particularly Essex-born producer Lapalux. These days I find myself studying Rustie, S-Type, a lot of the LuckyMe crew. I really admire the production of Dorian Concept, Cid Rim, Hudson Mohawke, Machinedrum, those guys are big idols of mine.

What do you like to do on your day off, what’s a typical Sunday like for you?

Back in high school and college I swam competitively and I find that exercising pulls me out of my head which is surprisingly important. I enjoy reading as well, recently have been going through a bunch of Tennessee Williams plays and they've had quite the effect on my music.

How do you prepare for a gig?

I make lots of playlists. I'm a relatively new DJ and while my technical skills are passable, my library isn't as deep as people who have been in the game for a long time. I make up for it by keeping things eclectic and making playlists helps me keep everything organized. Alcohol helps too.

Who are your dream collaborators, past or present?

I'm really into Tinashe. "2 On" was fire, "Vulnerable" was fire, she's so on point with her releases. I'm curious to watch her sound develop and would love to work with her.

Tell us something we don’t know about Madeaux?

My first love in electronic music was house. I'm from Miami, FL and the genre as a whole is so close to my heart, not to mention timeless. No matter how far I stray into experimental electronica and the like I will always listen to house music and feature elements of it in my production and DJ sets.

Tracklist

Madeaux - "whatchawannado"

Madeaux - ID

Anna Lunoe - "Breathe" (Extended Mix)

Schoolboy Q - "Man of the Year" (Madeaux Remix)

Shift K3Y - "Laughing At You" feat. Ruby Francis

Adam F & Cory Enemy - "When It Comes To You" (Extended Mix)(feat. Margot)

Jubilee - "I-95" (Salva Remix)

ASAP Ferg - "Shabba Ranks" (JWLS Remix)

Benny Benassi - "Satisfaction" (Afrojack Remix)

NAdus - "Nxwxrk" (RL Grime Edit)

Madeaux - ID