SoundOf: XY Constant

This week one of the most exciting UK producers of the moment, XY Constant, turns in a SoundOf mix.

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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 very excited to have one of the most exciting UK producers around turn in a mix for us. He's honed the atmospheric deep bass that's come to be the trademark of the UK underground and paired it with catchy hooks and house beats to create a unique, highly danceable sound.

Having recently turned in remixes for LOLO and Disclosure, his profile is only set to get bigger and bigger, so check out his mix and have a read of our interview with him below.

Spotlight 003: XY Constant by Ministry Of Sound on Mixcloud

MoS: First of all thanks 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?

XY Constant: Both really, but there isn't much difference between the music I play out and the music I listen too at home. There are a couple of tunes in there that I would stray away from playing in a club but you can be sure that I love every song in the mix and they all get me moving in one way or another.

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

I always find describing my own sound really difficult. I like to vary the sort of tunes I make which makes it hard to pin point what my sound is. I like catchy hooks, tight beats and bass that makes your body shake, so hopefully you can find all these things in my music.

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

Well my parents are folk musicians so music has always been around me. But it wasn't until my older brother showed me some drum and bass that I really started getting into the electronic side of music. Then when I found out all you needed was a computer and you could make those sounds yourself I was away.

What have you got coming up on the horizon?

In terms of the future it's pretty open. I am working on an EP that will be released later in the year, lots of new remixes to come, and many more gigs, so keep an eye out.

What can the Ministry of crowd expect from your set at Saturday Sessions?

A lot of the sort of tunes that are in this mix, and a lot more! Probably some heavier bass/techno tunes in amongst it all, but I wont be dropping the dance vibe.

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

The dance music scene is one of the most exciting things happening at the moment (in my opinion of course). There is just such a diverse amount of sounds coming forward thanks to the use of the internet and new technology. With the excitement and hype that surrounds it, I imagine it will keep getting better and better.

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 wouldn't want to label anyone as unheard or underground in case I offend someone haha, and all of these are pretty well known anyway, but some artists I can't get enough of at the moment are people like Wilfred Giroux, Tchami, Celsius, Ben Kahn and Dark Sky.

You’ve done some quite high profile remixes, who’s the one artist (past or present) you’d like to work with the most?

Hard one, there are so many talented artists out there! I guess if I got the opportunity to work with Marvin Gaye I would be over the moon, but then again who wouldn't.

Tell us a little known fact about XY Constant?

I quite like Katy Perry.

Tracklist

Gucci Mane - "Party Animal" (Hudson Mohawke Remix)

Ginger & The Ghost - "One Type Of Dark" (Ta-Ku Remix)

Thieves - "We Used To"

Wankelmut & Emma Louise - "My Head Is a Jungle" (MK Remix)

Disclosure - "When a Fire Starts to Burn"

A-Minor - "Thinkin' Bout the Things" (XY Constant Remix)

Sub Focus ft. Alpines - "Tidal Wave" (Shadow Child Remix)

AlunaGeorge - "You Know You Like It" (Tchami Remix)

Rossi Sure - "Holding On" (Linier Remix)