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Rising star XYConstant talks remixes, reaching #1 on Hype Machine and Rainbow Drops
House | Tuesday 2nd June 2015 | Christina
It’s been quite a ride for new kid on the block Alfie Coleman aka XYConstant. After gaining attention with bootleg of MNEK x Disclosure, and building on the buzz with some quality reworks, his new track ‘Silverlined’ blew up online and earned him a deal with FFRR. Now it's getting an official release, and you'll be hearing it all summer long. We caught up with the man himself to chat about remixes, reaching #1 on Hype Machine and Rainbow Drops.
How’s life treating you? What have you been up to recently?
Pretty well thanks! It's been quite an exciting couple of months leading up to the release of the single, but aside from that I've been working on more music with some really talented singers and writers.
When did you first get into music? Was it something you always wanted to pursue as a child?
Well music had always been a part of my life, my parents were in a band and there were always instruments around the house, but it wasn't till I got to college that I started seriously considering making music full time.
Who would you say your biggest influences are?
Definitely my parents and my older brother who got me into doing what I do in the first place. Also anyone who makes music that I enjoy, so many songs and artists inspire me and influence the music I make.
Your track ‘Silverlined’ gets its official release in June, you must be pleased with the reception that it’s got so far?
For sure! I am always overwhelmed by the support I get and ‘Silverlined’ has been no exception.
I understand there’s an interesting story behind the track – that you posted it, went to Outlook Festival, came back and it was a huge smash. Can you tell us a bit more about that?
Yeah! Basically the day I flew out to Croatia was the day I uploaded the track, and having no signal/battery over there for 10 days I had no idea if the track was doing well. Finally get some battery at the airport on the way home and I have like 10 missed calls from my manager telling me ‘Silverlined’ was number 1 on Hype Machine and that a lot of people were interested in signing the record! Was a very exciting time and definitely got rid of those post holiday blues.
The video for ‘Silverlined’ is very cool, super summery. How involved were you with the concept behind it?
Ah thank you! Well I had certain Ideas of how I wanted the video to be, and then Samy pitched the idea to us and it was exactly the right vibe. Everyone involved did a great job and I couldn't be more happy with the final result!
You’ve done some great remixes in the past, how do you go about deciding what to remix?
Thanks a lot! There's no science behind it really, I'll listen to the song and usually I'll start thinking of things I could do with it, and then just get creative really, tends to be a lot of fun. Obviously vocals are a huge thing when remixing, so if I love the vocal to a song chances are remixing it will be a blast.
And as someone who’s remixed a lot, it must be a great feeling when someone remixes your own track right?
Oh yeah definitely, I've found it super exciting listening back to remixes of my tracks, it's just great to hear what other artists decide to do with material that I've created.
Who’s work would you love to get your hands on or who would you love to collaborate with?
There are some singers whose voices are out of this world, like Sam Smith, who would be amazing to work with. Drake would be pretty fun to work with too I reckon.
Where can people catch you playing over the summer?
I will have a list of dates available soon so keep an eye out, you'll definitely be able to catch me around!
Can you give us any updates on your EP X=Y?
‘Silverlined’ is our top priority for now, but I am very excited for people to hear what is to come.
Other than the EP, have you got any exciting projects coming up that you can tell us about?
A lot more music, and like I said early some collaborations with some very talented vocalists. I can't really say anything more than that at the moment but there's a lot of exciting stuff in the works.
I have to say you’re very funny on Twitter, is social media something you enjoy doing?
Haha I’m glad you think so! I'm actually not very good at tweeting regularly and trying to get better at that, I guess you could say I’m going for quality not quantity!
“Crumpets tho, probs one of the most g things britain ever invented” is probably my favourite thing you’ve posted. Can you hit us with any more words of wisdom?
Well it's true isn't it?! Hmm not feeling very insightful today, how about this: If a fly had no wings, would it be called a walk?
What are you listening to right now?
‘I Don't Fuck With You’ by Big Sean. Mustard on the beat Mondays.
What’s the first record you bought?
I think it was an Avril Lavigne album, used to be a big fan haha!
What’s your go-to track to really get a crowd going?
I guess this depends on the crowd a lot of the time, I always like dropping Paul Woolford ‘Untitled’ though, always has a good reaction.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it?
Probably time travel, go and see some crazy stuff.
If you could fill a swimming pool with anything, what would it be and why?
Rainbow Drops for sure, haven't really got any reason behind that, I just kind of like them.
Follow XYConstant on Twitter.
