Low Steppa has been slicing up the underground since 2013. As owner of prime house label Simma Black, he’s put out an assortment of tunes from premier artists like Vanilla Ace, The Deepshakerz, Golf Clap, Scott Diaz, Robosonic, Maximono, Brett Gould, Mad Villains, and over 150 tracks from Low Steppa, himself. His own productions have landed on many tip top labels in game; including Defected, Cr2, Night Bass, Audio Rehab, Toolroom, Milk & Sugar, Dirtybird, Cajual, Spinnin Deep, Food Music, and This Ain’t Bristol.

We’ve been hot on Low Steppa’s trail since he blew up in the scene 5 years ago. Stoked to have him onboard for our 226th Lovecast episode.

Download and interview below…

Interview with Low Steppa

How did you first get introduced to underground dance music?
First came the rave tapes and packs passed around school when I was about 13/14, until then it had all been Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, Rage Against the Machine. It was totally different, exciting and it had me curious straight away. All my pals would listen but I was already wondering how it was continuous and all mixed together, it fascinated me from the get go.

What is the most challenging part of becoming a full-time producer and touring artist?
I think now you have to work harder than ever: you can’t just turn up with a nice EP, you have to be fully on top of your social media game, putting mixes out, Soundcloud, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook… it never ends. I never really switch off from it, even if I try hard to.

What has been the most exciting turning point of your career so far?
I think getting involved with Defected for me is a special one because it’s one of the labels that I was really into since I began playing records back in 1999. For me it all feels very pure right now and true to myself, I’m doing what I always set out to do. Basically I’m back on track, certain styles have come and gone and I’ve strayed a few times and realized I wasn’t really into what I was doing. Low Steppa is me: I’m happy.

Where is your home base? If someone were visiting there for the first time, what clubs and/or parties and/or restaurants would they want to check out?
Birmingham is my base, right now the club is Lab11 leading the scene but it was Rainbow I think before this but that closed down unfortunately. Food wise I think we would be going for a curry: there are hundreds to choose from!

What advice would you give to an aspiring producer?
I think more than ever try to be different, there is enough generic tech house now, let’s try something different.

What’s on the horizon for you in 2018?
Working on a couple of new singles right now, USA tour coming up, mainly East Coast, really excited. Everything is very positive right now.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music?
Little bits of guitar, Muay Thai, gym, movies, but really my job is my hobby so I’m very thankful!

What are some touristy things you do while playing in a foreign city?
Well, this is one of the main things I tell people, I don’t get to see much of anywhere, it’s very in and out for me, but I always make an effort to eat the food that places are known for and always try to at least have a stroll round and enjoy the different culture and feelings that places have.

Dream gig…
I have this dream of playing while looking out into the sea, and playing for hours, maybe something like Brazil I don’t know but yeah something deep and spiritual.

Name one of your go-to tracks…
My edit of Ninetoes ‘Finder’ and ‘Oh Oh’, always gets the party started.

Tell us about your mix…
This shows all the styles I like to throw into a set, lots of energy, some deeper, some more classic, some tech, that’s the way, mix it up.

Drink of choice…
Patron Café!

– jams
Jimbo James
Editor-in-Chief
jams@musicis4lovers.com