One To Watch :: Josh Butler
Josh Butler shot to fame in 2013 with his blockbuster release, ‘Got A Feeling’ on Chase & Status’ MTA Records, the remix shot to #2 of Beatport's top-selling tracks of all time. This was the breakthrough moment for Josh and since then there’s been no turning back with a string of releases on highly respected artists labels such as Kerri Chandler’s ‘MadTech’ and Cajmere’s ‘Cajual’ to name but a few. This has cemented his position as one of the most exciting underground tech-house producers from the UK.
The Leeds based producer and DJ originally grew up in New Zealand before becoming a student in Leeds where his taste was nurtured by the cities on going musical movement and never ending list of clubs, which set the foundations for his dominantly dance floor driven sound, that we’re hearing today.
Josh’s productions are always sure to get people moving, he expertly fuses his beefy face scrunching basslines with simplicity and the occasional "splash" of reverb, which adds that bit of cheekiness to his sound. ‘Be True’ is our pick of Josh’s productions thus far; it’s a real roller that we struggle not to move too. His ‘less is more’ approach is certainly one hard to execute but we feel he has mastered it with an ever-growing list of followers itching for his next production. Whether it’s a bumpy ride or a true warehouse beat it will always be brimming with a slick energy.
Deserved support has come at every angle with global stars like Pete Tong crowning Josh as a ‘Future Star’. He has made a real impact on the UK underground scene and we feel this will only grow onto a more global scale with his distinctive style being so polished and on point. Keep a watchful eye on Josh Butler
Growing up in New Zealand where did you draw your musical influences from?
My parents mainly. My dad is a huge Pink Floyd fan and my mum's always been in to dance music. She introduced me to Trance and House music.
How long have you been producing music and what do you think has been the most notable development with your ability in the studio?
I've been producing for about 12 years. It's hard to say when the real development happened because I'm still always learning. I had a track played on a radio station in Auckland when I lived in NZ and that was probably my first big achievement.
What artists influence your sound today?
Artists from Kerri Chandler, Todd Terry to King Tubby and Pink Floyd.
Congratulations on a breakthrough year with releases on sort after labels such as Cajmere’s ‘Cajual Records’, Chase & Status’ ‘MTA’, and Kerri Chandler’s ‘MadTech’ to name but a few. Can you disclose any info on labels you will be working with in the near future?
Thanks very much. Yeah, so my first release of 2015 is a remix for Viva music. Also have something coming on Noir.
What’s on the horizon for you?
There's lots more music with Bontan coming which I'm excited about. We have some pretty special ideas planned that should unfold in the new year.
Your current favourite 3 tracks?
Bontan - Activated