INTERVIEW: ENiGMA Dubz drops new mixtape

Birmingham-based artist ENiGMA Dubz has been an influential force in the electronic music sphere for over a decade. With an impressive discography highlighting his creativity and production flair, ENiGMA Dubz has consistently evolved, winning over audiences worldwide. In 2022 he dropped his groundbreaking album Awakening to critical acclaim and secured top positions on charts, secured extensive radio support and won awards for the DJ and producer.

Among multiple well-received releases last year, his Beatport chart topping record Mixtape 1: #Heaters, set up a series of linked works that he’s now building up with the second instalment. Bringing us his latest release, he shares the follow up with Mixtape 2: #Vibes, after teasing out singles from the album earlier this year.

Released via the Morii Records imprint, the new release unveils a different facet of ENiGMA Dubz’s musical persona. Shifting from the bass-heavy intensity of #Heaters, #Vibes offers a more melodic and emotional exploration within the electronic dance music spectrum, while featuring collaborations with vocalists like Lauren L’aimant and Leo Wood, and spanning genres from future garage and electronica to trap and melodic breakbeat.

Kicking off the ten-track release with “I Still Think of You,” the record starts with ethereal vocalisations, drifting in a sea of reverb. Building the energy with the soft taps of percussion, the song launches into a euphoric dance pop outing led by the sensational, soulful vocals of Leo Wood. Driven by shuffling beats, deep bass rumbles and vibrant synth tones, “I Still Think of You” is an epic electronic production packed full of memorable vocal leads and catchy hooks.

“Float With Me” follows with a garage-esque beat and minimal arrangement of smooth synth textures and stuttered vocal sample shots. Rising with dreamy synth swells and playful flutters, it’s a laid back dance groover that delivers a mesmeric and transportive listening experience. On “Free Ur Mind,” ENiGMA links with singer Lauren L’aimant to serve up a shimmering electronic pop sound brimming with danceable rhythm and slick ebb and flow. Silky melodies carried by Lauren’s elegant voice float over an enveloping synth-driven soundscape to craft a dazzling sound that builds to an energising finale to get completely lost in.

Listen to Free Ur Mind (feat. Lauren L’aimant) below

Other highlights on the release “Twilight” with its powerful bass, thumping beats and hazy atmosphere. “Walk Away” sees ENiGMA lay down a masterclass in forging a visceral sonic world by making an entrancing sound from an intricate beat, gliding bass lines, buzzing synths and airy vocal elements.

It’s a stunning release that also features alternative versions of the first three tracks, presenting a full run through of ENiGMA’s incredible sound that threads so much variation into a cohesive sound and wraps it in exquisite sound design. You can catch XXX at your favourite platform via this link.

We caught up with ENiGMA Dubz to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new record Mixtape 2: #Vibes and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with ENiGMA Dubz below.

Hey ENiGMA Dubz, how’s things?

I’m great thanks, currently sat on a train after a recording session at Tileyard Studios in London. It’s been a productive day!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I can clearly remember my first keyboard which allowed me to multi-track record on it, and save the projects/tracks to floppy disc, now that’s a throwback right?! I was playing a piece called ‘Fur Elise’ by Mozart and recording it over a Yamaha stock UK Garage beat. No doubt with the volume full blast and slightly distorting.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Ah man, so many. Some of my inspirations over the years include Burial, Brian Eno, James Blake, Boards of Canada, Olafur Arnalds, Max Richter, Coki, Bicep, Alix Perez and Dillinja. Quite a spread!

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Most of my inspiration comes from mood. The direction for a track mostly depends on what I’m doing in life, a show I’ve got coming up, a forthcoming release or just my general vibe on the day. I also get a lot of inspiration from films and soundtracks. Besides that, my vibey music is heavily inspired by my emotions, the way I feel when I see my kids playing and learning, my memories of growing up – whether good or bad – and my hopes for the future.

What was your highlight of the year for 2023?

I’d have to say my #Heaters tour overall, which went from the UK, to Europe and across the States. In particular two sets, playing at Lost Lands Festival, and also a SICK show in LA for Deep Dark & Dangerous. Packed out warehouse, low lighting and massive PK Sound system. It was unreal.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

It can really vary depending on the project. For my deeper and darker, more bass heavy bangers that featured on my Mixtape 1: #Heaters, I’d say in front of a soundsystem, ideally a custom rig made by a crew – I’ve been super lucky to play on some sick systems over the years.

For my more vibey sounds that are coming on Mixtape 2: #Vibes I’d say either on the move, watching the world go by, or on an adventure. I find myself listening to those sides of my music whilst travelling on tour a lot.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I always like to keep up to date with new artists and styles coming through the scenes, so I take a lot of inspiration and evolve as the time goes by too and to keep a fresh perspective. That said, I’ve always stayed true to what I love and my passions rather than following any trends – but my overall sound has definitely evolved on the technical side the longer I do this. I’m always striving to get the best sound possible, trying to replicate how it sounds in my head before I make it.

Has your production process changed much over that time?

You know, hardly at all. The software I use constantly evolves, but there are some plug-ins and sample packs I still draw for after 10 years of using them. My creative process in Logic has stayed very similar too, and it was the same before Logic in Fruity Loops, and before that in Reason.

How did you find making your new album ‘Mixtape 2: #Vibes’?

I absolutely loved putting this mixtape together. Making the melodic, soulful and colourful sounds on the #Vibes mixtape is like therapy for me to be honest. Takes me away from the darker side of my persona and music, which is refreshing and much needed from time to time – just getting lost in the emotion.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Just that I love music, it’s in my blood and if anyone else connects with the sounds in the same way as I do, I’ve done my job and it feels super rewarding.

Do you have a personal favourite track on the album?

I’d say it’s a tie between Walk Away and Float With Me [Reprise]. Both speak to me on a very deep level, but it’s very hard to say as I really do love all of the tracks – including the amazing vocal features from Leo Wood and Lauren L’aimant on I Still Think of You and Free Ur Mind.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

To name a few; Overmono, James Blake, Cortese, Bushbaby, Fred Again, Jasper Tygner & Mansur Brown.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Hopefully a total escape. That’s what I get when I write/produce, it takes me to places mentally I can only go when I’m creating music. That’s what it’s all about.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I’d say Infrasound Festival in both 2022 & 2023. Such a special feeling there. Absolutely incredible community vibe, people just in it for the music – and it absolutely goes off too!

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

It would be somewhere in the woods, no sound restrictions and a ridiculous PK Sound rig. Top 3 artists would be; Burial, Olafur Arnalds and Alix Perez.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Never stop if you have the passion for it and believe in the process. It doesn’t happen overnight and it’s important to do it for the right reasons. Make music you enjoy, make it firstly for yourself, and don’t be disheartened if certain projects/ideas don’t go the way you hoped. It’s just the way it goes sometimes and if you view it with passion and determination, it can only drive you further.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

I’ve got another three releases locked in already, spanning across the full spectrum of my sound. I’ve got a show next month in Lyon, France – some more UK shows locked in shortly after, and also two tours Stateside before 2024 is out.

It’s a very busy year ahead, just the way I like it.

Listen to Mixtape 2: #Vibes below