Mystic State otherwise known as Mike Holliday & Will Marquiss, are a Bristol based DJ and producer duo. Both enthusiastic DJ's and producers, the pair decided to collaborate after working separately for around 3 years. Heavily influenced by producers and artists in the drum and bass scene, the pair bring their own twist to current day bass music.
Mike came to visit our new studio in Bristol, and check out this seasons collection. Afterwards we talked-while-we-walked as we sniffed out lunch in Stokes Croft.
How did you get into music?
I was interested in music from a very young age. Musically I feel like I was born way too late; I properly got into it as a teenager in the early 2000’s, and I remember being frustrated because I wanted to experience my inspirations in the dance, but I wasn’t 18 yet. Legends like Photek, Hidden Agenda, and Goldie really grabbed my attention and got me into the British sound-system / breakbeat culture.
Once I started experimenting in music, I realised how much of a community culture it has, I love the family vibe you get from it. So I guess this is another reason I ended up so passionate about a career in music.
Who are your musical influences?
Hmm tough question, my influences are so diverse! My first experiences of music were a lot of pre and post punk bands like 'The Smiths', 'The Rolling Stones' etc. Even the likes of Nirvana. My Dad introduced me to lots of great music as a child, so my passion began there. My love for drums has naturally developed into bass over the years.
I mentioned people like Photek and Hidden Agenda, who really shaped the way I see drum and Bass. But outside of dnb I’d say people like Fela Kuti t, Alice Russell, Nine inch Nails, The Smiths, Roxy Music, The Cure, Smoke City, J Dilla, St Germain,Yussef Kamall, Gang Colours, Brandy, Fatima Yamaha.
When and why did you and Will start your alias, Mystic State?
Will and I were school friends who were producing separately. One day we decided to work on some tracks together, and it went well. It didn’t initially cross our minds to create an alias, we just had a stack of music that we’d been sat on for a while. In 2011 we decided to start Mystic State, and share our collaboration.
How does your music with Will compare to your own stuff?
Will is an exceptional producer. Separately we have quite different styles; my sound is more melodic, rare-groove. He has a much darker, stepping drum and bass sound. But then Will can make great melodic grooves, and I like to dabble in the darker stuff. So I guess Mystic State is an amalgamation of the two.
Bristol is like a magnet for drum and bass producers. How do you think Bristol impacts your creative flow, and what do you think the reason is that people in the industry are so connected with this city?
I love Bristol, it’s my home from home. It's a really inspirational city musically - and creatively in general actually! I enjoyed writing when I lived at home in the countryside, but I sometimes struggled. I never really felt inspired by my surroundings, and I think that’s really important for creative flow.
I moved here because of its music scene and cosmopolitan attitude; and I guess it was a natural progression for me - being only an hour away from my hometown.
People in the industry connect with Bristol because of its underground culture and strong sense of community. Bristol's always been associated with DNB, and it always will be.
Favourite 3 records of all time? Go!
Such a hard question!!
Gill Scott Heron - Almost Lost Detroit
The Smiths - There is a light that never goes out
Fela Kuti - Water no get enemy
What inspired you to make the transition from DJ to producer?
After listening to so many great records growing up, I wanted to understand the concept of making music. I started off as a DJ, and I still very much am, LONG LIVE VINYL RECORDS. But realising my passion could potentially be a career gave me that ambition to be a producer.
Anything else to disclose?
Other releases for Mystic State include: An LP on Canadian based label, 'Ethic Imprint' and a release with London based label 'Addictive Behaviour', both available on vinyl. We've also got a release with Belgian brothers M-Zine & Skeptics on their Dispatch EP.
I also make music under the name of ‘Ethos’ which is an outlet of music I make with my good friend, and house mate Jevon Ives (Transparent) which is footwork / jungle vibrations.
I’m part of a collective called, ‘Cosmic Soul collective’. We put on a night in Bristol on Sunday’s at the Surrey Vaults in St. Pauls. It’s a really chilled vibe, we put on visuals, play slow jams, and exhibit artwork. It’s the perfect way to end the week. We’re planning our next one for early next year - come down!
The post Mike Mystic State x recreo appeared first on Recreo Clothing.