Get to know: Harvey McKay

Glaswegian techno stalwart Harvey McKay has remained a prominent figure in the electronic music circuit over the last decade. McKay’s work ethic has seen him grace the back catalogues of leading labels Drumcode, Toolroom, Bedrock Records and Suara to name a few.

Since his breakthrough track ‘Nightwalker’ on Soma Records, McKay has come along way, playing throughout prolific establishments like D! Club, Exchange L.A, Tanzhaus West and Space Ibiza, maintaining a distinctive style that’s earned him the reputation as Mixmag’s ‘most regular contributor’ to the techno pages.

A set from the Scotsman can include anything from heavy techno to pumping tech-house, spun with a non-divisive approach to dance music - something he feels strongly about in today’s world of endless sub-genres and chin-stroking attitudes in dance music. We caught up with McKay ahead of his return this Saturday. 

Tell us about the electronic music scene growing up in Glasgow? Do you think it’s changed compared to the first Glasgow based rave you attended? 

Yeah, it has changed a lot. For a start, lots more producers these days that play shows now, where it used to be mostly just the big-name DJs.

I also think the internet has helped people connect with there artist they like in a way they never have before with social media.

I sadly notice a more divisive attitude to the different subgenres in electronic music and that’s a shame, as the whole idea from the beginning was coming together to experience the music together. It’s strange how the internet has affected people's way of communicating.

You’ve released four EPs now with Drumcode, tell us how your relationship started with Adam Beyer’s iconic imprint?

Adam had been hammering my tracks out a lot for a while and was playing lots of my stuff from the early years on Soma Records. Eventually, we found something of mine that was a fit for DC, and the rest is history really as they say! He's been great, so supportive and has also just signed up a second EP from me and my brother Ryan under our Alias project.

What personal and musical projects have you got in store for 2018?

Lots of new music coming from my end, I am putting a lot more studio time in this year. And lots of great shows to follow too! I will also be working with Ryan on getting more Alias music ready, so loads to keep me busy and to look forward to.

After years of balancing the highs and lows of touring along with production time in the studio, how do you stay mentally sane and physically healthy both on the road and closer to home?

I have been exercising a lot more trying to keep fit. I find if you’re healthy then your mind is a lot clearer when it comes to the studio time, I walk about 4/5 miles a day with my dog in the forest here, that alone keep's me sane. So the old fitness thing is great all-around, innit.