Get to know: Huxley

Huxley is a name synonymous with UK dance music. Michael Dodman aka Huxley was raised on a diet of garage, bass and hip hop and as a result, Dodman’s sound doesn’t fall into any category. Reflecting his sonic diversity, the British producer has released on an amalgam of labels spanning Origins Rcrds, Moonharbour, Food Music and AUS Music amongst others.

Looking back on collaborations with the likes of Sam Russo and Ethyl, switching up his sound is now considered the norm for Dodman, something he’s keen to showcase on his own imprint ‘No Idea’s Original’.

Ahead of his Egg LDN return on 16th March alongside Secondcity and his highly anticipated release HuxCOIN EP on Josh Butler's Origins Rcrds, we caught up with the man himself from his current abode in Spain to see what else he’s been up to, and how he feels about the UK’s evolving electronic scene that he’s been part of for quite a while now…

Where in the world are you right now and what have you been up to recently?

I’m in Malaga in Spain where I’ve been living for a few months as a little break from the UK winter weather. It’s my birthday so I’m sunning myself, drinking and generally enjoying myself right now.

When you first launched your ‘No Ideas Original’ imprint in 2015, you were quoted: ‘Everything has to have an 'original concept' these days, or so people in the music industry will tell you, and it's bollocks… Just putting music out or doing parties because you want to, and are passionate, should be enough." Do you still agree with this statement, particularly in regards to London’s electronic scene?

Yeah, I stick by it. There’s this thirst for a gimmick, a brand, a ‘concept’ and I think it’s sometimes good to strip that shit away and just focus on being passionate about the music. Whether that makes sense from a business point of view is something my manager can worry about.

How do you think the scene has changed since you first got involved in the UK dance soundscape and has there been any particular artist(s) who has grown alongside you since your career took off?

Tricky one to answer as I’ve been involved for a long time now - a long time before the Huxley moniker came about even. When I first started vinyl was king and there were fields everywhere, you could leave your door unlocked and neighbours would come around with pies they’d made. In terms of artists, shit loads - too many to mention.

Your dog Bert has appeared in the studio a few times according to your Instagram, do you find that he helps your creative flow?

Bert helps everything, full stop. He’s a four-legged vibesman - a hairy Bez if you will.

Finally, what records would you consider as a guilty pleasure? Would you ever play them in a set these days?

I like a lot of music/records that would fit in to the guilty pleasure category but I kinda refuse to feel guilty about them in all honesty - just enjoy what you’re into is my motto!

Catch Huxley headlining our Middle Floor this Friday, 16th March alongside Secondcity II Faces and special guests. Click Here for More Info