With Role Models, we learn more about today’s most exciting acts — and the artists who inspired them. This time, UK bass star MPH explains how Flava D’s music changed his life.
MPH is one of today’s most exciting young names in bass and garage. Hailing from the UK, MPH has woven his sound into the fabric of UK dance floors.
He’s released on several of the country’s best imprints: From smooth garage creations with DJ EZ’s label Nuvolve, Kiwi Rekords and Southpoint, to raucous bassline bangers for the likes of Night Bass and Crucast, MPH seemingly everywhere.
All those tunes have earned him support from the likes of Skream, Disclosure and Chris Lorenzo — we’ve only seen the beginning of what this young producer is capable of.
With the release of his latest track, “Waiting” with Katie Bosworth on UK garage and bassline label Wub Club Records, we caught up with MPH to hear more about the artists who inspired him to begin his journey into bass.
Who has most inspired you on your journey to becoming a DJ/producer?
Flava D has by far been the biggest influence on my sound to date.
How did you first discover them?
When I first started DJing I was hunting for that new style of UKG/Bass that was starting to emerge around 2014. Discovering artists such as Champion, My Nu Leng, and Royal-T. the person who really stood out to me was Flava D.
What made them someone you wanted to emulate?
I loved the contrast between the buildup/drop with each of her tracks. Every track was also unique in its own way and her discography is insane. Whenever I would listen to mixes on the hunt for more tunes every song that stood out to me was one of hers and I kept discovering more and more. This really inspired me to start producing my own music specializing in garage and bass
Have you ever met them in person? Or worked with them?
We’ve met a couple times at events where we have been on the same lineup, it’s always been on my bucket list to collaborate with her at some point so fingers crossed!
Did you have any other mentors along the way?
My biggest influence for getting into DJing would have to be DJ EZ. I would religiously watch his Boiler Room sets in awe of how he blended each tune and the reactions the crowd would give.
I would regularly send ideas to the Facebook group Lengoland for feedback/promotion. Also to a group of mates who made the same genre, and my other half is my biggest critic — I won’t know if a song is good until she likes it.
Why is representation so important in the music industry?
I feel like successful and talented producers in the scene can help inspire others to start producing, especially in a genre which I feel is still quite niche, especially bass music. When you see someone in that genre doing well and getting bookings it can give the new wave of artists a belief that they can also make it.
Do you hope to one day serve as an example for the next generation?
I hope that the music I make somehow inspires other people to start producing just like I was inspired by Flava D, but I’m just grateful that I have a platform to showcase my music.
Lastly, tell us about the chart you created.
This chart is a selection of tracks from producers I have been supporting heavily in my live sets recently as well as a few of my recent releases
