Silkie is a fantastic anomaly in the world of 140BPM music; obviously a producer that’s deeply rooted within the creative peaks of dubstep, but also deeply inspired by things outside of the universe within the genre’s tempo. Even from year’s back, you can hear influences that go beyond the spectrum of dubstep, instead of highlighting the often-overused half-step drum pattern and mucking about, Silkie explored soul, funk and tribal influences. In his latest LP for Mala’s Deep Medi Musik imprint, Silkie pushes the boundaries of the city limits even further by taking more steps to collectively combat the idea of dubstep being a one-trick pony. There are dubstep producers and there’s producers like Silkie, and we’re lucky that he gave URB a few minutes of his time, as well an exclusive track to premiere. Download link and interview after the jump.

DOWNLOAD Silkie – “Tonight” –> HERE

URB: What are the origins of Silkie?

SILKIE: Born 1986 in Hammersmith, West London. I started making music and DJing at age 15. Had my first release when I was 16/17 making grime. I also supported Mobb Deep when I was 17 with my grime crew at the time, Unorthodox (feat MC Nolay); I went quiet while changing my sound and signed with Deep Medi when I was 22. I released my first album (City limits Vol. 1) when I was 23.

URB: You’ve been producing tunes for a long time, rooted in dubstep from close to the beginning, up until now. What in your mind has changed, individually, from your musical approach from then until now?

S: Well something that has changed is my attention to detail. When I was younger I would rush things, now I definitely take my time and appreciate what goes into making high quality music. But my approach to producing has pretty much stayed the same throughout. I just make sure I’m having fun in the studio and don’t force myself to work on music.

URB: Your relationship with Deep Medi is obviously one that dates back some years now, how did it start?

S: Well I’ve known Mala from around FWD and DMZ (the first ‘dubstep’ nights in the world) so I was familiar with him, his night and his music. Jay 5ive and Quest would drive down to his studio to get CD’s off him once in a while. One time Quest gave him a CD’s of his music and mine and didn’t think anything of it. Later, he got back to us and the rest is history as they say.

URB: City Limits Vol. 2, is breathtakingly deep and strongly rooted to your previous sounds while infusing something entirely refreshing along with it. What do you think are the similarities/differences to the previous City Limits LP?

S: It’s hard to compare them as it like comparing your children and this one is a newborn. As I said before I’ve taken more time with this one so this is more satisfying to me but there are both special to me.

URB: You reference many cues to other genres in your tunes, what kind of music outside of the 140BPM world inspires your own?

S: House, UK garage and lots of 70′s/80′s American soul and jazz records. I listen to and love all types of music but the music I think that inspires me the most is UK Garage, as that’s the music I grew up listening to and first heard loudly in a club. I try to translate that music’s nostalgic effect on me into music.

URB: What should people expect with Silkie behind the decks if they haven’t
heard you beforehand?

S: You should expect me to be jumping about like a mad man behind him the decks; I really get into my DJ sets! I don’t plan my sets, I go off the vibe of the crowd and try to take them on a journey.

URB: What do you hope listeners can appreciate most out of City Limits Vol. 2?

S: My love of melody, beats and all things bass.