GET TO KNOW
With a name that’s as distinctive as her sound, The Mu- ffin Man is making waves and setting new standards in the electronic music scene. This Italian-born, London-rai- sed DJ and producer is rapidly becoming a name to watch, thanks to her fresh, genre-bending style and remarkable rise through the ranks of techno.
The Muffin Man’s musical journey began in a little coas- tal town of Italy, near the Adriatic sea where the sounds of merengue and bachata, brought by friends from Santo Domingo, painted her early years with vibrant rhythms. These Caribbean beats, a clear contrast to the typical Italian radio fare, ignited a passion for music that would shape her future. The influence of these lively genres can still be heard in her work today, as she seamlessly blends them into her techno productions.
At the age of 12, The Muffin Man relocated to East Lon- don in pursuit of better opportunities. It was here that she encountered her first taste of electronic music through HOUSE FM, a pivotal moment that exposed her to tracks like “I’m Hungry for the Power” and “Around by Solomun.” These experiences were instrumental in her development as an artist, embedding the fundamentals of house music into her young mind and setting the stage for her future in techno.
DISCOVERY OF PASSION AND EARLY CAREER
The Muffin Man’s passion for music crystallized during her childhood. Although she explored various hobbies such as ballet and football, none captured her interest like music did. The turning point came when her younger brother be- gan taking music lessons, sparking her curiosity and lea- ding her to enroll in music school.
“When I switched to music school, I quickly realized how much I loved playing the piano and learning about music theory. It felt like I had finally found something that truly excited me”.
Her journey into electronic music began in earnest
post-COVID, when she attended techno parties in Lon- don and connected with key figures in the scene. It was at these underground events that she honed her craft, ex- perimenting with decks at after-parties and refining her mixing skills.
“I believe my career’s progression has been driven by the support of those who believed in my talent and gave me opportunities to showcase my sound to various audien- ces”.
The support from the techno community, coupled with her dedication to perfecting her sound, helped her gain recognition and land opportunities at renowned venues such as Khidi, RSO, and Intercell.
“Shortly after the COVID restrictions were lifted, I started attending my first sets of techno parties in London. Throu- gh these events, I formed friendships with several techno artists. Initially, I practiced on the decks at after-parties, the more I played the more opportunities arose”.
The Muffin Man’s career has been marked by several sig- nificant moments that have propelled her into the spot- light. One of the most notable was receiving her first set of CDJs from a family friend. This gift, coupled with a collection of tech house compilations, sparked her fas- cination with the genre and laid the foundation for her distinctive sound. Thus The Muffin Man was created
“From the very start, the choice of my name was inten- tional. I didn’t want to adhere to the typical expectations of what a techno artist should sound like or take myself too seriously. I wanted a fun name that almost sounds
like a joke (though I do take my work very seriously). This approach allowed me the freedom to experiment and create the sound I wanted, without being restricted to pla- ying only techno”.
Another pivotal moment was the release of her first two podcasts, which played a crucial role in expanding her au- dience. The exposure from these mixes, coupled with the opportunity to perform live for the first time, provided her with the confidence and momentum to pursue her musi- cal aspirations seriously.
“Signing with Robin last October with the Elevenfive agen- cy also opened up a lot of opportunities, it has given me the push and support to head in the right direction with my career”.
The Muffin Man’s debut international gig with Zurich’s ZIMA collective was a milestone that marked her tran- sition from local talent to an internationally recognized artist. This experience, combined with her performance at Tbilisi’s iconic Khidi and her recent festival appearance at Glastonbury, has solidified her reputation as a rising star in the techno scene.
What sets The Muffin Man apart (aside from her singular name) is her unique sound, which she describes as “sewer grooves.” This innovative style is characterized by its gri- tty, slicing basslines and minimalist approach.
The concept of “sewer grooves” emerged from my prefe- rence for sounds that don’t always conform to traditional techno. I gravitate towards tracks that are minimalist in nature, avoiding those with an abundance of synths, and favoring those that are straightforward in their execution.
A defining characteristic of my sound is the “slicing” bass- line, which I prefer over the aggressive combination of kick and bass. I aim for a rolling beat that harmonizes with the other elements in unison. These types of sounds are often found in tracks with a lower BPM, and when sped up, they reveal an intense, “sewery” quality that defines my sound.
The term “sewer music” reflects her preference for raw, unpolished sounds that deviate from traditional techno, creating a distinctive and captivating auditory experien- ce. Her creative process involves a meticulous approach to production, beginning with a notepad filled with inspira- tions and ideas. Whether it’s a catchy voice sample or a memorable track snippet, The Muffin Man draws from her collection of ideas to create something fresh and exciting.
“I keep a notepad filled with all sorts of crazy ideas and inspirations that pop into my head. It could be anything from snippets of tracks I love, whether they’re electronic or not, to quirky voice samples that catch my ear. When I’m ready to create, I dive into these notes and see what sparks my imagination”. She notes.
“Inspiration can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but I believe in producing even when I’m not feeling it. Sometimes, the best surprises come out of those “just go for it” moments”.
Her production process is driven by experimentation and fun, allowing her to explore new sounds and push the boundaries of her genre. “My sound is rooted in specific musical elements I seek when digging for tracks. I describe my sound as “sewer music” because I aim for a gritty, slicing feel that sets it apart from conventional techno”. She explains
Maintaining a high-energy performance is a crucial as- pect of The Muffin Man’s approach to DJing. Her sets are designed to captivate and engage the audience, with a focus on adapting to the crowd’s energy and preferences.
mixmagnl.com -
mixmagde.com 9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
