Corey Smith, also known as Subfiltronik, is an esteemed dubstep DJ/producer based out of the U.K. A pioneering trailblazer of the riddim subgenre, the renowned talent has paved the way for many in the landscape. Over the years, the Manchester native has been featured on various imprints the likes of Buygore Records, Circus Records, Disciple, Never Say Die, and many more. He’s also graced the decks at venerated nightclub venues and events such as Sydney, Australia’s iconic Chinese Laundry nightclub, Santa Ana, California’s Yost Theater, and Paris, France’s Redlight, to name just a few.
Learning how to craft relentlessly unyielding beats from a very young age, the musician eventually took his passion to the next level and pursued a degree in it during his undergraduate studies. Blending different styles together in his signature brand of dubstep, the multifaceted creative force has released tracks featuring influences from hip-hop, R&B, drum and bass, and drumstep. Subfiltronik’s recent tracks from 2020 include his remix of UZZI‘s ‘Longboi Pit’, ‘Too Tough’, and his collaborative hit with Aweminus ‘Subminus’.
We have had the pleasure of interviewing them and this has been the result.
Can you tell us a little about your experience? Where are you from / how did you get into music? Was it all internet based?
‘’Hello, its nice to meet you the name is Subfiltronik I am a Dj and Riddim producer from Manchester, UK. I got into music when I was very young it started off with reggae to uk garage music from vinyl and cd’s and yes some were internet based.
Who have been your main inspirations (both musical and in «life»)? And how have they affected your sound?
‘’I have many inspirations but my main inspiration is Jakes from Hench Records, both musically and in life.
How would you define your sound?
’’I define my sound as Story telling, Hard hitting, ground breaking, unique, progressive and with a lot of energy.
How has your sound evolved so far?
‘’My progressed over time when I upgraded music equipment hardware and software, I tend to go back to old projects and make something new out of them or just make from scratch I would say my sound has evolved over there years added different genres in the mix.
What can you tell us about your last job? What inspired you? What do you want to convey?
‘’Right now I’m not currently working anywhere as I do work for myself, when Covid-19 hit I worked a few temporary jobs in Manchester to get by but other than that I still be creating music in between the time that I have. When I am out in town or just going to my mates, I tend to listen to mixes for inspiration but not all the time, I could get ideas off my friends when we talk about a favourite show we seen, movies or new games that been released. Ideas come from day to day life or what things you like doing.
What can you tell us about each song that makes up your latest work? What is hidden behind?
‘’Well most tracks are different from there counter parts and most of the time am not trying to out shine but to give a story to each piece of music I make. I would say my classics ‘PSYCHO BLOCKZ, TURN IT OUT and BLISIMO that make up most of my newer ones but I tend to reach out to projects I have sold on labels like ’Too Tough’. There is no secret really when making music I usually just go with the flow or vibe of the day that brings me to making music.
How are you living the current situation because of COVID? Has your work affected you a lot? Do you think there is hope? I feel like the underground scene will continue to persist.
‘’By all the things that been happening with the world I would say my situation has become more harder over the past 3 years but was able to make creative music and seek other means of income as I do a few releases here and there.
What projects are you working on right now?
‘’UI system is my latest work, what inspired me to make it was that I was looking for music I’ve made in the past and see if I could piece 2 tracks together but need up making a new beat, I don’t know there is something about sounds being metallic.
