With a beat built on a 2-step UK Garage framework that feels almost ghostly, Darkstates delivers Single Cell. Feat. Glückskind, the production showcases some deep, grounding vocals which meet the sweetness of analog sound synths, while organic piano keys provide an emotional counterpoint. Spread the word. Darkstates is back. Read our discussion below!
Single Cell is an evocative title. What is the central mood or idea you were trying to capture with this track?
I wouldn’t say I ever really start out with a central concept to be honest. The themes tend to present themselves as the song evolves and I lean into them. With Single Cell I was thinking about things like how people tend to isolate themselves most when they need help, and how small things can end up impacting people in ways they didn’t expect.
How would you characterize the evolution of your sound from your earlier releases to the present single?
This one is maybe a bit more dance floor focussed than I would have done on my own, it’s been great to have that influence from Freddy (Glückskind). I have a solo EP coming out in the new year and I think that’s got more of a trip-hop influence, which feels like another shift again. I think I’m still exploring the different directions my sound could go in and collaborations like this are a nice way to try something a bit different.
What moment in your career are you proudest of?
I played my first proper live show a few weeks ago, which felt like a real milestone, and great to finally figure it out. Hopefully I’ll do more.
Listening to your back catalogue We have to compliment your consistently rich songwriting. Do you think that quality is often missing or minimized in today’s electronic music landscape?
I think it just depends what the intention is. I come from much more of a bands/song-writers background so that’s always been an important part of the process for me. If it’s instrumental music, or dance-floor-focussed, then it’s just a different approach, but it’s equally as rich if it’s done well. There’s a lot more stuff to wade through than there used to be, but there’s also so much quality out there. Completely unknown artists making the most incredible music.
Favorite album of the past year
I have so much stuff to listen to that I’m always generally running about 12 months behind, and still finding great stuff from years ago that somehow passed me by. These ones have all been on heavy rotation this year…
- Daisy Rickman – Howl (2024)
- Photay – Windswept (2024)
- Waldo’s Gift – Malcom’s Law (2024)
- DjRum – Under a Tangled Silence (2025)
- Rival Consoles – Landscape from memory (2025)
Electronika and live performance. What is the golden rule? Accept the fact that some parts will be prerecorded or try to play live without caring about compromising your sound?
Personally, whenever I’m watching electronic music, I like it to feel as live as possible. Maribou State’s performance at Glastonbury this year was a great example. With my music, there’s a lot going on and I’m doing it alone, so I have to accept that for now some of it will be pre-recorded. I sent the individual stems to the sound engineer so he could mix it ‘for the room’ in the hope that it helped give everything a bit more depth. I’d love to put together some kind of band in the future if I get the opportunity.
In which place or state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I think most of my music tends to have a solitary or introspective vibe to it, so probably best suited to listening alone with your headphones on rather than coming out the speakers at a party.
If the music of Darkstates was a film, which film would that be?
That’s a hard question! Probably some type of gloomy, British drama.
Thank you!
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