PREMIERE: Twitchee - Bars From The Madding Crowd (Album) + 10 Questions

''A dive into the woes and worries of an artist, sprinkled with an ever present glimmer of hope. 'Bars From The Madding Crowd' is the outcome of allowing oneself to speak honestly about what keeps them awake at night. A foray into a musical can of worms oozing with the thoughts and feelings from the last 12 years of Twitchee's life.''

An embodiment of high octane musical culture, South-West based Twitchee brings a concoction of theatrical stage presence and contagious, feel good lyricism alongside his own unique style of observational, big-beat Hip Hop.

Twitchee has been chipping away at a true labour of love for the past year - a self-produced 12-track album adding his own flavour to the expectations and conventions of UKHH. The project is a portrait of honest emotion, offering a mouthpiece to the lesser-travelled paths of the genre, embarking on a whirlwind of voices and feelings with each tune.

The tracks 'Groan' and 'Obsessed' take the listener into the realms of heavy-hitting electronic music influence which is an undeniable factor in Twitchee's sound,  the tracks 'Chillis' featuring Mac Lloyd and 'Cyan Promise' take a trip into the realms of the ethereal and the mysterious whereas songs 'Dual' and 'The Walrus' offer that party-time boom bap sound.

The whole project will be available on all online platforms Friday February 17th and the official launch party for the project is being held at the Attic Bar, Bristol on the 18th February with UKHH legend Dr Syntax heading the bill.

Twitchee sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Music has always been in my life. My parents thought it would be a good idea to send me to a music school on a Saturday morning where I ended up playing violin in an orchestra. Weird thinking about it now but it probably had more benefits then it felt like at the time. When I was at Secondary School I got into the guitar and fronted a number of punk/metal/hip hop infusion bands and remember those shows being a lot of fun. When I got to uni we started putting on Drum & Bass nights and I had a fair whack at being a host. I got lots of respect for everyone grafting in that scene, but I knew eventually I’d gravitate towards writing hip hop tunes and going about it like that.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I’d be lying if I said I ever felt influenced by Mozart, but for sure all the rap/metal music I listened to back in the day had a huge influence on me. I was (and still am) a big fan of Deftones and Limp Bizkit to name just two.

When it comes to Hip Hop there’s way too many to mention. You have your moments with one artist and then you’re reminded why you love another when they drop a new project or hear an old one again. Some people close to me say I played them their first Jehst record though. I’m a massive fan and of course it would be amazing to work with those you always looked up to.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

My album is of course there on the list, but I have a couple of other projects in the pipeline too. One is a Hip Hop EP produced by a DnB artist called Revan, and another a producer called BearTwists - both good friends of mine. I love the sessions with both artists as we rarely preempt the direction it’s going to go in. As a result we have some bangers ranging from 90-140 bpm and some very questionable skits arriving from those hours in the studio.

I also have two singles and music videos coming out with two more good mates - Kurnel MC (track called ‘Pig Talk’) and another called ‘Bang’ with Trafic MC which is a new take on our old live act- D.I.B.

I’m lucky enough to have worked with some fantastic MC’s and producers in the last year so feeling blessed!

4. How would you describe your sound?

I want my music to be a true reflection of myself and what goes on in my head and my life.The self-portrait style is what birthed BFTMC, but my goal was also to get those anxieties, joys, angers and obsessions out through the beats too, which is why I produced the album myself. I felt it needed to all come from me to begin with and lay out the foundation for my career in an honest way. In terms of style, the music has undeniable electronic influence which partners with cheeky, big beat boom bap. Some tracks for the party and some for the morning after.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

It has to be the creation of this project and the gig journey leading from it last year. I feel very lucky to have had Habitus with me for our run of shows so far and think we work well as a duo.The highlight being when we supported Slum Village in May. You know you’re in safe hands with Habitus - he’s got most bases covered as the guy’s a genius. Seeing everything with the album come into fruition now I feel a bit like a proud parent, but not to mention a sense of relief too.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

I haven’t cracked the formula yet but I think consistency and a balanced lifestyle are key. Being consistent with your goal setting, practice and work-rate can do wonders. I learnt the hard way about the need to look after your voice too. Finally, if things don’t work out the first time, don’t beat yourself down about it. Recuperate, replan and arrive in a better place next time.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

I think I’ve mentioned most of them already! I gotta give a special shoutout to my boy MC Bluejay though - the sexiest voice in DnB.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I’m still bumping White Pony by Deftones  and Cypress Hill’s ‘Temples of Boom’ in the car. Last year I was really impressed by Nas’ ‘Kings Disease II’ album and the UK HH goldmine just keeps on giving. I'm particularly excited for the new Jehst album though.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I’ve recently gotten into shooting and editing video. I have done a couple of my own music videos and have plans for more, but also a few promo bits for friends’ releases too.

I’m also mad about cooking and especially curries. I can cook up a mean Dhansak.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Good coffee, delicious food and cold beer. In that order.