Faide

1. Your music has a very distinctive balance between melodic elements, groove and club energy. How would you describe the sound and identity you are developing as Faide?

   Faide

   My musical journey began as a drummer in metal and punk bands, and I’ve always wanted to carry some of that live, raw energy into my productions. The melodies I construct are often deliberately brash and pushed forward in the mix. I tend to keep my arrangements fairly repetitive, introducing only subtle changes over time, as I feel that too much evolution can take away from a track’s danceability and its central theme.

2. When you start working on a new track, what usually comes first for you: a melody, a groove, a particular sound, or simply an idea or feeling?

   Faide

   My identity as a drummer naturally leads me to build tracks from the foundation up. I’m drawn to laying down a strong groove, often with one or two percussive elements that create movement and make you really feel the energy of the track.
   When the melody comes in, I want the rhythm to still feel substantial enough that the production carries an emotional weight of its own. The melodic element then becomes the redeeming feature—the part that gives the track its character and makes the listener feel something special.
   Sometimes that comes through a constant loop, like an arpeggio, while other times it’s created through a couple of different synths playing off each other in a call-and-response. For me, it’s about finding that balance between the physicality of rhythm and the emotional pull of melody.

3. Your productions often feel carefully structured while still keeping a strong dancefloor focus. How important is the relationship between musicality and functionality in your tracks?

   Faide

   As I mentioned previously, a track’s danceability is everything these days. Unfortunately, attention spans seem to be shortening with each generation, so massively long breaks and overly experimental compositions generally don’t work as well for DJs playing tracks out.
   That said, danceability isn’t necessarily at the forefront of my mind during the initial stages of a production. After more than 12 years of making music, I’ve reached a point where I feel comfortable making bolder decisions and asking myself questions like, “Does that element really serve the track?” or “If I make it five minutes instead of seven, does that actually impact the storyline?”
   For me, it’s about finding that balance between keeping a track engaging and dancefloor-friendly, while still allowing the production to develop naturally and retain its identity.

4. You have released music through different labels and platforms. What do you look for in a label before deciding that a release is the right fit for your music?

   Faide

   It’s interesting that my answer to this question would be vastly different if you’d asked me five years ago.
   Back then, I probably valued a label’s perceived size and leverage above everything else. That might have been reflected in their social media following, the other artists on the imprint, or simply the status that came with being associated with them.
   But through experience, I’ve found that the smaller labels working their way up often care much more about the artist and the music. Neither party is really making any substantial money from the release, so the real reward is the collaboration: meeting new people, building relationships and teaming up to showcase something new.
   So, these days, what I look for in a label is authenticity, consistency, and a tone of voice that makes it clear they genuinely value the artists they sign.

5. How has your approach to production evolved since you started making music, and what do you think has changed the most in your sound?

   Faide

   The most obvious change in my production is that I can now show some restraint and be much more selective with the sounds I place within a track.
   When I first started producing, I was like a kid in a candy shop — I just chucked everything into my bag. And, just like candy, musical elements can all sound great individually, but mix too many things together and you’ll end up feeling a bit sick!
   It’s important to be selective so that each sound has its own space. I now understand where the spotlight needs to be cast, and which elements are better placed in the supporting acts.

6. You are now releasing new music with Project 13. What made you feel that this was the right moment and the right label for this release?

   Faide

   I think one of the main factors is that the team at Project 13 selected tracks from my demo playlist that I felt would work really well together. From the outset, their communication has been brilliant, and I just feel they’re genuinely invested in their artists and in making sure the release gets heard.

7. Tell us a little about “Reassured”, the track we are premiering with you on ECM. What was the idea behind the track, and what would you like listeners to take from it?

   Faide

   “Reassured” is a feel-good house track built around a classic, big lead synth. I’ve wrapped those melodic elements in my signature groove-driven drums, featuring snare fills, crunchy hi-hats and live recorded percussive sounds.
   The extended break steadily builds tension before dropping into the main section, where everything comes together for a real hands-in-the-air moment.

8. What are your plans for Faide over the coming months, and is there any particular direction or project you are especially excited to explore?

   Faide

   Straight after this release, I’ll be heading to ADE in Amsterdam — an event I always look forward to.
   It’s always great to reconnect with familiar faces from the scene, as well as meet some new people along the way. Plus Amsterdam is my favourite European city, I’d move there if it had slightly better weather!
   Once I’m back, it’s straight into the studio for me. I’ve got some exciting collaborations and original material in the works, and I’m aiming to share more content along the way so you can follow the journey with me.
   Gig wise, I will be playing some new locations across Europe, festivals and potentially hosting my own parties once again!

ECM Premiere 073

Faide

Reassured

Original Mix · Project 13

Brighton based producer FAIDE makes his Project 13 debut with "Reassured", a three track EP showcasing his distinctive blend of intricate percussion, hypnotic melodies and organic textures. Drawing on his background as a punk rock…

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Duration 05:02

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