Meet the Artist: The Fi5th
Next up, The Fi5th is stepping onto the Stonx Music stage with his debut track “Solarized,” and it’s nothing short of a certified banger. The Fi5th is an emerging artist who’s already making waves. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears tuned in, because The Fi5th is here to captivate your senses.
Where to find The Fi5th
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in the world of music production?
I got into DJing drum and bass when I was 16 spent several years playing at illegal raves for treehouse sound system playing around the UK and French teknival a few times , then in 2008 bought my first mac book and a copy of logic 9 as produced under the name DEPHX but wasn’t until 2018 when I upgraded to a mac book pro and got logic x with xfer serum and trash 2 and some fab filter bits I became The FI5TH then in 2021 had my first release on close to death recordings with my track WOLFMAN.
Let’s dive right into your contribution to Disciples of Distortion Volume 2. Can you give us some insight into the creative process behind your track?
If I remember correctly I started a fresh project Titled ”STONX STUFF” and created a drum loop with punch and groove and played around with a bassline chain I had pre saved for future sessions and I liked the flow so I build around this idea to have an atmospheric pad and pulse build up which I made using serum and alchemy. the vocal fx sound i use i think was a preset choir sound in alchemy I edited to fit the key of the track . then the track came together quite nicely I’m pretty pleased with how it tuned out.
I’ve learnt a little music theory over time and thats helped a lot with newer tracks
the fi5th
What inspired you while working on this specific piece of music?
The sounds of BICEP they tend to have a quite intoxicated hypnotic sound which takes you on a journey so I was following this idea. also experimenting with pads , choir vocals and reverb modulations for the riser sound. I quite like the contrast between the sounds .
Are there any unique elements or techniques you used in your track that you’d like to share with your listeners?
I use Native instruments RAUM reverb a lot in my productions , the risers and downer fx in the track are made by freezing the signal and modulating the SIZE of the signal which gives a pitch up sound which I really like. also kilohearts frequency shift 40/60 wet/dry mix gives the movement in the bass breaks in my track, I use this a lot to get a movement effect in sounds due to phasing caused by the blended overlapping frequencies cancelling out each other , gives a nice notch sweep like effect . great on basses .
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
This is tough to answer Id say more recently Han Zimmer is a major influence when it comes to the type of sound design i’m currently interested in, but with in the drum and bass side of things i’d say artists like State of mind , Jade , Black sun empire , Noisia & Audio who influenced me to where i am today .
Are there any artists or genres that you draw inspiration from but might not be immediately apparent in your music?
Im a lover of oldschool hiphop and metal music but im yet to really show this in my work
Can you share a particularly challenging moment you’ve encountered in your music production journey and how you overcame it?
Recently completed two small EPs for DIRT BOX & VTO RECORDS, was pretty difficult finding the inspiration to add extra tracks to them and was a bit relentless working on them non stop whilst working full time as a plasterer. but i got there and they sound pretty good so was worth the effort.
How do you feel you’ve evolved as an artist since your earlier work, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
I’ve learnt a little music theory over time and thats helped a lot with newer tracks , also worked hard on designing my own sounds and samples for projects too. i have improved my workflow too so i can complete a track faster but i still sometimes take forever to get a track finished haha depends how I feel about the track.
The music community is often a source of inspiration and support. How has being a part of the Stonx Music community and collaborating with other artists influenced your work?
Its nice having other artists who are willing to take the time to listen to your WIPS and offer any constructive critique which will help you fix or finish a track and its nice to work with fellow artists and get some insight into how they approach a project and sound design. bouncing ideas and advice around has definitely improved my music. cheers
Are there any fellow artists you’d like to give a shoutout to for their contributions or influence on your music?
SEIZURE, CYNTAX , XYLYM ,BASYS, SKUD, BAD SYNTAX , THE AUDIO KILLERS, HATED, MIND THEORY, SINDICATE, KRAK’N, PORNZ ,HIGH THERE, MINAKO, TRACED, TOLLGATE SHINDIGS, FINAL FIX , RICO ,LEE UHF, STONX , TRANSFORMA, SHAYPER, O/NIL, INCE , MXCN ,JAY, VENSHÜ, AZTEK, SCOUT 22, Sorry if i forgot anyone 🙂
Neurofunk is known for its distinctive sound. How do you approach experimenting with and pushing the boundaries of the genre in your music?
I often spend a lot of time familiarising myself with the nature of sound and what exactly is happening pre and post process with the selection of plugins i’m using , I’m not afraid to admit that most of my best tracks are a result of experimentation but with a base idea to approach a track. relentless toil in the DAW 🙂
Are there any other musical genres or styles you’re interested in exploring in the future?
Im interested in cinematic scores and such sound tracks you’d find in a chase scene on a film or a Christopher Nolan movie. I have dabbled with such but not made a proper score yet
What would you consider to be a significant highlight in your music career so far?
Getting a Debut release on CAUSE 4 CONCERN RECORDS. 🙂
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations as an artist? Are there any dream collaborations or projects you’re working on?
I would like to play around Europe and the world on day. a collaboration with state of mind would be awesome
What advice would you offer to up-and-coming producers who aspire to make their mark in the music industry?
Be yourself , expect rejection , grow from it and just enjoy yourself. music is subjective after all you wont please everyone.
Are there any production tips or resources you wish you had known about when you were starting out?
LESS IS MORE and learn a little bit of music theory .
When you’re not making music, how do you like to spend your free time?
Cooking and eating. mainly pasta currently hahaha
Can you share a fun or quirky fact about yourself that your fans might not know?
Im called “the Fi5th” because i’m the 5th son in my family.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans and listeners about your music, upcoming projects, or your journey as an artist?
Thanks everyone who supports my music Im glad you enjoy it and keep an ear out because I have plenty more forthcoming over the next few months into new year. much love,
As we wrap up our exploration of The Fi5th’s electrifying debut “Solarized,” it’s evident that this artist is a rising star on the horizon. With a back catalogue of certified bangers, The Fi5th’s unique sound and energy are set to leave an indelible mark on the music scene. Keep a watchful eye on this emerging artist
Meet the other Artists
- O&P:
- H_MAN:
- Direct Shift:
- The Fi5th:
- Sindicate:
- Moisinn
- Goosetronics
- Subcat
- Icons
- Deviant Program
- M4
- Skorpion
We are incredibly excited for this release and sincerely hope you’ll join us in supporting our vibrant community. Stonx Music’s Disciples Of Distortion Volume 2 is set to unleash its auditory devotion worldwide on September 22nd, 2023
Pre- Order: https://releases.stonx.co.uk/Disciples-vol2
Words by STONX and Stonx Music Co – Founder Ollie Barron
