Meet the Artists: Hkay
Next up in our Disciples of Distortion Vol. 3 artist series, we’re thrilled to introduce Hkay. With a diverse background spanning from rapping to bass playing, and now a full-fledged producer, Hkay brings a rich, multi-genre influence to his music. His track “Infinite Horizon,” a collaboration with Subcat, is a testament to his dynamic approach to drum and bass.
Disciples of Distortion Vol 3 | Out Now: https://cygnusmusic.link/bn4lgyq
Meet Hkay
Can you share a brief background about yourself as an artist? How did you get started in music, and what are some of your influences?
I originally started as a rapper, then transitioned to playing bass in a band, and eventually settled into production after making a lot of hip-hop. After attending my first few raves, I became a DJ and dabbled in various genres of electronic music production. This journey has given me a varied background that I like to bring through in my productions. Don’t get me wrong—I love drum and bass—but I think there’s so much good music out there, it would be a shame not to explore all the different flavors.
What was the inspiration behind your track on this compilation? Can you walk us through your creative process for “Infinite Horizon”?
After jumping into the Discord and talking to Subcat, we discovered that he lived just down the road from my studio. We had an initial session here, and it quickly became clear that our styles matched really well—the track sort of wrote itself from there. Plus, it helps that he’s an all-around legendary bloke too!
Are there any specific production techniques or tools you used in this track that you’d like to highlight?
We used countless layers of synths, weaving them together to create the rich texture in the track. For the intro, I was hugely inspired by Hans Zimmer’s score for Dune 2. We tried to use a similar sound palette for the composition of “Infinite Horizon,” which gives it that epic, cinematic feel.
Did you face any challenges while creating this track? How did you overcome them?
Musically, no. The main challenge was coordinating our schedules to get it done since we’re both very busy in our own ways.
Is there a personal story or meaning behind this track that you’d like to share?
We just wanted to make a great piece of drum and bass music, and I like to think that we achieved our goal.
The Track
Hkay, Subcat – Infinite Horizon
“Float in the sky with ‘Infinite Horizon,’ a mesmerizing collaboration between Hkay and Subcat that seamlessly blends airy, spacey atmospheres with solid, groovy basslines. The track features a floaty lead line that delays beautifully over a stabby, distorted bass, offering an abundance of ear candy throughout. Born out of a serendipitous studio session and inspired by Hans Zimmer’s score for Dune 2, ‘Infinite Horizon’ weaves countless layers of synths into a rich sonic tapestry. This track is perfect for double drops, with a clean and groovy second drop that elevates the sound further, pushing the dancefloor into a sparkling frenzy.
How do you view the community of artists involved in Disciples of Distortion Vol. 3? Have you collaborated with any of the other artists on the compilation before?
This was my first collaboration within the Stonx community, and I must say it’s a great group to be a part of. I’m honored to be part of the team.
What can your fans expect from you in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or releases you’d like to mention?
Lots of drum and bass, a few more hip-hop albums, some deep dubstep, some gabber, some neurobreaks, and a few other bits of electronic weirdness!
“Trust your instinct, make what you enjoy, try not to get caught up in trends, be humble, and most importantly, don’t be a dickhead!”
Hkay
What advice would you give to up-and-coming artists who are trying to make a name for themselves in the electronic music scene?
Trust your instinct, make what you enjoy, try not to get caught up in trends, be humble, and most importantly, don’t be a dickhead!
Are there any other projects, labels, or events you’d like to promote? Feel free to give a shoutout!
I want to shout out everyone who has supported me on my musical journey. I’d be here a long time if I tried to reel off all the names, but the real ones know who they are. Love you all.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music and this release?
Turn it up loud and dance like nobody’s watching.
Where can fans connect with you online?
Hkay:
For more updates, keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
Disciples of Distortion Vol 3 | Out Now: https://cygnusmusic.link/bn4lgyq
Words by STONX and Stonx Music Co – Founder Ollie Barron
