Meet MYGR: A Journey into “Heretics / Activate”
Stonx Music is thrilled to present the debut solo release from MYGR. As a new artist to our label, MYGR brings a fresh and dynamic energy with his unique soundscapes and compelling beats.
Pre-save and Pre-order here: https://cygnusmusic.link/rpop72n
Release Details
- Beatport Exclusive Release Date: July 26th 2024
- Worldwide Release Date: August 09th 2024
- Tracks:
- MYGR – Heretics
- MYGR – Activate
Meet MYGR
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey?
Ello! I am Mike AKA MYGR, the bass head from Buckinghamshire!
Music has always been the constant in my life. There wasn’t much to keep me preoccupied growing up in the middle of nowhere, so most of my hobbies revolved around music. My dad was determined to shape me into the next big rock guitarist, and so was subjected to the likes of Joe Satriani, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton. This didn’t really shape me into the guitarist that he had hoped I’d become, but rather I got a real fondness for rock music.
Fast forward to my early teens and my friendship circle had become a group of metal heads and emos. If it was loud and obnoxious, I was going to absorb it into every fibre of my being. Architects, Bring me the Horizon, A Day to Remember were life to me. I was going to as many local gigs that I could convince my mum to give me a lift to.
Up to this point I hadn’t really given electronic music a chance. I liked Linkin Park and other bands that used electronic elements, but nothing had gripped me until I heard Enter Shikari. They were my first identity at that age, I was obsessed. The first time I had heard that Korg KAOSS pad in their first album I had to explore the sound.
I naturally started to delve into Drum and Bass, but I was particularly intrigued by early Dubstep. I would say my biggest change in taste towards electronic music was when I heard Fabriclive.37, in particular the Africa VIP. That album created my second identity within music. Maybe a year after that came out I was exposed to Neurofunk through a friend at college, I’m fairly certain it was Noisia. I think the heavy and dark metal-esque elements felt particularly familiar to me. From here I started to really get into the underground scene with a friend at college who introduced me to free parties. I kept the obsession with dubstep and neuro/dnb in equal measures until the dubstep scene was butchered and turned into a meme, and since its been dnb all the way.
Everything kinda came to a sudden stop though when I had a baby whilst at uni. Making tunes, raving, DJing all got put on pause as I had to be an adult. I’ve dabbled every now and then up to about a year ago when I decided to give it focus and really try and finish what I started 15 years ago.
How did you first get into drum and bass production?
In my last year at school my Dad got me a copy of FL Studio. It was an eye opener to synthesis and sampling. I didn’t make anything worth listening to, but it started to shape a passion in production. It was definitely the thing that pushed me towards studying music technology at college, and then university.
I fell in love with it at college. I’ve got some of my old sessions still, and whilst they are a bit cringe to listen to, you can actually hear my development in skill and sound.
About the Release
What inspired the creation of your new EP “Heretics / Activate”?
To be honest, there isn’t a single source of inspiration for my release. Over the last year I’ve been picking up new ideas from people, places, objects. I honestly owe a lot to Ollie and the Stonx community on this one. That’s kind of the whole reason I got back into it in the first place. That and ticking off going to Boomtown off my bucket list last year. That festival gave me loads of inspiration for my production over the last year.
How does this release reflect your evolution as an artist?
This is huge for me. Releasing something like this has been a goal for me since a teenager. It has opened up a realm of possibility for me that I had thought I’d lost for a long time and it’s shown me that it’s not too late to pursue my passion. I want to keep it going now and evolve even more.
What themes or messages do you hope to convey through “Heretics” and “Activate”?
I wanted to create an EP that shows the two sides of the coin that represents my music. Dark, moody, and mysterious on one side, and a techy, battle-ready stomper on the other.
The Tracks
1. Heretics
Step into the evocative soundscape of “Heretics,” where the futuristic meets the ancient in a Middle Eastern desert bazaar. The track opens with atmospheric sounds that transport listeners to an alien marketplace, full of mysterious and exotic vibes. Dominated by distorted vocal samples and a massive bass groove, the soundscape is rich and immersive. Deep rolling bass intertwines with floating vocals, and crunchy breakbeats cut through the groove, creating a vivid journey through a dystopian world.
2. Activate
“Activate” begins with the commanding tones of a female robot voice announcing, “Power sequence initialized” and “Running simulation.” This sets the stage for a frenetic, fast paced drop characterized by a rising whomp that dynamically pushes and pulls the listener. The track is driven by hard-hitting drums and robotic vocal samples, evoking the sensation of activating a high-tech simulation. As the track progresses, it transitions into a stomping 4×4 beat in the second half, punctuated by intense amen breaks, showcasing MYGR’s skill in crafting powerful and immersive neurofunk experiences.
Creative Process
Can you describe the creative process behind each track on the EP?
This is a good example of instant vibes, and a struggle to try and get a finished product. Heretics just happened almost without thinking. It was just one of those tunes that was destined to be made. Activate however, that tune took more work. There’s a lot of elements in it that I had to sculpt to fit, but it got there in the end.
Do you have a favourite moment or aspect of either track that you’re particularly proud of?
I love my bass in Heretics, it’s definitely going to get reshaped to feature in more tracks. And the 4×4 sections in Activate are dying to be played on a loud system. Hopefully they both get some live action.
Influences and Inspirations
Are there any specific influences or experiences that shaped the sound of “Heretics” and “Activate”?
I really like “ancient” or exotic sounds and instruments. I kinda had an ancient Arabia vibe in my head when making Heretics. I think Sientelo by Mefjus and Camo and Crooked was a pretty direct inspiration. Activate was the opposite. I didn’t draw too much direct inspiration from anywhere, it was more I had an idea and tried to shape the tune around that.
How do you draw inspiration from other genres or artists when producing your music?
If I want to produce something in particular then I’ll usually start with a sound in serum etc that fits and shape it into something unique with my own style on it, then build the track from there. If I’m just in the mood to make something but there’s no particular direction then I’ll just listen to a bunch of tunes until I find some ideas I like.
I just want to make music that people enjoy as much as I enjoy making it.
MYGR
Future Plans
What can we expect from you after the release of this EP?
More! I want to keep it going and maybe even start to think about doing it live too. I do miss DJing in front of a crowd. I love having Twitch as a platform to DJ, but it can’t beat the real thing. We’ll see!
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?
I have a few things in the pipeline. A couple collabs with some awesome people and some more solo stuff too.
Final Thoughts
What do you hope they take away from your music and this release?
Vibes, just vibes man. And I hope they want to hear more of it!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans or listeners?
Honestly, I’m doing this as a passion rather than a plan to make money, or get famous etc. I just want to make music that people enjoy as much as I enjoy making it.
For more updates, keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
Pre-save and Pre-order here: https://cygnusmusic.link/rpop72n
Follow MYGR: Soundcloud > Instagram
Words by STONX and Stonx Music Co – Founder Ollie Barron
