Oliver Ledger is Squarehead, a fast emerging Sheffield producer dealing in club music reminiscent of the fresh house beats so loved by fellow Brits Mosca or Joy Orbison.
His blend of vocal samples and chunky beats, which bite UK Garage and Funky styles, make for a dancefloor heavy, yet infectious sound. It’s already reaping dividends - Squarehead’s debut Keep it Moving EP on Bad Taste Records spent three weeks at number one in the Juno Download UK Funky/Garage singles chart while more recent releases, particularly the Girl EP on his own 5ANDSEVEN imprint, have gathered him more love from reviewers and ravers alike.
While his music has been reverberating through his home town’s soundsystems for the last two years, his precicious talents are taking him increasingly further afield. He’s already shared bills with the likes of Ben UFO and Pearson Sound while future DJ dates include Manchester’s legendary Sankey’s, Corsica Studios and the Love System Festival in Croatia. His musical moves have also garnered him friends in high places with Radio 1 plays from the likes of Toddla T and dubstep don Skream!
M gets the low down on his music and why he first started making it...
I first started writing music because…
I wouldn't like to say it was a specific event that got things going. It just seemed like a natural thing to do. It’s kind of the natural progression from when you listen to music. I think the next step is really to see how it all works and have a go at making your own.
I have been making music since…
For about three or four years.
My music is…
House. There are so many sub genres of house and people love to over-complicate and put labels on sounds. Saying it’s a mixture of all elements across the house spectrum is the best way I can describe my music.
You'll like my sound if you listen to...
People like Dusky, Breach, Waze and Odyssey
My favourite venue is…
Out of the ones I have played so far it would probably be The Bodega in Nottingham. When I played the Lost Boyz Club there it was pretty amazing and so busy with everyone up for it. If you asked me every six months or so though, it would probably be something different as I get to play more venues.
Music is important because…
It’s a brilliant way to get around the world, meet new people and get away from the mundane working lifestyle.
My biggest inspiration is…
To be flying around the world playing music I love to hear and see some amazing places I wouldn't normally get to see.
My dream collaboration would be…
I would love to have the opportunity to work with some amazing vocalists
To try me out, listen to my song…
Now is good on my own 5ANDSEVEN records imprint.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
Most likely be wasting my time doing an art or design course and not getting a job afterwards.
In 10 years time I want to be...
Again to be travelling all over the world and being able to live off music. I couldn't think of anything better.
www.twitter.com/squarehead_
His blend of vocal samples and chunky beats, which bite UK Garage and Funky styles, make for a dancefloor heavy, yet infectious sound. It’s already reaping dividends - Squarehead’s debut Keep it Moving EP on Bad Taste Records spent three weeks at number one in the Juno Download UK Funky/Garage singles chart while more recent releases, particularly the Girl EP on his own 5ANDSEVEN imprint, have gathered him more love from reviewers and ravers alike.
While his music has been reverberating through his home town’s soundsystems for the last two years, his precicious talents are taking him increasingly further afield. He’s already shared bills with the likes of Ben UFO and Pearson Sound while future DJ dates include Manchester’s legendary Sankey’s, Corsica Studios and the Love System Festival in Croatia. His musical moves have also garnered him friends in high places with Radio 1 plays from the likes of Toddla T and dubstep don Skream!
M gets the low down on his music and why he first started making it...
I first started writing music because…
I wouldn't like to say it was a specific event that got things going. It just seemed like a natural thing to do. It’s kind of the natural progression from when you listen to music. I think the next step is really to see how it all works and have a go at making your own.
I have been making music since…
For about three or four years.
My music is…
House. There are so many sub genres of house and people love to over-complicate and put labels on sounds. Saying it’s a mixture of all elements across the house spectrum is the best way I can describe my music.
You'll like my sound if you listen to...
People like Dusky, Breach, Waze and Odyssey
My favourite venue is…
Out of the ones I have played so far it would probably be The Bodega in Nottingham. When I played the Lost Boyz Club there it was pretty amazing and so busy with everyone up for it. If you asked me every six months or so though, it would probably be something different as I get to play more venues.
Music is important because…
It’s a brilliant way to get around the world, meet new people and get away from the mundane working lifestyle.
My biggest inspiration is…
To be flying around the world playing music I love to hear and see some amazing places I wouldn't normally get to see.
My dream collaboration would be…
I would love to have the opportunity to work with some amazing vocalists
To try me out, listen to my song…
Now is good on my own 5ANDSEVEN records imprint.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
Most likely be wasting my time doing an art or design course and not getting a job afterwards.
In 10 years time I want to be...
Again to be travelling all over the world and being able to live off music. I couldn't think of anything better.
www.twitter.com/squarehead_
