‘Survival of the Weakest’ is the brand-new EP from UK DJ and Producer Mr Skinnylegs. Offering a different perspective of the last two years, Mr Skinnylegs brings the dark together with the light in this exploration of time and sound. Writing much of this EP at a time when the world felt like it had been turned upside down, ‘Survival of the Weakest’ reflects relatable themes with high level production, delivering electronica at the highest level.
Release Date: 22nd July
Mr Skinnylegs has long been a lover and producer of music. From mastering his skills using vinyl turntables at the age of 12, to recording a Grime mixtape with friends aged 16, much of his youth was spent exploring and experimenting with music. Mr Skinnylegs studied music technology as a teen and, after a musical hiatus, returned to creating music when he was 25. Mr Skinnylegs’ return to music saw him drawn to electronic beats, writing his first House track in 2017, featuring vocals from Paul Morrissey. This is one of the songs to feature on his debut EP ‘Survival of the Weakest’ and is the only track to have been written pre-Covid. Having explored a variety of genres, Mr Skinnylegs has developed a sound that is diverse and versatile, and we can’t wait to see what he does next!
Getting To Know Mr Skinnylegs
Artist name and location?
Mr Skinnylegs, Hertfordshire UK.
Introduce yourself in one paragraph
Hey I am Mr Skinnylegs, a Dance and House music Producer, and overall a music enthusiast! Born and raised in Hertfordshire, UK.
Were you connected with music from a young age, or anyone in particular inspired you?
I think I’ve always been connected with music for as long as I can remember. My mum was musical so maybe it’s in my genes. Growing up I was always fascinated with music. Whereas other people would simply enjoy a song, I would be focusing on each individual thing – the meaning behind the lyrics, the bassline, where the hi hats were placed, how often the drum loop would change, key changes etc.
What first kickstarted your musical career?
I’d say COVID was the thing that really got me to pull my finger out and make more of my passion for creating music! I’ve been into composing and producing music since the age of around 13, and DJ’ing for even longer than that, but I never had the confidence to push myself and pursue something more out of it. When lockdown hit, it was a big trigger in my life to make sure I do more of what I enjoy, which is more family time, and more focus on my music! I released my first single in the peak of the first lockdown of 2020, and it just went from there really! I’d honestly say my career in music is just getting started, it’s a really exciting time for me because I honestly feel like I have it all ahead of me still – for now I keep working hard and trying to make the best music I can, and the rest will continue to fall into place J.
Tell us a more about your sound and how it has evolved
My sound is typically somewhere between Electronic Dance and House. I like my music to evoke emotion, usually whatever emotion I was feeling when making the track in question. My sound has evolved a lot over the years, as I started out making UKG and Grime many years ago – I feel like there are still nods to these genres in parts of my work. I feel my music will continue to evolve and grow with me as time goes on.
Any words you want to share to encourage other artists and producers?
Make music which is true to you. Don’t lose your identity by trying to fit into a particular mould.
Networking, consistency, character, approach… what and how do you initiate your Industry relationships?
I try and start with a simple and polite DM on Insta! Keep it to the point. I like to reach out to other artists, DJ’s, producers, etc, first and foremost just to let them know I appreciate their work, and sometimes to put the feelers out there for future collaborations or partnerships. Sometimes it leads to nothing, other times it can lead to a great conversation and hopefully a great collaboration…
Is there anyone specific you’d like to thank that has helped you evolve and why?
My wife and children are really the ones who have encouraged me to keep going, and they are the first critics I show my music to – It’s important to me that they enjoy my music, as they are a huge part of who I am.
Name 3 albums or labels that have inspired you the most:
Avicii – True
Calvin Harris – 18 Months
Disclosure – Settle
What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software?
My trusty headphones! Means I can mix my tracks down and not keep the rest of the house awake in the process!
Name your favourite club or festival in the world, and how does it makes you feel?
I enjoyed Global Gathering before it stopped! I did Creamfields this year, which was incredible. Calvin Harris headlined it and absolutely smashed his set! He is a big influence of mine, so I was trying to take it all in.
Name an outlandish rider request?
My go to rider request would be a KFC Zinger Tower Box Meal and a mixed-flavored Slush Puppy – Although I have heard of some absolutely ridiculous ones – Kanye West demanding his carpet was ironed has got to be up there (if it’s true)!
Favourite clubbing memory, who or what did it involve?
When I was younger me and my mates managed to blag our way into a nightclub when we were 16 (I won’t name and shame the place), but it turned out that DJ EZ was playing that night – We were right up by the DJ booth and watching him was an incredible experience!
What quote represents you best?
I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. – Albert Einstein
If you could play any venue, where would it be and why?
My ultimate goal is to play the mainstage at Tomorrowland. It has seen some incredibly talented DJ’s and I’d love to one day be part of that club!
Music is….
A beautifully captured snapshot of one’s emotions and experiences, presented in a way that can really resonate with others. It can provoke emotions you didn’t even know you had inside you. Music is magical.
One song you really couldn’t live without?
Completely off-genre, but Bob Marley – Three Little Birds. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Name drop your favourite tunes, artists or DJs (past or present)
One of my all-time favourite tunes is Swedish House Mafia – Don’t You Worry Child. It never ages, and for me is just a perfect piece of music! Avicii –Wake Me Up is also right up there.
What was your first music opportunity and how did it fuel your fire?
When I was a teenager one of my mates managed to get us a headline slot for this uni night. We turned up, with 2 huge boxes of vinyl with us, and of course the whole entourage, straight past the queue and into this VIP area with buckets of alcohol – I felt proper bigtime that night! Was a great feeling and it made me want more of it! To be honest, I took a bit of a break from music in my early adulthood, so I feel like I’m right back at the start now, I’m re-earning my stripes and trying to carve out some new opportunities. So basically, if you work in events and you’re reading this – hit me up!
Tell us more about your plans for the future.
Over the next year or so I am working on releasing a few singles. I have been speaking with some really talented artists and hopefully this will lead to some great music being made ASAP. Keep your eyes and ears open!
Any worldly advice you’d like to share?
My advice is simple and applies to everything in life: It costs nothing to be kind to others.
Support Mr Skinnylegs on Social Media
Listen to more of Mr Skinnylegs
