If you’ve been in the drum & bass scene for a while, Skeptical is a name that most certainly rings a bell. As a DJ and producer, he has explored various subgenres and is the brain behind a lot of powerful tracks.
Ever since the 2011 Blue Eyes EP on Ingredients Records, Skeptical has solidified his place and has since then released more music on labels like Metalheadz, Soul:r, and Exit Records. Over the years, he became known for his minimal yet detailed sound.
Skeptical shows no signs of slowing down. In 2023 he launched his very own label, Rubi Records, on which he has released some minimal drum & bass and 140 so far. At the moment, he’s touring in New Zealand and Australia, and he’s invited to Paris for the next STUDIO Invites. We had a chat with him about his inspirations, aspirations, and how the scene has changed during his career.
Hi Skeptical, you’ve been on top of the minimal game for years now. How did you end up in the drum & bass scene?
I’ve always had a love for jungle and drum & bass since I was a teenager. It’s something I’ve dedicated a lot of time to, DJing, producing or networking, and making friends. It’s just a natural progression that I ended up here really. I like all styles, not just minimal which I’m known for. I truly enjoy being a musician and I hope to keep growing and expanding my sound.
When did your love for minimal D&B start?
I’ve never set out to produce minimal music, it’s just how it turned out. It’s the fine attention to detail that I like to have within my tunes. To me, I feel that my music isn’t always minimal as it can be a long process building the tunes and getting them to where I want. The genre is always changing so it’s important to learn to adapt to the environment and stay consistent in what I do.
Which artists or experiences have significantly influenced your minimalist approach to music production?
There isn’t anyone in particular that influences me, it’s more about life experiences that will help influence and get me in the mood to make music. Especially as I get older. Certain genres like hip hop, techno, soul, and any relaxing music are what I like to listen to when I’m not working in the studio. My kids are what truly drive me in life though. They’re the life and soul of any choices I make and they give me the motivation to move forward and grow as a person and as a producer. It’s about trying to find the right balance that works for you as an artist and not having too much self-criticism.
You’ve been in the scene for a while now. What are your thoughts on the current state of the scene, and how do you see it evolving?
In my honest opinion, I feel like the music industry has never really gotten back to where it was pre-covid. The rise in inflation across the world has affected clubs and ticket sales. It’s definitely getting better though and putting that aside, I do feel like the scene is healthy and has some strong young talent coming through. The music is still strong, so that’s a massive positive. I think we just need new creative ways to keep the scene and the industry moving in the right direction.
A few years ago, you also started your own label, Rubi Records. Why did you make the decision to start this label?
I’ve been working with various labels my whole career, so it just felt like the right time to have my own thing that I can put my energy into. Around 5 years ago, I started preparing for the move and began to learn how to run a label. It’s been an enjoyable process as I’ve learned graphic design along the way. All the art you see on Rubi Records is done by myself, so the input is 100% by me. I’m lucky to have friends who run labels too, as they have helped with advice along the way.
You teamed up with Gemini Gemini for a takeover event at Fabric last weekend, massive! How did it go?
The Fabric show was great, we previously teamed up for a show in London back in December and this Fabric show was part two of that collaboration. Fabric was sold out, so it was very busy inside. Their new upgrade to the layout and sound system is a breath of fresh air.
You’re playing STUDIO Invites again, after having played there in 2024. How is it to be back?
STUDIO Invites was great too. Wicked vibes, and there’s also something special about playing on a boat. I’m really looking forward to coming back to Paris and performing for you guys.
Is anything else new coming from you?
I’m currently on tour in New Zealand and Australia and have 3 shows left to do over here. Release-wise, I just did a remix with Ninja Tune. I was asked to remix Machinedrum’s Zoom featuring Tinashe and am really happy with how the tune turned out.
In May my remix of Break – Box Clever ft SP:MC will be released on Symmetry Recordings and I also have RUBI004 & RUBI005 coming in 2025.
Lots to look forward to.
Interview conducted in March 2025 by Annelies Rom.
Thanks to Ashley for the talk!
You can catch Skeptical playing in Paris for STUDIO this Saturday (05.04). Tickets are available here.
You can also read our previous feature with Visages, here.
