Metronome #112: Daktyl

Insomniac’s Metronome series features mixes from some of today’s fastest-rising electronic stars, as well as championed legends. It takes listeners deep across a wide range of genres, movements, cultures, producers, artists and sounds that make up the diverse world of electronic music.

In a world where innovative soundscapes are the driving force behind musical superiority, Daktyl stands out based on his invigorating, organic approach. He finds inspiration from the natural world, which extends into his collection of strange and rare world music instruments. That’s not to say he can’t get down on some twisted synth sounds, but even then, there remains a raw and acoustic feel to his music.

It’s this unique approach to composition that has made him a sought-after artist whose debut album, Cyclical, was released to critical acclaim on Mad Decent in 2014. The album reached the #14 slot on the iTunes electronic charts, and hungry bass-heads have been wondering when he will be giving them more of those mental, beat-driven grooves.

Fresh off a tour with another outstandingly innovative artist, Bonobo, Daktyl returns with a fresh set of new music on the horizon and an entirely new approach to performance. His entire tour was composed of only new music, performed live by the multi-instrumentalist, adding yet another layer of intrigue to his already stellar artistry.

His Metronome mix is the first preview of his newest studio work. The result is a multisensory journey through brilliantly crafted sound design, emotional highs, and grimy beats—all the while exemplifying his best work to date. It is definitely putting the hype on blast for the premiere of his new EP later this month.

We also caught up with him to discuss writing music while immersed in nature, his musical instrument collection, and his second passion: the impact of climate change.

Judging from your socials, you seem to enjoy writing music while being close to nature. Is there something about being in said environment that inspires your process?
Absolutely. I always feel most inspired in a natural setting. I think it’s mostly the isolation of getting out of the city; it definitely helps to get the creative juices flowing.

You went on tour with Bonobo and played only new music from your upcoming releases. What’s it like to road-test new material in front of crowds who may be looking to hear you play a lot of your older music?
At first, I was really nervous about that. But after seeing the reaction at the first show, I felt much better about it. I think any true fan of an artist wants to see them develop and evolve, not just do the same thing.

Have you been able to pick up new instruments on your travels? What’s your strangest instrument?
Absolutely! I always try and pick up new instruments when I’m traveling. My Dan Moi is probably the weirdest-sounding one at the moment.

What’s the appeal for you in performing your music live, as opposed to doing a DJ set?
I definitely prefer to play live. I love DJing, but I think there’s an added element of risk when playing live that makes it more exciting for me. I get way more into the music playing live, too—I feel much more connected to it.

You studied climate science in university. Is the carbon footprint of music festivals something you’ve ever considered?
Absolutely. I think every business (whether it be a festival or anything else) should be taking big steps to lower their carbon footprint. Global climate change is one of the most (if not the most) pressing issues facing humanity today. How we react to it over the next few decades is going to have a monumental impact on the future of human civilization.

Track List:: Daktyl “ID”
Daktyl “Lazy Susan”
Daktyl x Howie Lee “AD”
Redlight “MDMA"
Quickly Quickly “Wtf”
Photay “No Sass”
Nicole Millar “Tremble” (Daktyl Remix)
Glass Animals “Season 2 Episode 3” (Daktyl Remix)
Daktyl “ID”
Marc Spence “Nasty”
Jace Mek “Understand”
Bonobo “Grains”
Hundred Waters “Particle”
Romare “The Blues”
Shades “Grave Diggin”
Kool A.D “Look”
Swindail “Ce La Vie”
Esta “St Dwn”
Jacques Greene “No Excuse” (Yung Gud Remix)
Baauer “Sout London”
Nonsens “Gotta”
ID “ID”