TFword in Conversation with CYLAS
The Swiss drum & bass maestro had a chat with us about his new EP ‘Esctasy’ on WOWVE Records, his journey as a DJ and producer, plans for the future and lots more.
The Swiss drum & bass maestro had a chat with us about his new EP ‘Esctasy’ on WOWVE Records, his journey as a DJ and producer, plans for the future and lots more.
In many ways, Cylas’ journey has been a full circle of exploring his creativity. Starting as an MC three decades ago, in 1995, digging deep into his passion for thought-provoking lyricism, through his penchant for hip-hop. Then venturing into the world of drum and bass as a DJ, mesmerizing audiences with his energetic sets, followed by setting foot into the world of production, and now being an incredibly important cog of the Swiss drum & bass scene. It’s been quite a ride for Cylas.
Cylas’ unique blend of hip-hop and drum & bass has resulted in a catalog that demonstrates his commitment to pushing boundaries and enthralling audiences. Continuing his rich vein of form, Cylas has released an infectious four-track EP on WOWVE Records that delves into his ever-changing drum & bass sound palette.
From the infectious rhythms of the title track to the raw intensity of ‘Run,’ Cylas’s music takes listeners on a sonic journey where creativity knows no bounds with the ‘Esctasy’ EP. We wanted to be a part of the adventure as well, so we asked Cylas to make a quick pit stop to talk with us about his latest EP on WOWVE Records, the creative evolution of the release, and his journey thus far. Here’s what we discussed.
TFword: Congratulations on the release of the ‘Ecstasy’ EP. How long was it in the works?
CYLAS: Thank you. If I remember right, I worked around 6 months on this EP. Many weekends and night shifts in between my ‘normal’ work. Maybe it was a little more because I made 3 more tracks but they didn’t make it on the EP.
TF: In just under four tracks in the EP, we get to see your influences so vividly. Talk us through your artistic journey over the years.
CYLAS: In the early 2000’s, I was big into Techstep and Neuro, like for example Ed Rush & Optical, Bad Company, Audio, Black Sun Empire, Noisia etc. But I was always open to every kind of DnB subgenre. Today I’m big into more minimalistic, deep and sometimes techy DnB from labels like Critical Music, Overview, Flexout Audio to name a few. Artists like Wingz, Bredren, QZB, Villa, Spektiv, Alex Perez, Creatures, SMG, Particle, Tryst Temps and many more.
TF: Another aspect of the Ecstasy EP is the diverse flavors it offers. What was the creative approach taken on the EP?
CYLAS: It’s very important to me to make music without following any rules. There are enough rules in ‘real’ life. So I’m just doing whatever I like and I just let it flow when I start a track. Often I don’t know where it finally ends. But my creative approach is always trying to make something unique. I try to be a little different.
TF: Having started out as an MC and then moved to the captivating sonics we hear now. What was the transition like and what inspired the move?
CYLAS: My musical journey began in the mid-90s as a Hip Hop MC. Around 1999, I made my first Beats. At the same time, I heard Bad Company THE NINE which was my introduction to DnB. But I was just a listener. Around 2005 I bought my first DnB Vinyls and began to mix them on my turntables with a friend of mine.
We later played some Radioshows and in underground clubs in Switzerland. But then I had to quit mixing because I did not have enough time to write Rap Lyrics, Making Beats and DJing. Around 2012 I quit rapping and focused on producing.
When Corona came there was more time to get deeper into production and mastering skills because we had to stay home etc. So after some breakbeat releases, I started to make my first DnB tunes and I was lucky WOWVE Records released some of them.
TF: Who would you regard as your dream collaborators?
CYLAS: Beth Gibbons (Portishead), Wingz, QZB, Tryst Temps, En:vy, Rider Shafique
TF: What can we expect from CYLAS during the rest of 2024?
CYLAS: I`m working on some collab tracks with Ancesta and also with Sub Tactics (all from Brighton UK). And I always work on new solo tracks too. And there is an album coming from my side project called Immune (Electronic Hip Hop) alongside UK Rapper Remark aka Psykoid.
TF: 5 tunes you are feeling at the moment?
CYLAS: Waeys – Stopping Turning
Spektiv – Closer Enemy
QZB, T-Man – Shadowban
Wingz, Rider Shafique – Keep Control
Particle – Assassin
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