TFword in Conversation With Sub Tactics
Following the release of their debut EP, we had a chat with the drum & bass duo about their latest release, their style and lots more.
Following the release of their debut EP, we had a chat with the drum & bass duo about their latest release, their style and lots more.
With hard-edged mechanics, deep atmospherics, and razor-sharp drums at the heart of their sound, Sub Tactics are a drum & bass duo made up of LiquidEDGE & Berns. LiquidEDGE started his journey in 2009, whereas Berns began his in 2011 before coming together to form Sub Tactics in 2017.
The partnership has been enhanced by their label, Mutation Audio, which has provided the duo with the opportunity to work with complete creative freedom and has served as a platform for emerging producers. Sub Tactics’ debut release came in 2019 on their label, which was an exhibition of the deep and low-end side of drum & bass.
After four years of building momentum with their releases, Sub Tactics are all set to drop their first full EP together. The self-titled EP features the aesthetics the duo have been championing over the years; and as they edge closer to the release, we had a chat with them about their EP, their style, how their label came about, and lots more.
TFword: How and when did LiquidEDGE & Berns come together to form Sub Tactics?
Sub Tactics: LiquidEDGE and Berns came together to form Sub Tactics through a natural progression of collaboration. They had been pursuing their respective musical journeys individually but, as lifelong friends, it was only a matter of time before they recognized the potential of combining their talents. The decision to merge under a single name, Sub Tactics, was born out of a desire to simplify things and present a unified front.
Despite their friendship, there were moments of disagreement during the initial stages. These disagreements primarily revolved around naming the tunes and deciding whose name should take precedence or be featured prominently. Recognizing that this was counterproductive and a waste of time, they collectively decided to let go of egos and focus on what truly mattered: the music itself.
By embracing collaboration and removing the psychological barriers of ownership, they found that the final product of their work became even better. Working as a team not only led to improved results but also made the process more enjoyable and fulfilling. In 2017, this harmonious merger culminated in the release of their first joint project titled “Neurons to Nirvana.”
This marked the beginning of their journey as Sub Tactics, a musical entity where the creative vision was now driven by their combined efforts, setting aside any individual agendas. Since then, Sub Tactics has continued to create music that transcends the sum of its parts, reflecting the strength of their friendship and the power of genuine collaboration. Their unique approach has allowed them to explore diverse musical territories, united under one cohesive identity.
TF: The ‘Sub Tactics’ EP marks your first full EP together. What are your thoughts on how the release has taken shape?
Sub Tactics: The ‘Sub Tactics’ EP is a culmination of our creative efforts, marking our first full EP together. Consisting of 6 tunes, we decided to kick off the release with “Wasp” which serves as the first single, and to build anticipation for the full EP launch on 18/08/23. Throughout the process, our approach has been organic, allowing the tunes to evolve naturally over time.
We didn’t rush anything; instead, we let the music develop at its own pace. This patience and dedication to the craft have resulted in a collection of tracks that we are genuinely proud of. From the beginning, we aimed to craft a cohesive musical journey, and that’s why we structured the EP as a storytelling experience. Each track has its own unique character, contributing to the overall narrative we wanted to convey.
Rather than limiting ourselves to a formulaic approach, we were keen on showcasing the range of our musical tastes and capabilities. It’s essential for us to avoid monotony in our productions and always strive to push the boundaries of creativity through experimentation. This willingness to explore different sounds and styles has allowed us to grow as artists and create a distinctive signature for the EP.
By presenting the ‘Sub Tactics’ EP, we hope to offer listeners an immersive experience that takes them on a sonic adventure, unveiling the essence of our musical connection and friendship. We believe that this release is a true representation of who we are as artists and collaborators, and we’re excited to share it with the world.
TF: The first half of the ‘Sub Tactics’ EP takes the hard-edged industrial route whereas the second half dives deep into the spaced-out atmospherics and melodies. Was it always the intention to structure the EP this way?
Sub Tactics: The structure of the ‘Sub Tactics’ EP, with its distinct contrast between hard-edged industrial elements in the first half and deep, spaced-out atmospherics and melodies in the second half, wasn’t something that required an extensive amount of premeditation. It emerged naturally as we embarked on the creative process. Starting with “Wasp” at position one on the EP was a deliberate choice, as we think it’s the most straight-up banger on the ep & aimed at the dance floor. As we experimented with different track orders, we noticed that the remaining tunes seemed to find their positions organically. It was almost as if the music itself guided us towards the right arrangement.
The ultimate goal was to create a compelling musical journey for the listeners, where the progression of tracks would lead to a satisfying experience from start to finish. By letting the tracks dictate their own order, we feel a balance of musical tension and release that’s intuitive and harmonious has been achieved. Rather than imposing our preferences on the EP’s structure, we allowed the music to speak for itself, ensuring that the flow of the tracks felt cohesive and meaningful.
This approach lent a sense of discovery to the process as if the order of the songs was revealed to us rather than being consciously chosen. In the end, the seamless transition from the hard-edged industrial vibe to the dreamy, melodic landscapes in the EP reflects the natural ebb and flow of our creative journey. It showcases our willingness to embrace the organic evolution of our music and the intuitive choices that shape our artistic expression. The ‘Sub Tactics’ EP stands as a testament to the power of artistic exploration and the magic that can unfold when we let the music guide us.
TF: “At its heart Mutation is scientific and technical music that strives to remain original and organic” and Mutation Audio has exhibited its ethos immaculately. When did the idea of starting a label come about?
Sub Tactics: The idea of starting Mutation Audio as a label came to fruition during LiquidEDGE’s university days. Frustrated with the current music landscape, he took matters into his own hands and independently pressed a vinyl release. He then embarked on a journey to personally distribute the vinyl to various record shops, offering them on a sale or return basis. Additionally, he made the vinyl available through online platforms like Red Eye Records and Juno Records.
Fortunately, the reception was positive, and there was no need for any returns. This early success inspired him to take things further and establish a proper label. With the momentum building and a clear direction in mind, a logo and the name “Mutation Audio” were born, encapsulating the essence of the label’s ethos of scientific and technical music that remains original and organic.
However, as often happens in youthful ventures, the initial profits went up in smoke. Nonetheless, this marked the inception of Mutation Audio as a platform to showcase innovative and authentic music. Over time, the label has continued to uphold its ethos, staying true to its roots and principles while evolving to adapt to the ever-changing music industry landscape.
TF: ‘Dancing Free’ with Claire Taylor is your second collaboration with her this year. What has your experience been like working with her?
Sub Tactics: Working with Claire Taylor on “Dancing Free” has been a delightful experience. The process has been remarkably easy and quick, which is truly impressive. We feel incredibly fortunate that she lent her captivating voice to our music, and it all came together in a seamless and accidental crossing of paths. What’s especially magical about this collaboration is that it happened unexpectedly and effortlessly. Claire, who usually focuses on pop/rnb music under the name Taylor Moon, perfectly connected with our music when we sent her various ideas and tracks.
Despite coming from different musical backgrounds, there was an undeniable chemistry that allowed her vocals to beautifully intertwine with our compositions. Throughout the collaboration, Claire had her own recording setup, which streamlined the workflow and allowed us to efficiently exchange ideas and tracks. She consistently delivered incredible vocal takes, providing us with a solid foundation around which we could shape and mold the final pieces.
Her genuine passion and connection to our music were evident, making the whole process a joy from start to finish. It’s moments like these that make music so special—when unexpected connections lead to magical outcomes. We’re excited to share that our collaboration with Claire doesn’t end with “Dancing Free.” We have another tune titled “Two Flames” in the works, featuring her amazing vocals once again, under the name Claire Taylor. We can’t wait for people to hear the result of this collaborative effort, and we look forward to exploring more creative opportunities with her in the future.
TF: What are the genres and styles Sub Tactics like exploring other than their formative ones?
Sub Tactics: We love exploring a wide range of genres and styles within the electronic music realm. While we have a strong foundation in our formative genres, we are open to experimenting with anything that involves electronics and synths. Our musical journey encompasses various styles, and we are not limited to heavy sampling; rather, we enjoy incorporating live instrumentation, playing instruments ourselves, and indulging in the art of sound design.
Our explorations span across breakbeat, house, dubstep, hip hop/trip hop, and other electronic sub-genres. However, regardless of the specific style we delve into, one constant is the presence of sub. We believe that music is at its best when it makes your whole body vibrate. Out of all the genres we have ventured into, we find drum and bass (dnb) to be particularly exciting to produce.
The fast-paced rhythms and intricate drum patterns in dnb provide a dynamic and thrilling landscape for our creativity to flourish. Our willingness to explore a wide spectrum of electronic music genres keeps our artistic journey fresh and diverse.
TF: What’s coming next for Sub Tactics?
Sub Tactics: Next up for Sub Tactics, there are exciting collaborations and label support in the pipeline. We’re not just focused on making music; we also take pleasure in presenting music. Following the release of the EP, we have planned upcoming singles from talented artists such as Notch, AudioSketch, and Baskey. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, we have another collaboration titled “Two Flames” featuring Claire Taylor.
We don’t adhere to a strict production schedule or churn out music on a regular basis. Instead, we let the music take control, allowing the creative process to be guided by a musical force, if you will. This approach ensures that our productions are authentic, driven by inspiration, and reflect the genuine essence of our artistic expression. Our commitment to quality over quantity results in music that has depth, meaning, and a unique creative touch. We’re excited to continue exploring new avenues, embracing unexpected opportunities, and letting the magic of music shape our journey moving forward.
TF: 5 tunes you guys are feeling at the moment?
Sub Tactics: DLR – Human Error
Wings – Sorrow
QZB & Amoss – Tigra
Monrroe – Out of time
Carry You – Rules
