Get To Know – Malley (UK)

Ever ones to support the young and the up and coming, we were blown away by ‘Whisper’, 18 year old Malley’s first professional outing on Bad Taste Recordings.

Here’s what he had to say when we caught up with hotly anticipated fresh talent.

So Malley, welcome to INSIDE DNB. Please briefly introduce yourself.

Hi, my name is Oli O’Malley, 18, living near Norwich and I love drum and bass!

At just 18, you are at the forefront of the new wave of producers coming through. Tell us bit about your journey into both DNB and producing.

So I’ve played guitar since I was 8, but only started producing once I was in high school, age around 14-15. My drum and bass production journey started even later when I started college at around 16. I was introduced into the genre with artists such as Gray, High Contrast, and Kanine to name a few.

Are you studying music at all, or is this just a personal passion?

I am currently not studying music and don’t plan to in the future. I want to keep music as something I enjoy, and I don’t want it to seem like work as my passion will fade. I’m sure I will get involved with music related things when I go to university though, as it’s essential to learn new things, but I will not be taking a music course.

Tell us a bit about your studio set up, and what’s on your wish list in terms of equipment?

I currently have a Macbook, Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 , and a pair of Sony mdr7506. Once I have a place where I can set up a proper studio the first thing I will get will be some good monitors.

Where did the inspiration for ‘Whispers’ come from?

I think the idea first started by wanting to make some fast drums that I was hearing in modern dnb at the time. I then created the fast plucky synth that is played throughout which became almost the foundation of the tune whilst different basslines and melodies change up the vibe as you progress through the different sections.

This is your first official release. You must be really proud!

Thankyou! It feels amazing for my music to finally be recognized and it’s given me even more confidence to produce the tunes I want.

The track sweeps effortlessly between nu-skool and old. Are you influenced much by DNB from the past?

I wouldn’t say this tune is influenced by any particular genre to be honest. There are obviously subconscious influences from all the sorts of DNB that I listen to, including older DNB like Roni Size maybe, however the drums are meant to have a modern feel and the same goes for some of the bass sounds.

Who are you really feeling at the moment, either in terms of production, or DJ’s and artists?

So the Camo & Krooked & Mefjus combo is absolutely smashing it at the moment, I love their music and DJ sets as well. Can’t forget The Caracal Project, Imanu and Emperor, all creating absolute masterpieces. Many more I want to mention but these are probably my favourites right now.

Finally, what have we got to look forward to from Malley in the future?

There’s plenty in the works! There will be a self release fairly soon and all sorts of DNB to come, possibly some garage as well….

I’m absolutely loving the production journey and won’t be stopping anytime soon!

Good luck with the single Malley, we look forward to hearing more!