Prolific UK producer Distinction has received global attention for the release of his remix of Danny Brown’s ‘Grown Up’, Elite Daily’s own Nikita Chauhan caught up with rising star to discuss his artistic evolution and the burgeoning success of his musical career!

People new to your sounds associate you with the mellow remix approach you have taken by associating smoother R&B tracks, but you are heavily involved in the Dubstep scene. What is the reason behind the transition?

None of the new music I have made was a conscious decision, it happened organically. It’s not like “Oh, Dubstep isn’t really doing it anymore so I’m going to hop on the next big thing.” I have been heavily involved in the Dubstep scene for the last eight years or so. I don’t calculate my music making routes, so who knows where I will go music-wise in the future. I’ll let the universe decide it for me.

Where would you say your style sits, currently, in the music scene?


Blogs have said my stuff is Dubstep, Hip Hop, Trap, R&B — I just see it as music. I feel sometimes people try categorizing things too much, if you like something why does it matter what it is? Just listen to it and enjoy it. However, I do feel that there is a place for my music in today’s music scene as Hip Hop and R&B are coming around again in a big way, and the UK Bass Music is big as ever.

Your latest release, the Danny Brown ‘Grown Up’ remix, is how Elite Daily first picked up on your work. Since, you have received huge support from various media platforms for the track, how has that felt?

I knew the track was decent but I did not expect it to reach over 20,000 plays and receive so much attention. I am very grateful for everyone who has supported my music, but also very happy that people have connected with it. For me, making music has always been about people having an emotional connection with what I am doing and that is my focus for every track I produce.

The UK bass scene seems to be picking up in America. Bondax (UK future bass producer duo) recently secured a North American tour. What do you make of America being interested in the UK scene?

I think the interest is fantastic and it makes the music scene, as a whole, healthier. It is not where you are from, but where you are at musically. For me, the majority of interest I’ve had on my most recent music has been from America.

What is it in particular about the American hip-hop, R&B sound that has been catching your attention?

I find recent Hip Hop music similar to Dubstep from the early 2000’s – the time I fully got into it. The energy I get from tracks like Kendrick Lamar’s “Backseat Freestyle” gives me the exact same chills that I got when I first heard Skream’s “Tapped” at the early DMZ raves. I love music that evokes emotion in any way shape or form.


What is it about a track you choose to remix that stands out and makes you want to work with it?

I hear it and if I dig it and pick up a vibe, I’ll go from there. Once I’ve established a vibe I will listen through the track in my audio editing program and cut bits out that catch my attention. It has to do with the energy I get from hearing something and if I can mould that energy into my own rendition of the song.


If you had to pick one artist/producer/DJ to collaborate with, whom would it be and why?

My late Uncle Andrew — he passed away when I was very young but was a great musician and used to be in a band with my dad. He could hear a track on the radio and play it straight off on the keyboard. I think that was where my musical interest initially stems from, as I used to be around when they would be jamming, playing and recording stuff.

In what direction do you see the music scene heading towards?


The rebirth of Hip Hop and R&B over the last few years has made me really excited about the current evolution of the music scene. There are so many talented artists breaking through with their own sounds and styles. I think 2013 is going to be an amazing year for music globally.

What can we expect next from ‘Distinction’?


I’m currently working on my ‘RVST’ mixtape, which will be released this year. I have also done an official remix for a Jyager & Jehst track with more remix requests in the pipeline. I am also working on original material, with Chloe Leone who is an amazing singer from Birmingham (UK) and is destined for big things in my opinion.
I am looking forward to getting original material written as I feel that is something I have yet to show people that I am capable of.

How can we keep up to date with what you’re up to?

The best ways to keep up to date with myself and my proceedings would be my Website, Twitter and Facebook!

We have a very special surprise for our readers! Today, Elite Daily Music is offering an exclusive release from Distinction, his reworking of Drake’s “Marvin’s Room.”


Listen to the track below & enjoy!

Nikita Chauhan | Elite. 
Elite Daily Presenter and Contributor

Follow Nikita on Twitter!