Birmingham-born DJ and producer Low Steppa stands at the forefront of the global house music scene, renowned for his unique blend of soulful beats and bass-driven anthems. With a career that spans over a decade, Low Steppa has established himself as a mainstay in the electronic music world, consistently delivering high-energy sets and chart-topping releases.
Kicking off 2024, Low Steppa collaborates with French talent Tony Romera on “Dance To The Music,” a vibrant track released under Toolroom that has already caught the attention of heavyweights like Dom Dolla, Dombresky, and John Summit. This partnership blends Low Steppa’s seasoned expertise with Romera’s fresh dynamism, crafting a club anthem that resonates with both the underground and mainstream audiences.
With the year starting in such explosive fashion, we wanted to catch up with him to find out what else he has in store…
Thanks for joining us for a chat. So far, how’s 2024 shaping up for you?
It’s a pleasure, thanks for having me! I’ve got a feeling it’s shaping up to be my best year yet!
Reflecting on your initial steps into the music industry, what were some key influences or moments that propelled you towards becoming a DJ and producer? How did your early experiences shape your career?
I’d wanted to be a DJ since I was around 14, but it had kind of been laying dormant in me until someone took me to a little party in an old pub at the start of my year at art college. There were a couple of DJs playing kind of big beat vibes and some house stuff, and I just remember being so fascinated with the whole thing. I remember them playing Cricco Castelli – Life Is Changing and being in love with it. I had always been aware I was into music more than my friends, and it felt like the thing I needed to do. Back then, DJing to me really did mean playing music to people. I never thought about status, being on a stage, being popular, being someone; I just wanted to show people music. No one I knew wanted to be a DJ back then; I felt like I had found the perfect thing for me. Shortly after this, I bought my first set of turntables, and I was totally obsessed with record shops. It was so exciting, a feeling you just don’t get now in the digital age. I would get lost just looking through the records; time would disappear.
Over the years, you’ve been known for your distinct sound within house. Can you describe how your sound has evolved, and what influences have shaped your recent musical direction?
My Low Steppa sound started off as more of a garage vibe, deeper, more bass, and it’s evolved more into a pure house form, I think, which is what I started playing as a DJ. Now, though, I feel I can mix it up and play or produce some lighter and some heavier music, and my following just trusts me and goes with whatever. I don’t feel restricted at all anymore. In the summer, I really feel the tribal vibes, and then in the dark English winter, I naturally lean towards a more UK sound.
Can you talk about your recent collaboration with Tony Romera on Toolroom? What was the creative process behind this project, and what inspired this particular partnership? Did you guys get any studio time together, or was this a remote collab? If the latter, did that present any challenges?
I’ve been really into Tony’s music for a while; it’s not the normal tech house flavour that most people are doing. You can tell his love for house music and feel it in his music. I didn’t create an idea knowing I would send it to Tony, but when I had got a vibe with Dance to The Music, I sent it to Tony, and he loved it, and we both played it loads for ages leading up to the release. It was all quite effortless. Tony is such a great person and a great person to work with too.
The record peaked at #3 on Beatport. Are those charts something you have in mind when you’re in the studio?
Not at all, I just want to make good music that I want to play in my sets and that my fans will hopefully love! It’s always exciting to see a record do well, though; it never gets old to me, and I think Tony is the same. Most producers probably are. I didn’t ever think this record would do so well; it’s never the records you think.
Considering the current global political and social climate, what role do you think electronic music, particularly house music, plays in providing escapism for people?
Music brings people together like nothing else in the world, and yes, it’s also the place and the time for everyone to escape. Music is so important and vital for this. When I DJ, there is nothing else on my mind other than what I’m playing and creating the energy for everyone. I guess it’s the only time my brain is ever that focused, along with being in the studio.
Do you often create exclusive tracks or edits specifically for your live sets, and how does this exclusivity enhance the experience for your audience?
I do, yes. I make a lot of edits of mine and other people’s records for my sets. It’s to keep things interesting and make my sets different from everyone else. Having your own edits is a massive thing for me for sure, and I love making them!
Over the years, you’ve made a considerable impact on the house music scene. What influence do you hope your work will have on future generations of artists and fans? Is that something you even think about?
Thank you for the kind words there. I would love for my music to be as timeless as possible, and I hope it is, and yes, it is something that crosses my mind. I’ve made other styles in the past under different names, and some hasn’t aged well, but I do feel Low Steppa is different. So yeah, I really hope my music stays around and helps influence people now and in the future.
Looking forward to 2024, what are some specific goals or milestones you’re aiming for, both personally and professionally? Are there any new ventures or directions you’re particularly excited about?
It’s just all about my music this year and trying to make some great records that surprise people or push the boundaries a bit for me. I don’t feel like I have to stick to a certain sound anymore, and I’m just really excited to be creative this year. I’ve got a record coming out this summer with Crusy I’m really excited about that I think will surprise people.
Low Steppa x Tony Romera – Dance To The Music is out now on Toolroom
