The recent emergence of side projects has evolved into a magnificent avenue for artists to express themselves in a way fans would never expect. Exploration into different genres has become common among the electronic music scene, but the creation of a different alias allows producers to completely detach themselves from expectations and to create without barriers. Today, we are ecstatic to premiere a familiar artist’s journey into the unexplored coming to fruition as ‘Hint of Grape,’ the debut track from Sam Legget’s Sammy Legs alter ego, Shy Melon.
When asked about the creation of the new alias as opposed to sticking to his original house persona, Legget states, “When I’m spinning bass music, I want people to know that this is what they are in for and to not have any preconceived-notion of me spinning a Sammy Legs set. There are similarities in sound, but the set is a completely different experience that traverses a range of BPMs, whereas Sammy Legs sits mostly in the sweet-spot of house, breaks and techno.” Furthermore, he adds, “I like to put on different caps when I produce. There are many philosophies around facilitating creativity and a common one I subscribe to is that of channelling a ‘muse.’ There’s a literal interpretation of this from a long time ago where ancient Greeks would channel a spirit from some other dimension and the art would flow through them into the material world. This allowed the artist to not think of the art is coming from them but, rather, coming from something they could not control. It helps to dissolve ego and overthinking about your craft, as the art you create is not you, it is your ‘muse’s.’ In a similar way, when I go into the studio, I put on my Sammy Legs cap and am trying to think as little as possible, other than “what would Legs do?” With Shy Melon, I’m not asking myself that question, and am trying to let creativity flow from a different part of me.”
No matter what cap Legget decides to wear, one certainty is that quality music will result from it. In ‘Hint of Grape,’ a minimal introduction highlighted by sombre melodies and eerie effects capture your attention. Further spine-chilling textures are added until the track hits its midway point, before Shy Melon adds additional layers of gritty basses and crunchy synths to create a nightmarish soundscape. Although simplistic, ‘Hint of Grape’ never ceases to peak your curiosity due to its puzzling energy and horror movie-inspired theme. Don’t miss it below and stay tuned for more tracks from the Inquiry Records Distorted compilation soon!
