Faster Horses, vision & transformation

An artist in constant motion, Faster Horses evolving with every beat. From his early days crafting trance-infused techno to his recent deep dive into UK garage, breaks, and hard house, his journey has been anything but static. A move to Manchester catalyzed this transformation, exposing him to the city’s rich and eclectic music scene, where he found inspiration in unexpected places.

But transformation comes with challenges. The shift in sound meant reevaluating his production approach, navigating the pressures of social media, and stepping outside his comfort zone with collaborations. His story is one of resilience—of following his instincts rather than trends, of choosing artistry over algorithms.

In this interview, Faster Horses opens up about his artistic evolution, the moments that shaped him, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. His words reflect an artist who values authenticity above all else, someone who remains grounded despite the industry's pressures. Whether you're a fan of his music or simply interested in the journey of a creative mind, his insights offer a compelling look into what it means to evolve as an artist in today’s fast-paced electronic music landscape.

Let’s dive in.

Faster Horses has undergone a significant transformation in sound over the past year, a shift influenced largely by his move to Manchester. The city, known for its rich dance music culture, introduced him to various genres he hadn't previously explored.

"I think the change in sound came from an increased appreciation for the music of my surroundings. Moving to Manchester, I was immediately thrown into what is arguably the busiest student area in the UK, and obviously with that came a lot of partying, usually soundtracked by Garage, Breaks, Dubstep, and Drum and Bass - quintessential examples of UK dance music. I moved to Manchester with an open mind and I think this allowed these genres I'd never really cared for too much previously to become quite important to me. I quickly began associating the freedom and excitement of leaving home for the first time with this new music, and because of that, it feels incredibly special to me. It got to the point where I was playing and making a completely different genre to where my heart lay musically out of fear of losing the career I’d already built up, but at some point, you have to follow your heart, and I’m glad I did."

The diversity of Manchester's scene played a crucial role in his evolution, offering him a chance to experience a wide range of styles. Initially drawn to techno nights, he eventually broadened his scope.

"The beauty of Manchester is that the music scene up here is so incredibly diverse that I was essentially spoiled for choice every time I decided to go out and dance. Initially, as I came to the city techno-obsessed, I gravitated towards parties like Meat Free and Teletech, which took place at The White Hotel and Hidden respectively. This led to a relationship with the clubs themselves, which encouraged me to go out and try other nights there, such as Hit and Run at Hidden, or P13 at TWH. One night in particular, Skee Mask b2b Batu at The White Hotel stands out, as this was one of the first times I ever heard leftfield, UK-tinged dance music on a club sound system. My mind was blown, and as someone who was already starting to tire of endless 4x4 kicks, this was crucial towards my musical development."

Shifting from trance-tinged techno to UK garage and hard house was not without challenges, particularly in production.

"The hardest part was the shift in production techniques. I’ve been producing music for around 6 years now and consider myself a pretty adequate musician so I think I was a little bit naive at the beginning of the shift. I assumed that it wouldn’t be too difficult to try something new and while I wasn’t making bad music, the main issue I faced was that it just sounded generic, with none of the sound I had spent so long developing. This was so disheartening to the point where I nearly gave up, and this is why 2024 was pretty sparse in terms of releases for me. I think my breakthrough came when I stopped trying to make ‘bangers’ and began making music for me, not for labels. I was also putting a lot of time into my more experimental alias, Pathfinder, working on a few different live sets, and this helped me push through the writer’s block I was facing with my main project."

Collaboration has also been an area of growth for Faster Horses, despite his initial hesitations.

"I’ve always struggled with collaboration, I think because I work in very specific ways and sometimes relinquishing control over something that I’m very used to can be quite anxiety-inducing for me. However, during my shift in sound, I realized the collaboration was crucial to allow me, as someone who was essentially a little ‘stuck in their ways’, to learn new methods and understand different genres a little better. My first time working with another artist was in Copenhagen, with Repro and Adam Askov, working on an older EP. This was eye-opening for me seeing how other artists worked, especially such technically proficient ones, and this put me in good stead for future collaborations. As of recently, I’ve had some good sessions with Shuffa, an up-and-coming garage producer based out of Manchester. I feel like we clicked with those."

Navigating the blurred lines between artistry and content creation has been another challenge, with social media playing an ever-increasing role in music careers.

"I’ve found it tough and there’s also definitely been a few occasions I’ve drifted a little close to the sun on that one. I found myself obsessing over content during 2023-24, becoming so stressed out when a post didn’t do well, or if I didn’t get any content from a gig. I’m glad I was able to let go of this. These days, I’ve just focused on showing my personality through my socials, engaging with people who like my music, and always making sure everyone knows for me, that music comes first. I think this has paid off. I have a lovely little cult following, but it’s always felt very music-centric. I’m constantly chatting with people on Instagram, giving out track IDs, talking about production techniques, and generally sharing any knowledge I might have when I can. I’m not one to gatekeep anything. I know a lot of DJs, especially bigger artists, can develop a bit of an ‘influencer-like’ persona online, not engaging with the people who follow them, but, I’ve always tried to make that effort because I don’t see myself as a big DJ. I think this approach to social media has been key in maintaining a genuine connection with my art. It’s all about the music, it always has been, and it always will be."

His reflections on commercialization, genre divides, and the mental toll of touring highlight a deep awareness of the complexities within the industry.

"I think to succeed, you have to play certain aspects of the game. I know some people who completely reject all aspects of this commercialization, and while I wholeheartedly respect their commitment to the underground, I think if you want to progress as an artist you have to evolve with the scene you’re part of, otherwise you run a risk of being left behind."

Faster Horses is an artist in full transformation, and this interview makes it clear that his evolution is not just a change in sound but a complete redefinition of his musical identity.

Moving to Manchester didn’t just introduce him to new influences; it gave him the freedom to fully immerse himself in different genres and find new creative directions. His fascination with garage, breaks, and hard house highlights an artist willing to embrace change while staying true to his instincts.

His insight into social media and content creation is also remarkable. Rather than allowing the pressures of digital engagement to dictate his career, he has chosen to focus on authenticity and genuine interaction with his audience. The commitment to putting music first and fostering a strong connection with his fans reflects a deep understanding of what truly matters in an artist’s life.

Collaboration has also become an exciting part of his artistic growth. His recent work with Shuffa demonstrates a willingness to learn, evolve, and bring new energy into his music. His open-minded approach to working with others will undoubtedly continue to enrich his sound.

Faster Horses is an artist with a clear vision and a fearless approach to evolution. His ability to adapt, explore, and refine his craft ensures that his music will remain fresh and exciting. With his passion, authenticity, and innovative spirit, there is no doubt that he will continue to leave a significant mark on the electronic music scene.