Matt Tolfrey: I might finally get to swim with sharks

Image: Matt Tolfrey

It goes without saying that being labelled as 'the last great British DJ' by Seth Troxler is impressive in itself, and it's undoubtedly a stamp that is rightly deserved for the Leftroom label owner. You could say that Tolfrey is effectively a tastemaker for the more musically conscious, supplying them with his intricate weave of deep seated house and techno that operates between the borders of London's burgeoning house scene and the distinct sounds of Detroit.

His latest escapades sees him join Nick Curly's exciting new venture Trust that's massively taken off this year, and makes its way to Leeds' Mint on Friday 26th September.

With that date at the forefront of our attention, we spoke to Matt ahead of the event, who gave us an insight into his goings on at the moment, and into his flourishing Leftroom label. 

So first things first, you’re set to appear for Nick Curly’s Trust night in Leeds in a few days. Are you looking forward to it? How do you find the vibe up north?

I went to uni in Nottingham, so i am very used to 'The North'! The crowds are generally more up for it than in London, people seemed to be a little more relaxed in general...

What do you have lined up for your set there? Can you let us in on any tracks you’re likely to drop?

I'm definitely going to be playing two tracks from Leftroom's 50th release, which is a new project from Jozif and I under the name Kerb Staller. Dancefloor destruction.

You’ve undoubtedly been a central part of the house and techno scene in London for some time now. How would you say the scene has developed since you started out?

I have been living in London for seven years now, and a lot has changed. A lot of clubs have shut, but it seems there are alot more people wanting to go out and listen to the type of music we play.

It's a weird one, NYC on the other hand has had five new clubs open in the last year! I know alot of people in London that stopped going out as much as they were tired of sweaty, cold and damp warehouse's being used all the time, so I'd be all for some new venues and even new clubs.

Leftroom has definitely been a key component in that scene too, what’s been the key to its long running success do you think? Do you have a strict code that you stick too when singing records?

The only rule is; I only sign tracks that I will play, I would never sign a track just because I know it would sell and make money. The key to any successful business, is good taste and hard work.

What have been some of your proudest signings to the label, and what forthcoming releases/artists are you most excited about? 

I am really proud to have put out Laura Jones's first material including her hit 'Love In Me' that is one of Leftroom's biggest sellers of all time. She is a very close old friend of mine, and she will always be part of our extended family.  We have some much good material coming out that it is hard to just say one or two. But some of the names include Jay Haze & ESB, DJ Bone, Steve Lawler, Chez Damier, Richy Ahmed, the list goes on. 

What about new material from yourself? Anything forthcoming that we can get excited about?

I am working solidly in the studio at the moment, on solo material and on some interesting collaborations. In date order, next up is my remix of Jozif on Culprit, followed by my Kerb Staller release on Leftroom, I feature on two tracks on Lee Curtis' forthcoming album on Visionquest, and I have two remixes to complete for Worthy and Cocodasilva.

What’s the rest of this year looking like? Any parties you’re particularly stoked for?

I am actually going to South Africa for the first time over Halloween, new places are always fun. I might finally get to swim with sharks!

And finally, if you could sign any record, from any time, by any artist in history to Leftroom, what would it be, and why?

That's a near impossible question to answer, but off the top of my head i'd say Liberty City (Murk) - If You Really Love Someone - Because it's f***ing amazing!

Catch Matt Tolfrey alongside Nick Curly and plenty more at Mint Club in Leeds this weekend. Grab your Trust tickets here.

Tickets are no longer available for this event