14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHTYKE

Hailing from Detroit, DJ and producer Tyke channels inspiration from his trips to the White Isle in his groove-driven productions, which sit between UKG and minimal and have taken him to Chicks Luv Us’ Encasa Records and Psicodelica.October sees Tyke join the Hottrax crew, serving up two house heaters across his ‘Rudeboi’ EP that showcase some magical synth work with serious dancefloor know-how.

"It feels surreal releasing this EP with my favorite label. I saw Jamie perform at Art Basel back in December and I left feeling so inspired. I knew exactly what direction I wanted to take my music in and wrote out my goals for 2024, number one being a release with Hottrax." - Tyke.

Q: Please introduce yourself

Yo, what’s up my name is Manny Rodrigues/Tyke and, I’m a Producer/DJ from Detroit, Michigan. I make minimal, tech house and garage and have just recently released my ‘Rudeboi’ EP on my favorite label, Hottrax. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

Probably Chris Lorenzo. I don’t think I would have ever started producing without his music. It would be sick to thank him and ask for advice/learn about how he began. Also seems like a funny dude.  

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Probably the ability to fly so I could spawn in and out of wherever, whenever. 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

I think any of Quentin Tarantino’s movies would be fun. He always uses super unique and interesting music that fits the scenes perfectly but is also still very unexpected.  

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

Chris Lorenzo. He is the producer who got me into the scene with his music and inspired me to begin DJing and producing. His music from the mid-2010s will always be some of my favourite ever made. And to see him go from proper boiler room venues in the UK to main stages at festivals here in the US is crazy inspiring.  

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

I was introduced to the scene probably about 7 years ago by some of my closest friends. I first started by going to concerts and eventually picked up DJing. When Covid hit in March of 2020, and clubs shut down, I downloaded Logic ProX and began my producing journey. I have spent the last four years or so finding my sound, which I think is showcased perfectly on my Rudeboi EP. I would describe it as energetic with groovy drums, intricate basslines and interesting synth work.  

Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?

This year, I stopped trying to “force” things when I am going through a down. Instead of spending hours trying to make a new tune when I am not feeling it, I try to do other things like sample search, watch production videos or listen to mixes. I have spent way too many hours trying to force a banger out of a session that isn’t flowing, and that time could be better spent elsewhere on music. 

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

That’s so tough; two come to mind instantly, though.

Steve Martinez at Club Space in December 2023. This was probably the best 7 hours of DJing I have ever seen. Really was taken on a journey. He didn’t miss the entire time and everything he played from hour 1 to hour 7 made sense based on where he was in the set. It was an absolute master class.

Jamie Jones / Jamie Jones b2b Joseph Capriati during Art Basel 2023 at Club Space. This had to be the most inspiring I have been leaving a set and, ultimately, is what led me to make my ‘Rudeboi’ EP. JJ absolutely torched his solo set and then the b2b was like a friendly battle between the two of them going track for track.  

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

I am making a completely different genre now compared to my first few years of production. When I first started producing, sound design/synth work was practically my sole focus. As my ear matured, I began focusing more on the drum groove of the track and making it more “dancey”. Now, I try to combine elements from both sides, including groovy drums with interesting synths throughout. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

Honestly, it’s probably classical; my Aunt is a violist for the San Francisco Opera and is absolutely wicked. I love all the instruments used in it and the fact that the music can tell crazy stories without words is amazing.  

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

Dreamer - Chris Lorenzo - all time tune. Still a banger over a decade later.

Weekend Vibe - Chris Gresswell - definitely one of the first house tunes that got me into the scene.

Wu-Tang Clan - Gravel Pit (Late Replies edit) - this is the song that inspired me to change my sound and focus on more groovy stuff.   

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It would be a vibe raving in the forest there overlooking Lake Michigan  

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

I just released my Rudeboi EP on my favourite label, Hottrax. I have a few exciting VAs coming up as well as another EP in early 2025. Signing to Hottrax was my #1 goal of 2024, so it’s time to write some new ones.  

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

I was born and raised in the US, but my Dad is from England, and I have a lot of family over there. So, I’m American with the UK in my blood.