From Cambridge Bedrooms to Ibiza Dancefloors
From Cambridge Bedrooms to Ibiza Dancefloors
ESCAPING THE BUBBLE
Cambridge isn't exactly known for its rave scene, and for Ellis Garner that meant building his own way in from scratch.
"There were no Raves or Events to get the opportunity to Network or play for them. This was a big reason why my friends and I started our event company, Morada, to give myself and other DJ's a platform to gain exposure locally and to help them grow as a DJ."
Life outside of music was simple enough. Football on Saturdays, not a lot else pulling at his attention.
"Cambridge is a nice chilled out place but not really much to do to be honest."
FINDING THE SOUND
House music was something Ellis found on his own terms. “House music was something I gained a passion for by myself. I've listened to House from a young age and always wanted to try to produce it myself.” But one night in particular changed the trajectory entirely.
"I remember going to Nexup's first Warehouse Project event and coming away from there feeling really inspired. Playing your own music at a place like The Warehouse Project in front of so many people must be an amazing feeling and has been one of my big goals since that day. A pivotal day for me and was when I decided to take things a lot more seriously."
Two artists have been closest to the centre of that journey.
"Max Dean and Ozzie Guven have been two huge inspirations for me. Both their styles of music have definitely influenced the sound I have today."
EVOLVING THE CRAFT
Over the past year, Ellis has been pushing his sound into new territory, and the results are starting to show.
"I started my career off leaning towards Garage, but over the past year starting experimenting with Minimal beats still incorporating the garage sound where I can. I've found a nice balance between the two now but will always chop and change between the two."
The Nexup EP was the moment it all clicked into place, and not just musically.
"Knowing that someone like Max has the trust and belief in my work to release on his label really gave me confidence to keep pushing that style of music I am making."
The EP itself came together gradually, shaped from a wide pool of material.
"I produce a lot of different sounding tracks so it was just about picking the tracks that worked well together whilst displaying a range of sounds."
"It's the first release where I start displaying my new sound. I think the tracks feel unique and different to what I've previously released."
IBIZA AND BEYOND
Every decision we make is shaped by a clear sense of purpose. Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.The release opened doors, and playing Nexup at 528 became a landmark moment, the kind of gig that reassures you that you're heading in the right direction.
"Nexup at 528 was definitely a notable gig for me. Making my Ibiza debut at an iconic venue is something I'll never forget. It has made me more driven to keep producing and releasing to keep playing those sick venues."
On what it takes to last in a scene more competitive than ever:
"I think the key in the music industry is being versatile; ensuring that not every track sounds the same as the last one. It's important I think to still have elements of your 'sound' in a track, but being able to display the ability to create new sounding and interesting tracks is what separates those who last and those who fade."
And on what's next:
"I think what I'm most excited for is traveling around, playing at new venues and displaying my sound to the world."
The grind got him here, the music will take him further.