International producer Rupert Taylor, a.k.a. DJ XXXY, was just an ordinary employee in the local government legal department (Manchester City Council), before he decided to quit and chase his childhood love for music, five years ago. “I put in long hours in a paid job which was not satisfying at all. It was a fantastic experience just changing course. I have always been interested in music, but just being able to do that 24x7 is great,” he says.
Now, his calendar is replete with tours, with India being the current venue. Ahead of his gig as part of Red Bull Music Academy India Tour (covering Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore) at Q Bar on Sunday evening, he says, “It’s true that you got to be away form home for long doing tours, which is taxing, but at the end of the day, you feel fantastic about what you are doing, and that’s what counts. My advice to all those who are dreaming about making it big in music, but are too afraid to let go of their regular jobs — just break free and go get it.” The Berlin-based artiste has been associated with music all his life; he experimented with drums and bass in his teens, and has been producing music that’s club-fit since 2004. But it was his production titled ‘You Always Start It’ which threw the spotlight on him as a techno musician to look out for.
He was picked up by RBMA, for its 2011 edition in Madrid. “That was the turning point in my life. I had a fantastic couple of weeks at the Academy. The lectures were so inspiring that I always wanted to run out of them at the end and head straight into the studios to work with my fellow participants, including India’s Jivraj Singh, who is an incredible drummer. It changed me as a person and as a musician for the better,” says Rupert, whose music is a “blend of UK garage, classic house and techno.”
Just a year later, Rupert was on a roll, playing at festivals and venues across continents, and was listed as the “fourth best DJ in the world” by RBMA. His music has found a mention in international music publications, including Pitchfork (which picked ‘Ordinary Things’ as its best new track upon its release), Resident Advisor , Fact , Dummy and XLR8R . “It’s a lot of responsibility when you are recognised as one of the best. But I will keep experimenting with new sounds and music. For me, the most satisfying gig is when the crowd moves from wherever they are to a closer circle at the mosh pit. I can feel their energy, and know that they are having a good time,” says Rupert, who likes cooking and going on long walks when he is not in his studio.
