TALKING SHOP
Villager
Alex Young threw himself into producing and performing electronic music earlier than most: after opening up his first DAW at 12, he was playing live at EDC Vegas at only 15 and sharing stages with the likes of Skrillex, Kaytranada and Cashmere Cat.
After a heavy touring schedule threatened to burn him out, Villager retreated from the live circuit and focused on developing his voice as an artist, releasing his debut Aura EP on Boys Noize’s label in 2019. Three years on and he’s further refined his style and approach to production, resulting in a new album, Frontier. The record takes cues from the richly textured electronica of artists like Four Tet and Jon Hopkins, repurposing club rhythms into detailed, emotive music that rewards closer listening.
When did you start making music?
“I started producing music at age 12, so about thirteen years ago. I’ve been playing guitar and drums since I was 8, and just eventually felt a strong urge to start recording and producing myself. It started as just instrumental recordings before I felt the draw to start producing electronic music.”