Preditah on his Ibiza-inspired latest – “house and tech house rings through the island”

Preditah on his past, present and future

In the wake of his most recent 4×4 single ‘Glucose’, we caught up with UK aficionado Preditah. Despite his foundations in grime, he’s recently set his sights set on more summer-slanted horizons, channelling his Ibiza, UK garage and tech hosue into the new split single.

It includes two original tracks – ‘Glucose’ and ‘1950’ – slated for a future phased digital release, as well as a new remix out today – a D Double E remix of ‘Gloucose’ on the flip side. We picked Preditah’s brains on Ibiza, his success and love other genres post-grime, and the records that inspired him as a youngster… 

Despite the new direction on this release, you haven’t abandoned grime at all. We noticed you’re still uploading grime instrumentals to Soundcloud, as recently as yesterday (as of July 30th, the time of writing this interview). And your first EP ‘Solitaire’ turned 10 this year; it put you on the map. Looking back, how has your relationship with grime changed in that 10 year period?

Grime is just another genre of music I produce when I’m in the mood. Grime definitely put me on the map so I feel obliged from time to time to showcase where my production skills are at and compose something to add to the soundtrack of the scene.

More widely, how do you feel about grime and the UK bass scene today?

Both genres have a long way to go in terms of reach but they both have a strong foundation in history that will never fade away.

You’re now known as a multi-genre artist, having put out 2-step bits with the likes of Jorja Smith and Mahalia, and now onto 4×4 garage with ‘Glucose’. You even threw a bit of jungle into your Fabriclive mix. Over the years, what in you has motivated each stylistic change?

My music has changed as alongside me. As you get older in age your tastes in music

mature and change. At this present moment tech house has captured a strong place in my heart. Everything about the genre challenges me to evolve with my approach, my mixes and my inspirations. Garage, 4×4 garage and jungle have always been apart of my musical history so I’ll always bring those vibes when necessary.

When did you first discover UK garage? Can you name a few records in the style from back in the day that influenced you – and what made them stand out to you?

I grew up listening to garage in school and on the radio. Craig David – ‘Rewind’ was the first garage track that really caught my ear, mainly because of the switches between R&B and 2-step. It wouldn’t at the time inspire me to produce music but it did open up my imagination in terms of blending two genre’s into one. Dom Perignon & Dynamite’s ‘Hungry Tiger’ record was the one record that made me want to be a producer. That record to this day is still one of my favourites and inspires me to this day.

What was the fallout of ‘On My Mind’ like? More widely, why do you think garage has done so well commercially in recent years?

I’d say that record worked because of the relatable lyrics and the vibe of the music. It

crossed over well because it wasn’t really about what genre it is but more about how it made people feel when they hear it. I don’t quite think garage has done well in recent years more than when it first came about in the late 90’s. There still is a long way to go in terms of commercial success in my opinion but it will happen eventually. 

Did your childhood in Birmingham influence the sound on ‘Glucose’ in any way? How popular are 2-step and 4×4 in Birmingham?

Birmingham didn’t inspire Glucose, Ibiza did. Bassline is popular in the City and was a genre I was involved in heavily before I made grime.

In terms of the inspirations for ‘Glucose’, which artists and tunes have you been listening to more recently?

H.E.R’s recent album and Migos’ latest album.

You’ve got D Double E on the flip for ‘Glucose’. How did that collaboration come about?

The team over at Palm Records suggested the collaboration and I thought it was a good idea. He vocalled it and we thought he smashed it. We’ve been sound for years so although it’s our first track it won’t be our last. 

We heard your time in Ibiza inspired this record. When you’ve been there, what has your experience of Ibiza been like? Which clubs / parties informed on the making of these tunes – and do any particular experiences from Ibiza stand out?

Just the general vibe of the island inspired me over the years. House and tech house rings through the island and brings everyone together. I basically took myself back there.

Given its popularity over the last decade and its influence from grime and garage, have you been tuned into UK drill much?

I’m not a drill fan to be honest. It’s still got some growing to do on me. 

What can we look forward to from you next?

Erm, just a lot more good music for the masses and unexpected collabs. Music for the clubs as well as music for the radio.

Buy the ‘Glucose’ single on Palm Records on 12″ vinyl here

Get the D Double E extended version here

Jude Iago James