In Session: Matrixxman

Charlie Duff’s artist moniker isn’t derived from the The Wachowskis’ famous trilogy of science-fiction films, but his driving techno sound is cold and futuristic, evocative of images equally dystopian. Take 2013 track ‘Protocol’ for an example of his floor-primed sound that strips techno down to its hardest-hitting elements and pushes them into overdrive.

He’s also mirrored this approach with a machinelike work-rate, powering through an intense release schedule since making his bow in 2012. Outings have come thick and fast across imprints such as Spectral Sound, Planet Rhythm and Dekmantel.

Reflecting on his work ethic in a 2015 interview with RA, he remarked: "It just feels normal to be making music and releasing it constantly. I suppose it's out of sheer boredom. I often joke about the term idiot savant, but jokes aside, I literally have nothing better to do with my life." It’s a comment that, despite the mechanical leanings of his music, indicates he’s a vibrant character with a keen sense of humour, a disparity he noted in the Twitter update “making heinous dark techno but I still really like cute animals I'm sorry”. If techno memes are your bag, he’s got you covered in that respect, too.

Recently, the American producer has struck a close partnership with aforementioned Dutch powerhouse Dekmantel, lining up a trilogy of EPs under the title ‘Sector’, the first instalment of which arrived last month. He also played at Dekmantel’s debut London party last December at Studio Spaces. While founding members Dekmantel Soundsystem went strong on the disco alongside Motor City Drum Ensemble in the Black Studio, we were front and centre as Matrixxman closed out the night in the warehouse with a mix of pounding grooves from the likes of The Fear Ratio and Joey Beltram.