Catching up with Matt Tolfrey

In a current musical climate where innovation and originality can often be overtaken by the mundane and regular, Matt Tolfrey's relentless devotion and unquenchable thirst for forward-thinking and iconic music, has firmly categorised him as a true pioneer as he shapes the musical world around him. As well as championing international and critical recognition as a dedicated floor-filler and party-forming DJ, he’s also the mastermind behind Leftroom, the iconic imprints that has spawned the likes of Laura Jones, Ryan Crosson and Mark Chambers. We caught up with Matt on his summer antics and the adventures of Leftroom HQ ahead of his appearance on October 12^th. It pains me to say it but summer is definitely over now. How was it for you? Any key moments? The highlight of my summer has to be getting married to my beautiful wife Hayley in August.  We followed this up with a three week honeymoon in Borneo which was amazing, if you’re into your wildlife, I highly recommend it.  Gig-wise I got to play at DC10 in Ibiza twice, I’d never played there before so getting to do it twice in the summer was great.  Playing at Pacha also for Guy Gerber was great too.  Wavefront in Chicago was my favourite festival of the summer, and playing in Beirut for the first time was bonkers.  Especially because Gavin Herlihy and I nearly stole a car, long story... You’ve recently released a remix pack for your track ‘The Truth’ which includes vocals from the legendary Marshall Jefferson. What was it like lending your work to a stream of other artists? Do any tracks stand out for you? As it was my debut album on my own label, I was able to really push the boat out with remixes and chose my favourites at the time.  The stand outs were definitely remixes by Dj Sprinkles, Larry Heard as Mr Fingers and of Gerd as Geeeman. Head honcho at Leftroom Records, you’ve pushed and supported some monumental tracks out there including material from Waifs and Strays and Ryan Elliot. Who are you working with right now? Any exciting plans for the future? We're always working hard and pushing things at Leftroom HQ.  We've got EP's lined up from Laura Jones, Gavin Herlihy, Shall Ocin, a final remix package from my album, and also Ryan Crosson and I have compiled a mix called Don't Be Leftout which is packed full of exclusive tracks.  Don't Be Leftout is a new party brand we're starting so keep an eye out for it. You’ve been a firm fabric favourite for years now, providing us with some incredible sets at our shows. How has fabric been a platform for you in terms of your career as DJ? Fabric was the first place that booked me out of Nottingham over nine years ago now.  Craig and Judy have supported me from day one for me, and it was amazing to play on such a big stage so early on in my career.  I think one of the main things it made me realise was the amount of time and dedication it takes to produce a quality product week in week out.  Even nine years on it is still the club I am most excited about playing when I find out they have booked me again.  Everyone steps their game up when they play at Fabric. As a London resident and artist, how do you feel about the underground and club circuit as a musical hub for producers/DJ’s? London is booming at the moment in every walk of musical life.  The councils are still being a bit tight on licenses for warehouse parties, but governments always want to stop people having fun.  So many artists have moved here from places like Berlin and it is really helping to build a community here again.  You have to live in London to get it.  If you’re a DJ or producer and you can afford it, move here now, you'll get addicted to it. Any producers you particularly rate right now? Dense and Pika are blowing my mind at the moment, some of the best techno of the year. What’s next for you? Bed. To get you in the mood for Matt Tolfrey's appearance on October 12th, check out his Boilerroom mix here: