Interview: SPECK Talks Debut Single 'Turn Up', Influences, and DnB Energy

SPECK: Blending Grit, Groove, and Playful Energy in Drum & Bass

SPECK introduces himself as a fresh, dynamic voice in drum & bass with his debut single “Turn Up” — a track that fuses the grit of classic DnB with playful, contemporary energy. Originally rooted in alternative rock, SPECK’s musical journey shifted dramatically after experiencing the power of drum & bass on a festival sound system. Deeply inspired by genre heavyweights like Break and Buunshin, SPECK crafts his sound with meticulous attention to detail, fusing old-school rhythms with cutting-edge production techniques.

In this interview, SPECK walks us through his creative process behind “Turn Up,” sharing insights on his workflow, influences, and his aspirations as an artist. From the track’s infectious groove to its gritty yet uplifting vibes, SPECK’s approach is both instinctive and methodical. Dive in as we explore the origins of SPECK’s sound, his musical inspirations, and what’s next for this promising talent in the world of drum & bass.

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Part 1: Background & Influences

What first drew you to drum & bass? Was there a specific moment or track that hooked you?

I am a relative latecomer to the genre. I have always been involved with music and in my early years played in an alternative rock band, but electronic music has always been an interest of mine (particularly in the golden age of dubstep ;) ). 

It wasn’t until I heard some DnB / Jungle at a festival on a big system that I really started feeling it. Fast forward a few years and my interest in electronic music had become pretty strong and I came across a Camo & Crooked song that hooked me - Kallisto. The production level and attention to detail absolutely mind blowing for me, and I soon learned that this was the tip of the iceberg… I was hooked since then.

Who would you say are your biggest musical influences, and in what ways have they shaped your sound or approach to production?

I am equally a big fan of the old school flavours and modern production wizardry, so I aspire to combine them where possible - though I feel like each have a right to their own place too. 

I honestly find it very difficult to pinpoint specific musical artists that are direct infuences on my sound, as I think I draw influence from particular sounds rather than individual artist styles. However, to pick a few I would say DLR, Molecular, Guau, Yo Speed, Break.

If you could collaborate with any DNB artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Break.

Is there a track that completely changed the way you think about music or made you say, “I need to make something like this”?

Oooh there’s a few. To pick one, I’d say Descended by Buunshin.

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Part 2: Breaking Down ‘Turn Up’

Walk us through the creative process behind ‘Turn Up’. Where did the idea start, and how did it evolve?

It started with the vocal loop of course, that’s the main hook of the song. I spent a bit of time building the drum groove and chopping the vocal sample to try to build a vibe and groove that worked but wasn’t too repetitive. From there I started working on the bass, which is based in detuned sine waves - one of my favourite ways to bass! Then found some nasty processing to crunch the hell out of it.

I spent a bit of time on the intro, building textures with layers and  another of my favourites - resampling sounds already in the mix.

 Once I had that sorted, I worked on some variations and answer basses made from filtering and wackiness - just jamming on some ideas til I found something that worked pretty much.

The groove in this tune is undeniable, was that a deliberate focus from the start, or something that emerged naturally during the writing process?

I didn’t start this song with a particular vision in mind, but rather it developed as I wrote it. My workflow is mostly like this.

‘Turn Up’ rolls out with this heavy but playful energy. How did you strike that balance between weight and fun in the arrangement?

Haha yeah, look I don’t know. I love deep and heavy stuff but I have a tendency to write lighter playful stuff more naturally, so I guess this tendency in me led to this sound. Ultimately, this song is an expression of me playing around trying to come up with something I find good - I’m still sorta trying to find my sound I think.

If you had to describe ‘Turn Up’  in 3 words, what would they be, and why?

Fun, gritty and uplifting.

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Part 3: What’s Next for SPECK?

Got any shows, festivals, or gigs coming up we should know about?

I’ve recently relocated to a remote town for the next couple years, so my show schedule may be a little thin for the next little while. I plan on spending this time on knuckling down on my productions and try to get a decent catalogue of songs under my belt. I plan on being in the Perth area over summer a bit, so hoping to play a festival or two. Watch this space…

What’s next for you after this release? More tunes or bookings?

More tuuuuunes

Where do you see yourself in the scene 12 months from now? Any goals or milestones you’re chasing?

I’ve got a lot of half finished ideas on my computer that I’m very keen to get finished and out in the world. I would like to have a handful of releases under my belt within the next 12 months, maybe an EP in the mix too. 

For someone hearing your music for the first time, what’s the vibe or message you hope they walk away with?

Interesting ideas, playing on established ropes to come up with a new vibe.

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Part 4: Inspiration

List 5 tracks that inspire you and why

Eternity - Guau & Yo Speed. The atmosphere created in this song is impeccable, and the richness of the reese on the drop is top tier. And it has a sick acid arp ;)

As We Enter - Breakage (Break remix). THE DRUMS. 

NADS - DLR. That wonky bassline is top tier. I aspire to write basslines with that much funk and character. The song has epic groove.

Molecular - Data 3. The production is sooooo crisp - everything sits so well in it’s own space. The main synth lead is so rich, beautiful and and engaging - I love the way the pull it out to make you want it more again. Superb tune.

Descended - Buunshin. So captivating, deep and dark. Incredible production. The filtered reese is so massive; the way he opens it up to the reverb and processing makes it soooo huge in just the right moments. The drums are so clean and punchy - I am a particular fan of the ride. Incredible tune. 

Final Thoughts

SPECK may be early in his journey, but the intent is clear — bold production, sharp ideas, and a love for the craft that cuts through. Turn Up is just the beginning. If this debut is anything to go by, we’ll be hearing a lot more from SPECK as he dials in his sound and builds momentum.

Keep it locked.
More noise incoming.