With only 21 years to his name, UK producer Ben Sterling is already catching attention as he fastidiously makes his way to the upper echelons of music. At just 18, his residency for Rulin’ at London’s Ministry of Sound marked him out as one to watch. It wasn’t long before he began to come through on the early promise, being mentored by Josh Butler as he released his first Origins EP Besides Me soon after. Influenced by his family’s golden 70-80s disco collection, modern electro and with an insatiable passion for the history of Chicago house and Detroit techno, the young producer sets fire to the dance floors with his acid/tech house grooves, cultivating a fresh and mesmerizing fluidity that belies his age.
Now, following his steady rise to fame, Sterling has caught the eye of Hot Creations co-founder Jamie Jones. Infamously having dropped seven of his productions at a EDC Las Vegas set, Jones has shown his support through and through. Thus, Sterling makes his EP debut on the esteemed label with an aptly named compilation Energy—three vivacious cuts of acid and tech house with exponential impact.
Opening track "Surrender" is laced with acid, driven with slick modular grooves and a dynamism dripping with sensuality. Sterling's usage of bass, alongside the captivating male and female whispers, effortlessly entices listeners to dance with its funky synth darts. Following, "The Energy" picks up the pace and much like its namesake, features a fast-paced, animated groove. Fuelled with low-slung bass lines and frenetic drum beats, the UK dance maestro plays up the addictive vocals, fine-tuning the bass line to a seductive growl. Finally, "Apathetic Behaviour" further highlights Sterling's versatile talents with rolling hi-hats and an utterly smooth bass line.
Releasing via Hot Creations has always been a dream of Sterling's. "When Jamie [Jones] dropped seven of my singles in one set at EDC, and then carried on with the same level of support across other festivals, it was mind-blowing. Now to have him ask me to be part of the Hot Creations family is a real honour," Sterling shares enthusiastically. "I wanted the Energy EP to really reflect my sound, to showcase how I can create the minimal Detroit groove and modular synthesis. The feedback that I've had from it so far has been amazing, particularly from guys like Popof, Anja Schneider, Groove Armada, Claude Vonstroke, you know, it's fucking insane and I'm really humbled by it. Playing the tracks out on the road as well, reaction from people on the dance floor just makes me want to push myself even more so that I keep on delivering the goods." Indeed, it's clear that the young producer is talented, and with continued support from the top tastemakers of the industry, will climb the ranks with relative ease.
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