Artists capture emotional core quite as effectively as sadact's latest single, “Maybe (I)," released on April 16th. It balances on the tightrope of memories and innovation, landing distinctly in the overlapped sweet spot where heartbreak is a groove and introspection becomes danceable.
Premiering before his forthcoming EP, Mild Peril, “Maybe (i)” is everything its title implies. A soft pull of doubt, intimacy, and late-night longing, steeped in sharp percussion and hypnotic textures. It’s the kind of track that’s as useful for a 2 a.m. drive as an early-hours club set, mixing classic UKG swing with fresh production chops. EARMILK caught up with Sadact to discuss his creative process, the emotional DNA of the new track, and how he’s carving out his lane in the UKG revival without getting boxed in.
🎙️ Interview with sadact;
Q: You mention wanting 'Maybe (i)' to hit like "the best UKG tunes." What UKG tracks or artists influenced your approach to this song?
sadact: Honestly, I didn't sit down thinking, "I want this to sound like Lay-Far and 1tbsp," but I'm sure some of those influences crept in naturally. I've always gravitated toward the emotional side of electronic music, and with "Maybe (i)," I wanted to explore that through a UKG lens. Artists like Model Man, Dusky, Lay-Far, and 1tbsp have shaped my ears. They all find interesting ways to bring feeling into club tracks without losing energy.
With "Maybe (i)," I wanted to create something that felt introspective but still playful, not too heavy, and not taking itself too seriously. The best UK Garage tunes have that balance: emotion, swing, and a bit of cheek. That's the space I was aiming for.
Q: What was the creative process like for this track?
sadact: I always start tracks playful and experimental, just messing around and seeing what sticks. I rarely go in with a solid plan, and the track tends to unfold as I work on it. With "Maybe (i)," I became drawn to this one sample. It had an unusual time signature and a lovely, slightly off-kilter keys sound that grabbed my attention. That became the core of the tune.
From there, it was about layering in other sounds and textures, which is honestly my favorite part. That early stage, where you're just following your ear and seeing where it leads, is where I get the most out of making music.
I don't have a studio at home, so I took this one to Josh Hunter's place in Brighton to mix. He's got a great space and proper gear, and having someone else involved helped bring a fresh perspective. My earlier releases were volo efforts, so it felt good to have some outside input on this one. It added extra life to the process.
Q: How do you balance the classic UKG swing with modern production elements to keep the sound fresh?
sadact: I try not to think about it too much. Genre can be anything you want it to be. UKG's always been flexible; I like that it can mean different things to different people. It's more about following what feels good now than sticking to one formula.
Usually, it starts with a loop that catches my ear or something I stumble on while messing around in Ableton. Once you know your way around, it's a fun space to work in. I don't think I'm trying to reinvent anything. I make what I enjoy, and if that resonates with someone else, that's cool!
Q: The track feels like it belongs in a club and on a night drive. How important is that versatility in your music?
sadact: I'm not a big club DJ, so the setting isn't always on my mind when making tunes. That said, "Maybe (i)" could comfortably sit in a warm-up set or even as a closer. It's got that reflective feel but still moves.
Versatility matters to me. I want people to connect with the track, whether dancing or just listening in their own space. If it works in a few different contexts, that's a win.
Q: What's the story behind the song title 'Maybe (i)'? Does it imply a bigger theme or project?
sadact: I toyed with a few ideas for the track, but in the end, I imagined someone pining for connection with someone they'd just met, hence the lyric, "Maybe I wanna get to know ya." It's not super deep or heavy, but it's more of a passing emotional moment, which felt right for the track's mood.
The EP as a whole, Mild Peril, has a looser theme around anxiety and the role music plays in easing that. The title came from watching films with my kids. Those warnings you get at the start, like "contains mild peril and scary scenes," I just loved that phrase. It suggests something unsettling but not so overwhelming that it can't be handled, and I know Many people can relate to that.
Q: UKG has seen a resurgence recently. Where do you see your music fitting within this new wave?
sadact: Many artists are pushing UKG in exciting directions, and it's great to see them building on what's come before. I'm old enough to remember it the first time, though. I was too young to be in the clubs back then, which gives me a nice perspective on blending the old with the new.
sadact was never meant to be a strictly UKG project, but it's a sound I naturally gravitate towards. I enjoy playing around with different influences and seeing where things land. I don't like boxing myself in too much. The next EP might take things in a different direction.
Q: What do you hope listeners feel or remember most after hearing 'Maybe (i)' for the first time?
sadact: I guess I hope it makes people feel something, even if it's hard to pin down. Whether it brings up a memory or a mood or catches them off guard correctly, it's not about big drops or big statements for me. It's more about creating a space people can sit in for a few minutes. If someone hears it and feels like it understands them a bit or sounds good in their headphones on the way home, then that's enough.
Connect sadact: Instagram
