Archetype [ar-ki-typ] noun.
- A prime example
- An original model
- A constantly recurring symbol or motif
- An inherited idea of mode of thought
The Arkityp tidal wave is coming and now is your chosen time of discovery. Join us as we delve a little deeper behind the scenes of the fantastic new project from Archie Hamilton and Rossko. Not much introduction is needed for the two artists, both having bags of experience amongst the underground scene, not just in London but worldwide. After years of the two of them holding down serious residencies with Fuse, and hefty back-to-back sets with their infectious vibe, the time has come for them to do what only seems natural, produce their own imprint. What started as a party in Ibiza , 2015, now seems an impressive reality of the journey they have been on. The label’s debut release ‘M25 Ep’ has received an amazing response being driven through dancefloors all over, creating a certain buzz around the movements of Arkityp.
This really is what it’s all about, two close friends in and outside of music coming together, sharing a vision and delivering their creativity in a form they see fit. It is clear the musical appreciation is mutual between the two, and we are sure we speak for many when we say we are extremely excited to see and hear what this project entails. This is how it went down when we caught up with the duo, discussing where it all started in Ibiza, and what they have in store for the future…
We are extremely keen to discover this. Will there be more Arkityp parties coming in the future? In Ibiza? or around the world?
At the moment, we are concentrating on the music. We did a season of Arkityp in Ibiza in Underground in 2015. The were a success but this was never going to be a long term plan. Just one off series of parties at one of our favourite sports on the island. still - never say never.
We love the definition and meaning behind the name Arkityp, how did the name come about?
We played around with many ideas. loads actually, we wanted something that represented the idea behind the party and the music. The word means 'the original model' OR 'example" and that is what we trying to say, nothing complicated just high quality output. It is also a play on our names, the A and R are next to each other also represent Archie and Rossko. There is actually three of us involved. (James Reynolds is behind the visual and design aspect) hence the triangle logo.
When was the moment you thought 'OK, it's time to take it to the next level and create a record label'?
The label came about because the two of us had been playing back to back for many years at Fuse. The season we spent in Ibiza on the event was the turning point, naturally we became very good friends in music and more importantly outside of music. When we play we have this innate connection, you cant force that, it just happen's. We're tuned into the same frequency so moving this connection to the studio was the next step. It just felt right.
If it wasnt for Enzo creating a Fuse Studio and encouraging not just us two but all the Fuse artists to use the space, projects like this would probably not be easily realised. We really respect Enzo's mindset of being a collective. He is the example of what many people with parties / brands should aspire to.
We made three tracks in three days, all the years playing b2b, talking and sharing music, it just came out of us. We know each others sound inside out and we respect others opinions so making music is pretty simple and straightforward. How it should be. After the sessions, Archie took them to his cave and sprinkled his magic on them, we spent the next couple of weeks road testing them and getting feedback from the rest of the fuse crew until we were happy they could be signed off for pressing.
Will the label strictly be a platform for the both of you? Or will we see features from fellow friends/artists?
At the moment we see this as a label just for ourselves, purely an artistic platform for the both of us to release whatever we feel like.. We wanted to explore other avenues of music that we like but also reflect our common ground. Rossko has a big garage, grime and jungle side whereas i have a trip hop and eclectic electronica background. As you can hear in A1, it is a big dub techno, tech house track, and we want to explore other avenues of music that we like, that maybe in our individual careers, we try to keep our sound and direction. So we can be a little bit more creative and touch on other areas. That is not to say the door is closed with other artists but we like things to flow naturally so whatever is meant to happen will happen.
There was quite a buzz amongst the underground scene, especially in the UK, when announcing your new venture. And the first release the 'M25 EP' has had so much huge support it must be such a rewarding feeling for you both. Any news/info you can give us on the second release?or any other releases for that matter? We did see a picture from the depths of the studio that made us quite excited.
We really happy with how its been received and feeling proud to know we can reach out to a lot of people around the world that support our music, rave to it and buy our records. For the record to sell so quickly and go to repress means we are doing something right. I's a good feeling. It just makes us want to get back into the studio even quicker and put more records out. We have already started work on the next three tracks. Same output, same process as before, 3 tracks in 3 days. We have been road testing them already and a few keen ears have even spotted them as Arkityp tracks - to us - this is a good sign - it shows we creating our own identity and sound as Arkityp. This was our aim in the first place.
The debut EP 'M25', really does cater for all dance floor situations, whether its peak time or an after party vibe. Is this a reflection of what you as a label are trying to capture?
There are three very different tracks but all connected to a sound and an idea that reflect our personalities. We are good at translating them into records. I guess it is an art form really. As DJS first, we love to play first especailly, peak time, intimate space, those day time open air parties as well as your dark and sweaty afterhours . We want to make music that is playable in any situation. We can only do this cause we have done a lot of research and developement on the dance floor :)
You have built quite a reputation with your b2b sets, at some amazing parties. It seems you have a great understanding and similar musical energy, does this shine through in the studio as well as in the booth?
When we first played, we knew. We were three deck mixing, looping, using tools, mixing for each other. When it works, it works. We really look forward to playing together. Thats the mad thing about synergy: Weird stuff happens.
A few weeks ago, i was playing at Fuse and Archie had given me this special track over a year ago, we were in Ibiza in his hotel room and I must have played it about ten times in a row. It is a typical Rossko track. The thing is i never got the chance to play it out till last Fuse. Jan Kreuger was about to come on and he has that sleazy vibe so I just knew that this was the moment to drop that track, as im just about to bring the track in the mix, Archie taps me on the shoulder to say hello as he had just arrived at Village Underground. I just put up the fader and we just laughed, did a shot of tequlia and had a little dance to the track. Its these little things like this that happen all the time with us. It is either Coincidence or someone up there winking down on us. Depends your point of view.
Is there a certain process or routine you follow in the studio, or does the magic just happen?
We have Rossko who is more of the co pilot, directing the ideas, standing up dancing and making strange noises. Archie is in the drivers seat translating the madness. I have to big up Archie to the last three days in the studio with me working this way is impressive. I have so many ideas and i want to put all of them into one track. He is teaching me a lot - infact we help each other break the rules. Archie thinks in production format whereas im like 'lets do it like this' OR 'lets do it like that' The most important thing is that Archie is able to get the ideas down and we do such a good time when making the music. We love what we do so this all comes easy for us.
Anything else Arkityp related you can enlighten us with, or anything we can expect in the near future?
More and More music. We have real busy summers ahead of us in Ibiza, tours, festivals and the rest of Europe. We both focused on our own individual careers but are also touring and playing some high quality gigs together, this is our plan for the summer, be able to share some special moments and experiences both together and individually. Plenty to look forward to.
Thank you for time.
By Zac Bidwell
