In Britain, the summer of 2022 will be remembered for both setting a new highest recorded temperature (40.3°C) and the hypnotic pulse of Interplanetary Criminal and Eliza Rose’s captivating track Baddest Of Them All. Undoubtedly the soundtrack of the summer, Interplanetary Criminal’s nostalgic garage production cemented the Manchester-born DJ as one of UKG’s pioneering names, introducing a new generation to the genre’s 130 BPM repertoire and thumping basslines. Last year saw him curate All Thru The Night, the latest edition of the legendary Locked On compilation series that tracks a sonic journey through UKG’s past, present and future, featuring artists at the heart of music scenes in Manchester, Leeds and London, as well as further afield.

In spite of his international success, the heart of his sound lies at home. Having grown up revelling in Manchester’s underground music scene, the influences which have shaped the DJ’s style come from nights spent soundtracked by two-step garage. As the disc jockey begins to build out a new body of work – most notably his latest single No Time feat. Sadboi – below, we asked IPC to curate the places, faces, and sounds most influential to his career so far.

Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) by Wu-Tang Clan
“I’m a huge rap fan but if I had to pick one album that’s really shaped my sound, it would be this one. The sampling techniques just blew my mind, especially as an early teen, I’d never heard anything like it before. It really inspired me to get creative with unconventional sounds like air or white noise to build initial soundscapes for my tracks that give my music a distinctive feel right from the start.

The rappers’ flow on this album too is perfect for sampling in dance music. I’m always on the lookout for rap vocals that emulate that same kind of attitude and flow to sample. This album has been a massive inspiration to me in that regard, it’s all about capturing that raw energy and incorporating it into my own sound.”

Hereditary by Ari Aster, 2018
“It has to be an A24 film and without a doubt, Hereditary is what comes to mind for me. It’s so chilling yet subtle, the director Ari Aster makes sure to avoid any cheap scares to evoke real fear. That kind of style (also seen in Midsommer) is so incredibly classy and unique, it’s a real less is more approach. That is really something I try to replicate in my work – ensuring I’m driving the balance of the right sounds, whether it’s influenced by crowd noise, city spaces, etc., to evoke those feelings in people listening to my music. I feel like Ari has such a grasp on what works in his space and that’s something I want to emulate too in my work and scene.”

Manchester
“My hometown of Manchester has hugely influenced my sound and practice, as a city with a rich history of all forms of underground music. With Sheffield and Wigan as its neighbours, Manchester has received influences from places that have championed the more tongue-in-cheek side of bass music (Donk, Niche, Speed Garage, Bassline etc) however the music that comes from this city has always had a bit of a darker edge to it.

Where I’m from has been so influential to my practice, I want my music to feel North West and I strive to champion this through the music I’m making. I’m so proud to be from here and I want to give back to that culture through what I make.”

Ecko Records
“Ecko Records was founded in Birmingham by Nicky G in 2002. I own most of the records in the collection now but for me, this label was what shaped my whole idea of the cheekier side of speed garage and bassline. What came out of Ecko was very different to the darker and straighter sounds coming out of London at the time, it was more similar to Sheffield and bootlegged a lot – fast forwarding to 2024 you can see how this influence and style is imprinted in garage music today. Being able to look back at this label now feels like being able to peer into the back catalogue of an era I was never part of, but one that I try to give back to now through my sounds and practice.”

Check out Interplanetary Criminal on Instagram here.