Simon Sinfield on "Voyager", Musical Evolution, and the Power of Persistence
One of the UK’s most diverse electronic music producers. Known for his roots in progressive house and his finesse in ambient downtempo
Simon Sinfield's "Voyager" is a career retrospective, highlighting his diverse electronic music production and career. From his roots in progressive house to his mastery of ambient downtempo, the album features both unreleased tracks and well-known hits. As a co-founder of Krafted Records, Sinfield has been a key player in the UK electronic music scene. With tracks like "Road to Le Mans" and his remix of "One Step Beyond," he's solidified his reputation and even landed a BBC Radio 1 residency.
Sinfield’s creativity extends beyond his own name, with his collaborative project, The Cloudshapers, adding to his already diverse output. Known for his prolific approach to music, Sinfield has maintained a steady stream of releases in recent years, with regular airplay on platforms such as Frisky Radio in New York, Krafted’s Twitch channel, and BBC Radio 1. His work, whether under his own name or as a remixer for other artists, continues to evolve, keeping fans engaged with his fresh perspectives on electronic music.
Reflecting on his journey, Sinfield shares, "It’s been a very long journey to get to this moment. Like most musicians, it has been strewn with failures, false starts, and sometimes utter despair. However, the past decade has been an absolute joy: writing and producing music without any constraints and working with some incredibly talented people. This album is a collection of original tracks and remixes. It is a selection of some of my favourites, old and new—all in one place. These tracks commemorate my voyage, and I hope you enjoy your journey through them."
Today Simon sits down with 6AM to discuss "Voyager", Krafted Records, and the power of persistence in his musical journey.
Hi Simon! Thanks so much for talking to 6AM how are you?
Hi. I’m very well thank you and I’m really excited to talk to 6AM.
For those just discovering your work, how would you describe the Simon Sinfield sound? What draws you to genres like progressive house and ambient downtempo?
I always say that I am lead by melodies in my music. My progressive house music productions are never too dark and sinister, as the melody writing always take-over. This is probably due to my classical music background, but primarily down to the way I prefer to make uplifting happy records, from melodic and progressive house, via pop and commercial, to the ambient chill out releases I’ve had.
Congrats on your new album “Voyager”! We’re told it features both new and unreleased tracks alongside some of your well-known originals and remixes. What was it like looking back over your body of work to put this album together? Why did you decide to revisit some older tunes and rework them along with combining them with new tracks?
I’ve wanted to make Voyager for quite some time now, but other projects held me back. Once the schedule allowed, I just had the best time, writing and recording new tracks, and compiling some of my favourite solo tracks and remixes. It was also the perfect opportunity to revisit one of my favourite solo singles Latitude. There were elements from the demo version that were dropped for the original release, so I had unfinished business with it. Tracks like Latitude, Winter Sun, and Road to Le Mans now get to sit alongside the new productions and become a whole body of work. It feels like I’m drawing a line under this period and allowing myself to move on creatively.
With Voyager showcasing both unreleased gems and fan favorites, was there a particular track or moment in the EP that holds special significance for you? What story does it tell about your journey in music?
Haha, the impossible question. Choose your favourite child! My collaboration with Ana Be (aka Hannah Pitchford) on What About Me is a very special track, as I co-write and produced her singles when she was signed to Krafted (the record label Simon runs with Paul Sawyer). We had What About Me in the demo pile when we were working on her solo tracks, but chose not to use it as a release for her. I think I was keener on it than Hannah, but I managed to convince her to re-visit it for my album. Hannah changed some of the composition and found that final piece to the jigsaw and we both then re-connected with it. Her vocal on it and the Chilled remix of Same Old Story on the album are just sublime! The collaborations are so important to me on the album. Working with PHILDEL has been a dream, as she is such an incredibly talented singer/songwriter. It’s fair to say I’ve probably dragged her away from her usual sound, but we both got that track to a place that definitely shines a light on both of our worlds. Another key track that I have to mention is my re-working of one of the labels biggest and most important releases, One Step Beyond, by Jan Johnston and Paul Sawyer. I took the original track down a more chilled vibe, and it went onto launch our residency on BBC Radio 1. Such a special moment for myself, Paul, Jan and everyone involved.
When talking about “Voyager” you’ve mentioned that your career has had its share of "failures, false starts, and sometimes utter despair." Can you share a moment that was especially challenging and what kept you going through it?
Yeah, I think it’s important to paint a truthful picture of what it’s like to be a professional producer and label owner. It may well look all glossy and exciting, but of course there have been plenty of hiccups along the way. It’s to re-assure the next generation to keep going really. My lowest point was around 1998 when I was on a 3 year record deal. I fell for all of the promises. I was just drained of all my ideas, songs and productions. They were all given to other artists, with a continual carrot waved back in front of my face, so I would continue to deliver. Finally standing up and walking away from that was hard, but also such a lesson. We’ve now run Krafted for over a decade and I know we can hold our heads up high that we 100% support all of our artists, and I am so proud that we are so highly regarded within the industry. That’s the lesson isn’t it? Take a negative and turn it into a positive.
You've already had releases on iconic labels like Sony, Toolroom, and Godskitchen, but you also co-founded Krafted Records with Paul Sawyer. What motivated you to start your own label, and how has that shaped your journey as an artist?
My first foray into label management was when I was a radio presenter on Bournemouth based commercial radio station Fire 107.6. I had a specialist dance music show on a Friday night which I did for just over a decade. Each week I would receive demo tracks from local DJ/producers. I had piles of them. Half the time they were better than the promos I was receiving from the labels, so I decided to start my own label to get some of these guys heard. That was Base Music, which then morphed into Krafted, when I teamed up with Paul Sawyer and Darren Braddick. We’ve now celebrated our ten year milestone and I know that myself, Paul, Darren and Fran still love label life. Running the label and supporting new and established artists is such a reward. It also regularly re-ignites my passion, so it’s really a very important part of who I am.
Thanks so much again for taking the time. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you. I would like to add something if I may. If you’re reading this and make music that you think would fit Krafted, then please submit your demos. We do listen and respond to every single track received. Just visit our website for more information. www.krafted.co.uk
