Hight is a multi-instrumentalist, DJ, Producer, and Songwriter from the UK who is making big waves.  He has contributed to albums for the likes of Tom Walker, Don Diablo, and Lily Allen and his previous solo releases have achieved platinum status and reached top 20 European airplay chart.  He just released a new single ‘I’m With You’ ft. Hannah Jane Owens.  He gives Filthy Lucre a little insight into his very busy world. 

When did you get into DJing?  What or who were your early passions and influences?

I got a pair of turntables at age 11.  My piano teacher also ran a label and DJ’d most weekends.  I was fascinated by them and one day, he taught me how to use them.

How do you find your inspiration?

I let it come to me mostly.  Often, I’ll be driving and I’ll suddenly start singing something and a lyric will start to form.  Then, when I get in the studio, I’ll flesh it out.

Where are people most likely to see you perform?

I toured earlier this year with Eliza and The Bear – we did some venues in the UK.  I also played Parookaville in Germany – that’s the biggest German festival with the biggest stages in Europe.  I’m quite busy most of the time, but next year I will redress the balance, haha.

You recently released your single ‘I’m With You’ ft. Hannah Jane Owens, how did that single come about?

I wanted to do a cover song, and my publisher has this one idea.  So I asked my friend Baily Tzuke to come over to lay down the vocal.  On the way to the station, I thought, “What about ‘I’m With You'”, which we have both always loved and we did that instead.  Then Hannah was kind enough to feature on it and we kept Bailey’s amazing backing vocals too.  Listen to ‘I’m With You’ here.

What is one mistake you see a lot of up and coming DJs making?

Releasing records they don’t believe in.

If you could be eternally stuck in one year’s music scene, which year would it be?

Probably like 1980 when all the disco was getting really good.

What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?

Another Chance – Roger Sanchez

What is something that bugs you about the DJ scene?

Everyone has their vibe, so I wouldn’t like to criticize.  They all work so hard.

What do you try to communicate to the audience through your vibe?

I love rhythm and emotion and melodies – so whatever I do has to have those elements.  I love storytelling in songs – I’m a big country fan.

Where do you most like to perform?

There are these ice hotels in Iceland, apparently.  That would be cool or freezing… I’ll see myself out….

How do you prepare your sets?

I like to collect tracks that have different feels, like some hard, some really moving, some straight up fun.  Then I organize them into keys.

What are your predictions for the music industry in the next few years?

Robots

What have you learned since you started out as a DJ?

When I get to perform, I learn quickly what works and what doesn’t – and this also affects how I make music in the studio.  I’ll sit there and imagine how I feel the crowd might react to a certain melody line or sounds.

You can keep up with Santé by visiting thisishight.com and by following him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.