Scarper on ‘Off-Cuts’, Plexus Records and staying fully independent: Interview

His debut album ‘Warmer Squares’ earned support from Orbital, Laurent Garnier and Carl Craig, along with radio plays on Rinse FM, NTS and BBC 6 Music. His 2020 single ‘E-Funk’ became a dancefloor favourite and is now enjoying a second life thanks to a new physical release. Most recently, he dug into his studio archives for ‘Off-Cuts (2014-2021)’, a hand-picked collection of eight previously unreleased tracks from the ‘Warmer Squares’ and ‘E-Funk’ era, ranging from the emotive chords of ‘Skynet’ to the acid squelches of ‘Steppe’ and the strings of ‘Halocline’.

We caught up with Scarper to talk about his journey from indie bands to raves, life as a fully independent artist, the story behind ‘Off-Cuts’ and what comes next.

Hello Steve, and thank you for joining us! To start, could you tell us about your background in the industry and how your journey into electronic music began?

In a nutshell, I was an indie kid playing in bands until I went to my first rave where I realised how bored I was with guitar music. The next day I cut my hair, bought a synthesiser, and the rest is history!

When did you release your first record under the Scarper alias, and what do you remember about that moment?

Before I made a record, an Italo-disco label called ‘NOIA’ contacted me wanting to license a track. They were looking to move in a new direction & widen their range, so it was nice to be a part of that & to be honest, it was a springboard to get serious because I was really just messing around on my laptop at that point. The fact that someone else was interested helped me realise I might have something worth pursuing.

Your debut album ‘Warmer Squares’ earned support from Orbital, Laurent Garnier and Carl Craig, plus plays on Rinse FM, NTS and BBC 6 Music. How did it feel to see that album connect with such respected names?

Crazy. Before being a producer, or an artist, or a DJ or whatever, I’m primarily a music fan & music obsessive. To have people I’d respected for years dig my work was beyond surreal.

You release almost exclusively on your own label, Plexus Records. What made you start the label, and what does being a truly independent artist give you creatively?

I started it with my friend Lawrence, it was something we’d spoken about for years. We knew we had some good music to put out, and knew from friends who had released on labels how controlling they can be. Speaking of my own music, I have a particular vision of how I want to present it, from the cover art to the track titles, and I didn’t want that to be compromised. I’m not against releasing on established labels… I’ve had offers, but I wouldn’t want to relinquish too much creative control.

Your sound moves easily between beautiful melodic pieces and underground bangers. What inspires such an eclectic and varied production style?

Just a love of a wide scope of music. That’s all really. I listen to everything from the most minimal, mellow, spacious ambient to the most aggro industrial techno. I could never just make one sound or style.

Your new release ‘Off-Cuts (2014-2021)’ brings together eight previously unreleased tracks from the ‘Warmer Squares’ and ‘E-Funk’ era. How did you choose which tracks from the archive made the final cut?

I’ve been my own A&R man for over 10 years now, so I think I’ve got a good sense of quality control. I think I’m also pretty good at telling a story with a collection of tracks that might be quite stylistically diverse, but somehow work together if presented in the right way & in the right order. I still wanted it to come across like an album.

You’ve described the collection as “a snapshot of where I was musically at the time.” Looking back at those tracks now, how do you feel your sound has evolved since then?

Back then I was all about the melodies. I put a lot more emphasis on bass & rhythm these days. I guess I’ve just improved as a producer as well.

The record moves from the emotive chords of ‘Skynet’ to the acid squelches of ‘Steppe’ and the string arrangements of ‘Halocline’. Is there one track on ‘Off-Cuts’ that means the most to you, and why?

My favourite is ‘Halocline’, which many listeners probably won’t bother with because it’s not a pure dance track, lol. I’m really proud of the string arrangement & the way it all comes together at the end.

Your 2020 single ‘E-Funk’ is having a resurgence thanks to a new physical release. How does it feel to see a track find a second life like that?

Amazing. That track is bigger than me, it’s got a life of its own! I have to give credit to ‘HUMAN’, the passion & commitment they’ve put into releasing that record is awe inspiring. It’s been an honour to be their first release.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

Probably Aphex. Just so I can make a list of his gear!

You mentioned you’re cracking on with the next project. What can you tell us about what’s coming next from Scarper and Plexus Records?

I’m working on another album. I was debating whether or not to go down that route as people listen to music differently these days… but I still feel there’s legs in the album format if it’s done right. Perhaps just not have the tracks too long so it keeps people’s attention!

With ‘Off-Cuts (2014-2021)’ out now on Plexus Records and a new album already in the works, Scarper is proving that independence and quality control can go hand in hand. It is a fitting time to dive into his catalogue, from the archive gems on ‘Off-Cuts’ to the renewed life of ‘E-Funk’. Stream and buy his music on Bandcamp, and follow Scarper on Instagram for updates on the next chapter.