ARTIST SPOTLIGHT – SUPERLATE

Superlate is one of Liverpool’s most exciting emerging names in groove-led dance pop.

With a knack for crafting infectious, feel-good tunes that straddle the line between bedroom producer and main-stage performer, his music radiates joy, energy, and emotional honesty. Ahead of his BBC Introducing set at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, we caught up with Superlate to chat sonic identity, the art of collaboration, voice memos in the loo, and why going solo was the best decision he ever made.

You’ve been steadily building momentum with your own brand of feel-good, groove-led dance pop. What drew you to making this kind of music?

If I had to pinpoint where it all started, it was at uni—me and my friend Euan Blackman were in my room, trying to replicate the drums from a BENEE song called Supalonely. Those drums ended up becoming the foundation for Diamonds, my first single. That song just felt so good and it was the first time I really felt like I’d found my style.

At the same time, my love for electronic music was growing alongside making music, and I found myself being drawn to it more and more. From there, it was a natural process of blending my earlier summery, instrumental sound with this new love for groove. That fusion has now become my sonic DNA.

When you’re writing or producing, what tends to come first — the mood, the melody, or something else entirely?

Inspiration can hit me from anywhere usually, I’ll hear something in my head: a groove, a melody, a bassline. Then it’s a mad dash to get it out of my brain and onto my laptop as fast as possible. I love that songs can come from literally anywhere.

There are countless voice memos on my phone from times I’ve taken “toilet breaks” during various jobs just to hum an idea down. Honestly, I’m in that toilet ten times a shift sometimes. Or I’ve caused a few minor arguments by waking up exes who had to be up at 6am for work, while I quietly tried to record some nonsense into my phone in bed.

Subconscious creation is something I’d love to understand more. Where does it come from? Who knows.

You’ve worked with artists like Immi Dash and Jazmine Johnson — what do you value in a creative collaboration?

For me, collaboration opens doors I’d never be able to open on my own. Both of those artists have such incredible flair in their writing and singing, and they’ve helped me create records I’m genuinely proud of.

One of the best things about collaborating is the friendships that come from it. You end up connected with people from all over the country and the world, people who can elevate your music in ways you can’t on your own. It makes the whole process feel more hopeful, and less lonely as a creator.

One unexpected positive from the pandemic was how remote collaboration became second nature. I’ve had countless Zoom writing sessions with people across the globe, many of whom I might never meet in person but still play a big part in shaping my music.

You’ve just been announced as part of the BBC Introducing line-up at Radio 1’s Big Weekend. How are you feeling about it — and what does a moment like this mean to you personally?

Radio 1’s Big Weekend has always felt like the mothership of pop music. Anything big musically in the UK seems to orbit around it. So seeing my name on that lineup was really special. In a creative process that can often feel full of self-doubt, it was a proper wow moment and a sign that I’m on the right track.

I’ve often felt like I was swimming against the current in the DJ world. I don’t really claim to be a DJ, but when you make dance music everyone presumes you are one. My music isn’t underground or super clubby, and I’ve definitely questioned whether I should strip away the pop elements to fit in more with the local underground DJ scene. But moments like this are the kind of validation that remind me my vision is working.

There aren’t any other electronic or producer artists from Liverpool, or even the whole country, playing the BBC Introducing stage this year. So I’m absolutely buzzing to get up there and show the crowd what I can do.

What do you hope people take away from your set at Big Weekend?

First and foremost, I hope people have an amazing time. I’ll be having the time of my life on that stage, and I want the crowd to feel what I feel.

I hope they fall in love with the sounds I’ve created, the songs I’ve written, and walk away with a real sense of who I am as an artist. There’s an immense amount of work that goes into putting together a set of all originals the way I do. The process can really affect me emotionally and physically, but when it connects and I see a crowd full of smiles, there’s truly nothing that makes me happier.

Are there any particular artists or producers whose work has shaped how you think about the kind of music you want to make?

I discovered an artist called Youngr when I was at college, and I was blown away by how he performs, playing so many instruments and creating this unique looping live show. His setup felt like the missing piece for me. I’d always played loads of instruments and had tons of ideas, but every band I was in just never quite worked.

He really inspired me to try going solo as a producer. And now, he’s become a friend. I’ve produced some of his latest album and he has also featured on my music.

Liverpool’s music scene is constantly evolving. How has the city influenced you as an artist — creatively or otherwise?

Liverpool is genuinely one of the most welcoming places I’ve ever known. What’s influenced me most is the belief and support people give you without expecting anything in return.

The city is full of talent, friendly faces, and unique events, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with it. There’s real magic here, and it’s a privilege to be even a small part of it.

What’s next for you this year? Any new music, collaborations, or live moments on the horizon?

I’m currently in the release cycle for my debut EP, The Tropics. It’s a dance/pop record that really captures my sound and features both new and familiar collaborators. It’s been a true labour of love, challenging in almost every way, but I’m so proud to finally be putting it out into the world.

So far, it’s had great support from Radio 1, and I’ll be performing the full EP live at Big Weekend. The project features Immi Dash, Jazmine Johnson, Zola Courtney, and Kate Bond, and the full release is expected by the end of summer.

Keep up to date with Superlate here.