We had a chat with the Bristol-bred and Vietnam-based producer’s genre-bending madness on his latest ‘Phantom Works’ EP on Unchained Asia.
When Maximillian Singh, aka THROE, is in the mood, there’s absolutely no stopping his multi-genre madness. A product of Bristol’s rich bass music heritage, THROE honed his craft in the city, where he blended jungle, drum & bass, footwork, and dubstep to assemble his intuitive take on bass music. THROE’s impact isn’t limited to the studio. Wearing different hats like hosting events, working as an A&R, and promoting music, Max’s multifaceted approach ensures his fingerprints are all over the bass music landscape.
Now based in Saigon, Vietnam, THROE’s relentless drive, penchant for innovation, and fierce dedication to his craft have ensured that the things he started in Bristol are seamlessly transplanted and adapted to the vibrant, rapidly growing music scene in Vietnam.
Speaking of THROE’s latest musical ventures, THROE has just made his full debut on Hong Kong-based leftfield bass explorers Unchained Aisa with the ‘Phantom Works’ EP. Returning to the label after his appearance on the label’s ‘Year of The Rabbit’ V/A, THROE has infused his gritty hip-hop influences with a raw, unpolished edge to deliver an EP that is packed with relentless, high-energy drums and layered with subtle nods to the underground.
Following the release, we figured it was the perfect time to dial up THROE to talk about his music, his latest release on Unchained, and the evolving scene in Vietnam; and it was time for a chat.
TFword: Hey Max, thanks for taking the time out to chat with us. How are you?
THROE: This year has wild! I have many highlights, but some pretty extensive travelling, moving to the other side of the world, playing at Boomtown Festival, working at Unchained Asia, and defining my sound with a slew of incoming releases! It’s been great!
TF: Before we dive deep into your music, tell us, how did the Throe journey begin?
THROE: I was eight years old when my sister bought Pendulum’s ‘Hold Your Colour’ on CD in 2005. Following that, I went to see Downlink and Flux Pavilion at my first rave using a fake ID when I was 13. Shortly after, my friends and I got into DJing on early controllers, inspired by older siblings and friends. I started producing in 2016, drawn to heavy, experimental sounds.
TF: A feature of your music has been how you’re able to carve out your niche despite playing so many styles of bass music?
Yes! I got into multiple styles of bass music at the same time, and coming from a hip-hop background, tempo wasn’t a defining factor. I’m attracted to the more abrasive, rough and raw sound but with a technical approach. I don’t care too much about mixdowns and trying to overpolish something; it’s more important to make something sound unique.
TF: …and it’s a feature of the ‘Phantom Works’ EP as well. Expansive all round. Tell us how the release took shape for you from a creative standpoint.
THROE: I found that the dnb genre was evolving, not necessarily in a direction that I felt I fit with. I find many artists sounded alike and not enough are trying new things. After producing “Killer on the Loose” for Unchained, I dove deeper into jungle and alternative DnB. This led to “Phantom Works,” blending breaks I had made with sampled ones and sounds borrowed from science fiction. I have to mention Zak from Incurzion Audio, he really pushes exploration in sound. He introduced me to Fake Two Piece, leading to our hip-hop-infused track “Barricade.”
TF: You’ve got production machine Black Barrel as well on the EP! How did that come about?
THROE: Honestly I was beyond excited when I heard he was down to remix Skunk Works. I’ve been a big fan for a while, especially his Leo Cap stuff. It’s my understanding that Evgenii ‘Black Barrel/Leo Cap has been a friend and long time collaborator with Unchained. His remix of the centre by Radiax so unique and Last year’s Leo Cap EP was tremendous. When Lyndon Jarr asked if I’d want him, the answer was an immediate yes! He’s also based a stones throw from me in Thailand, so it’s good to unify the Asian massive.
TF: Speaking of the place you’re currently making music from and running your own little scene. What is the scene like in Vietnam?
THROE: Vietnam is an incredible country with a rich history. Up North you got Wai Kru and the Birdcage holding down an excellent scene and Ezor cropping up some super underground raves in the central region.
Down here, dudes like Skrunk, Darkus & the What?/Saigon Spirits crew (Fatconnectionz, Holotype) had events here, but when I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City last year, it definitely needed a push. It’s a hectic, cyberpunk megacity with 25 million people, but bass music is still in it’s infancy. I haven’t even met another producer yet! Most of what you hear is very commercial. I think people can get worried that if they play anything too heavy or experimental, it can put off the uninitiated. I’ve always had the opinion that if you’re a good enough performer, the type of art doesn’t matter. Plus, people like the underground; it’s a safe space for people who don’t enjoy the commercial stuff.
This definitely rings true, as we’ve been smashing it. In 6 months, Skrunk and I have assembled a crew and grown our brand, Coded Transmission, across major venues. My promoting experience in Bristol has definitely helped Pand with each event; we’re drawing more locals and travellers.
TF: Is there a specific style of music or genre that you would like to explore more in the future?
THROE: Jungle, jungle, and more jungle…
I really want to keep the alternative 170 going but also make a lot of 140 too. I’m also making some very dark/technical hip-hop.
TF: Who would you regard as your dream collaboration?
THROE: Dub Phizix. He’s a legend. He’s the best drum programmer in the game. I think he’s so underrated. Literally, Jungle, minimal, halftime, liquid—he can make it. He’s the goat. If not him, it’ll have to be some of the multigenre goats like Monty or Machinedrum.
TF: What does Throe have in store with respect to his music?
THROE: I’ve got a special bootleg out in December, an 140(ish) EP coming out on Incurzion Audio next year. 2 hip-hoppy/140 tracks with 2 Vietnam based Rappers. I’ve got a couple remixes in the works and a bunch of collaborations! Really excited going forward!
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