MATRiXXMAN

Under the name Matrixxman, DJ/producer Charles McCloud Duff creates stripped-down analog acid house and techno, using the term “Resurgent Techno Atavism” to describe his work. Originally from Arlington, Virginia, Duff moved to San Francisco and became involved with electronic music and hip-hop, forming production duos Amen Brother (with frequent collaborator Vin Sol) and 5kinAndBone5 (with Paavo Steinkamp aka Earthman). 5kinAndBone5 became best known for their hip-hop productions, particularly their work on Le1f’s 2012 hit “Wut,” but they became bored with hip-hop and began releasing house tracks on Soo Wavey Records (which Duff co-founded with Vin Sol) and U.K. label Unknown to the Unknown. Duff started using the name Matrixxman in 2012, and began releasing 12”s (by himself and in collaboration with Vin Sol and Nick Hook) in 2013, two of which (Dirty Laundry and I Can Feel It) seem to be directly inspired by Larry Heard’s classic mid-’80s acid house tracks as Mr. Fingers (namely “Washing Machine” and “Can You Feel It”). In 2014, numerous Matrixxman EPs saw release on labels including Dekmantel (Nubian Metropolis), Delft (808 State of Mind and a split with La-4a), and Spectral Sound (Amulet), as his tracks appeared in sets by DJs ranging from Levon Vincent and Huerco S. to veterans such as Jeff Mills and Richie Hawtin. In 2015, Vin Sol and Matrixxman’s Daddy Issues EP appeared on Icee Hot, and Spectral Sound released Matrixxman’s StuxNet EP, which featured remixes by Hieroglyphic Being and Silent Servant. Spectral Sound’s sister label Ghostly International released Matrixxman’s 2015 full-length debut, Homesick, which continued to refine his minimal acid house style, but also included a few ambient pieces and reflected his obsession with sci-fi and technology. Following the album, Matrixxman released numerous singles on labels such as Dekmantel, Figure, and Kraftek, in addition to remixing singles by Depeche Mode, Simian Mobile Disco, and Len Faki. ~ Paul Simpson