In the sprawling labyrinth of London’s electronic music scene, there’s an artist who moves to a beat entirely his own. Terraflow, born Alasdair and based in the pulsing heart of the UK, is a master of contrast—alternating between his signature style under the Terraflow alias and his past work as AJ Edward. Each project reveals a different side of his creative mind, capturing the raw energy and atmosphere of the city’s underground scene while highlighting his skill in cultivating distinct musical identities.
With roots in Reading and formative experiences in Cardiff, Terraflow discovered early on that music isn’t just sound; it’s community, environment, and a way of life. The transformation began in Wales, where legendary nights with close friends introduced him to underground electronic culture in its purest form. Later, the vibrant corners of London offered inspiration at every turn, from the dim lights of Fold to the late-night frenzy of Cartulis, bringing his journey full circle. Whether surrounded by the electric hum of London’s nightlife or crafting sounds solo, Terraflow’s music reflects a unique, multi-layered soundscape as he balances his influences with his personal vision.
In this exclusive interview with Torture the Artist, Terraflow takes us inside his world. He reveals the inspiration behind his latest EP, “Pick Up the Slack“, on Liquid Memory, and discusses the journey from bedroom producer to releasing music under a label he deeply admires. From the technicalities of balancing two distinct artist monikers to insights on London’s intense music scene, Terraflow’s story is one of evolution and exploration. It’s a journey not just through music, but through the landscapes of culture, influence, and identity that have defined his life’s soundtrack.
I am a firm believer that although artistic monikers are important, it is much more about the art that underpins them.
Torture the Artist: Hello Alasdair, tell us something about your day.
Terraflow: Hello! I am good thanks. I have just got back from a trip to Canada to see some friends. An amazing country with a healthy music scene. I even managed to sneak some records back too.
Torture the Artist: First things first, “Terraflow“ is “a liquid concentrate of mineral and organic ingredients, specially selected for their ability to stimulate the soil microbial activity involved in the decomposition of organic matter.“ Based on the description can you explain to us, how your artist moniker came about?
Terraflow: The idea behind the name came from combining one of my favorite words ‘Terraform’ with something related to dance and movement. Terraflow came up and it felt natural, so it stuck. I am a firm believer that although artistic monikers are important, it is much more about the art that underpins them.
Torture the Artist: Born in Reading, based in London, when and how did you get involved with electronic music, and what made you stay?
Terraflow: I was originally exposed to underground electronic music and the culture that surrounds it from living in Cardiff. My good friend Eben (Tywi) and the rest of the Haws crew put on these incredible parties that really changed my perspective, and showed me what a good quality night out should and could be. Years later, when I moved to London, this happened to me once again when I was taken by my good pal Gus to my first Cartulis night at Fold & Starlane. I’ve delved into many different types of music as both a listener and a performer, but I would be in denial to say that the electronic music world is anything other than home for me now.
Torture the Artist: The UK and especially London are known for their intense, inspiring and vibrant nightlife and club culture. Where do you find musical inspiration in London and how much of a “party-animal“ is left in you?
Terraflow: Ahh… this is an easy one to answer, as I am very lucky to have such an incredible and talented group of friends here that inspire me every day (especially with coming up with ridiculous track names). As for the second part of your question – you’d have to ask them!
Torture the Artist: Being surrounded by almost infinite musical possibilities which London offer, how difficult is for you as an artist to remain musically “clear“ and not lose yourself in those multiple influences?
Terraflow: The ability to remain musically clear is something I am still learning how to do. It can become overwhelming when there is so much going on. Ultimately, I find moments of clarity come for me when I am on my own, not thinking about how I want something to sound, and just creating for fun.
Torture the Artist: Let’s speak about your most recent EP, as you are responsible for the latest outing called “Pick Up The Slack“ on Ori Raz and Elroi’s label Liquid Memory and overall your second ever released EP under your Terraflow alias. How did working with Ori and Elroi come about and how did it result into an EP?
Terraflow: Liquid Memory first came on my radar when I was looking online for new releases, and I found LM002 on Phonica’s upcoming releases page. I bought a copy and fell in love with the sounds and variation on that record. Later on, when I had these tracks at a point I was happy with, they were first label I sent them to – yes, this is true – , kind of expecting not to hear back from them (especially as I hadn’t even started Terraflow as a project yet). Ori and Elroi got back to me with some very nice words about the music, and everything else fell into place after that.
I’ve always gravitated towards EPs that have a bit of variation within them.
Torture the Artist: “Pick Up The Slack“ consists out of three originals and a remix from Ori for the title track. While “Pick Up The Slack“ and “In The Pit“ explore the darker sides of Progressive House, the B2-track “Modem“ has a similar vibe than the other two originals but could musically be described as more “electronica“. Why did you choose a different musical approach for the B2 and to what extent does the track round off the EP for you?
Terraflow: I’ve always gravitated towards EPs that have a bit of variation within them, and especially as A1 and B1 are quite ‘in your face’, It felt natural to round off the record with something a bit more soothing. I made all of the tracks around the same time, and it just made sense to me to keep them together.
Torture the Artist: Besides releasing electronic music under your Terraflow moniker you’ve also released quite some music as AJ Edward, why do you want to separate those two projects or did you rather “quit“ the AJ-Edward-times?
Terraflow: AJ Edward is still alive and kicking, it’s just a different sound and vibe. For a while I was trying to combine everything under one name, but separating it out just took some pressure off and enabled me to go ‘full send’, I guess.
Torture the Artist: Would you say your sound as Terraflow is more mature than as AJ Edward or “playful at a darker level“?
Terraflow: To be honest, I’ve not put much thought into comparing the sounds. They are just different, and I like creating music that fits both styles.
Torture the Artist: When and how were the three originals form “Pick Up The Slack“ produced and what do you connect with the tracks and those times?
Terraflow: It must’ve been around two years ago during the winter. I remember being really Ill and getting sick of laying around doing nothing all day, so I whacked up the laptop and just went for it. I was in a bit of a delirious state, which maybe translates into the music a bit. At the time, I had been freshly exposed to the progressive sounds sweeping across the UK and Europe, and I set myself the challenge of capturing that energy into those tracks.
Torture the Artist: Your EP on Liquid Memory marks the first solo-artist EP on the label, were you aware of this and did this play a role when selecting the tracks for it?
Terraflow: I was not aware of this until recently, so it didn’t have any role in the track selection. It is an honor though! The whole process with the label has been smooth, and Ori & Elroi have been a pleasure to work with.
I went to Houghton festival for the first time this year, and to hear it being played out on the pavilion was a big moment.
Torture the Artist: As basically mentioned before, you have been producing music for a moment, what was the release to further your career as an artist and which ones were the milestones for you personally?
Terraflow: My previous EP on Comfort was a pretty big moment for me. It was the first set of tracks that I’ve released that I truly created without any rules or limitations, so it was nerve-wracking to release it out to the world. It has since been played by DJs that I look up to a great deal, and it has been played at some pretty cool spots. I went to Houghton festival for the first time this year, and to hear it being played out on the pavilion was a big moment. I am very honored and lucky that label head Vass shared the same enthusiasm and vision that I had for these tracks.
Torture the Artist: What routines or procedures do you follow when sitting in the studio, meaning how do you usually start producing?
Terraflow: Sliders on, snacks at the ready, and being prepared mentally to probably not get much sleep.
Torture the Artist: What’s the kind of track you would love to produce but have not yet?
Terraflow: Electroclash is hated by many. However, in the right setting, it can really drill into the brain in the best possible way (Black & Decker for reference).
Torture the Artist: Lastly, What’s a skill or ability you wish you had, and why?
Terraflow: To go to bed at a reasonable time, probably.
Terraflow’s EP “Pick up the Slack” is out on Liquid Memory.
Words by Holger Breuer
Cover picture and second picture in the interview by Eva Canessa
First picture in the interview by Eli Raurich
Torture the Artist 