Hedflux is the project of Steve Young, a producer and DJ associated with breaks, breakbeat, psybreaks, electronic and electro. He develops a style that combines tech-funk and psychedelia, with tightly engineered rhythms, heavy basslines and synthetic, layered textures aimed at the dancefloor.

Background

Young starts DJing at 15 and develops production skills alongside an academic interest in physics and mathematics. He later completes a PhD in quantum physics in 2004. After several years in unsatisfying employment, he leaves corporate work to focus on music and spiritual development full-time. He also writes about science and spirituality for LSD Magazine.

Releases and recognition

One of Hedflux’s best-known tracks is Mindcell, released in 2010. It spends 10 weeks at the top of the Beatport breaks chart, becomes the third best-selling breaks track of that year, and wins Best Track at the 2011 Breakspoll International Breakbeat Awards. The track is noted for its hard-edged drums, bass and evolving synthesizer sounds.

In his early period as a full-time artist, Hedflux remixes material for Lot49 and U&A, and releases the originals Revolve and Rhythm Prism on Broken Robot Records. At the 2011 Breakspoll awards, he receives nominations for Best New Producer, Best New DJ and Best Track, while Broken Robot receives nominations for Best Label and Best New Label.

Live activity

Hedflux tours Australia and New Zealand in January 2011, playing eight shows over three weeks. The run includes a peak-time set at Rainbow Serpent Festival in front of an audience of around 10,000 people.

Style and influence

His work is described as a hybrid of chunky tech-funk and refined psychedelia. The music is presented as precise but energetic, with a strong emphasis on groove and a vivid, exploratory sound palette. Hedflux is also associated with a new generation of producers working in psychedelic tech-funk and breaks.