Scarper

Scarper is the electronic music project of London-born Steve Young. He starts out playing in college rock and soul bands before moving into production while at university. His work is rooted in hip hop, and he draws on ambient techno, electro, techno and jungle, alongside influences associated with Aphex Twin, Future Sound of London, The Orb, Brian Eno and The Irresistible Force.

Style and development

Scarper’s productions move between mellow ambient soundscapes and more rhythmic electro-funk and bleep-and-bass techno. He absorbs ideas from London rave culture and early-2000s club nights, and his tracks often combine melody with electronic beats.

Releases and label work

His track Hydromancer is picked up by the Italian label NOIA. In 2012, he sets up Plexus Records with Lawrence Pearce, who records as Pause. His first full release is Unfurl EP, which brings support from Mark Archer and Jon Kennedy. He follows it with Hypnophoniac, which includes a remix by DMX Krew.

Debut album

In 2016, details of Scarper’s debut album begin to emerge with the single Lacuna, which is issued with a video by motion graphics designer Letty Fox. His debut album, Warmer Squares, appears in 2017. It contains 11 tracks and moves across ambient, techno, breakbeat, rave and downtempo styles. The record also gains attention from Marcel Dettman, DJ Food and the Nemone show on BBC 6Music.