If there were a dance music hall of fame, Liam Howlett would unquestionably be inducted. The mastermind behind the ferocious beats of electronic power house The Prodigy, Howlett is respected as not just a production virtuoso but also an incredible stage performer, incorporating many live elements as well as technical mixing prowess. Having just released The Day Is My Enemy, the groups first studio album in 6 years, Liam and his crew is making their way back into the dance music monarchy with hopes of reinvigorating a scene that is one the verge of commercial meltdown. This AMA with Reddit goes over his past, present and future.
Howlett seems to have always had a very rebellious attitude and cowboy mindset towards music, stating that the greatest accomplishment of his career was “the way we have steered our ship over the last 24 years , kept our integrity and no compromise , done things on our own terms , keef and maxim would say the same”. There's a strong sense of pride but without the entitlement and an openness to new things yet undying focus on his personal mission. He speaks like a true legend, someone whose been there and back again over and over, which is quite different the typical EDM personality which tends to be either the cocky, business minded, douche bag or the humble, soft spoken child star.
Of course an album tour is in the works with hints of of a new edition of Dirtchamber Sessions, which is Liam's solo mix project, and collaborations with Noisia which Howlett says “would be interesting”. Who knows how seriously these ideas are being considered, but the Prodigy and Noisia (in my opinion) would be a match made in heaven.
Howlett reveals a bit of his creative process, stating that he handles 100% of the groups music, minus the collaborations of course. This could have very well led to the power stuggles that almost split to group up multiple times but luckily, Howlett states “at the end of the day me and keef are brothers so the music kinda reunites us”. So it seems like the Prodigy aren't going anywhere anytime soon. If this has an effect on the industry, we shall find out in due time. Will the groups recent surge of relevance spark a new wave of big beat? “I hope not” says Howlett, who probably doesn't want to see one of the only untainted subgenres in the industry to be blown out of proportion.
The entire AMA can be viewed here, and we hope to see these guys take over the festival scene again.
