Ross Forsyth, aka Ros T, has been carving out a trail within the electronic scene through a unique discography comprising of bold, unrelenting disco tracks and warehouse-ready house bangers. As his sound has evolved, Ross has showed the sky is truly the limit, gathering an impressive live set portfolio that has spanned Ibiza and London’s biggest stages, and picking up festival credits alongside MK, Idris Elba and Dan Shake.
Across his latest 14-track project, “Teach Me”, Ross takes us on an ethereal sonic journey, brimming with hypnotic melodies, pulsating rhythms and rich, multi-layered production that expertly steps between the vibrant energy of deep house grooves and infectious house cuts.
Listen to the album…
Fresh off the release of his dynamic new album, “Teach Me,” which soared to the top of the Electronic album charts, we catch up with Ross to delve into his creative journey thus far, the vibrant party culture of Skye, and what’s in store for his upcoming second album.
Hey Ros! How have you been?
Hello there, yes very hectic as always. There’s always something for me to stress about, but Friday was a huge day for me and Perfect Havoc, my manager, partner, family and friends. I was told today that I need to start enjoying my successes instead of always chasing the next thing without enjoying what wins I do get even when they don’t mean much to others, so I’m going to try to enjoy it.
You’ve just dropped “Teach Me”, what are your feelings about the project?
I’m buzzing, it’s been a long time coming. I have high hopes for it. The singles have done well so far. “Teach Me” reached the number 1 spot on the Electronic iTunes Chart, “Life’s What You Make Of It” reached 2nd, “Space Emotion” reached another number 1 spot and every other single charted on iTunes, so it’s a great sign. To this day I’ve had 4 number 1s on iTunes, and some said that was impossible to do, so I can only hope we reach the most important one to me, the album chart. I know the album chart is a lot tougher, so today will be an interesting day. You know what though, remember to go to iTunes today and drop the album a download while I have you, help the underdog and big up “Ros T – Teach Me Album” ;). You’re a hero for that if you do! I hope everyone loves it, a lot of heart and soul has gone into it. It was bloody testing at times and it was during the hardest point in my life after losing my mum. Words can’t really describe that feeling but I know she wouldn’t want me to stop at this point. She was a hardy person, so I need to follow suit and keep it all going in a positive light. I am so close to breaking through the ice, I can feel it. The only way is up.
The album went to Number 1 on the Electronic Album Charts. What an achievement. The album surpassed “Barry Can’t Swim, The Chemical Brothers, Bonobo, Royskopp, Boards of Canada, Groove Armada and Bicep to name a few. I guess the people loved it.
The album launch party took place on the Isle of Skye. How did it feel to host the launch in your hometown?
It’s an amazing feeling. It’s where it all started so it had to be there. Skye loves to party, the sesh probably won’t stop until Monday or Tuesday so I am getting prepared haha. Skye has a great history, a love of music, nature and there is a real community that genuinely care about the people around them which is lovely. Nothing is perfect but I wouldn’t have wanted to be brought up anywhere else. It will always be my home. My mum and dad both lived on Skye before my dad passed away when I was a baby. Even though most of my family are gone, when I come home it feels like I am somehow reconnected with them. I do all this to make them proud.
Can you run us through your creative process for the album?
I’m an emotional person in the studio, it all comes out there and that is my crutch. I always start with chords, I need to see where the vibe of the track is going very early on. I now use Ableton alongside Logic Pro, so it’s the best of both worlds. I have a Korg Minilogue, I’ve sold my Moog sub phatty, and I love Native Instruments and all the Arturia software to name a few. I’m getting more invested in different techniques, and I try to learn something new every week. I split my music productions 50/50 in terms of working with a sample or not. This whole album didn’t need 1 sample cleared which was great. But I also love my Disco House/Soul cuts. I love sampling rare records I find. Me and Franky Rizardo hit over 15 million streams on our Disco House Track “Out The Fire” sampling Eunice Collins.
Who are your current musical influences? And how have they inspired your music?
Jamie XX is hands down my king of current electronic music, I’ve connected with his music for a fair few years now. Other notable influences to me are Caribou, The Chemical Brothers, Groove Armada, Andhim, Cinthie, Superflu & Joris Voorn. I have a lot more underground tracks that are yet to see the light of day btw. You will hear them very soon.
How did you first start getting into music?
My pal had an old pair of belt drive turntables under his bed when we were 14 or 15. He messed around with them one time and I corrected one side that was really out of time and the rest is history.
But I have been a music fan from the very start, my mum was a soul and disco lover. We had Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Etta James, The O’Jays, The Spinners, James Brown and a whole load more goodness on repeat. So I was well looked after in the cool music department.
Can you share any plans for the rest of the year? Do you have any new collabs, festivals or live performances lined up?
I have a fair few fun gigs coming up that I can’t mention until after the launch party ;). But there’s a lot on this year. I have already finished my 2nd album that is currently 17 tracks long and it is more pushed towards the underground and dance floors. It’s going to start this madness all over again but hey, I want to enjoy this moment for now.
Following the release of the project, is there anyone you’re particular thankful for?
Perfect Havoc, My Manager Joel, Kevin Grainer, The Orchard, Infectious, My partner Elise, all my family & friends helped make this happen, be it through support or whatever, it all means something.
Thanks for having me, cheers for now and please head on over to iTunes to give the album a download.