Task Horizon, a visionary trio in the Drum and Bass (DnB) realm, comprises Tim, a jazz pianist, Aaron, and Flo, a sound engineer known as Spite.
Their journey, starting in the early 2000s, has been a testament to innovation and a deep connection with futuristic subculture sounds. With their music gracing labels like RAM, Eatbrain, and Blackout, they’ve become a notable force in the scene.
The enigmatic name ‘Task Horizon’ was chosen for its timeless quality and philosophical potential. “We wanted something that hopefully ages gracefully and is a bit cryptic. Something that allows you to project/interpret something philosophical into,” they explain.
Their latest project, ‘Respawned,’ is a remix venture inspired by discussions during the COVID pandemic with James and Rustam (Magnetude) and Mitya (Receptor). It’s a product of creative autonomy and the desire to have their platform. “It struck us as an exciting idea to curate a remix project featuring some of our favorite producers,” they shared, underscoring their vision of breathing new life into their past releases.
Selecting tracks for ‘Respawned’ was a deliberate process. “Having our own label allowed us to draw from previous releases on Evolution Chamber, as well as from our self-released tracks under the Task Horizon imprint,” they recount. The aim was to handpick tracks with substantial remix potential and engage artists whose production skills they deeply admired.
The title ‘Respawned’ is layered with meaning, aligning with their label ‘Evolution Chamber’ and the video game concept of returning to life. It symbolizes a rebirth for their tracks through remixes. “In this context, ‘Respawned’ represents the idea of giving new life and energy to the tracks,” they elucidate.
Collaborating with a diverse group of remixing artists was a positive and relaxed experience for Task Horizon. They emphasize their commitment to providing an optimal collaborative environment, ensuring effective communication and accommodating preferences regarding release details and artwork. “Every artist involved has displayed a high level of professionalism and enthusiasm to contribute to the project,” they reflect, highlighting the synergy in the collaboration.
Describing the initial releases, they note, “Audio skillfully transformed his ‘Mekaneck’ remix into a futuristic roller… Burr Oak embraced the track title ‘Disintegrate’ wholeheartedly… Joe Ford provided a musical and vibey take on ‘Inner Worlds’.” The remixes maintain the essence of the originals while introducing fresh elements that align with the remixer’s unique style.
As for releasing the full LP in 2024, Task Horizon plans to roll out individual singles monthly, aiming for a continuous and uninterrupted flow. “We’re reserving some of the best remixes for the final releases,” they reveal, hinting at the richness of the upcoming content. Additionally, fans can anticipate a ‘Respawned Tour,’ adding a live dimension to their project.
Task Horizon’s future plans include delving into non-DnB genres and potential releases on other labels. They express a desire to explore different musical avenues while maintaining their innovative edge. “We’ll be locking ourselves away to continue creating music,” they affirm, indicating their unwavering dedication to their craft.
Upcoming collaborations and projects are also on the horizon, with names like Magnetude, Joe Ford, The Velvet Effect, and Tenkei mentioned. “There are a couple of collaborations in the works… We’ve also extended an invitation to Ekwols to come visit us in Switzerland,” they share, showcasing their commitment to fostering talent and collaboration.
Task Horizon’s journey in reshaping the Drum and Bass scene is a narrative of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. With ‘Respawned,’ they’re not just revisiting their past works; they’re redefining them, ensuring their music continues to evolve and resonate within the ever-changing landscape of DnB.
