Following the success of his 2024 album Persona, Slovakian producer SLWDWN makes a striking debut on Evolution Chamber with Veil, a track that pairs orchestral tension with explosive impact. With past releases on Eatbrain, Blackout and Darkshire Sound, and remix credits for names like Neonlight and Redpill, SLWDWN has been steadily building a sound that goes far beyond conventional neurofunk. We caught up with him to talk inspiration, evolution, and the growing depth behind his productions.

Let’s start with Veil. It’s a bold and emotional debut on Evolution Chamber. What was the inspiration behind the track, and what kind of story or atmosphere were you aiming to create?

First of all, thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate the opportunity to do this interview. In general, I get a lot of inspiration from film and trailer music. With Veil, I just followed a certain feeling. I don’t always start a track with a clear idea of how it will sound in the end, I just go with the flow and see where it takes me.

The intro is cinematic and restrained, but the drop hits hard. How important is contrast in your production style, and how do you approach the balance between musicality and raw power?

I love big contrasts and the combination of classical or live instruments with raw and highly synthetic sounds - I think that’s starting to define my music. In my production, I always try to build tension, again drawing heavily from trailer and cinematic music, and then release it into big, impactful drops. I also try to avoid repetitive structures and instead keep the listener engaged by making sure the track constantly evolves. It’s all about creating a journey rather than a loop.

You’ve already released on some serious labels including Eatbrain, Blackout and Darkshire Sound, and you’ve remixed the likes of Neonlight and Redpill. How has your sound evolved in recent years, and what has shaped your direction the most?

I think my sound is still evolving, and there’s always room to grow. In the past, I was very focused on the technical side of production, but these days I’m much more focused on musicality, atmosphere, and telling a story through the music. I’m becoming more confident in my own sound and direction, and I’m actively trying to be more diverse and explore new styles and genres with my sound.

Your 2024 album Persona was a major step creatively. Looking back, what did that project teach you, and did it influence how you approached Veil? 

Persona was a very personal project for me - definitely the biggest I’ve worked on so far. On one hand, it was about creating more of a story and showing different sides of myself across genres and moods that people might not have expected from me. I also learned a lot technically, especially designing specific sounds and blending orchestral elements more effectively with synthetic ones. The whole process really opened my eyes creatively, and Veil is just the first sample of what people can expect from me and where it might go next.

You’ve made your mark in neurofunk, but Veil hints at something broader, with a more emotive and cinematic edge. Is this a sign of where your sound is heading? 

I don’t really see myself as strictly a neurofunk artist - like I mentioned earlier, I think the SLWDWN project is going to become much broader in the future than it’s been so far. I definitely want to keep developing and evolving this sound into something even more expansive.

Evolution Chamber has a reputation for signing artists at pivotal moments in their careers. How did the link-up come about, and what does it mean to you to be part of their roster? 

They reached out to me a few years ago, and I really appreciate that they welcomed me to their roster. Evolution Chamber has so many amazing artists who continue to be a huge inspiration for me. You always want to find a label that gives you 100% trust and the freedom to truly express yourself - and that’s exactly what I’ve found here. I’m really grateful for that.

The second drop in Veil completely flips the script, moving into something more melodic and euphoric. Was that always the plan, or did the idea emerge during the writing process? 

Yes! I love change and progression in tracks, and with Veil I wanted to show two different sides of my approach - one that’s very technical and the other, more melodic. I think together they create the full picture I wanted to share with people, and without either part, it just wouldn’t feel complete to me.

You’re known for your attention to detail and sharp production. Were there any specific techniques or bits of gear that played a key role in bringing this track to life? 

For me, Serum is essential along with a few plugins for orchestral sounds. I’m still working just on a laptop, headphones, and a mouse… you really don’t need much! 😄

Slovakia isn’t the first place people think of when it comes to drum and bass. What’s the scene like at home, and how has it shaped your approach and identity as a producer? 

Before COVID, I saw Slovakia as a really strong drum and bass country, but I feel like the pandemic changed a lot. These days, I’m based in Prague, Czech Republic, where the scene is still very active and strong. Being here has definitely helped me grow as a producer - spending time in the studio with some of the top Czech artists has been a huge boost for me.

And finally… if you could take just one drum and bass track by any artist, from any era, to a desert island, what would it be and why? 

Definitely Signal/IMANU’s remix of Black or White by Camo & Krooked. That track pulled me into this sound, and for a long time I used to say. If I ever manage to make something like that, I can stop! 😄

Big thanks to SLWDWN for taking the time to speak with us. His new single Veil is out now on Evolution Chamber. Go give it a listen and keep an eye out for what’s coming next.