TRCD has long been known for crafting dark, cinematic soundscapes with a distinctly analogue edge. His latest release, The Vortex, lands via VTO Records as a fitting close to the year, merging sci-fi atmosphere with neurofunk precision. We caught up with him to talk about the origins of the track, the evolving identity of his label, and what’s next for the TRCD universe.

How did the idea for The Vortex first take shape? Was it always intended as the year-end release for VTO, or did it evolve into that naturally?
It was intended for another label, but I missed the deadline, so it made sense to use this tune for my yearly VTO release.

There’s a real cinematic feel running through this track; the textures and sound design are wild. What kind of atmosphere were you aiming to create when you started working on it?
Most of my tracks have a cinematic intro that has a bit of a sci fi vibe I tend to pick sounds that have a analogue tone to them.

You’ve spoken before about storytelling through production. There’s a strong narrative energy in this one, almost like a sci-fi film score. Did that concept influence the writing process?
Yeah, definitely, I’d love to write a film score for a low-budget horror or a sci-fi movie; those films have some great soundtracks. I love the soundtracks to the Terrifier movies; they have a dark synthwave feel to them. One of my favourite film soundtracks is from the original Running Man movie, which has an amazing synth-based soundtrack. The VTO labels' original sound and vision was inspired by 80s sci-fi and horror VHS movies, from the cover artwork to the vibe of the tracks.

As both producer and label head, how do you decide when a track is “the one” to close out the year for VTO?
It was probably in the summer when I knew this tune would go on VTO, so although it was originally meant for a different label, I had to change some bits on the tune to make it suitable for VTO. The intro was originally less musical, and it had a slightly different drop.

VTOs had another strong year of releases. How does The Vortex fit into the wider creative vision of the label right now?
If this year's releases were a movie soundtrack, it’s the end credits music.

The neurofunk sound continues to evolve. Do you feel the current wave of production techniques has pushed you to experiment differently on this record?
I have to be honest here I feel neuro is losing it’s original sound a bit on some neuro so it just feels like a word people tag on their music to make it sound edgy when it’s not even neuro, you get people releasing dancefloor DNB and call their release Neuro, I’ve been working on music for a release next year that has gone back to the original Neuro sound for C4C Recordings, my PhatCap remix that came out this year for C4C was a little taster for that.

There’s an emotional core under all that power. Do you approach your sound design from a technical mindset first or an emotional one?
Emotional, weirdly I write darker music when I’m in a good place and happier music when I’m not haha.

You’ve built a distinctive TRCD world over the years. What’s next for that story? Are there future releases or collaborations already in motion for 2026?
I’ve just finished a collab with Meanteeth and currently have two other collabs on the go, one of which is with CZA, which is very old skool neuro sounding. We are planning on working on more as well in that old skool C4C sound. I’m also working with another artist on a collab that I can’t reveal just yet, but it‘s a biggy.

Release-wise, I have an EP pretty much ready for C4C. I think people may be surprised when this one comes out as it’s heavily inspired by the old sound of neuro. As for other releases I normally play it by ear obviously ive got these collabs that should be out next year, but I don’t write as much music as I used to due to other commitments in life and I no longer pressure myself into writing loads music, I used to do that in hope of getting booked for dj’ing bookings but I’m at a point I don’t care much about dj’ing anymore, don’t get me wrong I still love it and still except bookings but I have kids and a equal love for music in football and that as well takes up my weekend as I coach a team and still play so I only really work on music in the week.

You’re stranded on a desert island with one turntable, a generator and one record. What’s it going to be?
I couldn’t possibly answer that but as long as it’s has a good b side as well then you have two great tunes to listen to while you wait to be rescued.

The Vortex captures the essence of TRCD’s cinematic production style and the retro-futurist vision of VTO Records. As he continues to explore deeper sonic territory with projects for C4C Recordings and new collaborations, it’s clear his journey through sound is far from over.