After years spent on the road – performing in clubs from South Beach to Scotland and carving out an identity where versatility and commitment meet – mxguinness has re-emerged with a renewed focus on production. Bringing decades of musical exploration into his work, he’s now channelling a wide tapestry of influences into a bold new sonic chapter. As the founder of his own label, Northscape, he’s building a space where raw emotion and polished sound design coexist, and where creative autonomy takes centre stage.
Now, mxguinness joins us to reflect on his journey back into the studio, the philosophy behind his label, and how he plans to keep forging his path forward.
Hi! How are you?
I’m good, thanks for asking! Life feels balanced right now – family, music, and the discipline I love bringing into both. I’ve stepped back from the scene in some ways, but that’s actually sharpened my focus in the studio. I feel more intentional with what I create these days.
What first sparked your interest in Electronic Music, and which artists or moments played a key role in shaping your early connection to the scene?
Honestly, it wasn’t just one moment. I grew up skating in New Jersey and around Philly, with friends who were deep into Punk, Metal, and all the raw stuff we’d play at skate competitions. Bands like The Cure or Minor Threat shaped that spirit of intensity for me. Then Electronic Music came into the mix, Daft Punk, of course, and the Rave culture of the early ’90s. DJs like Sasha and Digweed really blew me away, especially Sasha pioneering with Ableton Live and MIDI controllers later on. That mixture of underground grit and future-facing sound hooked me for life.
Tell us a bit about your musical background – did you have any formal training, or was your path more self-taught and experience-led?
I had a mix. As a kid, I was taught accordion and guitar, though I’ll admit I never became a great guitarist. Most of my path has been self-driven, though. I started experimenting with eJay, buying records in DC, Philly, and NYC, and cutting my teeth on Technics 1210s. Over time, I explored Cubase, Pro Tools, and Logic, but when Ableton Live landed around 2001, it changed everything. That non-linear session view felt like it was built for how my brain wanted to perform and produce.
You spent a significant part of your early career touring – what were those years like, and how did performing live influence you creatively and technically?
Those were wild and formative years. I got to tour with incredible producers and DJs and played everything from iconic venues in major U.S. cities to beach clubs, underground spots, and even some unforgettable nights in the UK and the US. Honestly, I DJ’d just about everywhere – from a New Year’s Eve event surrounded by the Highlands of Scotland to shows across the U.S. and Europe in big cities. I was even featured on radio shows overseas (side note: there’s another DJ out there with my name who’s awesome too).
I went from big main stages in casino nightclubs to gritty clubs in Philly, New York City, Florida and countless Electronic Music events up and down the East Coast. Back then, I was also grinding in other ways – putting mixes up on Myspace, and later Soundcloud, burning mix CDs, and handing them out to big-name DJs after shows, usually getting a polite “hey thanks man, lol.” I wouldn’t trade those days for anything.
I remember handing out tracks I’d made earlier that same day, hoping the right mix made it onto the sets of these guys. One of my upcoming releases is actually a nod to that whole era: after my debut EP, I’ve got a track called ‘1015 Half,’ which is an ode to a legendary nightclub that’s gone now, named Nations in DC, but left a huge mark on me. Along the way, I got to play alongside incredible DJs I deeply respected for their sound design and production quality, like Steve Duda and Deepchild.
Performing live through all of that taught me discipline, spontaneity, and technical sharpness. You had to read the crowd in the moment and react instantly, and that shaped how I approach production today – not forcing things, just letting the music unfold naturally. I also experimented with early setups, running Ableton on PC and laptop, even giving a Lemur MIDI controller a shot – something I credit to that same producer’s mastery.
Outside of performing, have there been other creative avenues that shaped your artistic identity or approach to sound?
Yeah, for me it’s about living fully. Skateboarding in the ’80s and ’90s and still now, actually, BMX racing was in my blood, and I did that too, being outdoors in wild places, my love for exploring, all of that filters into the music. I’m also big on Taoist philosophy, seeing life without getting stuck in ego or continuity, and trying to capture the purity of a moment. That mindset shapes my music just as much as the technical side does. Basically, trying to keep young at heart and loving life fully.
What inspired your return to production, and why did this feel like the right moment to come back to creating music?
It’s about discipline and clarity. I’m a family man now with a brilliant son and a wonderful wife, and I’ve got more focus and drive in the studio than ever before. I’m not chasing the scene; I’m chasing the craft itself – it’s the process that is beautiful to me. It felt like the right time to return so fully because my energy and workflow are both strong, and I can finally give music the polish and attention it deserves.
How would you describe the sound you’re creating today, and how has it evolved from your earlier work?
I started in Tech House when I was doing nightclubs and events, then I explored into Techno, Progressive House and grew to appreciate Trance and Drum and Bass and today, I love blending those influences. My newer productions carry that crossover: Midtempo grooves, heavy Techno edges, and even some Mainstage vibes. It’s about stitching together sounds from different decades and generations, almost like building a bridge between eras. Some might call it “dated” at times, but that’s deliberate. It’s my way of honouring the roots while pushing forward.
You’ve launched your own label, Northscape – what does the imprint stand for, and what kind of sonic world are you aiming to build through it?
Northscape is rooted in my philosophy that draws from the landscape of the North, as it is, and the inspiration I get from landscapes and pausing to appreciate them – the wild landscapes of remote places, the grit of Glasgow, the energy of looking out of a NYC high-rise, and vast mountain ranges – that duality inspires me. The label is my space for creative freedom, where I release on my own terms without compromise. It’s about emotion, discipline, and building a world where polished production meets raw feeling. Risky, sure, but the confidence and freedom make it worth it.
Has your process in the studio changed over the years – in terms of mindset, workflow, or creative direction?
Absolutely.
Back then, it was a lot of experimentation and spontaneity, which I still value, but now I bring more discipline and technical precision. I focus heavily on sound design, choosing the right synths and gear, refining details until the track feels alive. My workflow is strong now; I can sit down, lock in, and bring an idea to life quickly without second-guessing.
Finally, what’s on the horizon for mxguinness? Can we expect new releases or collaborations in the near future?
Definitely. I’ve got multiple releases lined up that move across genres — Midtempo, Techno, even some crossover into Trance-inspired Mainstage tracks. I admire what new artists are doing in that Midtempo space, and I’m exploring my own version of that. I’ll also be using my experience to blend generations of sound, keeping things unpredictable. Northscape will be the home base for it all.
Looking further ahead, I plan on making music for years to come. For me, it’s not just about releases, it’s about continuously experimenting with sound design, pushing myself technically, and staying open to where inspiration takes me. I don’t see myself ever stopping. Music has always been the thread running through my life, and as long as I’ve got the discipline and energy to create, I’ll keep evolving and putting ideas out into the world.
With new releases on the horizon and Northscape serving as both his creative platform and launchpad, mxguinness is pushing forward on his own terms – refining his voice through discipline, reflection, and a deep connection to the music that first moved him. As we wrap up our interview, we look forward to seeing where he heads next: a journey sure to be grounded in clarity, intention, and the forward-looking perspective that continues to define his artistic path.
mxguinness Online
Spotify | Instagram | Soundcloud
