- Words Ryan Cahill
The NTS original talks us through dreams and dilemmas as part of our latest Internet Crush feature.
cktrl aka Bradley Miller is ready to go global. His name has been bouncing around the music biz for a few years, ever since he took up a lot on Boiler Room at the age of 17. Recognised as a promising producer and multi-instrumentalist, he’s on of the only reamining origial DJs on NTS, and has played with industry greats including Sampha, Kelela and Dean Blunt to name a few. He released his debut EP Forest back in 2015 and has since dropped eight-track S4G Playlist 1 and Playlist 2.
Most recently he returned with his latest offering Colour, which sees the musician taking a slight change of direction, utilising a plethora of genres to offer up an EP that takes you on a journey. It’s experimental and non-conforming, and proves that Cktrl is capable of toying with different sounds and still manages to achieve something magnificent. He’s a true craftsman, and Colour is his finest creation yet. Speaking on ‘Colour’, Cktrl said: “The EP itself is based off a track of the same name from my first mixtape ‘INDi’ I wanted to make a project that gave a feeling of balancing light and lightness.”
As he gears up for another huge year, we sit down with the London-based musician to discuss dreams and DMs.
"Ophie's Interlude" by Cktrl
Do you remember your dreams? Tell us about a recent dream you’ve had….
Sometimes! I flew back from the moon on a packed air-train filled with the most beautiful people, I had a bookmark in my hand with a picture of Janelle Monae on it from when she starred in Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight film. I was deep in thought from reading ‘Nejma’ by Nayyirah Waheed. I then turned to the person sat next to me who looked crazy familiar they then asked what I was reading then I woke up and later realised I was sat next to Fred Hampton. Still can’t workout what it means.
What is the closest you’ve ever come to death?
When my car got written off, accident was crazy.
Tell us, what is your first memory of music?
I was in Chapleton, Jamaica sitting outside my grandparents house at the time and I heard the sound of Burning Spear.
What’s your star sign? (and are you a typical *whatever your sign is*?)
I’m on the cusp of Taurus and Gemini.
When was the first time you had your heart broken? (who by? how did it feel? what did you do?)
It was by my first proper significant other, they were bad minded, selfish, list goes on. Cried a lot in private. Self medicated with music through that found myself again. Guess it was a blessing.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
Jamelia & Mel B.
What would your biography be called?
No one’s child can tek me fi ediat.
What was the first song you ever wrote?
Moonlight.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
To listen, it’s the only time you can be still and moved at the same time.
CKTRL x Boiler Room
What has been your biggest achievement?
Yet to achieve it, but always striving for greatness.
Which fictional character do you most relate to and why?
Ace in Paid in Full. He’s a quiet opportunist, ‘Hustle & Maintain’
How was high school?
Lit, jokes and beats.
Who is the most famous person in your DMs?
I’m just tryna block my blessings, if I snitch I’m throwing away the bag.
Describe your own personal idea of hell…
Not being able to help.
What’s a lie you’ve told and what was the fall out?
Try to be honest an if I can’t for whatever reason it doesn’t get found out.
Which super power would you most like to have, and why?
Flight, then I could just go anywhere.
What is one album that totally changed your life?
“Same Song” by Isreal Vibration
When was the last time you cried and why?
Cry most days, a lot going on while tryna pursue music.
Where/what will you be doing at the end of the world?
Big chilling as it’s always totally out of our hands.