Tony Cummings tracked down a new star of EDM, Walsall-based ROGUE

Rogue

One of the most intriguing additions to the Cross Rhythms radio playlist in recent times has been the piece of thrilling dubstep rhythm "Aviation" by one Rogue. Apart from the fact that the track comes from the various artists album 'Something From The Future' Cross Rhythms knew little or nothing about the exponent of this dubstep gem and so set out to find Joel Hunt, who is Rogue, to get his story.

21 year old Joel lives in Walsall, West Midlands, and admits to spending most of his time producing electronic dance music on his laptop. He spoke about his background. "I was brought up in a 'Christian household'- as my parents were Christians and taught me Christian morals etc as I was growing up. I've always believed in God and the Bible, and I made a decision when I was old enough to think for myself that I would try and live a Christian life, and have kept on making the same decision as I've got older. My faith does play a part in my music, as I think that God gave me a gift with music and I will often pray for inspiration and it will come to me."

Joel/Rogue was always musically inclined. He admitted, "I've been singing since before I could talk. My parents say I could hum tunes and recognise different melodies whilst I was still in my crib. As the years went on I learned a variety of different instruments on my own, like piano and guitar."

The dubstep creator spoke about his unexpected turntable hit "Aviation". "It was pretty much the first original track I produced as Rogue, 10 months ago now. A lot of people think that electronic dance music (EDM) - dubstep especially - is just a lot of machine noises - and people will make it, just mixing up some growls in massive to a 140bpm beat. For me, melody is absolutely key to making a lasting track. Even though the track is around 10 months old now, there's something about the melody that people can connect with and listen to over and over again, and in my more recent tracks I've stuck to that principle."

Things have moved on considerably for Rogue since "Aviation" was created. He said, "I'm now a part of Monstercat Media, which is becoming one of the most influential labels in EDM on the net. As I'm writing this, as far as I know, their latest album, 'Monstercat 008 Anniversary' is number one in the Dance Album Chart on iTunes in numerous countries, and I have two tracks on the album. I'm friends with most of the artists on the label. In terms of non-internet, I've been out to a few clubs and dubstep nights, but I'm not really a going out person. It's kind of ironic that it's the scene I'm making music for."

So why did Joel select the name Rogue? "I was trying to find something to call myself for a couple of weeks, and literally just came across it on the internet. What's more interesting is that it's come to actually really fit me and my music. I'm kind of going off on my own against what people expected of me. Creating strange and crazy music. Also when I was younger my Dad used to call me a 'little rogue'. I remembered this after choosing the name."

So does everyone at Rogue's church know about his dubstep activities? "Most of the people there know, yes. They joke around suggesting silly remixes I could do, and purposefully miscalling me Rouge. I played one of my tracks at the front of church and everyone found it hilarious. They also found it amazing that I had so many views on YouTube. Everyone's really supportive though overall, and excited to see where I get with it."

Rogue's EDM career is clearly going from strength to strength and he currently has a Facebook following of over 18,500 people. He has an EP coming out this month on Beatport and he's working on several singles. It's clear that music is in Rogue's blood. He completed our grilling with the revelation, "My Dad used to be in a band called Hush that played at Cross Rhythms festival a couple of times back in the day. He was the lead guitarist. Small world eh?"