Electronic music producer Codeko, aka Ed Clark, releases his new track, “Sad Reality,” featuring Casey Cook, via Ophelia Records.
Speaking about the song, Codeko shares, “‘Sad Reality’ is one of those songs that came together incredibly quickly – once I heard Casey’s vocals, I sat down with a guitar it just clicked, and a few hours later I recorded the basis for the entire song. The verse guitar harmonies create the ‘bittersweet’ I wanted, and the synth-heavy drop provides the energy. It took a bit more work to get the two elements to blend together cohesively, but the end result is a track I’m very fond of.”
Over a very short period of time, Codeko has worked alongside some of the biggest names in electronic music to build an impressive discography of original works, collaborations, and remixes featuring The Chainsmokers, Oliver Heldens, Adventure Club, Tritonal, Wooli, and Charlie Puth.
Having toured with Audien, Matoma, and Two Friends and performing on the stages of Tomorrowland, Electric Zoo, Life in Color, and Mysteryland, Codeko’s prior hits include “Say Hi” with Austin Mahone, “Chance,” “Superhuman,” and “Woke Up,” featuring Xuitcasecit.
After previously collaborating on “Crazy”, Codeko and Casey Cook teamed up once again on “Sad Reality.” According to Casey, “These lyrics are autobiographical and came pouring out when I was nearing the end with my ex.”
CelebMix caught up with Codeko to find out more about the person behind the music, how he got started in music, and his writing process.
What three things can’t you live without?
My laptop – super important for work but also for general entertainment as well. noise-canceling headphones – for being able to mute the outside world when on a walk/between places, especially in London. and lastly my car – I only passed my driving test a few months ago and I can’t believe it took me so long to take it, it’s become so invaluable.
What inspired your new single, “Sad Reality?”
When I made this track, I was listening to a lot of acoustic singer/songwriter tracks – I think that came across in the verses. I then wanted to fuse that with something that I could play out live – the track came about from fusing those two ideas together!
Where and when did you first connect with Casey Cook?
I first connected with Casey when I was writing my track ‘Crazy’ with Wooli. She was the vocalist on that track and killed it, so I knew I wanted to work with her again.
How did you get started in music?
I’ve been involved with music from a young age – I was playing piano when I was 5, and did a lot of classical music when I was younger. I found dance music when I was around 15 and just started making it for fun and posting it on Soundcloud. After that, it just kinda picked up and continued to grow!
Where are you from?
I was born and grew up in Buckinghamshire, England. But I now live in London.
Did your hometown impact your sound?
You would think so but I’m actually not so sure – I’ve never strongly associated with the UK dance scene. Aside from drum and bass (which I like) a lot of the dance scene is quite low energy – something which I wasn’t drawn to and so I think I looked elsewhere.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
I grew up listening to guys like Seven Lions and deadmau5, as well as some trance artists from a while ago. I think that steered my music to being in a similar kind of area, especially at the start.
If you had to explain your sound to the uninitiated, what would you say?
In terms of genre, it varies quite a bit – but it is always melody and harmony-driven and usually high energy as well.
Did your sound evolve naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?
I think it evolved naturally for sure. There was a period where I got pushed towards making poppier and poppier tracks – however, I began to realize it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I’m now back to making whatever I feel like making.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?
It’s hard to say – I don’t think about the source of what I’ve written often. However, a few times I’ve been inspired by something I’ve heard, and occasionally I’ll write a song about something more personal to me.
What can you share about your writing process?
10 times out of 10 my tracks start with the melody and the harmony. That usually means sitting down at a piano and playing until I feel inspired – however sometimes that can be me humming into my voice notes when I’m out and about/driving, for me to transcribe later.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
I think Nurko has been having a great year, I’ve heard Wooli’s new EP and I think that’s gonna kill it. Also really liking deadmau5 and Kaskade’s new track – hoping there’s more to come from them like that.
What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? New material? Live gigs?
I’ve got a bunch of festivals coming up – as well as going on tour with Audien and Gryffin around the US which will be fun! Also, most importantly I’ve been working on a bunch of new music that should be releasing throughout the rest of the year, which I think will really start setting the tone for my future sound.