Dharma Finds Structure in Chaos on New R&S Records Release

For Sunderland-born, UK producer Dharma, a background as a multi-instrumentalist in orchestras and bands continues to shape both his approach to production and his journey through electronic music. 

“It’s definitely influenced my style in the sense that a lot of my tracks are harmony and melody driven,” he says. “My theory is pretty rusty, but I tend to make it work as much as I can!”

That instinctive, feeling-led approach continues to define his process. Even as his technical knowledge developed through education, he still leans into emotion over precision. “Although my music theory is pretty rusty, it does help and influence my writing process,” he explains, adding that studying music technology and computing “probably had a greater impact on my writing.”

Growing up in the Northeast of England proved equally formative. “Growing up in there really set the groundwork for everything I do today,” he says. “Going to clubs like World Headquarters and Cosmic Ballroom in Newcastle, as well as Independent in Sunderland opened my eyes to this whole new world of electronic music.”

That discovery changed everything. “Prior to discovering electronic music, I always had this fascination with writing music but could never really find a band that would stick,” he recalls. “Discovering electronic music, aged around 17 opened up the possibility of creating new worlds just from my computer in my room. It was a massive game changer and I’ve never looked back.”

Dharma’s sound, spanning ambient, house, techno, breakbeat and jungle, resists rigid definition, something he embraces fully. “At times I can be methodical and aim to make a jungly track that blends ambient influences,” he says. “Other times, I just go with how I feel, without much thought!”

His influences reflect that duality. “With The Prodigy, their approach to sampling I’ve always found really impressive,” he explains. “With Aphex Twin, his music, for me at least, tells stories, and I find that incredibly influential to my writing style.”

When asked to define his own sound, he keeps it honest: “I think the Dharma sound is a bit chaotic at times but structured. I’d say it's a pretty true representation of me as a person.” That sense of identity is intentional. “As an artist, I find that that's important.”

Dharma now returns to R&S Records with "One Clean Sock," a release that captures two very different creative mindsets. “This track was written all the way back in 2020, mid Covid,” he says of the title track. “I remember wanting to just finish something within one session with a lot of intensity.”

The B-side, "Questions," couldn’t be more different. “This track was written in late 2025 with the intent of creating an expansive, intricate piece,” he explains. “This took me weeks to finish, unlike the title track which had taken me around 3 hours.” For Dharma, that contrast is the point. “I feel the vast difference in moods of each track serve as complementary opposites.”

Even the naming process reflects his personal connection to the music. “I tend to name all of my music after whatever is going on in my life at that moment or how the track feels,” he says. “I like my music to be personal, almost like a diary.”

In the case of "One Clean Sock," the inspiration was refreshingly mundane. “Whilst naming this track, I was struggling to find clean socks,” he laughs. “It would be untrue to then change the name after 6 years, even if it is slightly absurd.”

Releasing on R&S Records marks a significant milestone. “Honestly R&S was always a dream label for me to showcase my music,” he says. “I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to release with them again.”

The label’s legacy isn’t lost on him. “Artists such as Lone, Aphex Twin, James Blake, Model 500, Tessela were integral to my journey,” he says. “So having my music alongside those names is a trip.”

The feeling is still surreal. “It is pretty surreal to be honest! Definitely something I’m extremely proud of.”

With "One Clean Sock," he also pushes into new territory. “I think as an artist, 'One Clean Sock' explores more darker territory than the previous ones,” he says. “Which I think is an exciting left turn.”

In the studio, Dharma’s approach has shifted over time. “I used to begin with rhythm and get nowhere quite often,” he admits. “Nowadays, I start with melody and go from there!”

His workflow is rarely quick. “I usually spend a lot of time on a track,” he says. “I often spend weeks on one track until it is finished.”

That dedication has paid off, with support from artists like Daniel Avery, Skream and Erol Alkan. “It’s always great to receive positive feedback from artists that I look up to,” he says. “It definitely boosts my confidence.”

And confidence, he admits, is key. “When I lack confidence, I struggle to finish music, so I’ll take as much as I can get!”

Despite that, his output remains relentless. “I am constantly producing,” he says. “It’s a forever ongoing process.”

With releases lined up across 2026, Dharma is entering a new phase of consistency and momentum. “From April onwards, I'm releasing music every month for the rest of 2026,” he says. “So, I'm really excited to get going.”

It’s a fitting next step for an artist who thrives on instinct, contrast and personal expression, balancing chaos with structure and always pushing forward.

Read the full interview with Dharma at The Night Bazaar HERE.