Beatportal Exclusive: Storm Mollison - A Journey of Groove, Soul, and Sound

Storm Mollison’s rise in the electronic music world feels like a natural evolution—one that blends an ever-present groove, soulful basslines, and a devotion to the craft of production. Describing herself as a "new music bestie," her journey has been marked by pivotal moments, from her early beginnings in home studios to playing on some of the world’s most revered stages. Born between the vibrant urban life of London and the sun-soaked streets of Florida, her sound was shaped by a unique mix of cultural influences.

“2000’s R&B & Hip-Hop soundtracked so many moments growing up,” Storm reflects. The smooth, punchy beats of The Neptunes and the polished production style of Timbaland were central to her development. These sounds not only served as the backdrop to her youth but also became the cornerstone of her distinctive, groove-laden style, blending elements of house, garage, and breaks.

From Early Inspirations to a Sonic Evolution

Storm’s earliest memories of music are rooted in her father’s home studio, where the spark for her musical career was ignited. “I grew up in the school choir, and by the age of 16, I got my first guitar," she recalls. It was around that time that music shifted from being a hobby to a calling. As she honed her skills and dived deeper into her craft, Storm’s sound started to evolve, shaped by her eclectic upbringing. Growing up between London and Florida exposed her to a variety of genres, from soulful pop to more experimental sounds, creating a diverse foundation for the music she makes today.

Her influences range from genre-defining figures like D’Angelo and Janet Jackson to electronic legends like Theo Parrish, Inland Knights, and Missy Elliot. These artists, she explains, all have one thing in common: a passion for pushing boundaries while retaining an undeniable groove. This blend of soulful influence and a love for rhythm is what makes Storm’s productions stand out—deep basslines that make the body move, and infectious grooves that echo long after the track ends. “I’ve always been drawn to the soulful side of sounds,” Storm admits, describing how the textures and similarities between genres help her stitch her sound together seamlessly.

Crafting the Sound: Process and Gear

Storm’s production process is intuitive and highly personal. While she has no fixed routine, she tends to start with the drums, letting the rhythm guide the direction of the track. “I’ll put together some drums and just jam something out until it starts feeling nice,” she says, explaining that the creative process is more about the energy and flow than adhering to any set structure. Her approach to sound crafting is not about genre but about the textures and feelings that each sound evokes, which allows her to seamlessly blend elements of house, garage, and breaks without forcing them into any one box.

In terms of gear, Storm has made a significant shift in recent years, moving from Logic to Ableton to speed up her workflow. However, it’s not just the software that shapes her sound. It’s also the vast collection of samples and sound packs she’s accumulated over the years. “Much like digging for tunes, I love spending time really looking for new sounds and samples to work with,” she shares. It’s this combination of the digital tools at her disposal and the analog, organic process of digging for new sonic inspiration that fuels her creative fire. Essential plugins like Serum, RC-20, and Zenology also play a key role, but it's the sample collection that’s often the foundation for her tracks.

The Power of Radio & Breakthrough Moments

Throughout her journey, Storm’s music has garnered the support of some of the most respected tastemakers in the industry. Names like Jaguar, Tom Ravenscroft, and Jess Iszatt have all championed her work, a testament to her growing influence. “Radio is such a massive discovery tool,” Storm says, reflecting on how important platforms like BBC Radio 1 have been for her career. The validation of hearing her name on air, particularly on shows like Jaguar’s Introducing, is something Storm admits is still surreal. “It’s a dream for an up-and-coming artist,” she says, acknowledging how these radio moments put her music into the ears of thousands and helped elevate her profile.

Her track “Night Flow,” released on SG Lewis’ label Forever Days, was a landmark moment in her career. A track born from a deep love for old-school hip-hop, it combined the soul of her roots with the contemporary rhythms of house and breaks. The inspiration behind the track came from Storm’s desire to capture the energy of a house party, something that would instantly get people moving. The process of creating it was an exciting one, with the track coming to life quickly and smoothly—a rare occurrence in the often painstaking process of music production.

Collaborations and Lessons Learned

Storm’s collaborations have also played a pivotal role in her artistic growth. Working with the likes of Mella Dee on “Touch Down (Feel The Rush)” and KI/KI on “GRFTP,” Storm finds that collaboration isn’t about seeking something specific but about seeing what can be created from shared ideas. “It’s about what both parties bring to the table,” she explains. “The initial song idea is really the most important part.” These collaborations have pushed her out of her comfort zone, and she relishes the opportunity to learn from other artists along the way.

Perhaps the most significant early collaboration in her career was her first release on DJ Haus’ Hot Haus Records. “Having your first release on such an iconic label was really affirming,” Storm says, remembering how surreal it felt to have the trust and belief of DJ Haus in her work. It was a moment that solidified her confidence as an artist and producer, giving her the reassurance that she was on the right path.

Live Performances: From Glastonbury to Fabric

Storm’s live performances have become legendary in their own right. From playing at Glastonbury to taking over Room 3 at fabric, her sets are known for their deep, hypnotic grooves and the seamless journeys she crafts for her audience. Her debut at fabric was a standout moment. “Being able to play All Night Long in Room 3 felt super special,” she recalls. It was a full-circle moment for Storm, one that affirmed her place in the electronic music scene.

When it comes to preparing for a live set, Storm keeps it relaxed and organic. “I don’t like to overly prepare,” she says. “It’s about constantly finding new music and playing to the crowd in that moment.” This ability to read and react to the energy of a crowd is what makes her sets so engaging. Whether it’s a festival or a more intimate club setting, Storm’s approach is always about creating a vibe that resonates with the audience and takes them on a musical journey.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Storm Mollison

As 2025 unfolds, Storm is looking ahead to even more exciting collaborations and releases. Her upcoming work with Aluna’s Noir Fever promises to showcase even more sides of her musical versatility. “It’s very versatile!” she teases, hinting at what fans can expect from this new chapter in her career. But despite her growing success, Storm remains humble and grounded, focusing on the present rather than the future. “I just hope to be making music and gigging still,” she shares, emphasizing her passion for the craft over any aspirations for fame or recognition.

For Storm Mollison, the journey is just as important as the destination. Whether it’s her collaborations, her live sets, or her endless pursuit of new sounds, one thing is clear: Storm is here to stay, and her journey has only just begun.