In this conversation, Will Clarke and MJ Cole dive into the roots of UK garage, the evolution of British electronic music, and the importance of creating the music you genuinely want to make. MJ Cole reflects on his classical upbringing, his early love for hardcore and jungle, and how discovering slower tempos helped shape his signature sound. He shares how he keeps creativity fresh by avoiding autopilot in the studio, constantly experimenting with new tempos, tools, and sound-design techniques. They also revisit the journey behind “Sincere,” his breakthrough single and album, and discuss the realities of performing live, where passion often outweighs profit. Despite the industry’s pressures, MJ Cole emphasizes that he has never wanted to quit because his drive comes from true artistic expression.