Josh Smith is committed to producing the kind of electronic music that first inspired him to become an artist. The Londoner makes no secret of his passion for house with a stripped back, Eastern European edge. And why should he? Because whilst the DJ, producer and label boss cites the rominimal movement as an inspiration, his versatile take on the genre combined with his imaginative use of samples lends to the idea that he is an artist on a path of his own. A notion that is further supported by his A&R work for Flurt Audio – the label he launched in 2023. Already regarded highly in the UK minimal house scene, the digital imprint rightly places an emphasis on the music and less on the names that make it. Since its inception, Flurt has released a steady stream of unadulterated minimal and microhouse tracks from the likes of PING_UK, Roux, Sophilia, Vlad Ioachimescu, Elsoo, Saf Mitchel and myself, YAMA Music. Aside from the music, the label’s Flurtcast series showcases a fine mix of European talent who share the same energy and vision Smith does.

As is now customary before Josh Smith debuts for SNUG at The Blue Posts next
month, I met the man himself to learn more of his journey from romininal aficionado to running one of the most promising imprints to emerge out of London’s minimal scene for a minute.

Q1) Josh, how are we? You’re heading to Soho in April for your first time playing at SNUG, tell us what we can expect from your set on April 5th.

I’m doing well, thank you! I’m really excited about making my debut for SNUG on April 5th and making a return to Soho – it’s a place that has a lot of energy and history in London’s music scene. As for the set, you can expect the usual blend of stripped-back minimal with some of the darker, more hypnotic sounds I enjoy weaving into my sets. I like to focus on creating an immersive atmosphere, where people can really connect with the music. I’ll be bringing that same energy to my set on the 5th, keeping it deep and engaging, focusing on the deeper layers of the sound while keeping it fresh and dynamic.

Q2) Your ascent from clubber to DJ to label boss began in London. During this time the UK was experiencing an explosion in new and revived underground genres but you remained staunch to the sound of minimal. How has the scene changed since your days as a fan?

It’s been an exciting journey, for sure. When I first got into minimal, it was a sound that resonated deeply with me – there was a rawness and simplicity that was so different from everything else going on at the time. Over the years, the scene has evolved a lot. In some ways, the UK has become a hotbed for experimental takes on minimal and microhouse, with new artists bringing in influences from all corners of the globe. I think what’s been most exciting is the creativity within the scene. I feel minimal has definitely diversified, but the heart of it remains the same.

3. Some of your music has a fabulously unnerving Hitchcockian quality. Tracks such as ‘Phantom Line’, ‘Bette’s Bondage’ and ‘Hekyll & Jyde’ include ingenious vocal samples that provide a darkly refreshing spin on minimal and microhouse. Would you share with us the creative process behind making such tracks.

Thanks! The process behind tracks like ‘Phantom Line’, ‘Bette’s Bondage’, and ‘Hekyll & Jyde’ is all about creating tension and atmosphere. I love using spoken word samples, particularly from old films, because they add a unique texture and narrative element to the music. For me, it’s about finding snippets that feel unsettling or offbeat—whether it’s a tone, a pause, or a delivery—that can elevate the mood of the track. I’ll often chop these samples up, stretch them, or layer them over different sections of the track to build a sense of unease. I enjoy balancing that darker, more mysterious energy with the minimal and microhouse elements, allowing the samples to add another layer of depth and intrigue to the music.

4. Prior to the launch of Flurt Audio, you released music on Carpathian Sounds, PhonicHouse1, and The Lab. Do you feel the exposure you received from appearing on venerable labels such as these has helped you on your journey and if so, how?

Absolutely. Working with labels like Carpathian Sounds, PhonicHouse1, and The Lab was a huge learning experience for me. They helped shape my sound and introduced me to a wider audience. The exposure I received from being part of such respected labels was invaluable, but beyond that, it also taught me a lot about the business side of things and the importance of community. Those experiences were key in motivating me to launch Flurt Audio, as I wanted to create a space where emerging artists could get that same kind of support and recognition.

Q5) Tell us a little about the history of Flurt Audio, its formation etc, and what you hope to achieve with the label in the future?

Flurt Audio was born out of a desire to create a platform where music takes precedence over anything else. I wanted to build something that wasn’t just about the big names but about the sound and the community surrounding it. We launched in 2023 with a clear focus on unadulterated minimal and microhouse, and we’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing artists already, including Roux, Elsoo, and PING_UK. Going forward, I hope to continue growing the label with a focus on nurturing new talent and releasing music that feels true to the spirit of the genre. It’s all about pushing boundaries while staying true to the roots of minimal.

Q6) Finally Josh, what’s on the agenda for you as DJ and as the head of Flurt Audio over the next few months?

As a DJ, I’m really looking forward to getting out and playing more gigs, especially after the SNUG debut. I’m excited to bring some fresh material to the decks, lots of new unreleased bits ready to test out. As for the label, we’ve got a few exciting releases lined up that I’m personally excited about. I’m also focusing on expanding the Flurtcast series and continuing to showcase European talent that shares our vision. Over the next few months, I’m really focused on growth – both personally as an artist and as a label head.

Josh Smith’s latest release ‘Phantom Line’ out now on Lemon Herb Records.