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Little Talk with Phillosopher

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Super Flu step up on Fritz Kalkbrenner remix duties, adding tension and texture to ‘When I See You’

Sébastien Léger & Roy Rosenfeld unite with debut Lost Miracle single ‘Guarana’

Little Talk with Fordal

Rebecca Besnos
Interviews, Melodic House
25 August 2025

Twelvepoint is carving out its lane in the underground. With its fifth release now available, the Forensic Records sub-label presents its most compelling cut yet, led by none other than label boss Fordal. Known for weaving deep, atmospheric grooves that blur the lines between progressive and melodic house, Fordal steps back into the spotlight with a vocal-driven original that is already finding favour with selectors across the spectrum.

Built on moody textures, rolling low-end, and a vocal that lingers long after the track fades, ‘All or Nothing’ is a reminder of why Fordal has become a key figure in the modern deep and progressive scene. Joining him on remix duties are two heavyweights: chart-topping producer Ranj Kaler, bringing a euphoric breaks twist, and Lexicon Avenue, the progressive house pioneer whose darker, late-night interpretation nods to the genre’s roots while keeping it firmly future-facing.

We caught up with Fordal to talk about the story behind ‘All or Nothing,’ his vision for Twelvepoint, and what’s next for the ever-evolving project.

 

WWD: Hey Fordal, welcome to WWD! This new EP marks your return to Twelvepoint. What inspired the original track, and how did it come together in the studio?

 

Well, I wanted to produce a full vocal track, so finding a vocal that felt right was the starting point. I’d been experimenting with layering pads that felt almost cinematic over a rolling, hypnotic groove. The track actually started as a simple drum loop and a bassline that had a nice swing to it. Once I found the main melodic motif, it all just clicked. I built the arrangement around the vocal, letting it breathe in some places and drive harder in others. It was one of those rare ones that almost wrote itself.

 

WWD: There’s a substantial emotional weight to the vocal in this one. Can you walk us through how you found or worked with the vocals, and what role they play in the track’s narrative?

 

The moment I heard the full vocal delivery I knew this was the one for me. I was instantly drawn to the rawness in the delivery. I processed it quite subtly, just enough to weave it into the atmospheric textures without losing its humanity. For me, the vocal is the anchor of the track’s story — it’s about longing and release, which mirrors the push and pull of the music. All or Nothing.

 

WWD: The sound blends moody atmospherics, deep grooves, and melodic elements. Was there a specific vibe or setting you had in mind when shaping it?

Definitely, I was picturing those late moments in a set where the crowd is locked in and every little detail in the track feels magnified. Somewhere between 3 and 4 a.m., where time almost feels suspended. I wanted it to have a sense of space and depth, but still carry enough groove to keep the floor moving. It’s that sweet spot I’m always chasing — music that works in the club but also holds up when you listen at home. I’ve even produced a dub mix too that would work in a warm up set.

 

WWD: You’ve brought in two heavy remixers for this release. What made Ranj Kaler and Lexicon Avenue the right choices for this project?

 

First and foremost I knew they’d both bring something completely different to the release. Ranj has a beautiful way of injecting warmth and soul into whatever he touches, and I knew he’d be able to take the track somewhere completely fresh with his electronica breaks sound. With Lexicon Avenue, it’s a bit of a full-circle moment — Chris (Scott aka Lexicon Avenue) is part of my musical DNA and our connection through Forensic made it a no-brainer. He understands my sound instinctively and can push it into deeper, darker spaces without losing its core.

 

WWD: Ranj’s rework leans into uplifting breaks while keeping that emotional core. Did you give him any creative direction, or did he run with it?

 

I just sent him the stems and told him to follow his instincts. Ranj doesn’t need much guidance — I trust his ear completely – he’s smashing out there in the electronica/breaks world! He kept the emotional heart of the track but reimagined it in a way that surprised me, especially with the breaks structure. It gives the EP another dimension entirely.

 

WWD: Lexicon Avenue’s remix takes things into darker, more hypnotic territory. How did that version strike you when you first heard it?

 

Honestly, Chris has made a career out of delivering killer remixes. I knew he’d deliver and he certainly did. It had that classic Lexicon Avenue weight — brooding basslines, crisp percussion, and a hypnotic drive that just pulls you in. However, I also loved that I heard him pushing his own sound into new territories for this Twelvepoint release.

 

WWD: Twelvepoint is now on its fifth release. How has your vision for the label evolved since its launch, and what are you hoping to build in the long term?

 

The vision has always been about quality over quantity — creating a space where each release gets the attention it deserves. Over the first five releases, we’ve started to carve out a sound that sits comfortably between deep, melodic and alternative vibe including breaks, electronica — music that has substance and longevity. Long-term, I want Twelvepoint to be a home for both established and emerging artists who share that ethos.

 

WWD: You’ve got a strong connection to the progressive and deeper side of the scene. Who’s inspiring you right now – producers, DJs, or labels?

 

Right now, I’m really feeling what Gowzer, Zuccassam, Jamie Stevens and Sean Harvey are doing — that perfect mix of melody and groove. Label-wise, apart from our own of course, Plastic Fantastic, Balance Music, Mango Alley and Nightcolours are constantly pushing boundaries, together with favourites Last Night on Earth and Bedrock Records.

 

WWD: Your sets and productions often nod to that Forensic, Renaissance and Bedrock era. What is it about that period in dance music that still resonates with you?

 

That era had this balance of musicality and dancefloor sensibility that’s hard to replicate. Tracks were built to last, with real journeys in their arrangements. DJs such as Sasha and John Digweed told stories over hours, not just dropping peaks every few minutes. It was about immersion and trust between the DJ and the crowd — something I think we need to hold onto in the streaming age for sure.

 

WWD: Where do you see this EP fitting into a DJ’s set – as a warm-up, peak, or afters? And where would you most like to hear it played out?

 

The original works perfectly in that mid-to-late set slot where you want to shift the energy without losing the flow. Ranj’s mix could open a set beautifully or close an afters with a smile, and the Lexicon Avenue remix is pure peak-time in a darker room. If I could choose anywhere, I’d love to hear the whole EP on a big outdoor system at sunrise — that’s where this music really breathes.

 

WWD: Couldn’t agree more! Thanks for the chat 🙂 

 

The ‘All or Nothing’ EP is available here

Related

Little Talk with Phillosopher

Little Talk with Turner Club

Little Talk with Orsa Minor

Super Flu step up on Fritz Kalkbrenner remix duties, adding tension and texture to ‘When I See You’

Sébastien Léger & Roy Rosenfeld unite with debut Lost Miracle single ‘Guarana’

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