PLOY
Labels: Deaf Test, Dekmantel, Timedance, Hessle Audio
PLOY, the pseudonym of South London based artist Sam Smith, emerged onto the scene in 2016 with his debut release, ‘Sala One Five’ on the renowned Hessle Audio label, expertly followed up by a slew of EP’s finding residence on Batu’s Timedance imprint, the faction whom collectively carved out a unique sound in a shockingly short space of time, grounded in UK bassbin principles yet pushing that prism in wild, crooked new ways that have become something of a signature aesthetic.
Ploy’s unique sound has a place among modern electronic music’s most innovative, receiving remix treatment from the likes of Beatrice Dillon, Peder Mannerfelt and Verraco.
In recent years Smith released his debut LP ‘Unlit Signals’ on New York label L.I.E.S. and started his own label Deaf Test which coexists alongside his club night of the same name.
He has gone on to remix the likes of Len Faki, Bjarki and Mount Kimble and is now channeling his production into the style of contemporary house, drawing influence from the past 30 years of the genre’s factions such as progressive, tech-house and garage.
As well as regularly performing in the world’s top venues (highlights including the closing of Amsterdam institution De School and the now defunct Tokyo nightclub Contact) Ploy holds down a residency on London radio station Rinse FM in which he condenses his signature combination of propulsive house, techno and garage into a two hour monthly broadcast.
2025 sees a hefty release schedule, with the South Londoner releasing a full length LP on Dekmantel, a 5 track EP for Ryan Elliot’s Faith Beat and a contribution to the ten year anniversary of Timedance compilation.