Ploy

Ploy is a cutting-edge UK electronic producer and DJ known for his adventurous sound that blends techno, bass, house, and experimental club textures. Originally from London, Ploy—real name Samuel Smith—emerged in the mid-2010s as a distinctive voice in the underground scene, gaining early attention through releases on influential labels like Hessle Audio, Timedance, and Hemlock Recordings. Ploy's 2016 debut on Hessle Audio, with the EP Iron Lungs / Footprints in a Solid Rock, announced him as a serious innovator, balancing stripped-back minimalism with heavy low-end pressure. Over the following years, tracks like "Unruly" and "Ramos" further cemented his reputation, showcasing his skill in fusing dancefloor functionality with experimental instincts. A close affiliation with Bristol’s Timedance collective, led by Batu, placed Ploy firmly at the heart of a new wave of UK producers pushing the boundaries of techno and bass-driven music. In 2021, Ploy launched his own label, Deaf Test, providing a platform for even greater creative freedom. His debut album, Unlit Signals, released on L.I.E.S. Records, revealed a deeper, more introspective side to his work, blending broken rhythms, eerie soundscapes, and unexpected moments of melody. Deaf Test also became the name of his club night series, reflecting his commitment to bringing immersive, genre-fluid sounds to the dancefloor. As a DJ, Ploy is celebrated for his eclectic and unpredictable sets, effortlessly weaving between techno, dancehall, bass, experimental club, and beyond. His performances at iconic venues like Berghain, fabric, and Printworks—as well as festivals across Europe—have solidified his reputation as a fearless selector with a sharp ear for rhythm and atmosphere. Constantly evolving and refusing to be pigeonholed, Ploy remains one of the most exciting figures in the UK’s electronic music landscape, consistently challenging norms while keeping a tight grip on the dancefloor. In 2025, he released an album of largely straight-up dance music, the house-inspired It's Later Than You Think.