DJ/PRODUCER
1. Hardware or software?
Both
2. What hardware/software (use as applicable) do you use to produce?
Emu e5k, LAP 5.5, Recycle, Seq. Circuits Pro One, Yamaha An1x, some outboard fx, and a few plugins.
3. CD/MP3 or vinyl?
Yes, yes and yes. And whatever comes next.
4. Can you describe your sound?
It’s hard to say - as much as possible I tried to create something fresh each time out.. In general most of my tunes have a bit of hard edge to them, although some of the bits I have coming out now are on the feel good tip (e.g. "Soul Sister" on Eastside and "Dilemma" on Gain/G2). But in general my tunes are hard, breakbeat heavy bits. I also tend to gravitate more towards ‘organic’ sounds as opposed to a really synthy, techno-y sound quality and I use quite a lot of ethnic loops and percussion (congas, tabla, tanpura, etc.). One of my main goals when I write is to create whole ‘songs’ - not just throwaway ‘tracks’. I want people to be able to listen to my tunes at home and not get bored - and at the same time have a dj drop the same tune in a club and have the crowd go mad! It’s kind of difficult to do both and I think most producers tend to settle for one or the other.
5. What projects are you currently working on?
Besides working on my own material I run Gasm Recordings alongside my partner Dstar and Myster Mason. We are lining up a solid string of releases for later in the year with material from Mason, Dstar and myself as well as UK heavyweights such as Dylan and a even few up-and-coming names as well. Mason, Dstar and I produce together as Swarm so expect to see lots more from us on various labels.
6. What future projects are in the pipeline?
Got a few things planned for the label that we are keeping under wraps for the moment, but on the production front I am hoping to work more with our emcees as well as other vocalists. We’ve already done a couple of Swarm bits featuring the talented Kameel, so expect more on that front as well.
7. Do you plan to tour soon? If so, where?
Dstar, Armanni, and I are touring the states throughout the summer. If you’d like to book me, please get in touch!
8. Are you working on any other genres other than Drum & Bass?
I’ve been doing a bit of hip-hop lately with our emcee’s Armanni Reign and Sharpness.
9. Are there any Drum & Bass artists you would like to work with?
Hmm... never thought much about it - A-sides and Dylan are cool guys - I wouldn’t mind spending a day in the studio with them and having a couple of laughs. I think someone like Goldie or Klute would be real interesting to work with. I’m really into stuff from Keaton, Hive and Dkay/ill Skillz at the moment. Collaborating with any of those guys would be hot.
10. Is there a certain choon you would like to remix?
I’d love to remix Peshay "The Nocturnal (Back on the Firm)" - this one of the first drum n bass tunes to ready grab me and take me for a ride. I wouldn’t mind taking my turn at Mutationz remix either.
11. Are there any non-Drum & Bass artists you would like to work with?
Massive Attack, Portishead, AR Rehman, Clyde Stubblefield & Jabo’ Starks
12. What Drum & Bass choons are currently at the front of your record box?
Mason - "Dark Fire"
A-sides - "Tabletop Redit"
Pendulum - "Spiral"
D-kay and Rawful - "Forgive Myself"
Swarm - "Soul Sister"
Calyx - "Leviathan"
Dj Alienn - "The Fight"
13. How did it feel when you first heard someone drop one of your choons at a club?
I thought "Boy, that snare needs to come out more"
14. Do you have a favourite "all time" choon?
Probably, Doc Scott "Unofficial Ghost"
15. Turntables.. Technics or Vestax?
Vestwho?
16. MCs. yes, no, or depends?
Absolutely. But then I’m awfully spoiled because Philly has great emcees. Our mc Armanni Reign is one of the most exciting humans I’ve ever heard on a microphone. Everytime I perform with him, someone comes to tell me how much they hate mc’s but how incredible they think Armanni is.
17. Dubplates.. 10 or 12 inch?
No preference really, but the ladies really seem to like my hard, black 12's
18. Computer format.. PC, MAC, or both?
PC
19. Bootlegs.. yes, no, or depends?
All good if they are done properly and not just to make a quick buck.
-CONTINUES BELOW-
