THEM @ Corsica Studios

The guys over at THEM just sent us the details of their next party at Corsica Studios and we decided they needed to be shared! With a diverse music policy covering House, Garage, Techno, UK Funky and Grime all pumping through Funktion 1 sound this is set to be a wicked night out…

Lineup is as follows….

ZED BIAS (Tru Thoughts)
The same UK garage Legend behind the chart smash ʻNeighborhood in the late 90ʼs, Zed has yet not only avoided becoming a retrospective act, he has stepped up to claim a position at the top of 2012. He now plays a cutting edge blend of funky, garage and techno. Consequently he is at the forefront of underground electronic music, with a brand new sound, and releases on hot labels Tru thoughts and Swamp81

SLUGABED (Ninja Tune)
Slugabed is no stranger to THEM. He has graced the decks for us a fewtimes, but not since a whole new energy and masterfulness has come into his sound. He is on a hugehigh right now following the recent release of his awesome debut LP ʻTime Teamʼ on Ninja -a collection of kaleidoscopic and funky synth Jams. He has certainly reached a whole new level

FRENCH FRIES (Dirtybird)
An Exclusive! Weʼre bringing French Fries to the UK. He performs rarelyover here - playing less than once a month, if not once every two – compared to just how popular he has got. His productions have a trademark seduction and swagger over percussive and loop led house. He has celebrated his rise to notoriety with the huge ʻYo Vogueʼ and a new releasing relationship with the ʻDirtybirdʼ imprint and is frankly the man of the moment

STICKY (Social Circles)
2 step Garage legend, any Garage, Grime, UK Funky or UK rave enthusiastthat knows her oats will know Sticky. Author of anthems such as “Booo” (with Ms Dynamite), MoreWeed, and Triplets, is perhaps one of the most influential producers for our kind of UK Club music, if not number one. He is so influential Grime top man Terror Danjah has just put out a tune called ʼDJ Stickyʼ in tribute. This is a long overdue appearance

DOC DANEEKA (50 Weapons)
An Exclusive! Doc Daneeka has won a lot of attention, alongside hispartner in crime Benjamin Damage. Most notably perhaps, by Modeselektor, who signed them to theirlabel 50 Weapons, and commissioned an album. The result is next level production, vibey melodiesand kicking bass all in a party perfect house package (with nods to UK Funky). Coming from Berlin exclusively to play THEM

GoldFFinch (Numbers)
These guys are seriously ones to watch. After “burned Bitʼ Came out on Numbers a few people got to know about their innovative mash of House and Techno. They havesuch a unique and potent sound that it is only a matter of time before they blow. Loefah, Boddika, Jackmaster and Mary Anny Hobbs know this, thatʼs why they play their tracks, and we do too, bringing you their London debut

FUNKYSTEPZ (Hyperdub)
UK Funky dons Funkystepz, their tunes always get the crowd sweating – pure energy vibes and a rinse out edge colour the Skipping 2 step structures of their sound. And their DJ sets bring out all this plus the odd overlooked classic. A true winner every time

J SWEET (Slit Jockey)
J Sweet AKA Marxmen is a surefire when it comes to Hench Grime instrumentals he really takes no prisoners. Set to take the energy that bit darker. Signed to Starkeyʼs imprint Slit Jockey

+ RESIDENTS —TRIPPER, SDUK & CNTRST, BAGHEERA, OFF KEY

»FACEBOOK EVENT LINK«

»TICKET LINK«

10PM-6AM, Friday 8th June
@ Corsica Studios, London, SE17 1LB

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #113 - The Illuminated

The latest feature in the MakeItGood x FKOF series has an in-depth (and pretty awesome) interview, mix and free (four track!) EP. We kind of like to spoil you guys occasionally! The artist – or artists in this case – doing the honours are a dubstep DJ/ producer collective from Holland; The Illuminated. The three guys have been stirring up a storm recently with their take on the dubstep sound, you’ll know why once you’ve read their interview. When they offered up the audio goodies, we sat down and got chatting. Put the kettle on and get some good music going in the background, this is a long one…

[Joep and Yuri]

Who are The Illuminated?

Yuri (Dyzz), Joep (Rebus) and Maarten (Vence).

How did you guys all meet? What got you into mixing and producing dubstep?

At first Joep and Maarten got connected at local hip-hop parties in Eindhoven around 2006; both producing and performing as hip-hop artists. They started producing UK breakbeat and electro (and fidget) later that year. Around 2008 Joep and Maarten discovered the dubstep sounds from the UK and Holland and focused their productions more and more on the 140bpm trip. Around 2009 Joep and Yuri got to meet in person at a gig called “Dubstep a Go-Go” in Utrecht. They already knew one another from the dubstep.nl forum community. Within a month Joep introduced Yuri to Maarten and that is basicly when we started The Illuminated collective. We were driven by enthusiasm to start something new; combining DJs, producers and more. Maarten and Joep mainly on production and Yuri as DJ. Joep started FKOFing around with tracks and DJing around 2008 with a midi-controller and his MacBook. Yuri had been into dubstep since 2005/2006 (and a lot of IDM earlier in the 2000’s) and had bought his first dubstep vinyl in London after the DMZ 3^rd Birthday party in 2008.

How would you describe your production style?

Our sound is probably best described as our interpretation of the more deeper side of dubstep. We feel quite a strong connection to the techy and industrial style of fellow Eindhovians Icicle, Proxima, Martyn, Nymfo and Piro. Most of the times we’re at 140bpm but every now and then we like to make some drum&bass.

How do you go about building your tunes? is there a process behind each one? What software do you use?

Nothing special really. Somewhat cheesy maybe but we usually chill around and start with some drums. “Go with the flow” is a basic description of our progress. We use Ableton and its stock plugins along with some free stuff. Hardware-wise we have a midi-keyboard, 2 rockit KRK 6’s and a sub (which is currently not connected because of the neighbours at Maarten’s place haha)!

How long have you been producing and DJing together?

Maarten in 2000, Joep started in 2004 and Yuri learned all his tricks from both of them when we started producing together in 2009.

How did MaasBASS come about?

Yuri and Joep were residents at the illegal house parties in Maastricht in the Mandril Mansion under their alias “Bokito Soundsystem”. Aarjan was looking for a partner to start something new (and legal) in Maastricht and found Yuri as his significant other. We (Yuri and Aarjen) started the 1^st one in “het Landbouwbelang” – which was basically a squatted building with a license to do stuff ‘till 3am. The party started at 9pm and was sold-out (500 heads) at 9.30pm with a queue outside of 200 heads waiting to get in. After that Aarjan found the Muziekgieterij and the Muziekgieterij found us to start a monthly bass driven party (which is how MaasBASS got its name). For now things are a bit quiet but I promise we will be back in September for more education.

Turntables or CDJs for when you play out?

Yuri has been properly educated and knows his way around a couple of 1200s. Joep however only uses CDJs, he says his hands shake too much so he’s always scared around needles!

What’s been your best gig (as DJs) and if you could DJ alongside anyone, who would it be?

Technically it was at Dump! (Utrecht). The whole set was on point and the soundsystem is our personal favorite of all clubs in Holland. However, it was amazing to be playing at the Pact Festival 2011 (Eindhoven) on Queensday. The combination of being in your hometown at a techno festival but still having more than 200 people (including some of your best friends) skanking out to your dubstep/ drum&bass sounds is just golden. Also the weather was spot on. Alongside Yunx and RSD would be our personal wet dream.

Who are your top 5 dubstep producers at the moment; and why? Any labels you’re feeling?

We would like to split it to 2: top 3 all-time producers and top 5 dubstep producers at the moment. Yuri Top 3 all time:

1. Noisia
2. Radiohead
3. Chemical Brothers

Top 5 dubstep producers at the moment:

1. Kaiju
2. Subreachers
3. Clubroot
4. Headhunter
5. TMSV (just because he has this awesome hair-do)

Joep Top 3 all time:

1. Noisia
2. Arts the Beatdoctor
3. Jah Shaka

Top 5 dubstep producers at the moment:

1. Kaiju
2. Icicle
3. TMSV (bromance baby)
4. Razor Rekta
5. Killawatt & Ipman (they come as a package right? Haha!)

Maarten Top 3 all time:

1. Noisia
2. Nobody Beats The Drum
3. Martyn

Top 5 dubstep producers at the moment:

1. Sleeper & District
2. Kryptic Minds
3. Thelem
4. Benton
5. TMSV

Labels: Osiris, Black Box, Box Clever, MUD/ MUV, Artikal, Medi, Shogun, Critical, Diffrent, Dispatch, Tempa, Renegade Hardware, Subway, Origin Audio, Orientis, Mindstep, Tribe12, Chestplate, Tectonic, Ranking.

What’s the future of dubstep – where do you see the genre going? Where do you see it fitting in within the ‘bass music’ spectrum?

The genre has now probably developed far enough to clearly see different styles within it. When we think something sounds like ‘dungeon’ we just call it dungeon you know, it’s just so much simpler to see the things as they are and start calling things by their name. Still, we know about the history and always try to keep in touch with ‘the soul’ of dubstep; whatever direction we take. As for ‘commercial dubstep’, basically we don’t really give a sh!t. We’re just doing what we like.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

For now we’ve just got our first exposure out in the open with you giving away the FKOF EP [available below as a free download]. Some remixes are on their way from us as well as from other producers remixing some of our tracks. Labels have contacted us but there’s nothing serious yet. We’ll see how things are developing later this year.

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers looking to get their music heard or signed?

No, we don’t haha. Feel free to email us with advice though!

Any shoutouts?

• The Holland crew friends and fam!
• Paul.piro bass pioneer Eindhoven
• tobias.inofaith for his extreme obsession with music production
• tomas.tomassive.tmsvauwww for just being awesome (no really, he’s awesome)
• thomas.halp for sleeping while Joep and Yuri were playing 180bpm full volume dnb
• Rik.myrkur his hugs
• Joep.addergebroed for being our little brother <3
• Micha.Pinda for being our big brother <3
• Roel.rule for having a well-educated taste in bass music
• Kaj.Iven for capturing almost every facial expression we can show
• Paulus.plus for educating
• Ewout.ew00t for being the front-line captain
• Derek.Chrome keepin’ it real
• niels.erwtenpeller for being Brillex
• Joram for capturing everything Kaj couldn’t capture
• Tim.Karma (blessssss up bredren)
• Tim.Tmus mashup master and carrot boss
• Geoff.Nicon for getting us TO DA CHOPPAH (GET DOWN GET DOWN)
• Tommy.Chillum cheeky gingerbwoi always fun having around
• Go.Goodje for being mother goose
• Cees.Case for blowing (so many puns intended). Perfect housewarming party planner
• Gijs.Proxima - dirty man
• June.Miller for getting their grooves on with piet. Ajeto!
• Aarjen.l’argent for our english pronounciation being truly a brother from another mother, fam-a-lam!
• Akespeare and PakOne for being the perfect hosts at every venue cq party. MaasBASS Family!
• Alex.Waivee Banana’s robbing them payama’s and all <3
• Judith.Ditl for the cupcakes (and being a top-notch girlfriend for Yuri <3)
• Ekim for getting down on our sounds. Scream baby! (and joeps significant other)
• Simone.Tenda for getting us introduced to all the maastrichtians
• Rob for knowing basicly everything and supplying subs at random parties and cars.
• Sjoerd.Scutch cruising 323F style
• Ed.Yuri’s dad for buying the Wormhole album by Ed Rush & optical

Scene supporters: Kaiju, Razor Rekta, Walsh, Dub Mechz, Perverse, Ash, Antics, Subreachers, Subculture Artists (Bless Verity J), Vandera and of course all the FKOF & MIG crew for supporting us in so many ways [big love guys]! Oh and Skream. Thanks for cleaning the stove hehe!

3 people (dead or alive) you’d book for an event (and why)?

1. Joep – David Rodigan, simply because he is the best at what he does
2. Maarten – Osdorp Posse, for hearing their ruff beats and pumped up performance one more time
3. Yuri – David Bowie, for seeing live what gave me music education.

Favourite Dutch dubstep producer?

Isn’t that abvious by now?!

Skrillex or David Guetta?

Potato.

[Maarten]

So. This mix? It’s 70 minutes and 35 tracks’ worth dubstep and drum&bass beauties. It’s definitely one of my recent favourites and definitely one worth downloading/ burning/ sharing/ listening to at loud volumes (preferably one or all of those options). It’s awesome!

Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list:

1. Quark - Patagonia [Ranking] 
2. Lojik - Panic Room [For The Win] 
3. The Illuminated - Limp [forthcoming Access FM – Free Compilation EP] 
4. Mala - Blue Notez [DMZ] 
5. Dub Mechanics - Talking To The Gods [dub] 
6. Subreachers - Shockwave [dub] 
7. V.I.V.E.K - The Big Bang [Deep Medi] 
8. District & Sleeper - Terraformed [Chestplate] 
9. The Illuminated - Scavenger [dub] 
10. The Illuminated - Scavenger (TMSV remix) [Exclusive dub] 
11. Objekt - The Goose That Got Away [Objekt] 
12. The Bug - Skeng (Kode9 remix) [Hyperdub] 
13. Data - Knives From Heaven [Black Box] 
14. TRG - Everything We Stand For [Cool And Deadly] 
15. Biome - Moody [Macabre Unit Digital] 
16. TMSV - Future History [dub] 
17. Jack Sparrow - The Chase VIP [Tectonic] 
18. Cymatic - Glue [Box Clever] 
19. Kaiju - Double Dragon [dub] 
20. Perverse - The Iceman [Artikal] 
21. Dub Phizix & Skeptical ft Strategy - Marka [Exit] 
22. June Miller - Snapcase [Critical] 
23. Octane & DLR - Ordnance [free] 
24. Icicle & Commix - Ultra Clean [Shogun Audio] 
25. Optiv & BTK - Whatever [Dutty Audio] 
26. Amoss - Flex [Renegade Hardware] 
27. Icicle - Dreadnaught [Shogun Audio] 
28. Dabs - Subsidiary [Dispatch] 
29. Freaks Of Nature (Sparx & Tunnidge) - Dave’s Wives [Zombie] 
30. Ed Rush & Optical - Wormhole [Virus] 
31. Xtrah - Eradicate [Subtitles UK] 
32. Foreign Concept - Mob Justice (Enei remix) [Critical] 
33. Jekyll - Drainpipe [Diffrent] 
34. Hybris - The Blinds [Dispatch Ltd.] 
35. The Roots ft Black Thought, Common, Dice Raw, Flo Brown, Mos Def, Jazzyfatnastees - Hurricane (The Illuminated remix) [Exclusive dub]

Oh, and that EP I talked about earlier? That’s as good (if not better) than The Illuminated’s mix for MakeItGood x FKOF. 2 stellar originals from the Dutch dubstep collective, 1 wicked remix and 1 truly amazing Icicle x Mavado x TMSV mashup…

Let us know what you think of The Illuminated’s interview, mix and free EP via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #112 - Axon

The next artist to be featured in the MakeItGoodx FKOF series cut his teeth learning the ropes with arguably two of dubstep’s finest young producers. While Ipman and Killawatt have (sort of) stuck with the 140bpm sounds, Kane FM’s Axon has made a name of himself by speeding things up and sitting around the 174bpm area. Given Axon’s heritage, and the fact he’s a gatekeeper to the best cat videos on the internet (more on that later), we figured we’d take a departure from the standard deep and dark sound we support in the MIG x FKOF series. This is the first time that we’ve gone with a strictly DnB mix/ artist and Axon definitely doesn’t disappoint…

Who is Axon?

Axon is me, George Aston. I am a drum and bass producer based in Guildford UK. I’m also a line-manager and presenter at our local legal FM underground music radio station, Kane 103.7 FM.

What got you into mixing and producing drum&bass? How woud you describe your production style?

I started out mixing and writing dubstep with my buddy Ipman as Magic Mash, about 4 years ago. We lived together at uni and he had decks so I started mixing. We were doing a creative music tech course at Surrey Uni so started getting into production. DnB has always been my proper passion though, started working on some solo stuff about a year and a half ago as Axon. I suppose I would describe my tunes as bleepy techy wonky minimal DnB… I can’t write a decent straight beat! Something I’ve never have been able to do; as soon as I start moving snares about to unusual places and get some beeps in I seem to be able to find a vibe.

How long have you producing and DJing?

DJing and producing about 4 years, only DnB last 2 years.

How do you go about building your tunes ? is there a process behind each one? What software do you use?

I compose on Logic, absolutely love it. Everything works though, you’ve just got to know how to use it. Tunes usually start off as an idea through listening to other tunes in the shower or the car. Then I try and lay it down; start fiddling with percussion and something completely new usually comes out. I use lots of samples and a bit of synth work. I need to try and concentrate more on synths, but I have to work fast to keep a buzz going. Samples are good for working that.

Turntables or CDJs for when you play out?

I started out on vinyl, but now strictly CDs. Anything can go wrong on turntables - and clubs don’t look after on them anymore. Wherever you are CDJs will work the same. And all the promos and dubs are all digital now…

What’s been your best gig and if you could DJ alongside anyone, who would it be?

Best gig is probably a Magic Mash one playing at Guilfest last year for Kane FM. We were part of a team running the dance tent there. Were on straight after Nero, was about 1500 people in the tent. Was the tits! Mosh pits and everything. Andy C is my all time greatest hero mixing-wise. If you know me then you know how emotional I get about his DJing. For my type of DnB though, the last few times I have seen Kasra, who runs Critical, he has smashed it up.

Who are your top 5 drum&bass producers at the moment; and why? Any labels you’re feeling?

That is too hard! I’m gonna do more than 5. For what I write: Rockwell, Dub Phizix, Alix Perez, Amoss, Noisa, Phace, Xtrah, Data etc, but then there are people like Break and SPY who influence me hugely in a less direct way. Labels: Critical, Demand, I also love how varied the output from Shogun is. The label I’m on too, Proximity. They have been putting out some sick tunes recently and it’s an honour to be on there with people like Meth, Gerra & Stone, Xtrah and so on. There are some big things in the Proximity pipeline coming up too.

What’s the future of DnB - where do you see the genre going? Where do you see it fitting in within the ‘bass music’ spectrum?

FKOFing hell! Hmmmm. DnB is huge right now commercially, but also in the underground. Fresh has had like 3 number ones or something! He was part of Bad Company, it’s mad. However you have deep tunes like ‘Marka’ becoming huge as well. It’s an exciting time and it’s only going to get bigger. When dubstep came along people thought it would kill off DnB ? but they are now both thriving (and I think they work well together). Hopefully there will be a place for my glitchy bollocks in the future. Bass music is massive (as it should be), and you can hear DnB and dubstep influencing music across the board. It’s a good time to be in the scene, and the future is looking better.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

I’ve got a 3 track EP coming out on American label Icarus Audio soon, which is exciting. Big up Staticalpha and Fallen for their support. I’ve also got a single track forthcoming on Proximity on a compilation thing, but a while off I think. Nearly got a bit done with my mate Killawatt which sounds good, and I’ve started a tune with Data, but not sure if we will ever get it done! So more bits in the pipeline.

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers looking to get their music heard or signed?

Specialise! Too many new producers write music that’s too varied and just get lost. Find a style you like and get good at it. Write lots of similar tunes. You can branch out once you are big and respected. Work with other people as much as you can, send your tunes to other people as much as you can (for feedback) - and don’t be afraid of criticism! Wail until you are at a decent level before you send stuff off to labels. I have put tunes out that I listen back to now and they are dreadful; I wish I had waited a bit longer. However, on the flipside, it’s hard to listen objectively to your own tunes. If you think it is rubbish but lots of people (who know what they are talking about) say it is sick, believe them!

Any shoutouts?

The whole team behind Kane FM. Run by a group of amazing volunteers and providing a sick station for people who are fed up of usual shite from the radio. Fame, Nomis, Subterra, Murkle, the whole gang. Basher and Kit at Proximity. Never had so much support from a label, was so psyched when Basher hit me up. One of the best moment yet! My good buddy and MC Tone Def and his partner in crime Kreepah. My friends and sick dubstep producers Killawatt and Ipman who are doing big things at the moment on the 140 side of things. We all did the same course at uni and they have been such a massive influence on me in terms of making tracks sound decent. Wouldn’t be doing anything without them two! My mate and massive inspiration Data. MC Fuzzy Ruzzy, and DJ Curry Mutton as well. And of course FatKidOnFire and MakeItGood for the support [nice one man]! So many good people in this game.

3 people (dead or alive) you’d eat pizza with (and why)?

Will Smith (before I found out he was into Scientology), Andy C and Trey Parker. Man crush on Will Smith, Man love for Andy C, and South Park/ Team America are my absolute favourites.

Favourite website for cat videos?

www.animalsbeingdicks.com Shout out to Inception Cat and Laddergoat. I spend far too much time on YouTube. Everyone look up the original Japanese ‘Silent Library’. Toooooo funny!

Marka or Skeng?

Don’t do this to me? Marka probably, such hype for that tune. Still kills it now even though it’s rinsed. And the flip! ‘Rags’ is just mental.

Axon’s mix for MakeItGood and FatKidOnFire is a solid selection of massive DnB tunes and marks the start in the next chapter of the series (any DnB producers/ DJs interested in taking part? Hit me up). Follow Axon on Facebook and Twitter, and don’t forget to tune into his shows on Kane FM (every other Thursday/ Friday).

Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list:

1. Alix Perex & Rockwell - Ballbag [Neosignal] 
—- Axon - Untitled [dub] 
2. Fracture - Bad Habit [Astrophonica] 
3. Axon - Radial [Proximity] 
4. Gerra & Stone - Subconscious Control [forthcoming Proximity] 
5. Sabre, Stray & Halogenix - Askari [Invisible] 
6. Flame - The Game (Axon remix) [forthcoming Icarus Audio] 
7. Detail - Autoreiji [dub] 
8. Hybris - Raindance [Critical] 
9. Axon - Pinpoint [forthcoming Proximity] 
10. Heavy1 - Specium [forthcoming Vampire] 
11. Mtwn - Aftermath [Proximity] 
12. Matt Pulsar - Aerolite [dub] 
13. Axon - Deadline [forthcoming Icarus Audio] 
14. Axon - Relapse [Proximity] 
15. Axon - Fibres [Proximity] 
16. Dub Phizix ft. Fox - Never Been [forthcoming Critical] 
17. Spectrasoul ft. Terri Walker - Light in the Dark [Shogun Audio] 
18. June Miller - Snapcase [Critical] 
19. Rockwell - Full Circle [Shogun Audio] 
20. DJ Fresh - Heavyweight [Digital Soundboy] 
21. Submotion Orchestra - All Yours (SPY remix) [Hospital] 
22. Sabre, Stray & Halogenix - St. Clair [Critical]

Let us know what you think of Axon’s mix and interview via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara

ILLAMAN - What Can You See

Not long ago, we interview ILLAMAN as part of our MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire series, so when we saw he’d released his new video for ‘What Can You See’ as part of his Wonky Face EP, we had to share it!

Check out his new video below, and make sure you follow him on Twitter and Soundcloud. 

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #111 - Subverse

The MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire feature series has long been known for supporting the deep and dark sounds of dubstep, but there are occasionally times when we discover artists who are so good we feel they deserve a mention. Brighton and London’s Subverse is one of those artists. Nick emailed us back at the beginning of March with his Bandcamp link (where he’s giving away a few of his awesome remixes/ releases). He sent over the brilliant mix (which you’ll find below) and came back with the following interview…

Who is Subverse?

Subverse is a name I explore electronic music under.

What got you into mixing and producing bass music? How would you describe your production style?

I got in to mixing at a pretty young age. I was introduced to jungle and drum&bass when I went to secondary school by a friend’s older brother (who was DJing on a local pirate radio station called Flight Fm). My friend and I used to chill in his room, watching and listening to him play records. He was kind enough to let me borrow his tape packs, teach me the basics of mixing and introduce me to the guys in the local record store which at the time was Slammin’ Vinyl in Kingston. Buying and mixing drum&bass was my first introduction into DJing. I first heard dubstep in 2008. I was involved in pirate radio and running club nights in London, through all of that stuff I met Joe from Vagabondz. It was his passion for dubstep that made me really start to pay attention to the genre, from then I’ve just kept exploring and buying dubstep, house, techno etc. (all the stuff that gets labelled as “bass music”). I think the kind of music I play and produce now is a culmination of years of exploring underground music and hanging on to the parts I like and losing the parts I don’t. For me I think nostalgia is an incredibly powerful thing, so when I make music or look for new music to play I always search for sounds that remind of music I love, or that reminds me of a time or place. I would say my production style or the sound I strive to achieve from my productions is heavily based around my love for all things analogue, I try and create music with as much sound from outside of a computer as possible.

How long have you producing and DJing?

I’ve been buying records for 10 years and DJing for the majority of that time. I started to produce music when I was 17/18, thats when I decided to quit my job and go back to college/ and then Uni to really learn music technology, but I would say I’ve only made stuff to a reasonable standard for a year or so.

How do you go about building your tunes ? is there a process behind each one? What software do you use?

I use Logic and as far as a process, it’s always sounds that inspire me to write a tune. That could be a sample from an old record I’ve recently picked up; a synth sound I’ve made; anything really, but it’s always sound that inspires me. Once I’ve been inspired, writing the tune is always different.

Turntables or CDJs for when you play out?

I play a lot of my own music these days so I end up using CDJs which I genuinely hate. I’m still an avid collector of vinyl, but I’m not a fan of playing digital music with analogue music so I tend to play either a whole set of vinyl or a whole set on the CDJs.

What’s been your best gig and if you could DJ alongside anyone, who would it be?

I’ve played loads of great gigs that have really blown me away. Some that stand out would be playing at Plan B in Brixton just before dbridge, he’s always been a massive inspiration to me as both a DJ and a producer. Playing Digital in Brighton before Plump Dj’s and Audio Brighton before Drop The Lime have also really stuck in my mind because the tracks I would naturally draw for probably weren’t going to be what the crowd would want to hear, so that really made me dig through my collection to build those sets. Which was fun! I’ve also played at amazing shows for the Vagabondz guys in Brighton. There’s so many DJs I’d love to play alongside, all the big cliche ones, but apart from those guys I’d love to play on a night alongside Amon Tobin; his albums are mind blowing.

Who are your top 5 dubstep/ bass music producers at the moment; and why? Any labels you’re feeling?

In no particular order:

• Dark Sky,
• Scuba,
• Alphabets Heaven,
• Girl Unit and
• Envelope.

I want to give these guys a mention because if I played a set with just music from them, I could cover every style and sound that I am currently really feeling. From the wonky experimental end with Alphabets Heaven and Envelope, the ambient melancholy sounds of Scuba and then two completely different uses of classic drum machine sounds from Dark Sky and Girl Unit. Label-wise Hot Flush, Hyperdub, Cross Town Rebels, Exit, DMZ, Deep Medi and Night Slugs are always releasing great music.

What’s the future of dubstep - where do you see the genre going? Has it got a future?

I see a real comparison in the development of dubstep and the development of drum&bass, but just really accelerated due to the easy access to information and music that the internet brings. I see dubStep developing into different sub-genres or sounds like we have started to see already just as drum&bass did. There will be different labels and nights to cater for that. For me dubstep has become very formulaic and that is a bad thing, it was the openness to experimentation and different influences people brought to the table that made dubstep interesting to me and that seems to of been lost. I kind of feel most dubstep has just become throwaway club music, but there are still some great tunes being made so dubstep definitely has a future. I hope that after this current mainstream fascination with dubstep has died down people go back to experimenting with the genre and tempo.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

I am currently putting wheels in motion for a self released Cassette Tape featuring music that has all been inspired by my early exposure to dance music. Expect jungle, breakbeats, 4x4 and big basslines. That will be out with artwork and a print designed from my good friend Tom Lewis in the not to distant future, as well as that I have a load of techno records finished that I will be doing something with.

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers looking to get their music heard or signed?

Keep offline for as long as possible that would be my biggest piece of advice. Take your time and really learn your trade well, build a big catalogue of music then take it from there. I feel a bit silly giving advice because I’m not signed or anything like that.

Any shoutouts?

Shouts to B’ka, Murder He Wrote, Dubloke, all the Below The Line gang, Envelope, The Love Sick Records crew, Cub Scout, Charlie from Gorgeous George, Wired, Tom Lewis and Polar Kid.

3 people (dead or alive) you’d go to the pub with (and why)?

1. Wiley - he just seems like he’s on the edge between creative genius and nutcase. People like that interest me.
2. Stevie Hyper D - I used to rinse tapes I had of him so if we could change the pub for Koko I could get to see him perform, that would be a dream come true.
3. Steve Jobs - One of the greatest men of recent years. It would have been great to get an insight into his mind as well as an insight into where he saw the future for technology and computing.

Analog or digital? Why?

I don’t get the context of this question but I will say as a general rule there are always pros and cons to both so weigh them up and go with whatever suits your needs best.

SoundCloud or Bandcamp?

If they came together that would be perfect. Soundcloud for the user interface and community feel. Bandcamp for selling or collecting emails for your music. Neither of them are perfect though.

Subverse’s mix for MakeItGood x FKOF is an hour’s worth of tracks from Burial, Joy O, Scuba and a whole host of other superb dubstep/ bass music producers. It’s a free download as always, hit Nick up on Twitter and Facebook if you’re feeling it! Don’t forget to head over to the Subverse bandcamp to get your hands on the four downloads from there.

Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list:

1. Subverse - My Heart Beats For You [free download via Bandcamp] 
2. Burial - Street Halo [Hyperdub] 
3. Guy Andrews - Textures [Hemlock] 
4. Sigha - How To Disappear [Hot Flush] 
5. George Fitzgerald - Don’t You (SCB Edit) [Hot Flush] 
6. Subverse - Indifference [Dub] 
7. George Fitzgerald - Friends In High Places [Hot Flush] 
8. Subverse - The Calm Before The Storm [Dub] 
9. Subverse - Deluge [Dub] 
10. Scuba - The Hope [Hot Flush] 
11. Timo Garcia ft. Amber Jolene - City Lights (Solee Remix) [Yoshitoshi] 
12. Fur Coat ft. Cari Golden - You and I [Cross Town Rebels 
13. Lando Kal - Rhythm Sektion [Hot Flush] 
14. Fur Coat ft. Argenis Brito - Space Ballad (T.E.E.D remix) [Cross Town Rebels] 
15. George Fitzgerald – Weakness [Hot Flush] 
16. Joy O - Jels[Hot Flush] 
17. Dark Sky - Be Myself [50 weapons] 
18. Girl Unit - Every Time[Night Slugs] 
19. Nguzunguzu - Mirage (Brenmar remix) [Silverback Records] 
20. Subverse - Old Enough To Know Better [free download via Bandcamp] 
21. Club Scout - Gold (Subverse remix) [free download via Bandcamp]

Let us know what you think of Subverve’s mix and interview via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara

Krypt @ PST with Content, Catacombs and more - 25/05/12

Krypt returns this month to PST club in Birmingham, for another event that will be showcasing the deeper sounds of Dubstep. DJ’s on the night will be Content, Catacombs, JKE, Duskdown, Justify, Del Monte and Kooie. 

Get in before 11pm and it’s free, otherwise £5 after. For more information, check out the facebook event page. 

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #110 - Reamz

Last week saw MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #109 go live with a wicked 128-140bpm vinyl-only mix from Fent Plates label boss man Seizure, and today sees us sit down with Bacon Dubs’ Reamz…

[Photo by Rewire Oxford]

Who is Reamz?

I am an 18 year old producer from Oxfordshire, UK.

What got you into mixing and producing dubstep? What’s your style - big, dark basslines or as filthy as possible?

I started out using software to record my old band; not really having any idea what I was doing (just messing around trying to make it sound good). I eventually discovered dubstep through a friend so decided to branch out a little and try to produce some. At this time I was using FL Studio with no idea what anything did, I didn’t even know EQ and compression existed! Luckily my friend who introduced me to the music was a producer as well and he helped me out a lot. I produce 140 bass music in whatever style I’m feeling most at the time.

What software do you use to produce your tracks?

I started on FL but now use Logic Pro 8.

Turntables or CDJs?

Will always be mainly vinyl for me. There is an amazing feeling about owning a record and playing it. CDs just don’t compare. However, it’s nice being able to play out unreleased music without spending 40 quid getting each track cut. The mix I recorded [for MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire] was completely CD though as I wanted to showcase the music rather than the mixing.

How long have you producing and DJing?

Probably been producing about a year and a half/2 years now. Been DJing for little over a year.

What’s been your best gig and if you could DJ alongside anyone, who would it be?

The best gig I have ever been to was the most recent GetDarker night at Cable. The RC1 soundsystem they had was unreal and the whole room was vibes all night. No topless, traffic cone-wearing, neon painted c**t getting in my way. Best gig I have played would have to be Ukraine a month or so back. The vibes in that club were awesome. People really seemed to be feeling the music. If I could DJ alongside anyone it would probably be either Youngsta (purely to watch him mix) or Biome (to hear all his dubs). Would have to be on a boat party at Outlook as well.

Who are your top 5 dubstep producers at the moment; and why?

1. Biome - This man is killing everything. Haven’t heard a single tune of his that I don’t like
2. Truth - The amount of tunes these boys churn out is insane!
3. Perverse - Really fresh new take on the sound and they’re really nice guys (Churrrr)
4. Kryptic Minds - Will always be in my top 5
5. Cauze - Seriously, watch out for this boy.

So many great guys to choose from. The amount of talent around at the moment is insane!

What’s the future of dubstep - where do you see the genre going?

I think the scene is actually in a really good place at the moment. As I said, there are so many new artists emerging who are all really pushing the true sound of dubstep. I don’t think dubstep will ever be represented properly on a commercial scale but I don’t see that as a bad thing. Nothing will beat a room of 10 heads vibing to the music.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

Nothing announced for now. But my new E.P ‘Fear’ has only just come out so go cop that if your feeling it. I am also in talks with a few labels atm but that’s all secret. Follow me on Twitter or SoundCloud to keep up to date.

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers?

The most important thing I would say is be completely honest with yourself about your tracks. If you don’t like how it sounds don’t send it out. Doing so will just give yourself a bad name. But once you are happy with them, send them to everyone. You never know who might like it and what connections they might have.

Any shoutouts?

I would just like to say a big shoutout to the following artists: Sparxy, Skriptah, Hiloxam and everyone else from the Bacon Dubs Crew. Perverse, Compa, Widowmaker, Content, Collision, Formless, Scalade, Occult, Percept, DRTY, Cyntel and everyone that has helped and supported me in anyway. Big up to all!

Reamz’ mix for MakeItGood and FatKidOnFire features a solid selection of dubs from the some of the best up and comers producing the deep and dark sounds. Hit Brad up on Twitter or SoundCloud to let him know if you’re feeling the mix!

Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list:

1. Facta - Surface Tension 
2. Reamz - Fear VIP 
3. Pheral - Untitled 
4. Reamz - Engage 
5. Skriptah - Dark Animal 
6. Alias - Boggart (Reamz remix) 
7. Gantz - Cave Dance 
8. DJ Madd - The Life You Chose 
9. Reamz - Dimension 
10. Kbeatz & Cauze - Nightmares 
11. Reamz - Dusk (Widowmaker remix) 
12. Sparxy - Full Throttle (Reamz remix) 
13. Tallan - East 
14. Reamz - Colony

Let us know what you think of Reamz’s mix and interview via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara

Redux 2nd Birthday @ Corsica Studios - 11/05/12

Tomorrow (11th) sees Redux turn 2, and to celebrate, they are taking over Corsica Studios with one hell of a line-up. Over the past two years they have been providing ravers with the very best of the UK underground, from the pioneers of sound system and rave culture to those blazing bright new trails through bass. 

Advanced tickets are £11 and can be bought here. For more information, check out the facebook event page, and make sure you follow Redux on Twitter and Facebook. 

Urban Nerds 5th Birthday @ Scala - 26/05/12

Urban Nerds celebrate five years of crazy line-ups in London, as they pull out all the stops to hand pick a diverse set of underground UK bass, dubstep, grime and funky acts on one of their broadest cross-sections of talent yet. Taking over Scala on the 26th, and offering up 3 rooms, this is set to be one memorable night. 

£12 tickets are available here. For more information about the event, check out Urban Nerds facebook page. 

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #109 - Seizure

Today sees us release our next MakeItGood x FatkidOnFire feature, and this time Seizure’s in the hot spot! For those of you who don’t know, Seizure runs successful label Fent Plates, and is also a DJ/Producer. We sat down with Za to find out more about the label and what he’s up to. Make sure you grab his mix, which takes you from 128-140BPM, it’s a little different from our usual 140 business! 

Who is Seizure ?

My name is Za and I’m 21. I am a Hip Hop & Dubstep producer and DJ. I am currently studying Aerospace Engineering at The University of Southampton but from a little town called Gerrards Cross. I run a couple of labels, an avid graffiti artist, urban photographer and a medium term stock trader. Ahah! Not sure what else to say really!

What got you into producing Dubstep? How long have you been doing it for?

I started producing when I was 13, originally only making Hip Hop. I heard DMZ in about 2003 / 2004 and was completely blown away. I immediately stopped making Hip Hop and made the transition over to Dubstep, solely focusing in producing chilled out music.

What software do you use to produce your tracks?

Since day one I’ve used Fruity Loops as my main interface but also use Sony Acid, Audacity and Cubase. My main source of samples and recording comes from my Condenser microphone set up where I record most the instruments you hear in my tracks. So I don’t really spend a lot of time using software and would rather spend the time using real instruments.

Turntables or CDJs?

I only use 12”. I have never used CD decks or know how to use them and I don’t think that will ever change. I have always got my own tracks cut to Dubplate or tracks that I really like by other artists cut to Dubplate. I cherish everything that surrounds vinyl culture and feel very sad that the new DJ just can’t be bothered with it all and would rather use a laptop. I feel like they’ve missed out on something truly special. Discussing mixing styles and what not, I have changed a lot over time. I like to sometimes mix one bar off, which is what you’ll hear in the mix I’ve done for you, where the track drops and then drops again just one bar after each other. It sounds different. Also, I don’t mind when listening to a mix and hearing the track go off just a bit and you feel and hear the DJ pull it through, it just seems more real, organic, rather than this automated BPM matching software these days.

What’s been your best gig and if you could DJ alongside anyone, who would it be?

Errmm, this is a tough one. Best experience whilst Djing has to be at Beach Break Festival. Really enjoyed it and felt honoured to be asked to play. Saying that, my favourite sets to play in general are at the Soul Cellar in Southampton. It’s the only venue which really allows me to play exactly what I want to and the sound system in there is beautiful.

Dj alongside anyone? Phaeleh.

Who are your top 5 dubstep producers at the moment; and why?

1. Phaeleh – As mentioned above, easily the best producer out there and still completely under rated.
2. Asa – Genre defining and genre changing music, pushing the boundaries and exploring all sorts of emotive music within Dubstep and elsewhere.
3. Kasket – A new kid on the block, but definitely a person to look out for. His latest release absolutely blew me away, especially “A Sony For Sunday”.
4. Dfaultuzer – An unknown artist with a unique sound. I’ve never heard anything like it, be sure to keep an eye out on him.
5. Djwanka – Deep Medi artist. Unbelievable drum patterns, inspirational synthesis. That’s enough said really. Check out his clothing brand too.

You founded Fent Plates Records, tell us a little about why/when you started it?

I took a gap year in July 2009 and by July 2010 I had decided to start the label. I wanted to really push the intelligent aspect of the Dubstep scene, putting out melodic and timeless music by a range of talented artists. We originally started off digitally and it was always going to happen that we started putting out 12”. Now every release will have a 12” followed by the digital release. Fent Plates also pushes the graphic designers, photographers and other people working behind the scenes. That is why we brought out a clothing range near the end of 2011. Fent Plate is all about the music and we hope to continue pushing the deeper aspect of the scene and bring forward as many talented artists as possible.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

I have two EP’s coming out on Bass Taste Records, one at the end of April and the other at the start of July. I have a remix coming out on Fent Plates in June which is part of the next big Fent Plates release which is a CD album by a very talented artist. I have a Hip Hop album coming out with my partner in crime within the Hip Hop scene, De Main. The album will be given away for free as part of the local newspaper in Southampton. And I think that’s about it! Ahaha!

Have you got any advice to upcoming producers/DJ’s?

Not much really as I’m in the same boat. I suppose the only thing I can say from a label head point of view is to stop sending demo’s in like crazy, the more an artist gets DJ’s to play their music and the more they work to deserve a release, the more a label will take notice.

Any shoutouts?

There are truly too many, but I’ll have a go! Arif, Saira, Miz, Kareem, Akash, Sunil, Rameez, Asa, Keith Vaz, Box Mouse, Kochari, Twitch, Blind Prophet, Gnome, Macabre Unit, Demon, N-Dread, A-List, Fused Forces, Rob Sparx, Roqqert, Dee Ellington, Quantax, Blynk, Gantz, De Main, dfaultuzer, Pledge, Paleman, Kiev, Numa Crew, John Maveric, Pulsar, Sykes, J-One, Phrex, Pressa, De Real, Triggy, Netrik, Badhair, Module, Basic A, Whyrez, Eamon, Ollie P, Hudson, Mike Ball, Matt Bredikis and all the other writers that are part of the upcoming website. The SUSUDjsoc, Guro, Nicky J, Keem, Taz & Moe at Phoenix, easily the best pressing plant in the world. I think that’s about it! Sorry if I forgot ya!

Seizure’s mix is another one that we are extremely proud to have in the series, so make sure you get this on your system! Check out Seizure on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud. 

Track list:

1. Arge Numa Crew – Feeling Macaco VIP [orthcoming White Peach Records] 
2. DJ Crazy – I Need You (Breach Remix) [Dirty Bird Records] 
3. Ill Blue – Meltdown [Numbers Records] 
4. Breach – Fatherless [PTN Records] 
5. Champion – Motherboard [Hardrive Records] 
6. Champion ft. Ruby Lee Ryder – Sensitivity [Fomula Records] 
7. Mosca – Done Me Wrong [Numbers Records] 
8. Champion – Lighter VIP [Formula Records] 
9. Mosca – Bax [Numbers Records] 
10. Redlight – Stupid Feat Roses Gabor [Digital Soundboy Records] 
11. GoldFFinch – Point Of Entry [877 Records] 
12. Seizure – Business (Crusty dubplate) [forthcoming Bass Taste Record] 
13. Mz Bratt – Selecta [Hardrive Records] 
14. Lapo Numa Crew - Infama Feat. Ninjaz & Charlie Dakilo [forthcoming White Peach Records] 
15. Headhunter – Futurebound [Tempa Records] 
16. Rob Sparx – Broke Feat Roqqert [Fent Plates Records] 
17. Asa – Leave The Light On (Stumbleine remix) [Fent Plates Records] 
18. Eddie K – Starlight [Hench Records] 
19. Rob Sparx – Try To Remember Feat Dee Ellington [Fent Plates Records] 
20. Lung & Maxx Roach – Booty Call [Deadplate Records] 
21. Seizure – Khaali – Very Old Crusty Dubplate 2008 [forthcoming Bass Taste Records] 
22. Botz Numa Crew - Nobody Can Stop Us [forthcoming White Peach Records] 
23. Phalaeh – In The Twilight [Afterglo Records]

Let us know what you think of Seizure’s mix and interview via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #108 - rssk

Tonight’s interviewee in the MIG x FKOF series is talented young DJ (and soon to be producer) rssk. Ross hit us up with a guest mix out of the blue a few months back, pushing the deep and dark sounds I love, and asking if we’d be interested in support his sound. Never one to turn down a nice email (or a great mix), we hit him up and here we are. You can find rssk on Twitter, SoundCloud and Mixcloud or keep reading for the full feature…

Who is rssk?

rssk is a 24 year old Nottingham-based DJ pushing the minimal sub driven dubstep sound.

What got you into mixing and producing dubstep? How would you describe your production style?

My love for music has seen me pass through almost every genre under the ‘electronic music’ umbrella. It all started with electro in the 2004, house and techno in early 2006 and finally dubstep in 2007. My infatuation with the dark minimal sound started when I ended up absorbed in a bass-heavy minimal mash-up by the one and only Kryptic Minds about 3 years ago. Working full time hasn’t left me with much opportunity to produce but I knew from that point I wanted to do more than just listen.

How long have you producing and DJing?

DJing for a little over a year.

How do you go about building your tunes ? is there a process behind each one? What software do you use?

For the last year I’ve been totally focussed on the mix and blend, aspiring to the heights of Youngsta’s minimal Mondays on Rinse FM. I’ve experimented with beats on both Acid Pro and Ableton Live and hope to dedicate more time to this over the next year. Watch this space!

Turntables or CDJs for when you play out?

Turntables all the way! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a flawless mix with acetate.

What’s been your best gig and if you could DJ alongside anyone, who would it be?

Unfortunately, I’ve yet to play out, and that’s not through a lack of trying. Nottingham has a thriving music scene and I?m sure an opportunity will present itself soon enough. (Although, if anyone fancies booking me, I’m cheap and low maintenance)! If I had the opportunity to DJ alongside anyone? I?d have to say Kryptic Minds, Youngsta or J:Kenzo (or all 3 if that could be arranged); they’re all stand up guys with serious skills across the board.

Who are your top 5 dubstep producers at the moment; and why? Any labels you’re feeling?

1. Vicious Circle - For destroying Youngsta?s Rinse show with afterlife and hibernation!
2. Razor Rekta - CHST018 is just massive!
3. Versa - For his intricate melodic vibes.
4. DCult - His attention to detail is untrue!
5. Sleeper - Banger after bass heavy banger.

MacarbeUnitDigital/ Osiris/ RedshiftOne/ Innamind/ Black Box, respect to all.

What’s the future of dubstep - where do you see the genre going? Has it got a future?

There’s no such thing as bad publicity, with artists like Skrillex, Nero and Skream being key in bringing dubstep to the masses (backgrounds aside)… The more the merrier in my opinion. But I\m convinced a natural progression will see more people flock toward the FKOF way of thinking [fingers crossed]!

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

I’ll get back to you on that one.

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers looking to get their music heard or signed?

Do what you enjoy, practice hard and don’t be afraid of rejection.

Any shoutouts?

Kryptic Minds, Youngsta and MC Toast for being nothing short of an inspiration, and The PNG Crew (namely Fable, Solero and GA), Anex and Gutcha for putting Notts on the map.

3 people (dead or alive) you’d go to the pub with (and why)?

The original Big Apple Records outfit to get a feel for how it all started.

Favourite clothing brand?

Boxfresh.

Microsoft or Apple?

I can’t afford Apple, so Microsoft I guess.

A strong selection of my favourite artists, some massive tunes and a respectable level of mixing skill. If this is a good example of what he’s capable, we’re going to be hearing more of rssk in the future. Promoters, book the guy! Grab the download and hit rssk up on Twitter if you enjoy it as much as I have…

Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list:

1. Formless - Hidden Realm 
2. Cluekid - Swampman 
3. DCult - Particle 
4. Versa & Rowl - Tesla 
5. Pheral - Hatchway 
6. Gutcha - Dark Visions 
7. Perverse - Shaitan 
8. TMSV - Difference (J:Kenzo remix) 
9. Sleeper - Untitled 
10. Versa - Monsoon 
11. Sleeper & District - Transitions 
12. Kotcha - Embrace (Georgehopcraft Master) 
13. Demon - Chang Caine 
14. TZR - Secrets (Instrumental) 
15. DJ Madd ft. LX One - Program 
16. Anex - Delusions 
17. Phaeleh - In The Twilight

Let us know what you think of rssk’s mix and interview via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #107 - Dyssomnia

It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a Dutch artist in the MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire series, the first (and only so far) was TMSV in August 2011. Luckily, we’ve got Dyssomnia to fly the flag for the Netherlands, with one of the deepest mixes we’ve had in the series for a while…

Who is Dyssomnia?

I’m a 17 year old producer from the Netherlands who loves dark bass music. I basically love every non-mainstream genre, but I generally appreciate all well-produced music.

What got you into mixing and producing dubstep? How would you describe your production style?

After going through a lot of other dark music genres (gabber, speedcore, terror, death metal, power noise etc) my nephew showed me a dubstep song at a party. Since then, I’ve only listened to dubstep and since I’ve got a lot of spare time, I started producing (and have done since I was introduced to the genre). As for my production style; dark dubstep things are basically the only things I show to other people. I make a lot of other things as well, but I don?t feel like showing it to the world at this point!

How long have you producing and DJing?

I’ve started fiddling around with Reason with my nephew when I was about 8 (he was 16 or so haha), trying to make gabber and what Dutch people call ‘hardcore’. I’ve been DJing since 2009 or so, so that’s 3 years.

How do you go about building your tunes? Is there a process behind each one? What software do you use?

I go about this differently every time. Most of the time, I hear a track that impresses me so much that I feel like making something on the same vibe, but at about 50% I switch everything up so it doesn’t become a copy of the track I like. With collabs I usually make a song to about 70 or 80% and get at a point where I feel like I can’t add anything anymore, so I’ll ask someone to collab with me, it’s worked ever since haha! I use Reason, but when I feel like it, I use FL or Logic!

Turntables or CDJs for when you play out? What’s the dubstep scene in Holland like?

I’ve only had to chance to play out one time and I used CDJs then. At home I use Technics or digital, it depends on whether I want to mix seriously (vinyl) or just something for fun (digital). The dubstep scene here was pretty good with big events like Sonic Warfare and Dub Infusions, but they’ve both quit. I do want to mention though that Audiobrawl is the next big thing for people in the middle of Holland, they always get the best artists first and their parties are mental!

What’s been your best gig and if you could DJ alongside anyone, who would it be?

Like I said, I’ve only had the chance to DJ once only (I’m always open for bookings though haha), but I’d love to DJ alongside people like Youngsta, TMSV, Killawatt or Core!

Who are your top 5 dubstep producers at the moment; and why? Any labels you’re feeling?

In no particular order, my favourite dubstep producers are:

1. Core,
2. Cauze,
3. Kode9,
4. Silkie &
5. Von D!

Core & Cauze are basically my favourite dark dubstep producers; they’re one of the few producers who still make dubstep that I actually think is very dark.Kode9 just puts great atmospheres in his tracks, which is really amazing! Silkie & Von D are my favourite all-round producers, since they’ve basically mastered it all. I have a secret love for jazz as well and I think their music is definitely influenced by jazz! I really like the label I’m on right now, which is Falkon Records, their music is really good so check them out!

What’s the future of dubstep ? where do you see the genre going? Has it got a future?

I can’t speak for the entire genre, but I think the darker side of dubstep will have the same sort of progression as Bebop jazz had in the mid 1950s. Bebop became faster and faster, up to 210 bpm and even more. Then, suddenly people started to experiment with opposing styles of Bebop; for example modal jazz which uses, like the name states, musical modes instead of chord progressions. I think dark dubstep will get darker and darker with the sick midrange people have been using lately, but a lot of people will probably go to another genre. The real dubstep heads will probably switch up to the roots again, with a lot of sub-bass and not so much midrange. Again, I can only speak for the dark side of dubstep, since I have no knowledge about the ‘other side’ of dubstep.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

I’m experimenting with a lot of different styles at the moment, so nothing yet confirmed for myself. Keep your eyes open to Falkon Records, they’ve got amazing artists (including myself haha!) signed and our first compilation just got released on Juno [which you can pick up here]!

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers looking to get their music heard or signed?

I believe that if your music is good enough, you should get some followers and eventually you’ll get in contact with promoters/ labels. Then again, make sure you are happy with your music first (before sending it out or showing to other people), you can’t honestly promote something you’re not happy with! Also, don’t take advice from friends who aren’t into the style you’re producing. If someone says your track is not so good because of the darkness, then he/she probably doesn’t like dark music. Show your music to people who have the same taste as you have, if that’s possible!

Any shoutouts?

Shouts to the Falkon Records crew, with special shouts to Konvex for being awesome! Also, shouts go out to Downfall, Gamma, Chapta, the entire Audiobrawl crew (you know who you are!) and all Dutch people who actually like proper dubstep like ZEER, Dyzz & Rebus, Reckless, Bo Salet AKA Zondermeer ½, Pontus Johansson AKA Certavi and everyone else who received my crappy WIPs in the middle of the night and actually listened to them!

Favourite DAW?

Definitely Reason, really easy to start of with but you can get pretty deep!

Alien or Predator?

ALIEN!

Tempa or Black Box?

Both. Every dubstep label is awesome!

We’ve been rinsing Dyssomnia’s mix since he sent it to us a week or so back. It’s a solid 40m of serious weight, with dubs and tunes forthcoming (on Falkon Records no less) from some of the best up-and-coming producers in dubstep. Give it a listen, get the free download and hit Dyssomnia up on Twitter if you feel it! You can also find Dyssomnia on Facebook and YouTube. Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list:

1. The Illuminated - Limp [dub] 
2. Dyssomnia & Downfall - untitled [dub] 
3. Kbeatz - Cold streets [dub] 
4. Chapta - Guess who [dub] 
5. Kbeatz - 717 [forthcoming FALKON RECORDS] 
6. Dyssomnia - Innerverse [dub] 
7. District - Gutter 
8. J:Kenzo & Mosaix - Alone in the Darkness 
9. Downfall & Jaydot - Night Vision [dub] 
10. Kbeatz & Cauze - Nightmares [dub] 
11. Biome - DMT 
12. TMSV & DJ MADD - Difference (J:Kenzo remix) 
13. Chapta - Bad feelin’ [dub] 
14. Dyssomnia & Konvex - Lobotomy [forthcoming FALKON RECORDS] 
15. Zoobi - Freeze VIP

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Lara