MakeItGood

We’re back to the sub-orientated end of dubstep today with a feature on an extremely talented producer from Kent. Trashbat’s been on the MakeItGood x FKOF radar for some time now – having released a few impressive tunes and collaborated with some of the artists we’re keen on. We recently caught up with Callum for a chat – which you can catch up on below. Be sure not to miss his awesome mix after the interview!

Who is Trashbat?

Trashbat is an alias I (Callum Grant) use to make music under. I took it from a TV show called Nathan Barley (written by Chris Morris & Charlie Brooker).

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

Well, instinctively I’d say deep & dark, I’m not really into what people call “brostep” – but saying that I do like a good bit of “filth” or “wobble” or whatever you want to call it. Just as long as its tasteful! I like people like Badklaat, Requake, all the H.E.N.C.H crew; as long as I can roll one up and vibe to it im not fussed. As for what got me into dubstep, I used to mix and produce DnB when I was younger, then I heard ‘Midnight Request Line’ and ‘Night’. At the time, I’d never really heard dubstep so it was new and exciting; then I stumbled across The Widdler and have been hooked ever since!

What software do you use to produce your tracks?

Reason 5 mostly, but I use FL9 to cut things up and make things with VSTs like hooks and pads.

Turntables or CDJs?

3 CDJs preferably, but put anything in front of me and I’ll happily have a mix.

How long have you producing and DJing?

I started when I was 14, I’m 22 now – so 8 years!

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

I haven’t done a lot of sets in the last year to be honest. For no particular reason I guess, but the dubstep scene in my immediate area (Barnhehurst/ Bexleyheath in case you’re wondering) is pretty dry. I had one a few months back in Maidstone at the Source Bar with Samurax, Jakey Shake & Decimator (aka The Filth Effect on Youtube) and, apart from a load of my boys not being let in because they were wearing joggers (hahaha!), it was a big night; nice crowd & good vibes. And if I could DJ alongside anyone? Youngsta & Toast at FWD.

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

1. Distance – probably my favourite of all time, his tracks are so consistant and as soon as it starts you can instantly tell it’s him (in a good way obviously), he’s just got such a refined sound
2. Icicle – same as above really, just love the refined unique sound he’s got
3. Kryptic Minds – do I need to explain why?!
4. Eyela Beret – watch out for this guy, his tracks just simply have weight, and he’s got a few decent cheeky bootlegs as well!
5. Duckem - really nice sub-oriented tracks, perfect smoking music in my opinion.

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

Hmmm, the future of dubstep? Well, I think we’ll see more and more of the genre enter the ‘mainstream’ sort of stage, which can be good and bad. Well, not bad, more annoying maybe? I think we’re not too far off seeing people like Rihanna, Lady Gaga etc [Britney, anyone?] trying their hand at ‘dubstep’ tracks. I think we’ll see more of these live dubstep ‘bands’ but it doesn’t really bother me, it’s not like I have to listen to it! On the other hand, I think things like J:Kenzo on Radio 1 is wicked! It’s good to see the more sub-oriented sound getting more exposure and, hey, if it means one day I’ll get to hear a bit of Kryptic Minds or some Digital Mystikz in the morning on the way to work then I say let it happen. Either way, I think it’ll only grow in fanbase, until something new comes along then it’ll slowly die down, retaining only it’s more hardcore fans; a bit like garage.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

I’ve been chatting to a few people but can’t give away anything just yet, but I’ve just released the ‘Old Manor Way EP’ that came out last month on Dubstrict Records, who incidentally have free album with 2 of my tracks on out on the 31st of October!

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers?

Erm, well seeing as I’m an upcoming producer I can’t really give any ‘advice’ as it were, so I’ll just say make what you want to make, don’t alter your sound for anyone! Integrity is the most important thing – the second you compromise your art for sake of sales/ popularity, then (in my opinion at least) you lose all artistic merit (without trying to sound too high and mighty)! 

By just looking at the track list you can tell it’s going to be a big one (and, of course, it doesn’t disappoint). Grab the free DL and hit up the Trashbat FB page if you enjoy it!

Track list:

1. Duckem - Galaxy 
2. Trashbat - Scorched Earth 
3. Stoner Movement - Legend4ry 
4. Side 2 Side VIP - Deesee 
»> Eyela Beret - Niribu 
5. Alias - Kick a hole in the speaker 
6. Trashbat - Aperture 
7. Trashbat - Monster 
8. Samurax - Too Far Gone 
9. Camu - Myosotis 
10. Camu - Myosotis (Trashbat Remix) 
11. Icicle & Distance - Exhale 
12. Trashbat - Dying Sun 
13. Unknown - Monolith 
14. Teknian - Isolation VIP 
15. Vibration Lab - Forward Operator (Tribute to Yellowman) 
16. Fused Forces - Diamondz 
17. The Widdler - Butterflies Remix 
18. Unknown - Saidii Dub 
19. Objekt - The Goose That Got Away 
»> Pinch - Swish 
20. Duckem - Truth Seeker 
21. Alias & Reamz - Def Stereo 
22. Trashbat - Ghosts 
23. Soap Dodgers - no. 6 
24. Killawatt - Sidewinder (Ipman’s Worldwide Sound Junglification)

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

Lara

This Friday 28th October, Dubliminal Records present a night of rootical dubstep, dub and bass music at Arch 269, Coldharbour Lane Brixton…

Cessman writes…
“We’ve pulled out all the stops for this event! Gangsta Boogie Music’s main man Heny G will be filling the headline slot on the night. If you know ‘proper’ dubstep at all, this man will need no introduction. We’ve got our first international booking in the form of the highly-acclaimed Danish duo ROOT (RDG & JB). Valor will be joining us on the night as our second international booking, all the way from Massachusetts, USA! We’re delighted to say that JazzyJazzy (aka J. Tijn) will be joining us again after playing an amazing cross-genre techno/boogie/dubstep set at our last event. Expect insane-o-boogie. Syte & O-Dessa’s reputations speak for themselves. You’ve almost certainly heard them on Sub.FM or at one of the many events they play at in the LDN/South East area. Our residents will of course also be playing some tunes on the night. Terrafonix (Cessman & Potentz) will be stepping up at around midnight to bless you with the core “Dubliminal” sound. Dubtechnicians are making the journey down from Leeds to grace the decks with another mixed-genre bag of goodness. DJ £10 Bag will be playing mostly 10” dubplates from the Dubliminal crew, and a few classic dubstep tracks. Straight vinyl & plates”

LINE UP

TERRAFONIX - CESSMAN & POTENTZ
Ariwa / Sin City / GetDarker / Police in Helicopter / Deep Medi

DJ HENY G 
Gangsta Boogie Music / Anti-Social / 3.5 / Flex FM

JAZZYJAZZY (aka J. TIJN)
Gangsta Boogie Music / Dubliminal

VALOR [USA] (UK debut)
Dubliminal

ROOT - RDG & J.B [Denmark] (UK debut)
Cloqwork / Surfase / Rood.fm

SYTE & O-DESSA
OpenEarz / Sub.FM / Kryptik Elementz / Lo Dubs

A-LIST & CRISP DUBS
Red Volume / Dubliminal

PRISM [USA] (UK debut)
Lovewave / Dubliminal Sunday

INFIDEL & PLAYA - DUBTECHNICIANS
Bass Clash / Dubliminal / Wake & Bake

DJ £10 BAG
Hyperblazing / Subheavy / Dubliminal

Hosted by J.MAN

@ Arch 269, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, South London, SW9 8SE.

Friendly security, cheap drinks, good smoking area.
Limited number of £5 tickets - More on the door

Contact: events@dubliminal.co.uk
Website: www.dubliminal.co.uk

» FACEBOOK EVENT «

check out a recent Terrafonix set from Dubliminal Sunday on Ustream

This week has been a very busy one in terms of MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire features, and there is no stopping us! So, we sat down with Ian from Black Acre, and chatted to him about the label and what we can look forward to. We are very pleased to announce that Memotone (signed to Black Acre) has also done a 45 minute mix for us! So, sit back and enjoy! 

1. Tell us a little about Black Acre Records…

I don’t really think of Black Acre as just a label it’s more of a home, or gang, or orphanage for Hip Hop’s refugees. I hope people can see from the Boiler Room show that the Acre family’s love for each other is deep. I liken it to 80’s Hip Hop label Cold Chillin, we have a Biz Markie, a Big Daddy Kane and a Marley Marl we are desperately in need of a Roxanne Shante though! I suppose I just see Black Acre as a place for like minded people to create pretty and or ugly things that sound cool.

2. Who is signed to Black Acre?

The main famalam consist of Blue Daisy, Hyetal, Fantastic Mr Fox, Snow Ghosts, Memotone, Brokenchord, Loops Haunt, Big Xylo with extended fam Dark Sky, Akira Kiteshi, Kelpe, 1000names, Dizz1…. Can’t forget Mary Anne Hobbs she’s like my 5th Beatle!

3. Why did you decide to set up a label?

After many years as an artist I was left with not alot except some insider knowledge I’d gathered from being repeatedly chewed up by the machine, so I decided I wanted to create a home for musical creative types but with genuine artist support, I’m still learning but I think I’m getting there, realse by release..

4. You recently took over Boiler Room (which was fantastic), so have you got any plans to host any other events?

Yes I love to curate a stage at a festival or maybe even do my own wierd event, I’m a big fan of ATP, Sonar and Bloc so I’d love to get involved with something like that. I’ve got a big Black Acre night at Amsterdam’s Paradiso in September and obviously forthcoming tours from the amazing Hyetal and Blue Daisy!

5. What do you think of the UK bass music scene at the moment?

I think that bass music in the UK is in rude health it keeps dying and regenerating as a fresh entity exciting times!

6. Any exciting releases on Black Acre in the near future?

Yes one major biggie is Blue Daisy’s debut album “The Sunday Gift”. I’ve been lucky enough to join young Daisy on his journey from day one I feel like he’s one of the defining artist’s on Black Acre and it’s a pivotol moment from us. Got new singles from Hyetal, and INSANE EP from Loops Haunt, an EP from the amzing Dark Sky.. Fantastic Mr Fox, Brokenchord, a Halloween birthed ep from Memotone featuring Leafcutter John.. Phew.. Oh and Snow Ghosts vs Blue daisy 12”.. Errrr I’ve probably missed something…

7. What music are you listening to at the moment

Other than Black Acre artists I’m checking for a lot of Hip Hop at the moment it’s been a while but as with the natural cycle of things I think innovative Hip Hop is coming back especially Westcoast rap group, Death Grips. Russian Hip Hop is big in my life also right now folks like Lapti, 813, OL, BMB Space Kid, DZA… so many so much talent.

8. Any advice to upcoming producers/dj’s?

Be brave, do you, trust your instincts..

There you have it! Click on the link below to download Memotone’s mix, it’s a big one! 

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #67 - Memotone mix

Track list

1. The Archies - Sugar Sugar
2. Aphex Twin - gwarek 2
3. Loops Haunt - Ark [Forthcoming on Black Acre, Ark EP]
4. Memotone - Lost Hours [Forthcoming on Black Acre, Lost Hours EP]
5. Kahn - Helter Skelter
6. Randomer - Jobless
7. PropaTingz - Babylons Scared feat Dakini [16bit Remix]
8. Zack Christ - Fox Prawns
9. oOoOO - Mumbai
10. Radiohead - Idioteque
11. Amon Tobin - Piece Of Paper
12. Achilles - No Money, No Worries
13. Hyetal - Phoenix [Fantastic Mr Fox Remix]
14. Tune-Yards - Bizness
15. Memotone - Multicolour
16. Hudson Mohawke - Cbat
17. Memotone & Soosh - Memoosh
18. Blue Diasy - The End [Forthcoming Black Acre, The Sunday Gift. debut album.]

Let us know what you think our interview with Black Acre and Memotone’s mix via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara

It’s been a fantastic week as far as new content goes here on FatKidOnFire – with a new MakeItGood mix/ interview with the awesome Subreachers duo and a brand new mix from Birmingham/ Manchester’s Blynk. Tonight, we sit down with Seattle’s TZR – one of the finest (proper) dubstep producer/ DJs we’ve come across from the US. We’ve been following Tom’s progress over the past few months and have been really, really impressed with what we’ve seen and heard. TZR’s upcoming collabs with a few of our Southern Pacific brothers did nothing but grab our attention more so we hit him up and got him down for a feature. Follow TZR on Facebook and Twitter and peep his stupidly good mix below…

Who is TZR?

TZR (pronounced Tizzer) is a nickname I picked up when I was a kid from some friends of mine around the time I started to DJ. I needed a name, and I felt like nothing else really fit so I just used that.

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

Actually, my good friend and production partner, Press was very influential in initially getting me into dubstep. I would definitely say that my style is more oriented towards the large, spacious sound and deep dark basslines. I am heavily influenced by classic Neurofunk dnb and try to incorporate a similar feel where I can.

What software do you use to produce your tracks?

I use Logic Pro 8, and sometimes I will use a bit of Ableton, or Reason for certain effects or sounds via rewire.

Turntables or CDJs?

I started on 1200s when I first started DJing – and that was my standard for years – but when I started producing I switched to CDJs, as it was way cheaper to burn a disk to test a new tune at a show than to cut dubs every time. Especially in the early days of producing, when it took a while to get the songs sounding right (though I feel I’m still improving and have along way from being quite where I would like to be).

How long have you producing and DJing?

I started DJing DnB back in 1999, I started producing in 2005 and wrote my first dubstep tunes in 2007 and have sort of gravitated towards that sound more steadily ever since.

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

One of my favorite shows was in Nov 2010 when Press and I played our release party for the ‘Like Minds’ LP; the venue was packed, we played all original tunes and people were really feeling the music. It was a refreshing thing in the ‘States for crowds to really get down to the deeper sound. As for playing alongside someone, I’d love to play alongside DJ Madd, that guy’s tunes are absolutely nuts.

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

That’s a tough one to say, there really is so much great stuff coming out right now, but I suppose in no real order:

1. Seven – His tunes are all very unique yet tied together with a specific sound that is altogether his own. I also got to open for him when he came through Seattle, and he was a real down to earth nice guy.
2. Boot - This dude is about to blow up big time. His new batch of work is really top notch and he always has these super clean mixdowns. He’s a big influence on me personally, and we have a few collabs currently being finalised [you’ll find a clip in TZR’s mix]. Again, an all around nice guy as well.
3. Dcult - Just ended up talking with him recently and it turns out we’re both into each other’s tunes. Really into the feel of his work a ton. His tune ‘Inner Peace’ is absolutely massive, a real stormer.
4. J:Kenzo - We wrote a tune together when he came out to Seattle in ‘09 called ‘Dark Circles’ that went on the TZR & Press LP, but that song in particular really changed the way I saw writing dubstep and put me off in another direction. I’m very grateful to Jay for that, it really opened my eyes to a different way of working. All his new stuff is thick with vibes, and solid dancefloor material as well.
5. Icicle - I’ve been a fan of his tunes since he was making exclusively DnB, and his dubstep is excellent. Felling all of his material.

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

In a word, growth. Living in the ‘States, the brostep sound is obviously the predominant sound, though I see people starting to really feel the deeper stuff. The only problem is with the DJs. No one ever exposes the people here to the deeper side of dubstep for fear of losing the crowd. I find when I play the deeper side of dubstep out, that most people react extremely well to it and I constantly get people telling me they hate the predominant “dubstep” sound (brostep), but are really into the deep stuff. I think the more people on this side of the world that get exposed to the other[/real] side of dubstep the more you will see it expand as a whole. The Skrillex style stuff is running on a short lived fad in my opinion and really is just playing against the clock, so to speak. With all the great tunes and superb producers working on tunes on the deeper side of dubstep, there’s still a long way to go yet in terms of exploring the sound as a whole.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

Yeah, I’ve got a number of projects I’m currently working on. Hopefully this month will see the release of the next TZR & Press single, Deity and Not Human, on Shift. Then I have an EP, I’m currently in the process of finalizing for Sub Pressure, and another EP for Ylem’s Australian label, WattHz. Then I’ll be working on a whole batch of material that’s going to be kept under wraps for a bit.

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers?

I would still consider myself coming up really, but for the most part, keep writing tunes and following the sound you are really feeling! Personally, I went to school for audio engineering before I started writing tunes and I feel it helped immensely. It instilled a lot of good habits – like reading some books on the matter or a even manual. The information on writing music is out there for the taking in so many places, you just have to start looking.

Any shoutouts?

Shouts out to Press, Grym, Dubtek, Boot, Droid Sector, Sook, J:Kenzo, Dcult, Perverse, The SubDivision, Mouch, Kial, Nyx, B1t Crunch3r, Phonetic System, Killeralien, the whole Onset and Shift crews and all my Seattle people, my label affiliations for all their continued support, Paradise Lost, Requiem Audio, Gamma Audio, Sub Pressure, Gradient Audio, and WattHz. Sorry if there’s anyone I left out!

 Tom’s mix for FatKidOnFire and MakeItGood is awesome. There’s not many other ways to describe it. The US needs more talented producers like Tom pushing the deep and dark sounds of real dubstep. We’ll see the back of brostep one day! Download the mix, spread the word and support artists like TZR. Hit him up on Twitter if you’re feeling his dubs and the other releases that feature in the mix!

Tract list:

1. TZR - Fedaykin [WattHz dub] 
2. Dcult - Particle [M.U.D.] 
3. Press & Dubtek - Cages [Gamma Audio dub] 
4. Boot - Dark Things [dub] 
5. TZR - Terminus [dub] 
6. TZR & Press - Deity [Shift dub] 
7. Perverse - Genocide [dub] 
8. Droid Sector - Lifesigns [dub] 
9. TZR - Forgotten Worlds [dub] 
10. Boot - Dagobah [dub] 
11. Boot & TZR - Untitled [dub] 
12. Dcult - End of Days [M.U.D.] 
13. Perverse - Cerberus [dub] 
14. TZR & Press - Not Human [Shift dub] 
15. TZR - Headhunter - [WattHz dub] 
16. J:Kenzo - Voyager - [dub] 
17. TZR - Secrets (Feat. Nyx) [Sub Pressure dub]

Way back in August last year, we featured an artist called ‘Undaground Soundz’ in our mixtape and interview series with FatKidOnFire. Except there was never a mix to go with Sam’s interview…

Sam recently hit us up and said he’d managed to get some studio time and asked if we’d be interested in dropping a mix for him. We said of course (if you’ve caught any of Blynk’s tracks you’ll know he’s got a serious production talent – a theme that continues in his mixing) and he fired us the .mp3 a few days later. So here it is, a year after we first blogged about Sam he’s back, with a new name, with an awesome selection of tunes. If you want to grab the download, contact us using the details below. Hit Blynk up if you’re feeling his MakeItGood x FKOF mix!

Blynk x FatKidOnFire mix by Fatkidonfire on Mixcloud

Let us know what you think Blynk’s mix via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara 

We’re not hanging around with the MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire features at the moment, they’re coming thick and fast – and are set to continue with two (mixes & interviews) a week until the end of November. If not longer. Life, if you’re a fan of the deep end of the dubstep spectrum, is good… With the regular drops of mixes we’ve had over the past few weeks, we’ve been saying each new mix is better than the last. Sorry if that’s getting dull (we hope it’s not), but if you see the track list that accompanies our latest mix you’ll forgive us if we re-iterate the point. This mix will Blow. Your. Mind. That’s thanks to two of the finest producers we’ve come across recently – the extremely talented guys in Belgium’s finest dubstep export, Subreachers. Mat and Tim have been kind enough to take part in an interview and have unleashed 14 of the hottest dubs in dubstep. Yeah, we’ve got dubs from J:Kenzo, Subreachers, Perverse, RDG, Biome, Truth, Curzed and a whole host more. To say this mix is huge is the biggest understatement since the word was invented…

Who are Subreachers?

Matthias Hoogewijs & Tim Van de Meutter, both 23 & living near Antwerp, Belgium.

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

We both listened & mixed a lot of other genres before we discovered dubstep: drum and bass, techno, house… But when we heard dubstep for the first time we were like; “what the hell is this kind of music”? It’s sick! So we both took things more seriously at the end of 2008 & started making our own tracks. Our sound is, let’s say, everything except as filthy as possible! We mostly make deep & dark tracks but sometimes soulful & melodic ones when we feel like it. It depends from time to time… We also produce DnB, techno, house, etc on our own.

What software do you use to produce your tracks?

Ableton combined with a lot of sampling/ samples & VST’s.

Turntables or CDJs?

CDJs – so that we’re able to play all the unreleased material we have & from other producers. Still love vinyl a lot though.

How long have you producing and DJing?

Since 2008.

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

Dublo, Dungeon & Untitled because of a good combination of things: sick crowd, cool venue, good soundsystem & DJ gear & good care from the promotors. We dream of some bookings abroad of course! We’re happy with who we’ve played with so far though. As long as the music is good, we’re happy we can play. Doesn’t really matter who is on the line up then.

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

Difficult! We could give a top 30 in fact but let’s give it a try!

1. Jack Sparrow: next level production skills. ‘Circadian’ is one of the best dubstep albums ever.
2. Lurka: dark business. Supported him from the beginning so we’re glad his hard work has paid off with some good releases. Not even mentioning his DJ sets… [Damn right – Lurka is some serious business, and his vinyl sets are next level!]
3. J:Kenzo: always been a sick producer but this year is a complete breakthrough for him.
4. Perverse: New Zealand massive, look out for them!
5. All the shoutout guys mentioned below, on a shared fifth place!

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

It’s probably going to progress. But we’re not sure actually. A lot of people are leaving deep dubstep sounds and going on to house and/or techno. Let’s hope it evolves in a positive way and people keep on making good dubstep.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

Nothing signed at the moment… A few maybes but nothing concrete. Yet…

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers?

Music-wise; stay true to yourself & your own taste of music and never give up!

Any shoutouts?

J:Kenzo, J. Tijn, Perverse, RDG, Curzed, Fracture, Biome, Heny G, Cyrus, Thelem, Lurka, Brownz, Icicle, Jay 5ive, BunZer0, Valor, Core, LX One, Truth, Q600, Killawatt, Von D & anyone else we forgot!

We weren’t joking about Tim and Mat’s mix. Just scroll down a bit and look at that track list. Our collective jaw dropped when we first saw it – and it doesn’t disappoint. At all! The Subreachers have gone in hard! If you’re feeling them, hit them up on Facebook, Soundcloud or Twitter to let them know!

Track list:

1. Biome - Thermopylae [Dub] 
2. Perverse - Helios [Dub] 
3. Subreachers - Fear [Dub] 
4. J:Kenzo - Kimura [Dub] 
5. Curzed - Misery [Dub] 
6. Core - Cold Hearted [Dub] 
7. Truth - All Alone [Dub] 
8. Perverse - The Iceman [Dub] 
9. Q600 - L.X. [Dub] 
10. Goli & Ashburner - Field Of Vibrations (Core Remix) [Dub] 
11. J:Kenzo & Mosaix - Alone In The Darkness [Dub] 
12. Icicle - Organic Step [Dub] 
13. Perverse - Rigor Mortis [Dub] 
14. RDG - Black Hole [Dub]

Let us know what you think Subreachers interview and mix via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara 

Yes, it’s that time of year again when we let the brown leaves fall and welcome the students back. Autumn is upon us and here at BassLaced we’re keeping the parties going at full throttle.
 
This month London Bridge’s favourite party boys have teamed up with none other than Croydon’s very own Get Darker to bring you a mouth-watering line up with some of the hottest artists around. Joker headlines, who is burning at “White Hot” in the build up to his album, while Toddla T, who’s “Watch Me Dance” has been hammered on Radio 1 by none other than Annie Mac, seconds an extremely strong bill.
 
H.E.N.C.H’s king of the double-drops, Mensah, takes aim to show Get Darker TV’s audience his truly unique skills on the decks while Kromestar, one of Dubstep’s most prolific producers sets speed to bring the vibes. Get Darker residents Darkside and Tunnidge round off what is sure to be a night for the party goers and music enthusiasts alike.

Pack London host room 2 this month with an assortment of some of London’s finest up and coming talent. For full details of the event log onto the BassLaced website or visit getdarker.com

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ *** LINEUP *** ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

Room 1: (Basslaced GetsDarker)
JOKER
* JME (Boy Better Know) ***** JUST ADDED *****
TODDLA T
MENSAH
KROMESTAR
TUNNIDGE b2b DARKSIDE
SOUL CICUIT
COMPETITION WINNER

MC’s:
JME
TOAST
CRAZY D
KOAST

Room 2: (Pack London) http://packlondon.com/
TRU:TEK
KEAR
HARIKIRI
DJ MUSE
GET LOW CARTEL
LEGASPI & NIKO
WHITE TYSON

10PM - 6AM
FRIDAY 21st OCTOBER
@ CABLE NIGHTCLUB

£7 earlybird (SOLD OUT)
£9 advance tickets
MOTD

*LIMITED* ADVANCED TICKETS ON SALE HERE:
UKF Live: http://ukflive.com/events/event/34/Basslaced-Gets-Darker

Ticket Web: http://tiny.cc/2ofsw
Ticket Script: http://tiny.cc/om0lg

http://basslaced.com/
http://facebook.com/basslaced
http://twitter.com/BassLaced
http://myspace.com/basslaced

http://getdarker.com/
http://facebook.com/dubstepgetdarker
http://twitter.com/getdarker
http://youtube.com/getdarker

On Friday 28th, Soltek are taking over CAMP and are hosting two of the biggest names in DnB, SpectraSoul & Lynx. 

The guys are also running a competition for 3 lucky winners to gain free entry (+1) to the next party! All you have to do is follow the instructions on their fan page : http://facebook.com/SoltekUK

Advanced tickets are available here. There will also be MOTD. 

Extra info : 

21:30 - 4:00 The CAMP Basement (City Arts & Music Project),
70 – 74 City Rd, London EC1Y 2BJ
(Nearest tube Old Street)

It’s been a while since Sparxy did a mix for us, so we are really excited to release this next one. Check out his Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud to keep up to date with what he’s up to, and don’t forget to check out the Bacon Dubs website! 

So, here it is. Click on the link to download it, and check out the track list below, it is filled with dubs! 

Sparxy MakeItGood Mix October 2011

Track list

1. Deafblind - Boolean Illogic [Bacon Dubs]
2. Skriptah - Mean Disposition [Bassclash Recordings]
3. Sparxy - Exile [Bacon Dubs]
4. Reamz - Fear [Dub]
5. District - Haymaker [Chestplate]
6. Skriptah - Two Cycle [Bacon Dubs]
7. Benton - 20/20 [Wheel n Deal]
8. Reamz - Subconscious [Bacon Dubs]
9. Skream - Exothermic Reaction [NonPlus]
10. Stinkahbell - Something In Your Eyes [Sin City]
11. Roksonix - Madness [Circus]
12. Sparxy - Full Throttle [Dub]
13. Dismantle - Computation [Wheel n Deal]
14. Sparxy & Radzta - Bag of Swag (Sparxy’s FUNKYTIME Remix) [Dub]
15. Sparxy - Relentless [Bacon Dubs]
16. Kutz - Superman [Wheel n Deal]
17. Intelligent Delinquent - Fat Kids Are Hard to Kidnap [Dub]
18. Young D - Lightning Bolt (Sparxy Remix) [CDR]

We’ve been shouting about this recent run of form with our MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire feature series – and although we keep saying it; it’s just going to get better. The next four mixes and interviews are from some of our favourite producers and feature some of the most impressive talent on the deeper end of the dubstep scene. To say we’re excited is an understatement… We’ve been championing the (controversially called) “dungeon sound” from the South Pacific for a while now – we’ve featured Perverse (they got a rewind from Youngsta on his Rinse FM show this week!) and Ghost Note (who’s been going from strength to strength with his recent tunes) and have a whole host of other producers who are yet to feature. Tonight sees us sitting down with Wellington’s Tallan. After the Perverse boys introduced us to most of the NZ/ Australian dubstep guys, we got chatting to Tallan – and after hearing his tunes we knew he needed to feature on FKOF and MakeItGood. His mix is testament to the extreme talent pushing the traditional, deep and meditative sounds coming out of Oceania at the moment. Hit the interview and grab the mix (check out that list of dubs!) below and be sure to follow Tallan on Soundcloud and Facebook.

Who is Tallan? 

Tallan started about a year ago now. It originally started out as a side project but it ended up consuming most of my time and now it is my focus. Tallan tunes tend to lean towards a lot of bassweight and stripped-down melodies. Less is more but it’s a fine line and I’m trying to balance on it.

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

I started mixing 2005ish. Loads of drum and bass. Picked up some direct drives in 2006 and ended up staying up late spinning tunes with the lads every night for a long time. I moved from my home town Wellington to Auckland in 2008 and started getting into production. I was a bit of a diehard DnB fanatic so picked up on dubstep as a bit of a latecomer. I got properley into it around the same time I moved to Auckland after seeing Skream and Benga outdoors at Phat ‘08 in Inangahua, the biggest bass party Aotearoa had to offer. From then on there were a sh!tload of 138 bits coming out of the studio.

What software do you use to produce your tracks?

I use Logic 8. I am a bit pre-historic and still use a Power PC G5. It’s a bit of a struggle not being able to keep up with the Intel world but FKOF your Kontakt 6 or whatever you lot are banging on about haha! I use a bunch of VST/plug ins but a few to mention are Albino and Massive of course, Circle, Logics ES2 and Sculpture, NI’s FM8 is great as well as pretty much all their products are. Camel Audio doesn’t go far wrong (in moderation though). Loving the Shaack Transient Shaper right now for percussion. Got a bunch of compressors, reverbs etc etc.

Turntables or CDJs?

I’ve played on decks for most of the time I have been DJing. Making the move to CDJs was a sad day for the vinyl collection, as I prefer them to Serato! I find that having a computer in front of you is a bit off-putting. I have dragged crates and vinyl bags far enough to not care anymore. Sell out? Maybe if I got sent some all of the great dubs on acetate I would change my mind but I don’t see that happening! I will always prefer the feeling of tunes moving underneath my fingers though no doubt. I think the only people who argue between the two have either just started got their first decks or have a bone to pick. Everybody knows that vinyl loves you back and a CD doesn’t. CDJs look stupid and 1200s look good. Damn good.

How long have you producing and DJing?

DJing over 6 years and producing for nearly 4 years.

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

Best gig was Calibre. Can’t remember which year it was. 2006 I think. Grooverider and Alix Perez have been highlights. Dubstep tip would be Mala, Kode 9, N-Type as the most memorable. Organikismness played a dope set at Zen in Auckland one night to about 25 people and I was lapping it up. Honestly, if I could DJ alongside with anybody it would just be with the Wellington crew b2b all night. That is what it is all about to me.

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

1. Kode 9 – Just more creative than most and really organic.
2. Mala – Because its Mala and it’s all choice as bro.
3. Perverse – Scary sh!t coming out of their studio right now [amen!]. Watch out. Bass.
4. Burial – One of the only dubstep/ garage producers my kids will hear and relate to. Timeless.
5. Peverelist – ‘Roll With The Punches’ is an all time favourite.

This is just the top 5 that sprung to mind. Can’t not mention The Bug, Kryptic Minds, Sleeper, District, Distance, DJ Madd and Cyrus will give you and idea of the tip.

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

I think that it spawned off so dramatically that it left the essence of dubstep pure. I see the future of dubstep going the same way as drum and bass. Lots of sub-genres and eventually it will all be crazily over produced and then there will be something new that some will move on to and some will stay. It’s all music at the end of the day. Some things change, some remain the same.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

Yeap there are a few bits here and there. But shout out to Charlie at Optimus Gryme Recordings, Austerity and my good mates Mutated Sounds who release the not so deeper side of Tallan.

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers?

My advice is to just stick at it. Make the tunes you want to make. Always encourage each other and it doesn’t matter if anybody knows who the FKOF you are. Take your time. Send me some sweet tunes! Any shoutouts? Big shout out to the whole Aotearoa crew - Perverse, Ghost Note, Optimus, Organikismness, AK DnB Fu massive, Upbeats, Fis, Medictune, Jackal and Cheshire, Cronik Re and his West crew, P-Vans, Truth, Echo Company, Sick Cycle all of the Welly peeps, big up all the promoters and DJs that are in it for the love of it. Shout out to Compa, NoMan, Formless, Foster, Ioqe, Boot, Sook, Droid Sector, Adub, Disonata, RDG, Digid and a bunch more I have left out.

We’ve been sitting on this mix for about a week, and (yeah, we do say this a lot, but the quality of our recent mixes have been off the record) it’s one of our favourites. 55 minutes of superb tunes, stacks of dubs and a track list to turn even a Skrillex fan onto real dubstep. Sit back, light up and enjoy the weight…

Track list:

1. Tallan – Thunder (dub) 
2. Lefty – Illusions (dub) 
3. Tallan – Gas Planet (dub) 
4. Perverse – Shaitan (dub) 
5. Ghost Note – Akira (dub) 
6. Medictune – Give You Anything 
7. Organikismness – Inertia Part II 
8. Tallan – Curse On You (dub) 
9. Droid Sector – Universe Zero 
10. Optimus Gryme – Immortal 
11. Ghost Note – Dancing Solo (dub) 
12. Tallan – Power House (Dubsilo Free DL) 
13. Boot – Methods of Control (dub) 
14. d-Queue – Alien Surveillance 
15. Tallan – Collector 
16. Arkotypes – Impulse (dub) 
17. Tallan – Pelican 
18. Optimus Gryme – Annhilation Of The Ego 
19. Perverse – Gibberish (dub) 
20. Ghost Note – Dynamic (dub) 
21. Tallan – Sever (dub) 
22. Tallan – Skanka VIP (dub) 
23. Peverelist – Roll With the Punches

After the success of their debut warehouse rave earlier in the year and a string of smaller raves and room 2s over the summer, Wavey Tones return at last to the Bussey Building for the next episode. Featuring a truly broad lineup over 4 rooms of top notch sound with food, a live stage, a house party room with extra sets from some of the headliners and an old school arcade by Hand Baked, you’ll be hard pushed to find this much going on under one roof anywhere else. 

Tickets are available here for £10. Check out the Facebook event page for more details. 

Lara

Our next video interview as part of the MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire series is with Stinkahbell. Having just released ‘Something In Your Eyes’ (Sin City) and having also done a interview with Mista Jam, these two are ones to watch! 

So, we sat down with Jan and Nutty P, and here’s what they said….

Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud to keep up to date with releases and events. 

Big shout out to Sam at We Free The Box for filming and editing this interview!

Let us know what you think Stinkahbell’s interview via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara 

We’ve had the next feature in our MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire feature lined up for a good few days now – the mix went up yesterday afternoon and the post was drafted. But then Soundcloud collapsed under a DDOS attack (shame on you, whoever was behind that) and everything went wrong. But, luckily for us, Soundcloud is now back up and running (even if there are a few occasional hiccups) and we’re good to go with our feature with North London’s Pote. We’ve had our eyes and ears on him for a while and were stoked when he said he’d be interested in being interviewed and doing us an exclusive mix. Heavily inspired by Benga, Skream and the H.E.N.C.H crew, we’re loving Pote’s dub-filled mix and hope you guys do too! Find Pote on Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud and grab your free DL below…

[Photo by YABLondon]

Who is Pote?

Pote is a name that was given to me by my neighbours back when I lived in St. Lucia. It just stuck really.

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

About a year ago a friend of mine showed me some of the Dubfreaks work at school, I think it was their second EP – I didn’t even really like it at first to be honest! I thought dubstep was just noise, but after a while I started liking it a lot. A couple of weeks later I started talking to one of the Dubfreaks members (Revo), then I don’t know, it just went from there really. He taught me how to mix and all sorts so massive big up to him!

What software do you use to produce your tracks?

I use FL Studio and use Logic if I’m collabing at a mates house.

Turntables or CDJs?

CDJs for now but I really want to get into turntables!

How long have you producing and DJing?

I’ve been producing dubstep for around a year now, I used to produce some sh!tty house/ trance stuff before during my spare time – like a year or two before.

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

Best gig so far has been High Frequency in Camden. It was absolutely massive! Room was packed and the crowd were so up for it! For DJs to play alongside, it’d probably be Kromestar, The Widdler or Benga.

Who are your top 5 dubstep producers at the moment?

Dream, Coven, Kromestar, Benga and Lost.

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

I’m not really one to blag about it as if I’m an expert in dubstepology; I really don’t know – just hope it stays alive and remain one of the best genres of music.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

Um, not really at the moment, few talks here and there but no final decisions.

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers?

Be modest and put the time in!

So there you have it. A short and sweet interview and unsurprisingly, Pote’s accompanying mix is pretty much the same. 20 minutes of an awesome selection of dubstep artists, along with more than a few dubs to keep you interested. Let us know if you’re feeling it!

Track list:

1. Coffi - Pass That  
2. Pote - Origin  
3. Solarris - Cavernicola 
4. Teknian - Ruff (Coven remix) 
5. Pote - I know Now  
6. Ghost ft. Misty Miller - Fairtytale (Dream remix) 
7. Pote - Epidemic 
8. Trampa - No Mercy  
9. Aliens - Xterminate  
10. Vibez - H.O.E (Pote’s Blacks On Blondes remix)  
11. Benga - No Bra No Panties  
12. Pote - Vanilla Angel  
13. Revo - Oh Hai

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

Lara 

We’re still finding time to venture to new countries and find new artists to interview. Tonight sees us having a chat with Athen’s Duckem – our first Greek interviewee of the series. This one’s a bit special as it’s also Alex’s first ever interview! We’ve been keeping our eyes on him for a while now and were stoked when he was up for a feature. He’s also been kind enough to spin us a truly awesome 30 minute mix which you can find at the bottom of the interview! Find Duckem on Soundcloud, Facebook and Twitter and hit us up if you’re feeling what he’s said…

Who is Duckem?

Duckem is a 21 year old male from Athens (Greece), called Alex Paps.

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

Well, I first discovered dubstep in 2009 when I listened to some Deep Medi & Tempa material. I was like “WOW” and then went on to search for more. After I listened to some Youngsta, Distance & N-Type shows on Rinse FM, I got really STUCK with the dark side of dubstep. I first started producing in early 2010. I didn’t have many musical peers or knowledge on the sound but I think my production was centered around self belief. I focus a lot on the atmosphere of my tracks – so my productions express the deep and dark side of dubstep, as well as futuristic garage and 2step sounds.

What software do you use to produce your tracks?

I use FL10, some VST’s and plugins.

Turntables or CDJs?

Turntables.

How long have you producing and DJing?

Producing since summer 2010, and DJing since spring 2011.

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

I haven’t played many big gigs ‘til now, but I’m starting to get into things. I’m getting support from people who appreciate what I do here in Greece, so I’m going to be part of many events in the future! For example, on the 12th November, I’m playing alongside V.I.V.E.K which I think will be pretty epic! I’m also playing alongside Reamz, Scalade, Sun Of Selah and more a week before the V.I.V.E.K night at Undersky’s first birthday. If I could DJ alongside anyone? I would love to play alongside Kromestar, the man is a genius! And J:Kenzo – I love his material & mixing skills.

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

1. Biome: Top notch productions. He’s definitely spiced up the darkside.
2. Kryptic Minds: My mentors. The originators of the ‘dungeon sound’. ‘Nuff said.
3. Perverse: Huge bass, pure darkness! They’re killing it at the moment. Watch out for these NZ boys!
4. DJ Madd: Seriously, can’t find any release from him that I don’t feel. Amazing producer.
5. Server: This Danish guy is very talented. I love his sound. Watch out for him.

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

I’m not gonna say anything about the mainstream part. I like the direction it’s going at the moment, there are loads of new talented producers coming up. The dark side has definitely something very serious to show to the world. As for me, I will continue to do what I do, making the sound I feel, no matter where dubstep is heading, or will head!

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

Can’t say anything yet. I’ve sent some demos and I’m in touch with some people from some decent labels, so the announcement time will come soon! The only sure thing are some releases on Undersky Collective, late 2011 or early 2012. There will be an EP with a great garage producer & my good friend from the UK, Atsuko Cheeba (two collabs, and two tracks from each of us), and another release will probably be an EP from just me. There’s also going to be a compilation that includes a track of mine.

Have you got any advice to upcoming DJs/ Producers?

I am an up & coming producer! But all I want to say is this: make whatever you FKOFing want! Don’t make what others want to hear. Make whatever you feel. Whatever’s inside your heart and mind. Don’t listen to others (and I don’t mean not to accept criticism)! There are many people out there, who are criticising me about the fact that I make different styles, and you know what? I don’t give a FKOF! Peace!

Any shout outs?

Perverse, DJ Crises (massive ups for the support on Rinse FM), Formless, Reamz, Atsuko & Totoro Cheeba, Imaginary Friend, 4T2 and the rest of my Undersky fam, UNCO, Jeph1, Billy Widz, Server, Youngsta, Scalade, Seahorse and many more – sorry if I forgot anyone!

His mix is a great selection of artists – all of whom we’re really, really feeling at the moment. Grab the free download and let us know if you agree!

Track list:

1. Duckem - Chains (dub) 
2. Benton - Skeptics (Wheel & Deal) 
3. Duckem & Reamz - Conscious Mind (dub) 
4. Seahorse - To Be One (dub) 
5. Duckem - Galaxy (dub) 
6. Biome - Space (Blackbox) 
7. Kreepah - Expansions (Mindstep) 
8. Dj Madd - Battle (Wheel& Deal) 
9. Perverse - Genocide (dub) 
10. Server - Blessed (dub) 
11. Duckem - Truth Seeker (dub) 
12. Server - Gazing (dub) 
13. Seahorse - Bass Followers (dub) 
14. Duckem - Bassline Shottah (free) 
15. Seven - Sinister (Blackbox) 
16. Tes La Rok - Them (Noppa) 
17. Duckem - Approaching VIP (dub)

We’ve been sitting on this one for way too long – we first alluded to it back when we featured Sweden’s Dubstep Bastards in our MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire series of interviews. But we didn’t give the full picture, so we’re more than a little excited to finally give you guys the full information about what we’ve got arranged. The video below may give you an idea…

Dubstep Bastards. from Hampus Lideborg on Vimeo.

If you’ve not got it yet, we’ll put you out of your misery. We’ve teamed up with the Dubstep Bastards for their first ever Excursion. What’s an ‘Excursion’ you ask?

Dubstep Bastard Excursions is an exclusive collaboration between the Dubstep Bastards & FatKidOnFire/ MakeItGood. It gives you the chance to come party with us and enjoy the good vibes at an amazing dubstep venue, right on the waterfront of Gothenburg’s harbour.

With direct flights from every major London airport, you touch down in Gothenburg and we will take care of the rest.

If the amazing video (shout to hugely talented Hempus!) isn’t enough, how about the flyer below?!

On Saturday 5th November, we’ll be flying over to Gothenburg to join the Dubstep Bastards and our boys Killawatt,Thelem, Content and  TRPR who will be tearing up Röda Sten on Saturday night.

If you fancy coming, all you have to do is book flights and tell us when you’ll be arriving and departing from Gothenburg. Yup, it’s that simple. For a list of flights that we can run transfers from, please see the Dubstep Bastards Facebook page. We’ll just cover the rest!

For just £150 (not including flights), we’ll arrange your transfers from(/ to) Gothenburg’s airports to(/ from) the awesome Spar Hotel (which we’ll book for you) and then we’ll sort you entry to Röda Sten (and give you a free drink!) where Killawatt, Thelem, Content and TRPR will be tearing the sound system a new one.

How does that sound? If you’re interested, just click here and fill in the form to get the ball rolling…

This Friday see’s Subsplash and Dubpressure take over Concorde2 (Brighton) for a night of utter madness! Not only is the line up silly, the event will be streamed live to GetDarker TV, AND they’ve also got a 70k sound system! 

FULL LINE-UP

Emalkay

N-Type

Funtcase

Gangoon Dubz feat HizzleGuy, Dismantle & Hurley

GetDarker feat Darkside & Shiverz

Clandestine

Genetix

Hosted by- Envy & Point (subsplash ALLOUT)

Room 2 (The Bar)

Kez + Bex // Kotch // Mr Strong // + more tba

Advanced tickets are £10 and can be bought here. Check out the Facebook event for more info! Looking forward to seeing some of you lot down, it’s sure to be a mad one! 

Lara