MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #137 - The Attic Project

The next feature sees us catch up with the latest interviewee in the MakeItGood x FKOF series. We’ve been a fan of The Attic Project ever since Gus first sent us his tunes a few months back – since then there’s been a two track FKOF EP and now there’s a lot of words to go with his amazing mix. Hit play on the mix or EP below and read on…

Easy Gus, you well?

I’m grand mate!

Awesome. Introduce yourself, who is The Attic Project?

The Attic Project is the pseudonym I use for my musical output. It is basically me avoiding life’s responsibilities by living in my own little production-fuelled world. I’m 19 and studying at the University of Manchester, currently in my 2nd year.

How would you describe your sound?

In my mind, it’s a fusion of the steppy, bass sounds coming out of the UK at the moment combined with instrumentation and melodies from around the world, mainly influenced by the sounds of the far-east. I try and incorporate as many interweaving melodies as possible on as many natural sounding instruments as possible sampled from around the world, combined with deep rolling subs, so I would love to think there is a lot of depth and interpretation there. The sound of the Guzheng and the Tabla will always get me jiving!

How did you get into bass music in the first place? When did you decide you wanted to produce as well as listen?

It was probably my love of trip-hop and glitch artists like Prefuse 73, Four Tet and Aphex Twin when I was first getting into electronic music that lead me to diverse sounds like Burial, Bonobo, Phaeleh, Eleven Tigers, Erykah Badhu and Digital Mystikz (to name a few)… I don’t look at my influence as ‘bass’ music as my inspiration ranges from downtempo to drum N bass to Chinese and Indian classical music… (to make a massive obscure leap in genre). The sounds coming from people like Burial at the time when I was starting my music GCSE was what made me want to create soundscapes and atmospheres rather than tunes. My school got a single copy of Cubase 4 when I was 15 and the teacher said ‘if anyone can work it, you can do your GCSE composition on it’, and that was it. The teacher was useless…

How do you go about building your tunes? What’s your production setup like?

I will usually hear an atmospheric or ethnic sound of some sort that makes me go ‘sh!t, that’s awesome, I want to recreate something like that’. Then I tend to forget the tasks I’m meant to be doing and get preoccupied with how I can make a similar sound into a tune that hopefully people will like. Once I have the sound and a simple melody down, I tend to build the drum part around that then layer more melodies over each other. My setup’s a Macbook Pro running Reason 6 and Reason Recycle, an M-Audio Keyboard and a Lexicon Alpha soundcard. I also use a Samson Dynamic Mic for recording noise, vocal parts, my mates arguing (which can just about be heard in the background in some tunes) and anything interesting. My monitors are a sweet pair of JVC speakers my dad got me when I was 12 as part of a Hi-Fi system. I never appreciated the awesome quality they fire out until a couple of years ago. I’m never parting with them now…

You’ve had a pretty good run with recent releases, putting out on a few awesome labels with support from some of the best names in the genre. How have you found getting your beats signed and supported, has it been a relatively easy process?

Na it hasn’t been easy. I had a stroke of luck when I was 16 after posting three tunes online. I got an email from the Italian house label Aenaria Recordings asking if they could sign them even though the style of those tunes was pretty downtempo. They were released in late 2010. After that no one really took much interest so I honed my sound for a couple of years. At the start of this year I sent emails to loads of different labels, blogs and promo platforms just to get some feedback. Then I got an email from Andy Bee at Slime Recordings who was really positive about my music. After hearing that they had previously released tunes by Phaeleh and Submerse, I was ecstatic! That release got a wicked review from Juno Download at the same time that I got a tweet from Phaeleh saying that he really liked my release. Since then, I’ve had a release on Soulstep and another on Velcro City.

Another standard question you’re probably bored to death of. Do you prefer turntables or CDJs for playing out? Does it matter?

Aha, I wish I could say I have a massive vinyl collection but unfortunately it’s my parents who beat me to that. As I started out producing well before I thought about DJing, I only started to promote TAP more when people were taking an interest. I wanted to do something different that involved my own tunes so I bought a Novation Launchpad and started slicing and dicing mine and other people’s tracks into what I thought was a unique approach to mixing (turns out other people beat me to that too)! But yeah, I’m all about controllerism and recreation and remixing of songs live rather than straightforward mixing as it allows more creativity with your own tunes (in my opinion anyway).

How long have you been playing out? If you could pick any of your recent bookings, what would be your favourite - and why?

I only started playing out properly earlier this year. Producing for me has always been a personal thing so playing out became something I felt I needed to do when I started to get tunes signed. The production was always the main factor in persuading me to play out. Inflect in Bristol was probably my favourite recent booking. They host it in a small, intimate venue so it wasn’t a massive night but that was where I supported iTal tEk and BunZer0 so I was pretty stoked to be playing there. I also recently played in Sankeys in Manchester and as it’s theoretically one of the top ten clubs in the world, that’s pretty awesome. Since then I’ve got quite a few dates lined up at some exciting nights like Selective Hearing Manchester and Apex Bristol so I’m super stoked that I’ve been asked to play at them.

With producers expanding their repertoires from seemingly focusing on one genre when producing, how do you think bass music will evolve over the coming months/ years? Will we see everything starting to merge into one? Where do you see your sounds progressing to?

That’s what I love about sound, it’s yours to interpret how you want. The label ‘bass music’ already covers a massive spectrum of sounds, so I lost track of what it meant a while ago. An emphasis on bass and some swing in its (dub)step, and I think the term ‘bass music’ will probably cover a significant aspect of a lot of new tunes. Diversity is an awesome thing, without it there would be no creativity so I love the fact people are now stuttering when trying to define the genre of all this new music that has exploded onto the scene recently. As for my sound, I will continue to produce what inspires me and if all of a sudden I start to love something like gabba (which I highly doubt I ever will) then I will probably start creating that as that’s what I want to do. Realistically though, I see myself exploring more world sounds, getting more vocalists involved and playing around with tempos a lot more.

Other than the recent releases discussed earlier and one or two special tunes in the pipeline, have you got any tunes forthcoming we should be looking out for? Anything physical?

As of the moment I have one forthcoming release. It’s a remix I did a while ago of a Sophie Barker track (Zero 7) and is meant to be released on the same label as her solo work (Ho Hum Records) but it keeps getting delayed so I’m not sure that will ever be released. It would be nice if it was though. Once more tunes have been finished though I will definitely set about getting those released. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a physical release. I got an offer to have some tunes pressed to vinyl by a small label a couple of months back but when I replied to the email, they never replied back to me again so that fell through. Those were the tunes I have recently released on Velcro City. I hear Soulstep Records are also starting to release things on vinyl in the near future with all the profits going back into building up the label which I think is a great idea. Shame my release just missed out on that.

In terms of advice, what are your top points for new producers and DJs looking to get heard or signed?

I think the most important thing is to concentrate on the music YOU want to make and not what you feel would get you signed. Once you have got tracks down that you are genuinely happy with just send them to people and places you reckon will appreciate your sound. Even if you don’t hear back from anyone just keep persevering by making what makes you happy.

Tell us about your MIG x FKOF mix…

Awesome melodies x rolling basslines x what I’m listening at the moment x recent releases x atmosphere = MIG x FKOF mix… I’m not really sure if that answers the question!? But seriously though, it took 5 times to get it past the SoundCloud copyright filter and I had loads of sick tunes I wanted to put in from the Symbols Recordings roster. After playing around with it endlessly and replacing a few tunes it got through the filter – but it’s not the mix I originally had in mind.

Any shoutouts?

Anyone who has ever listened to my tunes and decided they like it. For that, I’m eternally grateful. Also, the labels I have released on and the people that make those labels work. None of this would have been possible without them.

3 producers we should be following are…?

• Bhok - Part of the Slime Rec fam and a mate of mine. His vocal sampling is just sublime
• Sorrow - So much feeling and emotion in every tune he puts out, plus I love a dark garage tip
• Synkro - Every tune is a world in itself.

Best bass music track ever produced is…?

Sh!t, this is a hard question! Here’s a few:

• Walter Ego - Shadows
• Phaeleh ft. Indi Kaur - Rise
• Eleven Tigers - Songs For You
• Burial - Unite

Best label in bass music is…?

Currently it’s Symbols Recordings for me but I only got into that label recently. No doubt my favourite label will change again as soon as I find another label where not a single release can be faulted.

Gus’ mix for MIG x FKOF is definitely one of my favourite from the recent additions to the series. It’s on more of a chill tip from the normal deep and dark stuff we feature but that’s by no means a bad thing. Grab the download or keep scrolling for The Attic Project’s FKOF EP…

Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list: 

1. Deep Focus - Lilly’s Beat [Free] 
2. Atlas - Denver [Symbols] 
3. The Attic Project - Adversity Face [Velcro City] 
4. Atlas - 4AM [Symbols] 
5. The Attic Project - Welcome To Your Perception [FKOF Free] 
6. Bhok - Glacier[Slime] 
7. iO - Slow Guys [Get Some UK Free] 
8. The Attic Project - Seraph [Velcro City] 
9. EPLP - Leave Me [Hot n Heavy Free] 
10. The Attic Project - Narayan Alone [FKOF Free] 
11. Phaeleh - Nothing’s Wrong [Free] 
12. Pariah - Orpheus [R&S] 
13. Sorrow - The Reaper [Self Released] 
14. EPLP - Ochre [BackTheTooFuture Free] 
15. DFRNT - Dark Spaces [Cut] 
16. Sabre, Stray, Halogenix ft. Frank Carter III - Oblique [Critical] 
17. Vanity ft. Charlotte Rawling – Shelter [FKOF Free]

If you missed Gus’ FKOF EP from a few months back, find both FKOF free downloads below. Definitely two tunes to add to your collection! Click to DOWNLOAD ‘Narayan Alone’ Click to DOWNLOAD ‘Welcome to Your Perception’

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

Lara

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #134 - BunZer0

It’s rare to come across a character who’s described as positively by literally everyone we’ve heard talk about him. Mentor, legend, badman, boss, hero - a few of the adjectives used to describe the following interviewee. Regarded as a father figure to many new and upcoming producers thanks to his seven year residency on Sub.FM, BunZer0 is also a bit of a hero of ours. He hit us up randomly a few months back to say he’d be ‘honoured’ to record a mix for the MakeItGoodx FatKidOnFire series. After a bit of a doubletake, we got the ball rolling on what he calls his ‘best recorded mix from 2012’ and what’s possibly my most favourite interview…

[BunZer0 at Outlook 2011 by Anna Drozd]

Easy Ben! You good?

Am not too bad mate thanks! You?

All good thanks mate! For those that don’t know, who exactly is BunZer0?

Well my name is Ben, I live in Brussels, Belgium and I am a DJ and producer who loves sub-bass frequencies…

It’s a question you’re probably sick of being asked, but can you place what first got you dubstep? How did you make the jump from casual listener to mixing and producing? What came first?!

Well I was DJing a long time before dubstep came around. So let’s say I was into breaks at the end of 90’s, when the genre was interesting (if that makes sense)… In the early 2k’s some fusions came out of the UK, mixing breaks elements with UK garage. People used to call that breakstep. Tunes coming out on Zinc’s label Bingo Beats (under his alias Jammin) were really interesting me. It was refreshing and sounding a bit sexier than the breaks area. I started to check more garage stuff and I was immediately caught by the deep and meditative music people like Horsepower Productions, Zed Bias or El B were bringing in the scene. At that time the word dubstep didn’t exist but with some distance we can definitely say that those sounds were the foundations of what people started to call dubstep a bit later. I was already playing around with sounds at that time but I wouldn’t say you could call it production! I only started taking that seriously a few years later….

How long have you been DJing?

Well in the sense that a DJ is someone who plays music for people, I’d say I started to play underground music to my friends when I was 15 or something. But mostly in my bedroom to be honest. That was 24 years ago! But the beatmatching ting and the beginning of my real bookings came a bit later, early 90s I would say, during the techno golden age…

Your FOB Show on Sub.FM is the stuff of legend, how did your slot with the station first come about? How long has your show been running?

I’m in my 7th year of FOBness on sub.fm now! The station contacted me because I was posting dubstep studio mixes on the internet - and, well, those mixes used to be quite popular at the time… I think the station was interested by someone making waves outside of London, outside of Croydon. The station suggested that slot to me and I jumped on it. So I’ve been playing, every Thursday at 6pm GMT, for the last 7 years…

How do you go about building your tunes? What’s your production setup like?

Oh my set up is really simple: a (recently bought) powerful computer, Ableton, and a tiny midi controller. I’ve also got a pair of little studio monitors but I’m not massively happy with them. For now, I’m producing on my good old hifi speakers because I know them perfectly. I should definitely buy a pair of Genelec monitors in the future though!

Another standard question you’re probably bored to death of. Do you prefer turntables or CDJs for playing out? Does it matter?

Well as I started to DJ a while back, I of course spent most of my career on vinyl. I sure do have a lot of love to that analog medium, for its warmth and ability to reproduce deep bass frequencies. But in the past 7 years, since the FOB Show started, I’ve been getting sent a lot of unreleased material. So I started to play on CDs ‘cause I couldn’t afford to cut everything on wax. Which is still pretty much the case in fact… On a pragmatic level I also think I would definitely need to buy a warehouse to stock all the dubs I would have cut since the beginning of the FOB Show! And on top of that, around the start of the FOB Show, I had some very bad hernia in my back. All the doctors told me to stop carrying heavy weights so I had to stop playing on vinyl! That was definitely my biggest motivation to play CDs instead. I didn’t really have a choice you know? But yes, I’m missing the vinyl days – at least for the sound they bring… Then when I see all the DJs having issues with decks in clubs nowadays, I don’t think it was the worst decision I’ve ever made! At least CDJs are war machines and allow you to play music anywhere. So less charm for sure but definitely the best way to play music in club nowadays in my humble opinion…

You’ve played all over the world with some of the best DJs in dubstep. If you could pick a gig, which would you choose - and why?

It’s too hard to pick up one! Playing at FWD» in London twice is surely a great addition in my list! But playing and organizing the first ever Dubstep night in Belgium back in January 2006 with Skream and Youngsta is also something I will never forget. Playing at Reconstrvct with my harmonica player Mr Jo is another very important memory. And of course Outlook is also something I am really proud of!

With the steady rise in popularity of ‘roots music’ and the whole system culture (thankfully) coming back, how do you see the dubstep sound progressing over the next few years?

Eradication of ‘Brostep’ and ‘Filth’ is my first and most important goal! I hope that’s going to be the same for the rest of the scene…

You’ve just given a few tunes away for free on your SoundCloud, have you got any tunes forthcoming we should be looking out for?

Yep, I’ve got two releases coming up soon in mid November, early December. The first one is for the American label Airtight Imprint, with my tune Paracetamol + Paracetamol (Innerlign remix). The original plan was to get another remixer on the release but the guy is late so I’m not too sure his version going be on the EP. The label plans to release a compilation later in 2013 and plans to put that mysterious remx on that compilation… The second release is an EP on Mindstep Music. I can’t really say how many tunes are planned for that one ‘cause the label is trying to keep a bit of mystery around the EP. All I can say is most of the tunes there are collabs I did with some skilled live musicians! Two tunes are revealed though ‘Darabuka ft. Kamine’ and ‘Chapati ft. Mr Jo’. Mindstep Music plans to send all the tunes to the mastering studio, so I reckon they’ll communicate a bit more when we got the very final versions of the tunes.

In terms of advice, what are your top points for new producers and DJs looking to get heard or signed?

Hmm. I’m a bit negative about the whole musical industry and DJing nowadays to be honest so I’ll be a bit sarcastic and say to beginners to avoid doing tings like I did… Don’t be honest, spit on your fellow DJs and producers, be arrogant, lie to everyone and say you are the pioneer of one genre even it is clearly someone else, be really pushy to promoters, follow every new hype instead of believing in the genre you really like and make cheesy unimaginative tunes then you’ll be a SUPERSTAR. So yes I did the opposite and am still poor as hell!

Tell us about your MIG x FKOF mix…

Well I don’t want to throw flowers at my own face but the mix I did for you is probably my best recorded mix in 2012. I’m really happy about the build up and the story the mix tells the listener. Not sticking to one kind of vibe or one kind of beats so it is like you open a little new door on every tune I put there…

Any shoutouts?

Yep I’d like to thank all the people supporting my DJ stuff and my radio show. I’ve been posting mixes online for years and there are still a lot of people loving them so that’s really great! Big shouts to the whole Sub.FM crew! Big shouts to the labels releasing my own music: L2S, Reggae Roast, Airtight Imprint and Mindstep Music to only name a few! Shouts to all the DJs playing my music! Big ups Distance, Syte, Crises, Content, Beezy, Djinn, Hedmuk, ARtroniks… Again to only name a few. So anyone else doing that please forgive me!

3 producers we should be following are…?

Well I’ll name 3 guys I “recently” discovered and who are really exciting me at the moment. - Wayfarer for his incredible ability to make the sickest tribal dubstep at the moment - Promise One because his dark garage stuff is absolutely amazing and he is making the link between the roots of dubstep and the most recent improvements in sound production - Gantz for his artistic freedom and his ability to build solid and crazy vibes. About the confirmed producers I won’t be original at all but Mala stays for me the best producer everyone should check! But I feel bad for just giving four names…. Distance, Ruckspin, Planas, Tunnidge, Kryptic Minds, Swindle, Thelem, Kaiju, FNC and SO MANY MORE should be mentioned!

Best dubstep track ever produced is…?

Mala’s ‘Lean Forward’.

Best label in dubstep is…?

Deep Medi.

America has its own dubstep ambassador in the form of the one and only Joe Nice. I’m not sure if the association has been made before (but if not it bloody should have), but Belgium can definitely pin the same title on Ben. If you’re ambivalent as to why, have a listen to the mix he’s put together for MIG x FKOF. It’s truly, truly sensational…

Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list:

1. BunZer0 - Bubble [dub] 
2. Camu - Mujahedin [forthcoming Mu Djina] 
3. BunZer0 - Paracetamol [forthcoming Airtight Imprint] 
4. Mala - Curfew [Brownswood] 
5. Vivek - Against The Tide [forthcoming Tectonic] 
6. Tunnidge - Empty Spaces [forthcoming Chestplate] 
7. Anneka - Shut Her Down (Collision remix) [dub] 
8. Imaginary Friend and UNCO - Bad Dreams Factory (Apatic remix) [forthcoming Undersky] 
9. Gantz and Quantum Soul - Oracle [dub] 
10. Wayfarer - Shaman [forthcoming Tribe12] 
11. FNC - Prism [dub] 
12. Sleeper - Zodiac [dub] 
13. BunZer0 ft. Kamine - Darabuka [forthcoming Mindstep Music] 
14. Twisted and Rakoon ft. Beezy - Secluded [dub] 
15. Proxima - Lie Detection [Tempa] 
16. District - Kraken [dub] 
17. Pheral - Tribesman [dub] 
18. ARtroniks - Depths Of Darkness [dub] 
19. Sleeper - Pathogen [dub] 
20. DubApes - We Are Monkeys [Bacon Dubs] 
21. Vivek - Show Me [dub] 
22. Core and Jack Sparrow - Backer [dub] 
23. DJG - Rivet VIP [dub] 
24. J:Kenzo - Statement of Intent [forthcoming Tempa] 
25. Planas - Mr Litvinenko [dub] 
26. Broke N - Weighted Notes 6Blocc [forthcoming Phantom Hertz] 
27. FNC - Imprinted [dub] 
28. Dubface ft. Beezy - Tomorrow [dub] 
29. Quantum Soul - Hark Back [forthcoming Tribe 12] 
30. Boot - The Rift [dub]

Let us know what you think of BunZer0’s interview and mix via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #133 - MAKZ

Today’s MIG x FKOF feature sees us sit down with M.A.K.Z., a DJ/ producer/ blogger/ SoundCloud group administrator and all round badman. Oh, and he’s given us a FKOF free download as well…

Who is M.A.K.Z.?

M.A.K.Z. is a producer/DJ that uses influences from all over to create the most natural, organic sounding tracks and mixes.

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

I first got into producing when I started my music technology course at college (which was 2 years ago now). Before then, I played the drums and have done for almost 8 years – I had been playing with a few bands and had done quite a few gigs around the local area since I was about 14. I think the first time I ever heard real dubstep was in one of Beezy’s old GetDarker mixes that I downloaded because it looked interesting. It blew me away – I’d never heard music like that before and I just really loved the sound of it, after that I got into all the old school stuff – artists like Skream, D1, Mala etc. and it’s progressed from there really. The mixing just came about – I would say I’m more of a producer, but I like to have a mix from time to time. I would say my production style is a blend of deep subs, strange pads, weird eastern samples, varied percussion and natural sounding drums – I try not to go with the whole processed sound, I do like a natural feel to my productions.

How long have you been producing and DJing?

I’ve been producing for a couple of years now – when I first started I used to catch the bus home from school early pretty much every day just so I could work on new tracks haha! I just found it amazing how you could make music with only an idea in your head. I’ve not been DJing too long, I’d say about a year. I just listened to loads of radio shows and wanted to try my hand at it, I used to DJ with a friend of mine who would walk from his house to mine with a suitcase packed with his turntables and mixer and we would do this most days after work when we were both on together.

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

I usually start with the drums – I use a program outside of my DAW that has all my samples in (it sequences the beats as well after I programme them), so they’re all the same tempo and not just loose samples. I do tend to layer my drums loads – at the end of bouncing down all my drum tracks to put into my DAW I’ll usually end up with about 5 snares/claps, 3-4 kicks and a variety of different hats/shakers/percussion. Then I start with the main instruments – pads will come first, then the sub and then the other synths and finally I’ll pick and choose samples that I’ve never used before or might recycle old ones. The process behind my tunes is an idea – once I get an idea in my head and I think it’ll sound good I’ll start on the track. I use Cubase 5, I learned to produce using that so it’s familiar to me – if you sat me in front of a Mac running Logic I wouldn’t have a clue what to do! I’ve just started to really find my sound – a lot of my older productions were a jumble of different sounds, but I would say I’ve finally found my way.

You run a popular SoundCloud dubstep group and have your own dubstep blog – how’s that going? What inspired you to start them both?

Well I started the group one day (which was a while ago!), a lot of unknown producers were submitting tracks that I thought were amazing and produced to a high quality. That gave me the idea to set up the blog which would be a platform to get their music heard. Since then it’s got more popular, not as popular as some blogs, but enough so that people know about it and what it’s all about. I keep trying to come up with new ideas for the blog, which is how the exclusive downloads and the mix series came along – I’d hit up producers/DJs that submitted tracks to my group and they’d usually all be up for it – a lot of people will probably think I’m trying to copy other blogs with the same sort of theme (for example Trusik), but I mainly focus on the underground artists and producers that not everyone might have heard of before. I’ll also be starting a podcast sort of mix (‘DDDDcast’) that will be regular and will be mixed by me, also got quite a few big mixes in the pipeline for the series – that’s all I’m saying…!

Turntables or CDJs for when you play out?

I’ve honestly never played out before haha!! I’ve always mixed in my studio (aka bedroom), but have never had the opportunity to play out because I live in an area of the Midlands where people don’t seem to know the first thing about true dubstep and there’s not a lot of venues here either. But if I was to play out it would be CDJs seeing as though they’re easier for playing unreleased music on – I wouldn’t know where to start with the whole cutting dubplates business!

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

If I could DJ alongside anyone in the world, it would have to be Hatcha back in the days when dark garage was the rage and the clubs consisted of only big sound systems and decks.

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

• Camu – His beats are really flavoursome – every production is genius
• Be-1ne – I’ve always been a fan of his, his perspective on dubstep is one I share and his tunes are always really soulful. His label ‘Area Recordings’ is also one of my favourites, he always seems to put out some deep music. And he’s from the Midlands!
• Gantz – His music is very creative and I love his polished production style
• Perverse – They’ve always been favourites of mine since the day they were relatively unknown and were submitting their amazing productions to my SoundCloud group (haha)!
• Vaun – All of his productions are unbelievably smooth and crisp.

I’m really feeling the music coming out on Tribe12 at the moment. Deep Medi and Tempa are also doing big things as always and of course Osiris. I’ve been hearing some good things on Redshift One too.

What’s the future of dubstep - where do you see the genre going? Do you think the ‘deep and dark’ side of things has been overdone yet? If so, what’s next?

Personally I don’t think it’s been overdone yet – there’s still a load of producers bringing different styles to the table and making the music more interesting, it’s a controversial topic to be fair – everyone has their own opinion. It’s the same thing with my blog – ‘Deep, Dark, Dungeon Dubstep’ paints the wrong picture really – it’s a music blog that covers all areas of bass music, not just the typical dark, minimal sound. I think techno will be the next big craze – I like it in little chunks, but I don’t think you’ll ever see me produce a techno beat! I’d love to see 140 jungle come about more – I’ve got respect for that sub-genre.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

I’ve got a 4-track grime EP that I will be doing the pre-masters for soon and sending those out – if the labels don’t want it then it’ll probably be a self-release thing on bandcamp, I’ve put a lot of time into it and the concept behind it so would be nice to have a label to support it – dropped a couple of the tracks from it in my mix too.

Tell us about your MIG x FKOF mix…

I had a lot of dubs as it was and was still getting more from producers – I tried to include as much new music as I could, also played a classic from Cyrus, one of my most favourite dubstep/grime crossover tunes and that beautiful production from Vaun.

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

I think I’m the one who needs advice about getting signed! But for getting heard, you just need to know the right people and send your music out to DJs that will appreciate it.

Any shoutouts?

I just want to say a big thank you and respect out to all the producers/DJs contributing to my blog with downloads and the mixes and to all the supporters so far, also out to all the DJs who play my music – cheers and of course Wil for putting up the best mixes/free downloads around and for letting me contribute to that!

3 people (dead or alive) you’d go for a beer with (and why)?

• The Notorious B.I.G – a very inspirational figure and an amazing rapper
• Camu – so I could ask him how he get’s his percussion so tight
• Wayfarer – so I could ask him how he produced ‘Fall Of The Zulu’ – always been on my mind where he got those samples from.

Best dubstep track ever produced?

It’s got to be be ‘Midnight Request Line’ by Skream – an old school classic and it was one of the first real dubstep tracks I ever heard.

Best dubstep producer out there?

That’s a tough one, but I’m gonna have to say Icicle – all of his music is flawless and his productions are outstanding, no matter what genre.

17/20 dubs in his mix for MIG x FKOF and a truly weighty little FKOF free download. M.A.K.Z. is definitely a DJ and producer to look out for in the future! Keep eyes on the SoundCloud group (I’ve found a good few gems in there) and the DDDD Tumblr and Facebook page - and keep tabs on M.A.K.Z. on SoundCloud and Mixcloud…

Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list:

1. Camu - Bloodwood [dub] 
2. Boofy - Subculture [dub] 
3. Aiko - Mystic [dub] 
4. Biak - 045 [dub] 
5. M.A.K.Z. - Headhunter [dub] 
6. Cyntel - Trolls [dub] 
7. Baku - Deep Breaths [dub] 
8. Gatekeeper ft. Grilza - Truth In The Booth [Nu Labels] 
9. Deafblind & Format - My Fate [dub] 
10. Geode - Aliased Fever [dub] 
11. Kong - Enemies [dub] 
12. Cyrus - Paradise Dub [Tectonic] 
13. Camu - Kikuyu [dub] 
14. Pressa - Solar Flare [dub] 
15. M.A.K.Z. - The Sleeperhold [dub] 
16. Alias. ft. Lowdose - Bristol 2 Tha Bay (Cyntel’s Grime VIP) [dub] 
17. M.A.K.Z. - K.O. [dub] 
18. Boofy - Since When [dub] 
19. M.A.K.Z. - Straight Roller [dub] 
20. Vaun - Colourful [Redshift One]

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

Lara

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #119 - Facta

Today sees us release our latest MakeItGood x FKOF feature with London/Bristol boy FACTA. We caught up with him to chat about DJing, releases and everything in between. Make sure you follow Oscar on Facebook and Soundcloud. Peep the interview, and download his exclusive mix below. 

Who is Facta?

My name’s Oscar Henson, and I’m a nineteen year old producer and DJ from east London, currently studying in Bristol.

I started listening to a lot of electronic music through one of my close mate’s back when I was about 14 – not the sort of stuff I’d listen to now, but it started the natural progression towards slightly more experimental stuff. Getting properly into all the Tempa, DMZ, Hotflush and Hyperdub releases coming out around about 2008-9 is what got me set into the deeper dubstep sound, and I’ve been following it slightly obsessively since. 

I’ve been producing to some extent since I was about 15, when I started out on hacked versions of Fruity and Beatcraft, but I didn’t move onto Logic and start properly building tracks until I was 16 or 17. Again, I didn’t really start taking it seriously until about a year and a half ago, and it’s only been about a year since I made something I was at all happy with. That had a lot to do with getting into DJing – I’ve had decks for about a year and a half now, and learning to mix and subsequently paying more attention during the live sets I was seeing out at nights really helped me develop the way I build my tracks.

Logic Pro 9, sometimes with Albino – I don’t use a lot of plug-ins really as I prefer to dig around for samples. 

Turntables or CDJs?

Turntables of course, but there’s a reason even Youngsta doesn’t DJ with vinyl anymore – club turntables are often pretty unreliable, so I’ve had to move onto using CDJs with Serato when playing out.

I recently played in the upstairs room at Thekla in Bristol – it was the Night Slugs birthday night and I played before the first room opened, which meant the place was pack out. I like to switch it up a bit towards the end of my sets, so I started dropping bare old garage and hip-hop and it just went off – big up anybody who was there, such good vibes. And in terms of playing alongside any DJ, it could be anybody out of the standards – Mala, Youngsta, Kode9, Oneman…

In no order, and not including all the obvious standards:

K-Lone – he’s my boy and an absolutely nuts producer, plus he’s been to more nights with me than probably anybody.

Commodo – at a time when I feel a lot of producers are starting to sound a little samey, Commodo always comes with the freshest and most unique sound. Rude sampling, nutty basslines, and fucking sick on the decks too.

Kowton – not strictly dubstep, but part of the continuum – a Bristol head making some amazing blend of techno, dubstep and grime – ‘She Don’t Jack’ is a ridiculous tune. Plus Idle Hands is an absolute institution.

TMSV – just listen to his new bit ‘Lost’. 

Versa – just makes consistently emotional beats.

If you just take dubstep to mean the worldwide community of producers making interesting, bass-driven music around 140 bpm, and ignore all the dull stuff, then it’s plainly obvious that it’s just going up and up.

In discussions over a couple of bits – watch this space.

Well obviously I’m as ‘upcoming’ as the rest of them, but from what I’ve experienced so far there’s a lot to be said for just putting yourself out there – this scene thrives because it’s made up of people who mutually support each other (this blog is a prime example) - if you feel your tracks, there’s a good chance other people will too, so just ask producers to play your tracks – ask promoters to book you – ask labels to sign you. Any success I’ve had so far has just come as a result of the fact that everybody is helping everybody in this scene.

Any shoutouts?

Anybody listening to my tracks and mixes, booking me, or coming to see me play out. Special mention goes out to Liam and Yanis at Piff Bristol – it’s big to be part of such a sick team of people.

Twitter or Facebook?

The only thing Twitter is good for is finding out set times.

David Attenborough plus any two of my mates so we could just jam with him.

FACTA went in with his mix for MIG x FKOF… and filled it with plenty of dubs, just how we like it! 

Track list:

1. Pinch - Get Up [Tectonic] 
2. Facta - Sundown [dub] 
3. K-Lone - Shatter [dub] 
4. Headhunter - Descent [Tempa] 
5. Facta - Surface Tension [dub] 
6. Pheral & Content - Catharsis [dub] 
7. Forensics - God’s Hands (Trashbat remix) [dub] 
8. Pheral - Untitled [dub] 
9. K-Lone - R.E.M [forthcoming] 
10. Gantz - No Love [Fent Plates] 
11. Facta - Blowdart [dub] 
12. K-Lone - Trapped [dub] 
13. Facta - Spheres [dub] 
14. Kryptic Minds - Chosen Few [Swamp81] 
15. Vaun - Comatose [dub] 
—Slum Village - Girl Shit (Climax) [GoodVibe Recs]

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #118 - Gantz

It’s time for the latest MakeItGood x FKOF feature with possibly one of the finest percussive dubstep producers around. It’s safe to say with a 55m mix and a FKOF free download, Gantz is definitely making his mark..

Who is Gantz?

Gantz is a 23 year old lifelong music student, who started his education at an early age playing the electric bass and who then gradually evolved into electronic music production.

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

My friend Can brought me into the world of dubstep; he showed me everything and helped it grow on me in a healthy way. We basically were playing dubstep to non-interested audiences in local reggae clubs (but didn’t really care because that’s what we wanted to do). We then started producing music together (as we were both studying music production and music theory at the same university), but we seperated doing our own stuff eventually. I would describe my music as sub-oriented electronic non-dance music.

How do you go about building your tunes – do you have a process? What software do you use?

I usually create a mimic, beatwise or soundwise, and go along from there. It takes time for me to get to know the tune itself, recognise what it needs and help it find its way. I use Logic Pro 9, a couple of monitors and coffee.

Turntables or CDJs for when you play out?

Both make sounds, I don’t really care that much. I mostly play vinyl but use CDs when I play my own tunes and dubs.

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

I played at a DMZ night, that was profound. I would really like to play with VIVEK!

You’re involved in A&R for Innamind; who are the top 5 dubstep producers we should know about; and why? What labels you’re feeling at the moment?

I am currently feeling Nanobyte, Kaiju, Ipman, Endian and El Mahdy Jr – these are guys that produce real music in my opinion. Label-wise, I am feeling Black Box, Deep Medi, Non Plus, Exit Records, Burial Mix to name a few.

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 is immune to any negativity because the up-and-coming producers are giving their all to not become famous but to produce the next original tune. We are improving as a whole and it will only get better

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

I want to quote someone here:

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

— Ira Glass

Tell us about your mix for MakeItGood x FKOF…

The mix is just good tunes lined up to get you in a mood and have a deep experience. Appreciate the moment and forget about other stuff! Spare 50 mins, trust me, you will only feel better.

Any shoutouts?

Golem, Collision, Kaiju, Ipman, Micheal Pheral, Lurka, Commodo, Diccon, Stiver, Anex, Demon, Jeremy, Perverse, Nanobyte, Camu, Quantum Soul, Flatliners, J Robinson, Joe Nice, Beezy and Amit. They’re all amazingly kind people. Love you all.

3 people (dead or alive) you’d go for a drink with?

Burial, Richard Feynmann, VIVEK.

Favourite horror movie villain?

Oh! Jim FKOFin’ Moriarty from Sherlock Holmes, that’s just scripting/ acting at it best.

Best thing to do in Istanbul?

Go up Galata Tower! 

Now Gantz has gone all out with his contribution to the MakeItGood x FKOF series. Not only is there a stupendously good 55m mix, he’s also thrown in a FKOF free download as well. A proper madness! You can download both below – and be sure to follow Emir on SoundCloud, Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with his new tunes…

Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list:

Track list:

1. Nanobyte - Lost Time [forthcoming Innamind] 
2. Killawatt & Thelem - Kaba [forthcoming Black Box] 
3. VIVEK - Kismet [Deep Medi] 
4. Kaiju - Centipede Style [dub] 
5. Lurka - Blondez [dub] 
6. Nanobyte - Kalyke [forthcoming Innamind] 
7. Mala - 10 Dread Commandements [DMZ] 
8. Gantz - WIntershine Music [dub] 
9. Gantz - Enso [dub] 
10. Gantz & J Robinson - Misread [dub] 
11. Gantz - Cave Dance [Innamind Recordings] 
12. Gantz & Beezy - First Born [dub] 
13. Kaiju - Double Dragon [dub] 
14. Biome - The Raven [Osiris] 
15. LAS - Rispekta [dub] 
16. Congi - Cult (Gantz remix) [dub] 
17. Autechre - See on See [Warp Records]

Click to DOWNLOAD

Let us know what you think Gantz interview and mix/download via Twitter or Facebook.

Lara 

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #115 - Sparxy

For those of you who visit MakeItGood often, will know that Sparxy is our resident DJ, giving us mixes every 3 months or so. However, FatKidOnFire and I thought it was about time we got him involved in our collaboration series, what with all the success he’s been having these past couple of months! Having had his tunes played a number of times on Skream and Benga’s Radio 1 show, and support from the likes of Distance, Crises and J:Kenzo, it’s pretty obvious he is one to watch! Have a read of his interview, download his mix, and follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud. 

Who is Sparxy?

Sparxy is my nickname and has been for some time, since school. I’m 26, from Portsmouth and FKOFing love music of all descriptions in a variety of genres. DJing, production and my label is my contribution to a scene I’m passionate about.

What got you into producing/DJing dubstep?

I was into Drum n Bass from a young age, picking up my first vinyl when I was 15. I used to head down local record shops and pick things out to listen to. Seems like ages ago now! After a while I got a bit bored of DnB and fell out of love with it. There was a period of about 4 years where I didn’t DJ or produce at all, and dubstep is what got me back into it. One of the first dubstep tunes I heard that really caught my attention was Skream’s “Midnight Request Line”. From there I looked further into and it’s just sort of grown really. I was always a DJ first and a (rubbish) producer 2^nd. But over time the two have sort of leveled out and I would say I’m equal parts DJ/producer thesedays.

How long have you producing and Djing?

One of the first vinyls I remember buying was “The Nine” by Bad Company when I was around 15 years old. Taking out the gap in the middle, I’ve probably got 5 or 6 years DJ experience and 3 or 4 years production experience.

What software do you use to produce your tracks?

I’m a big fan of Ableton. Originally I was a Cubase and Reason user, but when I got back into electronic music it was a bit of a fresh start, so I was keen to try something new. Ableton just really works for me, I find it a pleasure to produce on. I also rely heavily on VST plugins, I’m a big fan of the entire FabFilter range for example. In terms of synths I use a few, but my favourite right now is FM8.

Turntables or CDJs?

There seems to be a lot of stigma about this!! As someone who was originally a turntable / vinyl DJ but now use mainly digital, I can see the advantages of both. There is nothing like being able to feel the music, feel the grooves of the vinyl sliding under your fingers. It’s a very “involved” experience, a lot of the digital DJs thesedays don’t get that. The more digital you go, the more you seem to lose from the overall experience of DJing. I spent years buying DnB vinyl, I’ve literally got fucking shitloads. None of it gets played anymore and it sits gathering dust, half of it is at a mate’s house. When I got into dubstep I vowed never to amass such a ridiculous collection of vinyl ever again! So now when I play out I use CDJs and at home I use a Serato timecode setup. Digital files don’t degrade over time and they don’t get lost (assuming you have backed it up) so for me that’s a winner.

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

Best gig, well the MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire room at Cable this year was firin’! Definitely up there as one of my best gigs, going triple B2B with Syte and Ben ton was sick and people were feeling the vibes. I played a gig in Ukraine B2B Reamz recently and that was sick as well. My set on GetDarker TV has to be the ‘biggest’ gig I’ve done yet though, and I think it showed as I was quite nervous at the start!

If I could DJ alongside anyone it would have to be Skream. The man’s a legend in my book. He gets a lot of stick about his selection these days, but when he’s on form, he really is on form. As one of the originators you can never doubt him, he doesn’t forget what dubstep really is about. For someone who’s contributed so much to dubstep, he gets free reign to do whatever he pleases and has earned his success in my opinion. And you can tell he’s just having a sick time when he’s DJing and that’s what it’s all about. I would prefer it if he could avoid dropping any Skrillex if I were to play with him though hahaha!

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

The dubstep scene is a fountain of fresh talent right now. There are too many to name. But if I had to pick a few in no particular order…

• Truth - a long standing favourite of mine. They manage to put so much aggression into some of their tunes and keep it classy. Absolutely sick.

• Reamz – pure vibes in his tunes and his attention to detail is insane. When you really listen to a Reamz tune and pick out all the intricacies you realize how good he really is.

• Cauze – another young guy new on the scene. Has a bright future ahead of him if he continues to progress. Some absolutely ridiculous synth sounds he’s been making.

• Genetix – have been on a deeper tip lately and the sub bass weight on the new tunes is SERIOUS. Watch out for their new material.

• Biome – a guy everyone is familiar with by now. Still up there as one of my favourites, absolutely sick sounds and dutty vibes.

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

I see it evolving and diversifying more and more. I compare it to the blowing up of DnB. Back in the late 90’s DnB really started to get some attention. Over the course the following 10 years or so it grew hugely and really caught the mainstream eye. Dubstep has done the same in less than half the time, it’s absolutely insane really. I think more sub-genres will flourish and as more new talent comes in we’ll see them influencing the scene’s direction. It’s hard to know where we’ll be in 5 years but it’s certainly exciting.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

My “Mr Robot EP” recently came out on Bacon Dubs, so check that! I’ve also got Battousai / Deadlock coming out digitally on Bokane Audio on 8^th June and have a vinyl release with them later this year too. I’m keen to get more of my stuff on vinyl. I’m also going to be cutting limited runs of Mr Robot EP to vinyl through Bacon Dubs, so keep locked to my Twitter and Facebook for announcements if you want one of those.

Have you got any advice to upcoming Djs/Producers?

Don’t let other people influence your artistic direction (I learned this the hard way). Every tune you make should have a bit of “you” in it. Stay true to yourself and your sound. Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. The dubstep scene is one born out of a passion for bass and the feelings the music carries. If you can’t identify with that, maybe this scene isn’t for you.

Any shoutouts?

Gotta give a massive shout to Lara, who was one of the first people to get behind and support me. She certainly inspired me to make more tunes and keep doing what I was doing!

Massive shout to N-Type for the advice and the support. The man’s a don. End of.

Shouts to Skream and Benga for the support, again massively inspiring to receive support from guys like them and it’s stuff like this that keeps me pushing myself and wanting to improve.

Shouts to my friends in the scene: Fish, Nikki Acute, Wil Benton, Fused Forces, Arkwright, the PGR boys, DJ Foster, Chris DBD, Konvex and Richy Beats.

Shouts to all the Bacon Dubs family; Reamz, Hiloxam, Intelligent Delinquent, Skriptah, Deafblind and the DubApes.

Last but not least, shouts to my girlfriend Vicky who supports me all the way and puts up with all the dubstep and bass music even though she doesn’t really like it.

Twitter or Facebook?

I’m a massive fan of Twitter thesedays, it’s instant, it’s now and it’s open. You can get in touch with just about anyone on there. Make sure you’re following me @SparxyUK!

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

1. Kurt Cobain. He was a pretty messed up dude with some mad ideas and could put his emotions into music like no one else. It would be nice to have a pint and really get an idea of what made him tick, although I wouldn’t expect him to make much sense lol.

2. Dave Gilmour – guitarist from Pink Floyd. Pink Floyd are one of my favourite bands of all time and Gilmour is just fucking sick on the guitar. The way he used effects to really transform his riffs was very inspiring and way ahead of its time. You can listen to almost any Floyd track and it still sounds fresh today.

3. Denzel Washington. He’s just generally a fucking DON. Nuff said.

Sparxy’s mix is filled with some wicked tracks, but just wait till you hear Battousai VIP in there… OOF! 

Track list:

1. Ollie303 - Escapism 
2. Reamz - Born of a Sin 
3. Fused Forces - Damaged Lung 
4. Dubfreq ft. Raggs - Coercion 
5. Sparxy - Mr Robot VIP 
6. Cauze & Format - Satyr VIP 
7. Reamz - Symbiotic 
8. Truth - All Alone 
9. Genetix - Resistance 
10. Sparxy - Tazer 
11. DubApes - Tribe 
12. Hiloxam - Machine 
13. Sparxy - Deadlock 
14. Sparxy - Battousai VIP 
15. Genetix - Resistance 
16. Konvex & Baitface - 37th Method 
17. Ollie303 - Static Purgatory 
18. Skriptah & Cyntel - The Lab 
19. Tallan - Before You Speak

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

Lara

MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #114 - Baitface

The MakeItGood x FKOF series is shaping up nicely; we’re already on 114! Mad! Today’s MIG x FKOF feature sees us sit down with Baitface – one of the most exciting young producers we’ve heard in the past few months…

Who is Baitface?

I’m a DJ and producer from Kent, UK.

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

I grew up in South London and discovered early forms of it through pirate radio stations and the internet; been hooked ever since. I try not to pin myself down to one style ‘cos I write all sorts but I’ve been listening to loads of deep/ minimal techno lately so that’s filtering its way into my tunes at present.

How long have you producing and DJing?

I’ve been messing around with records and experimenting on Fruity Loops since I was about 14/15 – I’ve just never stopped really.

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

Blank page; it’s never a set process. I used to make templates and that but it just ends up getting stale if you do sh!t the same way every time! It all depends on what I’m feeling at the time. Software-wise, my main tools would be: Logic Pro, EXS24, Massive, Waves Ultimate and Abbey Road VSTs.

Turntables or CDJs for when you play out?

I tend to play CDs more just because it’s easier for me to play more upfront stuff, either by myself or something another producer has given me. I do cut dubs every so often, but the tunes have to be really special.

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

The last gig I played in Kent was probably my favourite. It was the third instalment of a night run by my friends down in Margate called Seeerious. The crowd were having it and those guys always make sure the system is top notch… And I’d love to DJ alongside EZ. So much respect for that guy.

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

In no particular order:

• Icicle,
• Proxima,
• Cluekid,
• Commodo,
• Kaiju.

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 term itself “dubstep” has gone and could go anywhere. I can’t really speak for other heads but I know I’ll always be making music that I like (in the hope that others will too) – regardless of what label it’s given or where it fits in.

Any forthcoming releases we can look forward to?

‘Focus Mode/ We Are’ should hopefully be out on Soulstep by the end of July. Digital formats, all the usual outlets. I also have forthcoming material on Dubstrict.

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

Make sure your tunes are as good as they can be creatively, worry about mix-downs later. A not-so-well engineered banger is always better than a perfectly polished turd in my opinion.

Tell us about your mix for MakeItGood x FKOF.

It’s just a collection of releases/dubs I’m feeling at the moment. Wanted to include the style I’m known for but also switch it up with other styles to keep things interesting.

Any shoutouts?

Out to Jamie and Kieran Seeerious, all my like-minded musical peers: J-One, Lex, Bevan, Wen, Arktrix and Konvex. Big up Chris at Soulstep and Charlie at Dubstrict!

3 people (dead or alive) you’d have a drink with (and why)?

El-B (originator), Mila Kunis (should be obvious…) and Tulisa (to find out whether that video is an accurate representation of her “skills” or whether purple just isn’t her colour).

Tearout or minimal sounds?

Minimal. Tearout in moderation.

Memories of 3rd Base or Goat Stare?

Memories of staring at Goats after reaching 3rd Base…?!

Alex’s mix for MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire has been doing the rounds online since we uploaded it a few weeks back (apologies for the delay in getting it on the site man!) – hit that play button and you’ll find out why. If you want to find out more about Baitface and his music, follow him on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.

Click to DOWNLOAD

Track list:

1. Baitface - Focus Mode 
2. Lurka - Forgotten Ones 
3. Cluekid - Minimals 
4. Kaiju - Belcanto 
5. Epoch - Katon (Wen remix) 
6. Proxima - Grunge 
7. Icicle - Acid Step 
8. Biome - Persepolis 
9. Commodo - So Clear 
10. Joker - I Think You Should Know 
11. Sleeper & District - Transitions 
12. Konvex & Baitface - 37th Method 
13. Wen - Spark It 
14. ??? - Wooo / Gash Blend 
15. Thelem - Cathetus 
16. Perverse - The Iceman 
17. Pearson Sound - Untitled 
18. Wen - You Know 
19. J-One - Untitled 
20. J-One & Baitface - Multicoloured Blues

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

Lara

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

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 #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

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

Lara

MakeItGood x Bacon Dubs - Sparxy’s April Mix

It’s been a fair few months since Sparxy stepped up and gave us a mix (Christmas I think?) so today sees us release his latest mix for MakeItGood, and this one’s weighty! For those of you who don’t know, Sparxy is our resident DJ, and also runs Dubstep label Bacon Dubs. Click the link below to download his mix, and make sure you follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud. 

MakeItGood x Bacon Dubs - Sparxy’s April Mix 2012

Tracklist: