Frontlines1 THE MINUTEMAN Transferring from walls to canvas and expanding If you can’t make that then keep your head up for horizons in the process, the Minuteman exhibition Temper’s self-styled ‘corporate bombing’ as Sprite Wolverhampton based artist, Temper, displays the stays faithful to the soul associated with the launch limited edition cans featuring his designs technique and versatility that has kept him at the movement, basing itself around Temper’s lifestyle. between May and August. “For so long street art has forefront of graffiti culture. The right to a solo graffiti not really been recognised as a credible art form and exhibition is justified by the painter’s history and See the show at Birmingham Museum and Art so events like the ‘Sprite’ Urban Games as well as outlook: “I want to make people understand we’re not Gallery 26 May-22 June, Arc in Manchester (0771 the limited edition cans and bottles, give people a going away. I can do what contemporary artists do, 4410131) and in London (0207 2414111). rare opportunity to see graffiti in its rawest and most just using aerosol.” creative state and not just as an act of vandalism.” 08 KNOWLEDGE
REPRAZENT Frontlines2 After three months touring JAM: TOKYO-LONDON Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada, Reprazent return to the Celebrating the creative communities of UK for the release of, ‘Lucky two parallel cities, East and West, ‘JAM: Pressure’, on June 11. Roni Size Tokyo-London’ offers a rare mash-up and Suv remixes are on the drum of creative urban culture. Without & bass double pack alongside a prioritising any one art form, Jam brings ‘Ghetto Celebrity’ instrumental, the most innovative practitioners of art, while MJ Cole, Layo and fashion and music to an experimental Bushwacka! and Ils all rework the exhibition in the Barbican Gallery from track on two separate 12”s. 10 May-8 July. Based on the idea of a musical jam, the The band are also playing three original ‘96 exhibition was one of the live shows in June: Bristol Rock on first to bring non-mainstream creative 6 June and Manchester Academy activity together in a major London on 7 June and Po Na Na gallery, the second will similarly feature Hammersmith in London on 8 many Japanese artists whose work will June. Guest DJs on the first two be seen in the west for the first time. dates are Marky, Craze, Bryan This includes Groovisions, a design Gee and Stanton Warriors with team, who are famous for creating t Kenny Dope replacing Marky for he household Japanese Chappie the London show. character. There will be a special late night open- IT’S BIGGER THAN ing event for JAM: Tokyo London on HIP HOP... Friday 11 May featuring DJs, bands and a hip hop crew from Tokyo. Admission is Hip hop takes to the streets of £7/£5, information is on 020 7638 8891 London for the whole of June in a festival put together to strengthen RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY all parts of the culture. Faces like Skitz, DJ 279, Sin Cru, Adee and Better than school, apply to The Red Bull Music Academy in New York this September to get a free musical education. The Steam are to play teacher at various two, fortnight sessions are open to just 30 people from all over the world. Get selected past the extensive application and events around the city. All are you will be flown to New York to learn industry tricks, secrets and skills from the best possible teachers. Equipment dropping in to the day long launch companies give lectures on gear, such as the Akai sampling workshop, which is all donated so the studios can be used party on 2 June at Hackney’s when not in class. Last year Kemistry and Peshay attended as guest lecturers, this year the academy gets each student a Ocean club, which provides a gig somewhere in New York. Get your form from www.redbullmusicacademy.com window into the events of the month to come. You can participate at KNOWLEDGE 09 producer, DJ and breakdance workshops, graff murals and ‘Visuleyez’ image shows, or get hold of one of the LHHF maps and just walk the street. Pick up the fashion trail for a tour of design- ers and retailers of UK urban streetwear and if you pass a bar- bers’ look out for ‘The Barbershop Quartet’, a relaxed space for bed- room MCs and DJs to develop their skills in a public environment. Night time means clubtime and only the finest hip hop provided by the likes of Pogo, DJ 279, Big Ted and Shortee Blitz. Participating venues cover north to south: Scala, Mass, Cargo to name a few and watch city roofs for artist spotlights at Tower Records and Footlocker. Get info on all of the events from www.londonhiphopfestival.com
Frontlines3 ECOSYSTEM 1.0 SIDELINES Liquid Sky’s DJ Soul Slinger is organising a four day event, Canada’s Vinyl Syndicate have a Ecosystem 1.0 in Manaus, (bang in the middle of Brazil’s new improved website. Check Amazon rainforest). The aim is to produce an ecologically www.VinylSyndicate.com for yourself. friendly event plus help raise awareness and support for Greenpeace and “other non-governmental corporations Sage, UFO! & Elektra introduce that help protect the environment, local population and Phylum Recordings out of San indigenous people”. Francisco. Forthcoming releases include Sagelektra’s ‘Rapture’, Inspired by the 2000 Green Olympics which incorporated a Sage’s ‘Agent Orange’ and UFO!’s series of guidelines that were used especially in the ‘Crack Whore Sleeze’. “We want construction of the olympic village, Ecosystem 1.0 has the the dancefloor smash,” they say, goal of becoming a place of learning. The idea is that the “but, just as important, we want public (made up of foreigners, locals and people from other our records to make you think and states in Brazil) participate in the event without leaving feel as well.” behind a trail of destruction. “The people will have the opportunity learn how the Amazon really is through Lee Coombs likes to mix tribal beats workshops and presentations from local people. The event with electro break-house and he does is to serve as a way of communicating how important it is to exactly that on his compilation LP preserve the largest tropical forest in the world,” explains ‘Future Sound of Retro’, due June 25. Rebeca Lerer of Greenpeace Amazon. Computing tunes for the future, the Scheduled to run from August 2-5, the event features top idea for the Balkan Radar label began electronic acts and DJs from around the globe: Lamb, on an Atari ST in a basement during Afrika Bambaataa, JJ Frost, Bryan Gee, Craze, Randall and the Balkan conflict. Four years later, Mixmaster Morris are just some of the confirmed line-up and the downtempo breaks of while the likes of A Guy Call Gerald, Moby, DJ Krush, Drazen’s ‘Ancient Future / Warp 7’ is Grooverider, Trace and Armand Van Helden are TBC. For their first release in April / May. The more info check www.liquidsky.com / www.greenpeace.org guys behind the label are also or e-mail [email protected] associated with Lift, Bosnia’s first drum & bass club which opens at MUSIC TO MOVE TO Alipaina 19, Sarajevo in June. From your computer to your car, Way Out West have signed a multi Traxdata have launched the mStation. album deal with Distinctive Breaks A digital jukebox, mStation stores up to having left BMG some months previ- 3,000 tracks in a unit no larger than a ous. The label will release WOW’s CD autochanger. Plug it into your dash new LP, ‘Intensity’, this summer. and listen to your CDs and downloaded tunes with no loss of sound quality Hard Leaders plan a CD & triple vinyl whatsoever. Saving an average length compilation for May time featuring a CD takes six minutes and then it’s mix of tracks from Pulse, Justice, instant access all the way. Choose to Carlito & Addiction and Peshay store alphabetically or in directories (TBC). The album ‘Modern Living’ to create your own playlists or also features more downtempo compilations. The package comes with vocal songs and Canadian hip hop everything you need and will set you from Buck 65. back £550 from Dixons. You can now buy Intercom merchan- TORYMON dise i.e. vinyl box sets, promos, releases (all the back catalogue is The relaunch of the Sony backed site, available) and t-shirts from the web- Torymon.co.uk, sees a branching out from the site www.intercomrecordings.com as original service that offered advice and support well as hearing all the new tunes. for ambitious producers. Now music-makers Just released is Tommy Knocker’s are given a forum in which to showcase the ‘Let Me Tell You / Startime’, to be results of the advice received. The Toryumon followed by 60 Minute Man’s ‘Mystery Battleground allows users to post their tracks / Electric Emotion’. Intercom have against others’ and then monitor the reaction also signed Sketch and Code for their from other visitors. first release on the label. Battle it out through four different rounds while CINEMATICS Beat wizard Klute starts up a new being voted on by the public as to whether the label, Commercial Suicide, with its track should stay or be defeated. Ten CDs of The Cinematic Orchestra are currently putting the finishing touches to a first release out in May. Klute also has the best tracks are distributed to music second album, released this September, including collaborations with a upcoming releases on 31 Records companies for artist promotion, through the St Louis jazz icon and a UK rapper. The band commence a North and Certificate 18 and has been busy website itself and direct to shoppers through American pre album tour in June and then travel to Europe, Japan and in the studio working on music for TV Japan’s biggest CD retail shop, CCC. Australia late in 2001. Orchestral producer, J Swinscoe will also be DJing ads and PlayStation games. at a variety of dates in the UK and abroad, while working on a solo As well as making sure you know which plug production project for Talkin’ Loud. Coming out on May 1, goes in which socket, Toryumon also ‘PeteStrumentals’ is the album to persuades artists such as I G Culture, Mark B, follow ‘Soul Survivor’ from long-time Rennie Pilgrim and Midfield General to reveal hip hop head Pete Rock. the equipment that they recommend and other insider tips. New Vision America launch in June with the help of label boss Eric Salazar, aka Emptyhead, and his three track drum & bass / breakbeat single, “Ivory Coast”. Artists waiting their turn at the US branch include, Adam Pfe, J. Dub, Nommo Ogo, 10 KNOWLEDGE
Frontlines4 Glo Lab and Red Math who has PERFECT COMBO “Landing Messiah” ready to go on a Ram vibe. New Vision America will be Those highly coveted Movement / Brazil working with all at New Vision and football tops have been flying out of the there may be some collaborations on Bulldozer office like hotcakes with everyone Time Frame’s forthcoming new EP. from Roni Size to Bryan Gee proudly sport- ing theirs. The Nike / Movement collabora- Skitz is busy on two fronts at the tion has already been a very productive one moment; his own label Titan Sounds this year as some of the DJs helped launch has its fourth release expected late the ‘Boing’ trainer at special showcases May. Skinnyman and Tibz feature this round London. More developments are time around with ‘A London Sumting’. scheduled for later in the summer, especial- Earlier in May, ‘Countryman’’s sec- ly for the limited edition junglist fashion ond single drops, ‘Are You On It’ is freaks hiding out there; all Movement have the excellent chosen track from Skitz to say is ‘Keep your eyes to the floor’. To and Covert, with the Roots Manuva win one of four ultra-exclusive Movement / pairing ‘The Killing’ on the flipside. Brazil football tops, write in with the name of Movement’s Thursday home. The wide-ranging Warp Records have expanded to take Anti-Pop AMMO FOR LIFE Consortium into their stable. The three members, Priest, Beans and Internet radio sounds have come down from all corners to London’s Ammocity: Moving Shadow, Hospital, Titan and Funkin’ Sayyid come from an Ozone Pussy have so far passed through the Regents St studio. Those involved are bringing the freshest, most diverse UK background, the label responsible for underground tunes from both established DJs and pirate set-ups to a global audience. Every host adds a new show each Mike Ladd and Company Flow’s week, extending the broad selection of music offered. With expansions into the live arena planned and ‘Ammo City... East’ takes on hip hop. The first Anti-Pop already rolling in Cargo, the underground styles are set to take a hold. 12” arrives in September with an album to follow and the odd gem of She-One and Etch One are doing their artistic best to ensure this happens too, with their own brand of ‘advertising’ springing originality to pick up in-between. up all over town, causing a few city councils some concern. It doesn’t take long to realise that Ammocity also holds an equal mix-up of written content. The topical and thoughtful site has spiky opinions on everything from football and conspiracy German label Intrauterin have a new theories to Tony Blair and De La Soul’s first LP. Chatrooms encourage conversation but with reviews, photography, TV clips release coming late in 2001 from and the radio shows, you can be quite happy as an onlooker. Next time you’re near a computer, reload ammocity.com. newcomer, Jens K. Label headmen, Baze, Djunkiii and Homebass join To win yourself two exclusive Ammocity Ts, taken from a hand numbered run of just 100, forces to work as a collaboration write in telling us who presents the Sunday Best Chill Out show. “Intrauterin Alliance”. The first track to look for is ‘Der Geist Gottes’, a rave KNOWLEDGE 11 sound with a drum & bass bassline. The Dub Pistols have a new album out in September, “Six Million Ways to Live” on Universal Records. The first single release will arrive July/August. New Vibe is a brand new label aiming to inject some original raving spirit back into the drum & bass scene. Based in Manchester, the crew behind it are hoping to capture the energy of early rave through its vinyl releases. Manchester’s own XTC, under the alias The X, and newcomers Prophecy and Neurotix have tracks planned for release. Prophecy is up first and due to hit the street in July. Gran Kru Records launch their campaign for 2001 with “A Letter To Tony Blair Vol 1”, a compilation of British hip hop and drum & bass. Black Twang, MSI & Asylum, Roots Manuva, Codename John (Grooverider), Krispy, Optical & Ed Rush, Digital, 57th Dynasty and Out Da Ville all feature on it in a call for more airplay for British urban music on radio playlists. “A Letter To Tony Blair Vol 1” arrives in the shops in June. Ryme Tyme has a personally titled album, ‘Ryme Tyme’, due for release this July on his own label, 1210. The compilation comprises “of the best tracks I’ve made or been involved with”. Fierce and Ed Rush take mix duties while Ryme Tyme selects and MCs. ‘Move VIP’, ‘Payback’ and the exclusive ‘Resurrection’ and ‘Semi-Instrumental’ appear alongside new tracks.
Frontlines5 Declaime has finally completed his long-awaited first album DIESEL FOR U “Andsoitissaid”. Prepare for some summer hip hop madness on 4 June. The first Diesel U-Music Awards, designed to encourage unsigned hype for underground Hip hop’s favourite guest MC, the artists took place on April 4 at the Shepherds Biz Markie, is finally getting around Bush Empire and were hosted by DJ Spoony to completing his first LP on and Emma B. Skitz was chosen by Moving ‘Superrappin’. ‘Weekend Warrior’ Shadow as Best Drum & Bass for his track should arrive by late summer but ‘Voyager’ with Fat City selecting the soulful there’s a good chance of seeing the beats of Erban Poets to win the Best Hip Hop beatboxing legend before as he category. DJ Yoda took home the award for tours across Europe’s festivals. Best Scratch DJ from DMC/Technics as all the winners performed their tracks live to the Bassbin’s finest, Beta 2 and Zero Empire on the night. Diesel have produced a Tolerance have a tentatively titled winners CD which can be picked up free from ‘Minder’ EP due out in June on the any Diesel store... and if you think you can do legendary Reinforced label, just better, there’s always next year. before Naphta teams up with Badman for an as yet untitled track. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE Replicant Audio is a new South Legends of the Dark Black and Knowledge London label focusing on real beats. Magazine are joining forces for the Dance Day of Vector Burn, Chris J and Misanthrop this year’s Essential Music Festival. Moving away all have debuts to look for from June. from its usual Brighton home onto East London’s Hackney Marshes increases the event’s capacity to Breaks maestros Elite Force present 20,000 people. Dance Day is July 14 when the ‘Godfather EP’ on the US label Reprazent, Ice T, Adam Freeland and Mr Scruff will Leftwing. With featured tracks be blazing tunes to the assembled. Gather in the previously unavailable in the States, Legends of the Dark Black / Knowledge arena to be this is set to be the first of several treated to performances from Goldie, Grooverider, EPs from the City of Angels offshoot. Fabio, Hype, Randall, Optical, Andy C, Ed Rush, Next comes an Elite Force mix CD. Kenny Ken & Rap with GQ, Fearless & Skibadee Meanwhile, Lunatic Calm celebrate provide the vocal compering for the day/nighter. Buy the long-awaited completion of their your tickets for £35 from Ticketmaster Look for more second album, ‘Breaking Point’, news and the chance to win tickets next issue and scheduled for release on City of at www.essentialfestival.com. Angels/V2 late in the summer. JONZI D Kool FM Live comes online for continual broadcast from May. It’s all The Aeroplane Man is a piece of theatre following a black man’s journey from East London on a global mission to find looking good with special guest his spiritual homeland. Starting in an environment where many different cultures co-exist, The Aeroplane Man travels shows each week, live sets from to places where his experiences question the idea of what ‘Home’ is and ultimately bring him to his destination. London clubs and live cams to match. based writer/choreographer Jonzi D has developed the first ‘99 run into a new version, adding film and digital www.KoolFmLive.com technology to his journey around the UK. Startling visuals and performances help to recognise the blend of British sub-cultures and the hybrid society that questions its own identity. 11/12 May: Oxford Playhouse, 16/17 May: Midlands villains, Vicious Circle Newcastle Playhouse, 28 May: Derby Playhouse, 29/ 30 May: Queen Elizabeth Hall, London. appear in a short film called Boxed and release a second 12”, ‘Bwoy’ 12 KNOWLEDGE late in May. Wolftown label mates Villains have remixed their first single, ‘UK Sound’ for a June re-release, complete with all new verses and a video. Coldcut, the Ninja Tune grand- masters have had enough of the General Election already and release a single, ‘Re:volution’ on 4 June along with a video full of political satire. Watch the Guilty party’s video at www.guiltyparty.cc. www.bombsounds.8m.com comes as an established, recommended drum & bass site that carries a broad mix of stories and issues. Updated daily, the independent site is open to contributions from all who support the scene. Billabong are bringing their global pro Skate Team to west London’s PlayStation skate park. The ‘Free Skate’ plan is to pay your £3 between 1pm-5pm then chill, chat and skate with boarders like Bucky Lasek, Brian Patch, Tas Pappas, Pat Channita and Ali Cairns.
Frontlines6 VANS UK SUMMER TOUR TOMMY’S BOYS FINAL FANTASY The Vans UK skateboard team are running their first Albums that influence hip hop are a rarity, so Tommy The PlayStation’s Final Fantasy series combined ever UK skatepark tour early this summer. The eight Boy have taken it upon themselves to re-read the have sold more than 30 million copies since the first day tour starts on 26 May and runs for eight days, history book and issue the classic De La Soul LP, release in 1987 and based on this success, a full- hitting nine parks across the country. The team list is ‘3 Feet High and Rising’. Including a number of length animated ‘Final Fantasy’ film is due for release now confirmed: Peter King, Mark Channer, Chris additional tracks and aiming to be with us in June, in August 2001. Making a move away from the usual Oliver, Olly Todd, Dan Cates, John Robinson, Dave the album arrives with a cluster of others from the action adventure computer games that become Chesson, Emilio Arnanz, Mark Churchill, Chris likes of Stetsasonic, Digital Underground and Afrika films, the RPG epic should make for a stunning ride, Pulman and Paul Robson will be blazing a trail Bambaattaa. All part of the Tommy Boy 20th especially as the game’s Executive Producer has across our finest skateboard spots. Each date on anniversary celebrations. De La Soul are currently taken charge of the movie too. the tour will feature a demo from the full team. For working on ‘Art Official Intelligence Part 2’, hopefully tour info, team profiles, competitions and daily due before the year’s end, before visiting Europe for Saga IX sees a departure from the futuristic environ- updates as the tour happens, check out: a number of dates over the summer. ment of VIII, opting for an archaic medieval backdrop www.vanstour.co.uk or call 020 8877 9907. in which to host the eternal battle of good versus evil. GIVE IT TO ME RAW To get hold of one of four copies of the four disc BROTHER adventure, a set of FF figures and a limited edition raw42.com are all about offering promotional tools poster from the Japanese advertising campaign, Takeshi Kitano’s ‘Brother’ follows tough guy for emerging artists, right from small beginnings to write and tell us which format the first FF appeared Yamamoto’s escape from Tokyo’s gangland into LA publishing deals. Think of it as the ground floor of on a) Nintendo b) Dreamcast c) Game Gear life. Hooking up with his drug dealing brother’s mob, A&R. The team provides reviews of your music, Yamamoto, who doesn’t speak English, takes over promo CDs, technical articles and news. Request TONY HAWKS 3 the crew and proves to be a silent, deadly force. your track be considered for licensing though and Without warning, he shoots Ken’s supplier and raw42 will call on their contacts and try and secure Activision has announced that it will release the next entire Chicano gang to take over their turf. Before a deal. The licensing program matches artists with instalment of the best-selling skateboarding simulator, long, it’s all-out war. See the East-West clash in labels, promoters and media opportunities, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Appearing on six formats, cinemas from May. everything is done to help bring artists through the expect version number three to add realistic urban set- A&R/reviewing structure direct to a label. tings with pedestrians, cars, traffic accidents, natural TINNITUS disasters and changing weather conditions. Add to Recently the team impressed LTJ Bukem with the this a world tour of skate mecca’s including Skater’s Adam Bray, one of our Decksterity mix-tape winners quality of their music on offer. The music maestro Island in Middleton, Rhode Island, Rio, Los Angeles, a no less, is conducting important research into DJ signed the o.r.g. tune “Une Femme de la Mystique” load of new pro’s and deeper multi-player modes and hearing damage and tinnitus. He is offering free to Good Looking, having been mailed a CD by it seems unlikely Tony will spoil the series. hearing tests in London or Edinburgh that last one raw42 and then requested to hear more. Making hour to all DJs who play out regularly. He is also the process easier for Bukem and fellow ELECTRONIC MUSIC CONVENTION looking for venue managers to let him test decibel professionals is the new VIP lounge streaming facil- levels during their busy nights. Anyone who would ity, allowing the industry to log in to hear screened, 10-13 May are dedicated to The Electronic Music like to help us all enjoy clubbing long into the future unsigned tunes directly. Convention of Switzerland at the Bea Bern Expo. 50 without the threat of deafness or tinnitus should live acts, 250 artists and 90 labels mean for profes- e-mail: [email protected] sionals and punters alike, the Convention caters for business and pleasure with daily exhibitions and night- PARADOX PRODUCTIONS ly events. LTJ Bukem, Freddy Fresh, Hexstatic, Alpha Omega & MC GQ, Pascal, Optical, Alex Dallas, Minus Paradox returns to his studio after six months of 8 and Phoebe One ensure the line-up’s success. tours in time to launch the Paradox Productions label. May welcomes release number one, Alaska’s EASTSIDE ‘Aries Maze/Drum Sessions’ and this sets the precedent. Paradox’s eyes see “a formula free drum Hailing from East London, Eastside Records (not to & bass / beats stable. I want to build a new be confused with A-Sides’ Eastside label) aim to Reinforced and Good Looking’ under one roof. After develop local artists. The label hopes to build a long a label launch party in Switzerland, the rest of the term outlet by reinvesting back into their community, world will be paid visits by the Paradox sound and gradually giving other deserved artists the chance of cameras, as all PAs are filmed for the new LP and breaking through. Their contender working the DVD on Reinforced/Sony Japan. breaks and drum & bass is Illmatika, who can pro- duce, rap, rhyme and sing and proceeds to on new In other digital projects, the producer has been single “Da Illmatika” due in June (TBC). supplying a major console manufacturer with music and has a forthcoming seven track EP on Reinforced entitled ‘the>drum/works-vol<2’. As well as this a vinyl only Drum Sampling / DJ tool called ‘Paradox Breaks Vol.1’ is near completion and will surface on Good Looking. The best place to keep up with movements is: www.paradoxproductions.co.uk KNOWLEDGE 13
TRUE PLAYAZ WORDS: PAUL SULLIVAN TPlrauyeaz ))TRUE PLAYAZ TRUE PLAYAZ HAVE BEEN KEEPING UP THE PRESSURE WITH SOME CHOICE TWELVES AND EPS. NOW THEY’RE ABOUT TO DROP ‘PLAYAZ 4 REAL’, A HOT NEW COMPILATION ON US. KNOWLEDGE CATCH UP WITH THE CREW TO FIND OUT WHERE THEY’RE AT... )) The industrial brick and steel interior of the main room happier with this LP than ‘Real Vibes’ to be honest. If “I was in a rave listening to the d&b and I was also in London’s Fabric clubspace is a familiar sight to many this new one does as well, I’ll be more than happy. checking the pirates for the garage and could see what junglists these days, particularly fans of the True Playaz Where ‘Real Vibes’ was only 12 tracks, this album has it was that people could relate to, why they were liking collective. On the last Friday of every month, the space 20 on it, with loads of variety, a few tracks from guests, the latter and not jungle,” says Hype. “Jungle was is taken over by the crew (Hype, Zinc, Pascal and downtempo cuts... it’s all there.” getting to sound like hard techno, which reminded me guests) for an evening of potent rollers and floor- of the gabba stage that music went through. This was wrecking flavours. The night – which has been running Over the last year or so, the label has been keeping a scene that was originally mixed cultures, classes and for almost a year now at this venue - is, according to itself in the frame with a few sterling releases. Pascal’s sexes and in a lot of places there were more boys than Hype, “one of the club’s best nights – at 5am the ‘P Funk Era’ EP and Zinc’s ‘Beats By Design’ EP made girls, more whites than blacks and I’m like hang on a punters are still jumping around and shouting for more.” a lot of noise a while ago and, more recently, there’s minute, it’s losing what it had. The 138 tempo is good in been the duo’s ‘Directors Cut’ EP, DJ Red’s ‘Everything a sense. I mean, drum & bass is like Marmite innit? You At 3pm in the daytime it’s a different story of course, Has Changed’ and Universal Project’s ‘Soundclash’ either love it or you hate it, but with slower stuff, the with staff cleaning and preparing the bar for the coming EP’. Hype meanwhile has been keeping himself busy garage men might like it, if not the breaks people might night’s events. We’re here at this time so that the crew with remixes, such as his lauded reworking of Mos be into it, there’s more choices. can do some press shots for their forthcoming Def’s ‘Oh No’ and his mix of Double 99 ‘Freakazoid’. compilation album ‘Playaz 4 Real’. It’s the first compila- Perhaps the biggest tune to emerge from the Playaz “What’s good about d&b is that it’s special precisely tion from the posse since 1998’s ‘Real Vibes’, and fea- camp over the last year or so hasn’t been drum & bass. because it doesn’t gel with other things. We’re not like tures exclusive cuts from the trio plus some surprising ‘jungle’s shit and we do this now’. I could do never say inclusions from guest artists like Lemon D, Fellowship, Zinc’s ‘138 Trek’ – set at 138 bpm instead of the 160+ that. And no-one could say that we’re jumping on any The Outfit, DJ Red and Shimon. Unfortunately, Zinc has that d&b is mostly made at - caused a ruckus in scene with the downtempo stuff as the whole breaks to rush off immediately after the shoot so can’t chat, but many places, not least of all in the nu skool breaks and thing is where people like me and Groove and that Pascal and Hype remain to give the low-down. garage scene’s. Since then, all three producers have come from. We were around before there were break- been tinkering with slowed down beat-feasts on beat, when we were playing breaks over house, so we “The concept behind ‘Playaz 4 Real’ is that there’s the side, with Zinc and Hype even starting their own ain’t jumping on nothing - anything to do with breakbeat something for everyone, a true representation of drum labels (Bingo and Naughty respectively) to cater for stems back to this. Plus all the Ganja stuff always had & bass,” asserts the ever loquacious Hype. “I’m such excursions. downtempo bits on, they just never got much attention.” 16 KNOWLEDGE
Hype and Pascal both admit that the scene is fiery ‘Disturbed’, a cool Danny Breaks remix of artist album challenge? “I don’t have the time,” he stepping out of those darker days though, and the Pascal’s first ever tune on the label, ‘Cool Manoeuvre’, sighs. “It’s hard for me. The problem is that I’m very compilation, they say, reflects this as well as their a remix of DJ Red’s classic ‘Everything Has Changed’, critical of myself and also I don’t work quick enough own sound. “None of us have been all that busy these followed by four downtempo cuts – of varying bpm’s and I’m not in the studio enough. I’ve got the last few months with anything other than this compi- and vibes - from Zinc, Hype and Pascal. confidence right now but no time. Zinc’s working on lation,” shares Pascal. “It’s a real representation of one but I just want to get more twelves out. I’ve got the True Playaz sound. We don’t have a set style. “I made a conscious decision not to put the hard side five things on the album plus a twelve lined up for People say we’re jump-up but we’re not, we make of drum & bass on there, like the Bad Company sort June and I want to keep pumping them out. As I DJ jungle and drum & bass and that’s it. This album has of stuff,” says Hype. “Just because in the last two a lot I don’t feel the pressure so much. everything on there, which is what we’re about. We years there’s been so much of it. It’s all good - I’ve just make our music and let everyone else get deep been playing it - but there’s been too much, so I don’t “Last year my grandfather died and I opened my and political. We’ve also opened the gates over the want to come with that stuff. As a DJ I try and show eyes to just life, in that I enjoy life and do what makes last year so we now get stuff from other people, the different flavours rather than what’s happening me happy. I talk very confidently but under I’m whereas we would only get stuff from close friends now, for better or worse. Some people love it and always worried but now I’m like ‘fuck it, don’t worry’. before. There’s new people coming through, which some people moan that I don’t play the latest stuff I make tunes that I like, fuck everyone else and what has just happened naturally, like a progression. but I’m very passionate about the scene and I think they’re expecting. At the end of the day there’s no Albums should be about that – there’s no point in put- it’s important that people hear all the styles that make record on the planet that everyone likes. All we can ting loads of tracks that all sound like the same one.” it up. Now we’re at a stage where the scene is do is sit there, make music and release it, and the comfortable again. We’ve had all these periods with more people that like it and buy it the better.” ‘Playaz 4 Real’ indeed rolls through a range of flavas. one style dominating, like the jazzy stuff or hip hop On the first disc we get Pascal’s Method Man sam- stuff, but now we’re at the stage again where it’s all True Playaz is the last Friday pling roller ‘Sky’, Hype’s tuff, funked up jam ‘All I together again.” of every month @ Fabric. Have’, the ethereal soul of Fellowship’s ‘Dark Flower There will be a special launch party Remedy’, Lemon D’s vocal ‘Right Here’, and Zinc’s So now this comp is now completed, and seeing as for ‘Playaz 4 Real’ at the same venue mellow but massive ‘Casino Royale’. Disc two brings Zinc and Pascal already have elaborate EP projects over Carnival weekend. us The Outfit’s percussive stomper ‘Cleancut’, Zinc’s under their belts, will it be time for Hype to step to the KNOWLEDGE 17
MIAMI WORDS: KATHLEEN LINGO PICTURES: CLEVELAND AARON / DAVID MURPHY & RACHEL PATEY MARKY BRYAN GEE JJ FROST DAZEE DOM CHAD MUSKA Miami))GETTING INTO MIAMI MODE WHY DO PEOPLE GO CLUBBING? FOR THE MUSIC? 18 KNOWLEDGE
FOXY FERNANDA PORTO CHICKABOO JIMBO & JOHN B DJ CRAZE EMPRESS TC IZLAM RUFF STUFF BAD COMPANY )) RAY KEITH No, it’s really all about sex and drugs, at least that’s really didn’t, than dancing. Complete chaos and The definition of Miami Mode is to let it all go and give the impression the annual Winter Music Conference excess rules in Miami, all the rumours you have into the gravitational pull of the Washington Avenue in Miami gives, for better or worse! If going out really heard on that front are true. club scene. Once you are in Miami Mode all the rules is JUST about the music then the huge parties with we make for ourselves about what type of music we mouth watering line-ups that go on during WMC The best part about Miami is the people you meet; like, which drugs we will take, who are friends are, would have been filled with sweaty throngs shaking these are the people that give you the lowdown on and how much sleep we need quickly evaporate. their groove things. The crowds in the clubs were which parties to go to, and where to get drugs, and Your M.O. becomes all about having the best time dancing, but most of the moving and shaking that then through them you meet more people who possible, and not giving a fuck about anything but goes on at WMC is not on the dancefloor. Sure, know about better parties and better drugs. This that. For example, there is the phenomena of the people dance, but usually it looked more like people might sound like a good or bad time, depending on ‘genre vertigo’ where DJs and scenesters from one doing intoxicated undulations while screaming your personality. But really Miami can be the best scene will disperse into their opposite scenes so as loudly about some deal or piece of completely made few days of your life, if you let yourself go and to enjoy their Es, drinks, puff or blow without having up gossip to people they thought they knew, but get into Miami Mode. to talk shop. At one drum & bass night a posse of KNOWLEDGE 19
MIAMI THE BEST PART ABOUT MIAMI IS THE PEOPLE YOU MEET; THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT GIVE YOU THE LOWDOWN ON WHICH PARTIES TO GO TO, AND WHERE TO GET DRUGS, AND THEN THROUGH THEM YOU MEET MORE PEOPLE WHO KNOW ABOUT BETTER PARTIES AND BETTER DRUGS. very well known European house DJs were spotted The Thursday before WMC started the locals of Sunday and Monday were two monster nights for chilling out. Why were they there? So they could Paradigm Shift and 4Front Records from Boston drum & bass. On Sunday the local Evilbase crew escape their own scene to take full advantage of threw a party called Ginger which ended up being and Philly’s Circle Promotions threw another d&b Miami Mode. Ditto at a packed house event, where broken up by the police. The space was in a event at Level. The line-up included a lot of the a group of drum & bass bigwigs were spotted residential area in the City. It had a huge room with hard, dark, techstep crew: Trace, Ed Rush, Optical, downing copious amounts of substances; everything curved white walls and a smaller chill room. The Bad Company, Andy C, Shimon, Red One, Fierce, is topsy turvy in Miami, and that’s what makes it party was packed with a chilled, friendly crowd. Matrix, Stakka, Skynet, Dom & Roland, Marcus such insane fun. The line up included Marcus Intalex and DJ Lee Intalex, Technical Itch, Usual Suspects, Ink, Loxy, from the UK, Influx Datum, Egg Foo Young, Lifeline Deep Rooted, Mr Mendez, Gridlok and Element The preceding is the author’s completely biased & Tangent of Beatcamp, DJ 3D from Chicago and a with MCs Ryme Tyme, Skibadee and Gon2far. take on the WMC scene and the proceeding is the host of others. Unfortunately, the cops shut down scoop on the goings on for drum & bass at Miami the party at about 2am. Influx Datum were on the On Monday the World Of Drum & Bass party put on WMC 2001 and beyond... decks causing quit a stir when the pigs forced by Formation, Most Wanted, Groove Connection everyone out. (On a side note Influx Datum have and Groundscore hosted DJs Grooverider, Kenny To get a picture of what the other 360 days a year two tracks coming out on New Identity they played Ken, Fabio, SS, Bailey, Andy C, Shy FX, Storm, are like in Miami when WMC isn’t going on that night.) No one wanted to leave! The party was Ray Keith, Krust, Die, Bryan Gee, Randall, Knowledge turned to Marco of Beatcamp for the 411. a great teaser of things to come. Aphrodite, Twisted Individual, Kaos, Siren, Craze, The rave scene in South Florida has always had a UFO!, Sage, Hive, and E-Sassin with MCs Audio jungle element. Like most US cities d&b plays second Friday night Knowledge magazine and Movement Angel, MC?, Collaborator, Fearless, Skibadee, GQ, fiddle to house and trance, but it is gaining in hosted a huge get down at Level on South Beach. and Dynamite. This blow out was held at Salvation, popularity. A few weeks after WMC on April 20th a Level is a big, glammy club like Twilo in NYC or but the word on the street about this event was the huge rave called ‘Nickel Bag of Funk’ brought John B, Fabric in London. It has the same hard ass security, shitty sound system. In reality, the whole Dylan, Matrix, Cause 4 Concern, Dread, Genr8, expensive drinks and trendy crowds as these Conference was plagued by bad sound, and no Prowler and Element along with other DJs from venues do. The Knowledge and Movement crews one is at fault here but the club owners. other genres to rock the five room party. Marco said built a heavy, dancefloor oriented line-up of B2Bs: this was just about the biggest non-WMC d&b line-up DJ Craze / Dazee, Bryan Gee/Ray Keith, Gulembo Tuesday night Rawkuts and Beatcamp put on he had ever seen, and it represented the momentum / Wish FM, and JJ Frost / Empress. John B played parties right next to each other on Washington of the current scene. a surprise set alongside Perfect Combination in Avenue. People went back and forth all night place of a few no-shows, and it was a real treat for between the venues, and both parties were Miami can be cheesy and touristy at its worst, and all to hear him play his Spanish influenced track equally packed. The Rawkuts party was very much most of the big clubs cater to the form of dance music ‘Tequila Slammer.’ Marky played some excellent a NYC meets London event since it was done in trendy at the moment which usually isn’t drum & bass. Brazilian tunes as well. The Latin influenced tracks conjunction with Renegade Hardware/TOV (the But raves, small club events and warehouse parties were such a huge hit that night since Miami is a very labels will be collaborating on the re-launch of TOV keep d&b alive. The main draw local d&b DJs are Latin city. Craze was a big hit as always mixing in USA). The line up included Seen, Chris Thomas, Element, B Boy Roy, Randolph and Genr8. An some hip hop with d&b. John B, Usual Suspects, JL, John B, Jo-S, Reid important distinction in the layout of Miami is between Speed, Carlos Soulslinger, Reid Speed and Pollen. the Beach and the City. The Beach clubs only allow in The atmosphere of the Knowledge party was one of DJ Seen said there were so many MCs on the mike people aged over 20, which is a new law as of 2001, a big, drunken family reunion. With most people at his party that no one could tell who it was let but the City still allows clubs to have 18 and over door having just arrived it was a mess of d&b behind- alone if it was an American or Brit, but Skibadee policies. WMC holds about 80% of its parties on the the-scene illuminati from Dmarie of Groundscore in and TC Izlam were definitely there. Beach. As a result, there was some concern this year San Francisco to Letitia from Makeda in London all over filling up clubs without the 18-20 year olds. On exchanging hugs, kisses, phone numbers, and The Beatcamp party had a hectic line-up of mostly top of that there were more parties this year than ever drinks. There were quite a few casualties, the party Miami, UK and San Francisco talent including before. Marco said he was a little “worried” about how got really messy in a good way. For example, a Marcus Intalex, Craze, SS, Loxy, Juju, Influx WMC would play out this year with this loss. And he certain UK DJ got dragged out by security (only for Datum, Grrl 13, Felix the Dog, Calibre, Twisted was right to worry, overall the parties did turn out to being too drunk to stand) to a US punter puking her Individual, Gridlock, Joe Shockely, Empress and be a little less crowded than last year, but it was guts out all over the club. Starchild. Marco from Beatcamp reported his awe nothing too drastic. at the line-up and the guests like Goldie and Roni Saturday a big outdoor rave, Ultra3 2k1 Festival, on Size, who were also seen at the Rawkuts party. It The Beatcamp crew has been throwing drum & bass the Miami waterfront provided two stages for drum & was quite a night for d&b! events in Miami since 1997. They put on monthly bass. Drum & Bass Arena hosted Total Science, ‘Beatcamp Presents...’ but gave up doing their Andy C, Mampi Swift, Bad Company, MC GQ and Metalheadz threw a closing party on Wednesday weekly last year. Now another crew headed by DJ more. Plus Bryan Gee, MC Chickaboo, DJ Rap, with Storm, Bailey, Goldie, Randall, Loxy and Marly Shadow Spirit does a weekly called Kryptonite on JJ Frost were all spotted making the crowds move. Marl at Club Fuel. This event ended rather Fridays. Besides Beatcamp, the other noteworthy This event was aimed at all the young-uns who dramatically with cops and club security ganging crew in South Florida is Evilbase from nearby Fort couldn’t get into the Beach parties, and it really made up on some party-goers. Evil club security brought Lauderdale. All the local crews got into the act for up for their loss. On the other stages such greats as down a lot of highs at a number of parties, that WMC by doing their own parties with a mix of local Carl Cox, Sasha, Deep Dish and much more gave and soundsystems were the dark clouds over and out of town talent. There were dozens of great the kids a chance to check out almost every DJ WMC this year. parties during WMC. The details of the goings on are spinning on the beach over the course of WMC in too criminal to print in this family magazine, but here one super packed day. And it was in such gorgeous The best word to sum up WMC is tiring. It takes at are some standout moments: setting that even the old folks could have fun. least a week to recover. See you next year! 20 KNOWLEDGE
SPLEEDLINCS : COVER CD WORDS: RAHUL VERMA PICTURE: COURTNEY HAMILTON Speedlincs ))COVER CD THIS ISSUE’S COVER CD IS PRESENTED BY AN IMPRINT THAT THE MAJORITY OF YOU ARE UNLIKELY TO HAVE HEARD OF, SPEEDLINCS. REMEMBER WHERE YOU READ ABOUT IT FIRST - WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR THESE GUYS ARE GOING TO BLOW-UP. BIG-TIME. )) Speedlincs is the brainchild of Vital, Matt Corbett web-based radio station. The station happened to on our own sort of tip, more musical - technically and Chris McBride and although they may be the be Mr C’s [of the Shamen and The End fame] latest they [Next Wave Of Jazz] are musicians so they new kids on the block, they have been around it venture, Gaia (www.gaialive.co.uk). Soon enough have got a lot of experience working in the many, many times over the last decade. Vital was, as he puts it, “DJing and working on little commercial sector.” projects,” in and around the creative centrepoint of Matt and Chris met at school and put their first Hackney, East London. Before long Chris and Matt The live aspect is also evident in the night tunes out in 1990, before going their separate crossed paths with Vital, found common ground Speedlincs are involved with promoting, at the ways (Matt went to Norway to engineer house and revived their live project as Next Wave Of Jazz behest of Mean Fiddler, which they launched in music, while Chris went touring around the US). and created Speedlincs. Vital’s involvement is April in Ladbroke Grove. The opening night line-up Matt explains that, “Chris got bored of traipsing producing for the label, A&Ring and general label featured Adam F & J Majik with three decks, two round hillbilly states and I got sick of the lack of management or, being, “the oil if you like”. Which mixers and MC Moose over the top, with Frost in daylight so we ended up back in England.” brings us up to the present day and Speedlincs, support. London junglists should keep an eye out which Vital has a lot to say about. for the first Thursday of every month; in May the By now it was the 1990s and at one free party, Reinforced crew will be gracing the decks. rather than just getting shit-faced, they decided to “Speedlincs stands for live incorporated sounds,” take along their “samplers and junk” and says Vital, hence lincs, but what about the speed Commendably the Speedlincs manifesto includes performed “a six hour set of proto-drum & part of it? “Our logo is a little speed camera, which a pledge to “bring on up-and-coming artists and bass”. Bookings rolled in and they performed at is about catching the moment when someone is get them some recognition.” This is more than Glastonbury, Drum Rhythm and Amsterdam’s racing along, whatever the speed. You’ve got an apparent when it becomes clear whom exactly is premier live music venue, the Melkweg. However, excerpt, a snapshot of that moment. It’s like a involved in the Speedlincs crew. It puts The Wu as the band grew in number to six, so did egos photograph in a sense.” And how did this concept Tang Clan to shame, in number at least: and in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion things went awry evolve? It’s as simple as, “being caught on the M4 Pys.co.lab (aka Vital’s production moniker), Next and they split. speeding while listening to tunes.” Wave Of Jazz, Future Thinking (aka Sketch, Code, DM Cut, Shylo and Emile), Simon Templa, Vital meanwhile was working away at a record And what of the live element, is it in same sort of vocalist Maiya J, MC Primus, MC LSD, KW (a shop in Southampton and DJing before he returned vein to Reprazent - Kosheen - Breakbeat Era? vocalist who has worked with Addiction and to the big smoke and was persuaded to DJ on a “It’s not really on that kind of flex,” says Vital. “It’s Formation), Gwen and Ishan. 22 KNOWLEDGE
How do all these inputs fit togeth- DJ VITAL Blackmarket. He’s suggested we 10. NEXT WAVE OF JAZZ er? Well, it seems there’s no hard TAKES US THROUGH give it 2001 make over and freshen it and fast rules or rigidity, as Vital HIS MIX... up with some remixes, so watch this WHAT DO I DO explains: “we’ve got three or four space. This is just a preview of what’s to studios which gives you the option 1. NEXT WAVE OF JAZZ come from NWOJ. Jael, the vocalist, to think, ‘right do I want to do hip 6. D.M. CUT will be working with us on future hop, garage or stick with drum & WE DECIDE vocal exploits. bass?’ It makes it kind of free. We This track happened by pure acci- BACK STABBERS are a collective of artists who all dent. We didn’t realise we’d get the Particularly nice intro to this tune and 11. PSY.CO.LAB have our base in drum & bass, but techno feel until we’d mixed it down. it just keeps growing through a set. we do different stuff.” A wise idea We like the bouncy vibe and it’s The Amens sit comfortably in the DISGUST as drum & bass seems to have great for keeping the set rolling. second drop and cement all the Innit great what you can do with old enjoyed a new lease of life by tak- sounds. drum machines and a bit of analogue ing in elements of jazz, house, 2. NEXT WAVE OF JAZZ synthesis? This track didn’t get much garage, techno and soul rather 7. S.K.A.B. ALLIANCE of a run but we are looking to press than just breakbeat and hardcore. WHAT WE DIE FOR up more for the masses. This is our current release with a DEEPA So far the Speedlincs discography wicked remix from Eniac & Cyrix, the This backed ‘Venus’ and was written 12. VITAL is strictly limited with an EP, Search Engine boys, to give it that about a year and half after it came ‘Evolve’, out last year. One of the twisted take. Pounding roller with out. We found it quite strange to put MUSICA EXPLOSICA tracks ‘Skanning For Life Forms’ sweet vocals. out as a release, it got a good Devilishly hot tune from yours truly. was picked up by Moving Shadow response. There’s not many copies This tune has been on dub for time for their ‘Killa Bites’ LP last year. 3. HASTE & CAB E floating about as we did quite a small and is itchin’ to be released. This Beyond that ‘What We Die For’ run. tune will get remixes from selected their third release is out on promo ICE PACK artists from the Speedlincs stable and they are getting some good These boys have packed a blinder 8. NEXT WAVE and more. feedback. with this tune, it’s thematic, and it’s a OF JAZZ tune that keep building. It’s still on 13. VITAL However, it’s the thought and dub and being played at a club NEAR BE AFRAID detail behind the scenes, that YOU! Keeps your eyes open for this tune. GINGERBREAD MAN bodes well for Speedlincs. After all, Special preview mix for the We don’t know what we going to do if you can draw inspiration from 4. SKETCH & CODE Knowledge readers - for your ears with this track, still on dub. Send any anywhere, including a big brother only!! Vox by Kirsty, maintaining the suggestions to us on a postcard... state and police speed cameras, LOCKJAW NWOJ vibe. then you’re going to go far. Watch Nice little ravey anthem from Sketch 14. THE MIGHT this space. & Code. Still getting dub plate pres- 9. D.M. CUT sure. KLONE FILTA DANCE ALONE Downtempo breakbeat style with 5. S.K.A.B. ALLIANCE Sweet vocal tune with funky ass some classical grit thrown in for bass. Sits nicely with the current vibe good measure. Watch out for LSD’s VENUS of the d&b movement. Lyrical mayhem mix in the not too This was one of our first releases and distant future. it’s still being caned by Nicky
THE BAYS WORDS: STU C PICTURE: TOM OLDHAM TheBays ))THE BAYS NO RECORDS TO PROMOTE, NO PARTICULAR NEED FOR THE ATTENTION - THEY DON’T EVEN PLAN THEIR LIVE SETS. THIS AIN’T YOUR USUAL PROMOTE-THE-LATEST-ALBUM KINDA INTERVIEW. )) After witnessing an unsuspecting crowd frugging fran- Never the most visual of performances they con- “All they’re doing is regurgitating something that tically to a set from The Bays in the midnight hour, fess, what comes out the speakers is all important, was played by real musicians at some point,” Andy Knowledge dragged a few of the players to one side. urging positive crowd reaction. Mr Middleton adds, hoping that this band is re-educating a few Interrupted only by succinct praise from the newly con- explains the theory: “It’s always; band on stage, people about the essence of it all. This is part of the verted, we tried to find out just what the fuck they think above the level of the audience. There’s a hierarchy movement to bring it back, proper live. It’s become they’re up to. Simon Smugg, Andy Gangadeen and thing going on and we don’t want that.” this run-by-accountants industry and, at the end of Tom Middleton are the chosen ones to detail the phi- the day, the music is superfluous. That whole thing losophy of the band on a mission to save our souls. Let Further examination of the whole Bays mission has to come to an end.” Hence the lack of officially me explain. Campaigning against the cult of the super- could lead you to think that, if many more heads released Bays product. Simon starts: “We might star DJ, reacting against the over inflated personae of pursue the same line of thinking, a lot of DJs could use a download or something like that, and that’s those that simply play another’s records for big money, soon find themselves redundant. It ain’t as easy as the only way you’ll get it. We really want people to and reminding those that forgot about the sheer funkin’ that though. “Sadly, the way the industry is at the see it because if you listen to it without being power of rocking it live, The Bays are back in town. moment, there’s too many people in too powerful there...” positions controlling things,” is Tom’s sobering view- With no rehearsals, no set plan and no releases point. “Their compilations are selling millions of “...It’s a second hand experience,” scheduled, The Bays offer you special, never to be units, they’re in control at the moment but at some adds Tom. repeated moments. Sets tighter than your average point opinion it’s gonna shift because ultimately gnat’s one, moving across tempos, through breaks and people aren’t stupid. They are being conned at the According to Simon the club environment is where found sounds, all interpreted for the 21st Century. Like moment but they’re gonna realise that they’re pay- they wanna do it, a suitable catalyst for energising it should be, heads creating exciting dance music ing a lot of money for regurgitated rubbish.” their combined histories into transient funk. “We because they have to. “We know where we’re trying to usually insist that we don’t play on stage because go and that’s the thing that helps us try and get there,” The reaction against absurd excesses in the dance it’s a barrier between us and the crowd. We like to starts Simon before admitting that talk about this kind of music world is obvious. The younger brothers and set up on the dancefloor.” The band strive to be project runs the risk of sounding really “wanky.” It’s a sisters of some of the most hardened ravers are part of an atmosphere rather than the focal point. side project but a very important thing for them all. Tom more likely to fancy a bit of Slipknot or Korn than It’s the beats and riffs that should be taking centre adds to the explanation: “Because we’re not actually the some remix promo pressure. The Bays can all stage, or even the paying public. In turn the mem- signed to a label, that means that there’s no pressure. see more validity in bands like that “on stage rip- bers suggest: a crowd with their backs turned to We’re not promoting anything - we can just enjoy our- ping it up” than the crime of a lot of computer based the band, all the lights off or the crowd on stage selves. Pure creation.” production. with the band in the pit. 24 KNOWLEDGE
Simon moves on with the appraisal of where the or call and response routines to make the crowd feel rehearse. That’s the whole point. We don’t talk about Bays fit in. “Sometimes they don’t get it. They’ll just participatory, it’s about the breaks, the grooves and it.” Sounds familiar. “It’s there for a split second and be standing there expecting some singer to come out the swinging of hips. then it’s gone,” smiles Tom. and put his foot on the monitor.” For Andy, “it’s important to offer the whole thing and Andy gets deeper: “When you get that in tune with it, “Or maybe they just think we’re miming,” sighs Tom. not be snobbish about just being a DJ, or just being it’s like a higher state to reach, not like a recital All factors in the environment influence the way a a band.” They’re more interested in exploring the or anything technical, you just get inspired to do Bays set eventually sounds. How the band are possibilities offered by this side project than wearing something - and you’ll never play that again. feeling, how the crowd reacts, mistakes, everything. live credentials as a badge of authenticity. “It’s not a One moment can inspire the next hour, as it sparks massive selling point,” suggests Simon as we “It’s just a moment in time,” he stresses, taking off an infinite rhythm. “Our policy is that everyone approach the subject of ‘the point of The Bays’. “You pleasure in pointing out that, “it’s so non-corporate, a just does what they wanna do. There’s no wrong,” don’t here people saying; ‘You know that Miles move away from every kind of cliché, every kind of Simon expands. Davis? He can play! He can actually do it! Of course expectancy of what you’re supposed to do as a he can fucking do it, that’s what he’s there to do.” band.” By attempting to redefine a few rules, The “We’ve just got a few things going on that are Bays hope to counteract the tide of illusion that has a slightly different from what everybody else is doing,” There’s some frustration in his voice while Tom lot of kids aspiring to be in boy bands or girl bands. explains Andy. “Hopefully that’s inspiring, hopefully singles out an example of DJ culture at its extreme, “They just want instant stardom and success, people really get off on it, seeing it live, feeling what’s questioning the idea of face offs in boxing rings. without the work or talent. That’s why there’s no going on. There’s a whole connection thing, we’re “These so called DJ producers? Get them in there real stars out there.” trying to interpret what they’re feeling too...” with some gear and see if they can really rock a crowd, from nothing. That’s the challenge.” In an ideal world The Bays would be touring schools, For Tom, revisiting breaks is “a language our combating the poor attitude to music education generation understands.” Many may not know the He’s not trying to overplay what the Bays are doing; handed down from the government, offering work- originals but, “they know the snippets that have been the point is valid. This set up is always gonna be shops on the inner wisdom of why real music is recycled over the last decade.” Combining their more “in the moment” than any DJ spinning the source of all. “These kids have got very little collective experiences, the band stake a claim to pre-recorded music can ever claim to be. They seem inspiration today. The ‘live shows’ that they go and knowing, “where peoples heads are at,” ensuring the to revel in the fact that the whole affair is kinda see, what are they?” asks Tom rhetorically. “It’s just mutant funk hits a club crowd where they wanna be transient, relishing the knowledge that things played a dance routine and a load of plastic fools in stupid hit. This ain’t about lengthy solos to show and prove tonight may never be heard again. “We never costumes. Pantomime!” KNOWLEDGE 25
SUBTITLES WORDS: KINGSLEY MARSHALL Subtitles ))BEHIND THE LINES SINCE DEBUTING ON RUGGED VINYL OVER FIVE YEARS AGO, THE NORWEGIAN PAIRING OF TORGEIR BYRNES AND KJETIL SAAGSTAD (KNOWN AS TEEBEE AND K RESPECTIVELY) UNLEASHED SPACE AGE SOUND MECHANICS FOR AN ARRAY OF LABELS BEFORE SETTLING AT THE EVER-WIDESCREEN CERTIFICATE 18 IMPRINT. )) Last year, however, saw something new emerge from approaching information from a different angle and after hearing Angel Zero’s demo we really wanted to their studios. Subtitles came complete with solemn can provide a further explanation as opposed to a get it out there! He really is an awesome talent and I graphics and unusual track titles with the basslines of straightforward translation and comments.” couldn’t believe my eyes when I stepped into his ‘Gathering’, the TeeBee produced debut, drifting like studio as he puts everything together on a little 10 x 8” smoke thrown up from a swirling percussive dervish. With this in mind, is there any such thing as a Subtitles sequencer with a one-line display. With regards Future The farside offered a taste of the epic - FSOL sound? “I guess if anything our intention was to put out Prophecies, they are long time friends of ours atmospheres and heavily reverbed key sequences tracks which were as suited for listening at home as from Norway and TeeBee and I remixed a track of underpinning Photesque beat touches, fallen angels they were in clubs. We’ve tried to avoid trends, but I’d theirs last year.” left to provide the chorus. say that the catalogue so far has retained a nice groove so the tracks work on the floors while musical Notably, this release for Domination saw TeeBee and The label rolled on, each producer taking his turn with elements and tight beats keep it from being repetitive. K take on a side each as opposed to working with Byrnes focusing towards the floor as K provided the A little dose of good old weirdness doesn’t go amiss each other; Kjetil quashes any rumours as to a abstraction - liquid low-end and multi-faceted synths either - for me drum & bass is about bringing in other possible parting of ways however. “It just kind of providing the framework for complex beats far in elements of music and creating a fusion. Looking at happened that way. We shared the same studio for a advance of the introverted rave efforts which the use of that old school feel which is in so much of few years but once we got our own gear it felt more continued to dominate DJ sets up and down the UK. the music right now, it was cool at first but it has almost comfortable to record separately. I’d say that we do become an easy way out for some producers - load up have two quite distinct styles, I maybe focus less on Kjetil explains what prompted the shift to there own a drum loop, bassline and make up a hardcore riff and shaking booties and more on the music while Tee, imprint: “Certificate 18 does an outstanding job you have got yourself a track and some quick cash. through DJing, will be more concerned with getting the promoting our music plus TeeBee and I as artists and The whole thing has been done to death now and I track into a mix and making it work on the floor though we have both signed three album deals with them, really feel its time to move on.” still keeping it interesting.” but we make too much music for just one label. We also liked the idea of having 100% creative control From the first release at the label, press support has Laughing he adds: “The last few times we worked of both artwork and music. ST Holdings had been strong. “The critics seem to usually like our stuff, together we’d have so many ideas between us we’d approached us about setting up a label and it felt which is nice because they make up the minority of end up fighting over the keyboard, which can have natural for us to do it together. We’ve practically been people who actually sit down, listen to our music and something of an effect on your individual creativity! neighbours since we were kids and even lived give feedback based on whether it’s good or not. Having said that we do still sit down from time to time, together at one point so it’s always been the case that That’s not to discount DJs at all, just that their when we get tired of breaking each others balls on the whichever project one of us gets involved in the other reactions are rarely surprising - if the track is made to PS2, and we have another label project in the pipeline one usually gets into it too.” rock a crowd then they love it while if it’s on the which we’re putting some tunes together for.” mellower tip they don’t really play it. It’s sad in a way Though there has been a general thread through the as it means that a lot of good music isn’t making it to On top of all this, the pair are currently putting the music, any single theme remains elusive. “It was the decks just because the DJ can’t see a potential finishing touches to the first Subtitles compilation. “We important for us not to be tied in with any one, rewind. People need to open their ears and listen thought it was important to get the music out on specific style - we just wanted to put out good music beyond the Amens and low frequencies.” CD and make it available to those without turntables in and allow each release to stand on its own merits.” addition to the DJs. TeeBee has done the mix and Although the first four releases were produced solely we tried to prioritise the mellower, more listenable Hence the moniker: “We didn’t want a name which by the Norwegian pair, the fifth saw some deviation tunes for the album.” would sound too hard, or smooth or technical for that with the first external signing to the label. “Although matter. By their nature, subtitles are a way of our initial intention was just to put out our own stuff, The Subtitles compilation is due in May. 26 KNOWLEDGE
MC FATS WORDS: ALEX FARBER PICTURE: COURTNEY HAMILTON )) “When I used to DJ, I’d play a bit of reggae and rare groove - James Brown, Freddy MacGregor - I play my old records all the time,” he says. Somehow this Fats isn’t a surprise; Fats may be one of the first to lend some soul power to drum & bass but he is definitely not the first to show the good effect a guttural voice can ))MC FATS have on a song. Not many MCs would point to Barry White as an inspirational figure but Fats has evidently never been afraid to learn from all areas of music: “BACK IN MY RAGGA DAYS, I JUST STARTED CHATTING “People like Barry White, they’ve got an original style. You’ve got to listen to what ON THE MIC. IT WAS JUST FUN ‘CAUSE THAT WAS WHAT I he’s saying, how he lays down the track. Barry White is never forceful, he’s LOVED AT THE TIME. THEN WHEN JUNGLE STARTED PEOPLE always in control and a hint of a word or even a sound just sets it off.” LOVED THE INJECTION OF VOCALS.” NOT SO MUCH INJECTING WORDS AS LAYERING THEM OVER THE TRACK, AND FATS HAS It doesn’t seem hard to imagine a multi-talented MC like Fats writing his own GRADUALLY ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS A CLEARLY songs but Fats disagrees: “Putting your own little shit to different tunes - that’s RECOGNISED VOICE OF DRUM & BASS. what I like. People say ‘Fats, write some tunes’ but that’s just not me. People do what they do. Some people sit and write song after song; sometimes I can’t even string two words together. Other times I might sing four words and then come up with another line. And that’s me. “I can imagine fronting a live band but I don’t need it,” he continues. “When you’re younger you’d jump something like at that but as you get older the limelight doesn’t bother you. I’d rather be in the back of the club where you can’t see me than be up on stage.” His strength doesn’t come from rehearsed, pre-arranged styling but from the moment itself. This is hard to capture, you cannot always consciously turn your hand to a skill that comes naturally. Fats sees it simplistically: “I just do it however I feel at the time.” Accepting live vocals are not always appreciated, Fats remains positive- ly philosophical: “It’s not my fault, you just change your set. I might do a more laidback backing set. And I love that more and more; going out and enjoy a nice set being played. It’s not about MCs taking over, I’m getting a different outlook. You’ve got to be more with the track, instead of overpowering it. “It’s hard sometimes competing with the boys with the pump-up lyrics,” he continues. “Respect to them for that but I like the more mature lyrics. You hear an MC but you don’t want to hear an MC, just a hint over the record so you can still hear it. Sometimes people like that.” Fats’ awareness of the delicate line an MC treads is plain to see. This attitude to his craft means he is equally as aware of what a Swerve crowd enjoy, as he is when rocking a large event: “And people recognise that, they appreciate it.” Recognising the difference but then actually being able to adapt himself to suit both conditions means he is close to being able to MC for all, especially for those who do not necessarily enjoy vocals. When Fats is flowing, he could be a third deck. “A lot of people in the industry don’t look at it like I look at it. The impression that MCs give nowadays is they want to stand there and give it all that amped positiveness. It’s not a wrong positiveness but that’s what they do and that’s what some people love.” Far from criticising this, Fats embraces it as another part of the scene that he has to cater for: “I did One Nation the other night, and you’ve got 4,000 people there so you’ve gotta pump it up, you’re there to entertain. They want to feel energy from the MC, hear the rewind.” On the subject of rewinds, Fats reveals the truest nature of his rhyming: “I’d rather let the DJ rewind the tune and be confident it’s going to work.” He compares an MCs set to a DJs: “Like when you hear Bukem, it’s different but appreciable. It’s all about the listening ears. There’s a connection.” Not that he sees all areas of drum & bass as being as equally fairly balanced: “I think that in some places the MC should get provided the same quality as the DJ. I don’t understand why people pay money for an MC and then not cater for him. If an MC goes to a dance and wants echo he should be able to have that. Or maybe he can’t hear himself. Your quality should be the same as the DJs monitors. No feedback.” Again Fats’ ear for a performance as a whole is proved: “It’s a show, it’s all about the quality. If one has it and the other doesn’t, it doesn’t mix properly. If they both have it, it’s top notch. And if you’re a raver or if you just want to go out there and chill, you want to hear a tune like it’s supposed to sound, hear an MC like he’s supposed to sound.” Displaying a versatility that is appreciated by Randall and True Playaz amongst oth- ers and running a successful residency at Fabric Live will give him the opportunity. Let’s hope we continue to hear Fats as he’s supposed to sound for time to come. 28 KNOWLEDGE
DANNY BYRD WORDS: RICHARD ARNELL )) Danny ))DANNY ByrdBYRD The ongoing resurgence of those funky, soulful certainly an identifiable flava through the mid-90s and, could have made five more tunes like that, but I grooves, coupled with the continual development of to name just a few, producers like SS (Danny picks can’t do it, it’s not in me. I can’t do things like that, original vocals in drum & bass, has to be one of the the ‘Easymen’ twelve as a favourite of the time) and 4 for money or whatever. I always have to try and do most keenly discussed topics at the moment; and Hero, through their Tom & Jerry and Maximum Style something to consciously move it on.” Danny Byrd is one up-and-coming producer pushing monikers, were consistently championing these this side of the scene forward. A handful of releases sounds. To draw a direct comparison is probably And it’s this attitude that breeds such fresh and on the Picasso and Tribe labels set the pace in doing a disservice to contemporary drum & bass exciting music. Take his latest work for example, the the late nineties, but it was since bowling over Tony though; for, as Danny rightly points out, times have quite awesome remix of London Elektricity’s ‘Wishing Coleman and Chris Goss, the chief sound changed and the scene has definitely moved on. “I Well’, which, as it turned out, became a true labour of surgeons at Hospital, that Danny Byrd’s career started producing around that time,” reveals Danny, love, eventually taking about four months to complete; really began to take off. “and the way I view it now, which I’m sure a lot of but, as London Elektricity and Hospital’s Chris Goss other producers do too, is that you’re not making fully says, “it took a little while to do it, but it was precisely Signed on a two album deal, his first releases for original productions. It was like... you nicked a rare what we were hoping for - very musical, very deep, Hospital, ‘Do It Again’ and ‘Changes’, received seri- groove loop, repeated it so many times in the intro, and fully utilising all of the vocal elements of that ous rotation in the clubs, and were raved about in the and then you’d get the drop... and that’s the way I original track we made.” music press; whilst a certain r&b bootie, preceding view that period. I think that now it’s a lot more those releases, had already taken the scene by original and the production is a lot better.” It’s a perfect opener to the ‘Plastic Surgery 2’ storm. “Back then no-one was really doing bootlegs,” compilation, a giant of a track (albeit a big, friendly recalls Danny, “there’s quite a few around now, but it This commitment to progression and the constant one), and also a personal milestone in Danny’s pur- was just one of those things. I had bought a load of bettering of one-self is, it seems, what drives suit of studio excellence. “I have a different agenda r&b from Uptown Records and there was an acapella Danny Byrd and his music and with his more recent with each tune,” admits Danny, “and on the ‘Wishing on the ‘BM’. I had this tune going and it just seemed work the notion of a song structure has come Well’ remix it was to chop up those vocals like Todd to fit with it. I was scared to play it to people though, further into play. “If I do that thing of 64 beats and Edwards,” the excitement of reliving the experience because if you’d ever heard the original, it’s like a real then a drop it isn’t gonna sound like me anymore. I now clearly showing on his face and in his voice. “It’s smooth ballad... which I haven’t got a problem with, used to do that, but you’ve got to bring new something I’ve been trying for years to do, and when but I know that a lot of other people in drum & bass arrangements to drum & bass. For the last, god I started getting it, it was like... ‘oh my god... this is would do, so I was surprised at the way it went off.” knows how long, everybody has been doing that exactly like what I’ve been hearing in my head...” A ‘drop’ arrangement, but you’ve got to move it along. moment of clarity, I do believe. Maybe Danny shouldn’t have been so surprised, for So, maybe start a tune with vocals and bring in the the building blocks of jungle drum & bass have bass straight away. It might make the DJs job hard- Danny Byrd’s remix of London Elektricity’s always been peppered by the essence of funk, soul, er, but I don’t really give a fuck. I could have really ‘Wishing Well’ can be found on ‘Plastic Surgery 2’, r&b and rare groove. These kind of beats were caned it after those first two Hospital releases. I out now on Hospital. 30 KNOWLEDGE
DANNY BYRD WORDS: RAHUL VERMA PICTURE: COURTNEY HAMILTON RedMaster ))REDMASTER )) Although it may seem hard to believe, a decade ago Finn has been playing every release so far and he Christine Leach of indie-jazz band Baby Fox and drum & bass didn’t exist, even jungle was in its played ‘Flash Back’ at Movement and everyone went co-writer of Madonna’s ‘Ray Of Light’, Shahin Badar infancy, and the sound of the UK underground was mad, so there’s been a good response from the of The Prodigy and Skibadee. But for the moment he hardcore. A quick straw poll of headz (born pre-1980) dancefloor,” she explains. wants to concentrate on being in the studio, running for their top tunes and producers of this era would the label and establishing its profile. undoubtedly involve Baby D’s ‘Let Me Be Your Both Wildchild and Floyd are very conscious of taking Fantasy’ - the popularity of its ethereal vocal still it one step at a time though. “There’s definitely a lot Another project of Floyd’s is establishing his own hasn’t waned and seems to be remixed and more to come from all of us, we’re still finding our music publishing company, Little Dragon Music. This repackaged for a new generation of ravers every few sound and our feet, we don’t want to be on anyone entails getting to grips with the nitty-gritty of music years. Another familiar response would be Acen - his else’s style - we want to create our own,” says Wild licensing, royalties and canvassing alternative immortal ‘Trip II To The Moon’ trilogy captured the Child. Similarly, Floyd feels that this is crucial to Red avenues for revenue - TV for example. One track he essence of the phenomenon with its splicing together Master’s success: “Sound and style take time to wrote and produced with Diane Charlemagne of incongruous samples (including James Bond establish, for us at the moment it’s about establishing (of ‘Inner City Life’) was used for the theme of a BBC film scores), to form an incredible, yet barmy, series of that sound. You can listen to Ram or Virus and you 2 sci-fi show ‘Farscape’ last year. hardcore classics. can pinpoint their sound straightaway, and although we want people to be able to recognise our sound With years of being involved in the music business The common link between the two is the involvement that can only happen when we are established. So for Floyd’s sortie into music publishing is no great of producer Floyd Dice, who also formed one half of us it’s about making the stuff, seeing if it’s good surprise and a similarly measured approach pervades The Brothers Grimm and was an integral part of the enough and putting it out there.” Red Master too. Wildchild’s DJ gigs in the UK (she legendary Production House stable. Fast forward to recently wowed the Movement faithful at Bar Rumba, the present and Floyd, in tandem with Wildchild What has Floyd been upto since his appearance in Bryan Gee included) and abroad (tours of America (Emma Weaver) have launched their own imprint, the video for ‘Let Me Be Your Fantasy’ on Top Of The and Germany beckon in 2001) are ideal to gauge Red Master, so Knowledge caught up with them to Pops in 1994? Well, he’s been busy juggling a dancefloor reaction and keep Red Master’s finger get the low-down... number of projects, though it is obvious something firmly on the pulse. Similarly Wildchild’s job at top d&b untoward has gone on during his time with Production distributors SRD is invaluable in terms of contacts in “Floyd and I are really good friends and have been House. However to his credit he passes on the the industry. Equally Red Master will not be dictated working together for a few years, and it’s always been chance to dish the dirt, preferring to look to the future to do by fads or fashions. Even if Floyd is responsible our aim to start up our own label,” says Wildchild, an and be positive about Red Master. for one of the seminal vocal dance music tunes of ex-Kool FM resident who made her debut on the all time, Red Master will not be jumping on the station in 1994. She co-produced the first He has put in the groundwork for an album, though current vocal bandwagon just because it’s in vogue. (‘Hitchhiker’) and third releases (‘Flash Back’ - out in this is very much a work in progress: “That’s “We are interested in doing vocals, but it’s something May) with Floyd while their second release (‘Moon something I did a while back, in my eyes it’s more of that will filter in when we have established our sound,” Quake’) was by Acen. “It’s hard for any new label a demo thing - getting to work with certain people. explains Floyd. these days as DJs get sent so much stuff, and unless Later on I want to go back and remix tracks and put it it’s from a big label they don’t really play it. Mickey out as a proper album.” Floyd has collaborated with Are there any angles they haven’t got covered? 32 KNOWLEDGE
COMBINATION RECORDS WORDS: CHRIS MUNIZ PHILIPP MAIBURG’S CURRENT TOP 10 1. F & L - Lie (Kabuki remix) (Combination/white) 2. The Green Man - I Go (dub) 3. Megashira - When Worlds Collide (Phoneheads remix) (dub) 4. Grand Unified - Sweet Sound (dub) 5. Kosheen - Suicide (Moksha) 6. Nasty Habits - Deep Beats (31 Rec.) 7. Simon V - Fruity (T G M remix) (Santorin) 8. Maiburg & Ayala - Schlagabtausch (dub) 9. London Elektricity & Robert Owens - My Dreams (Hospital) 10. Aquasky - Structure (Sonix) Combination ))COMBINATION RECORDS )) Philipp Maiburg of Phoneheads fame is remembering Philipp: “We envision Combination as a very act With only three 12” releases under its belt, the label is the early days of the scene. A time when anything was orientated platform for underground dance projects of set to drop its first full-length release ‘Traffic’ this May. possible and genres had yet to solidify into anything all kinds. We want to build up our acts and give them A compilation of bits from their primary artists rigid or specific. ‘Rave’ music was everything wrapped the opportunity to realise their album ideas with us. alongside a well chosen number of outsiders provides into one big electronic ball that drew from all corners of Two of our acts are combinations of artists of different a brief outline and introduction into what the label music. Of course those days are long gone and it genres - we are absolutely determined to experiment hopes to represent. As expected, the collection is wasn’t that long ago that Philipp remembers being and break some rules.” nothing short of inspiring with some lovely surprises frustrated by the limitations of what the drum & bass waiting for those who are wary. world was offering (and allowing). It was about that One act that Combination helped to create is that of time that he began to envision a new style of music. Fellmann & Louise. Michael Sauer, one of Germany’s Special guests include Hidden Agenda, where the One that was able to incorporate basic drum & bass top freestyle DJs, alongside Hamburg’s Max Fellmann Gooding brothers get a little post-Metalheadz aesthetics (development, intensity and funk), while melded minds under the Fellmann & Louise electro-boogie going on with “Return”. Danny Breaks allowing for different perspectives on rhythm, sound pseudonym to create a most unique hybrid-pop sound drops an intergalactic “Beat Biter - Martian Scratch expression, tempo and its relation to pop music. that grooves and moves in a soon to be classic way. mix,” while Germany’s own Kabuki remixes “Mi Novela Biografica” by Le Mans, a Spanish folk-music band of Philipp: “For me, drum & bass remains the most pow- Philipp: “Michael is one of my favourite DJs. His all things. Promising to be like nothing you’ve ever erful club sound and as a drum & bass DJ I’m always selection is close to what I’m trying to realise with the heard, Combination succeeds in creating a most trying to display my favourite facets of the genre. The label. He combines different genres like drum & bass, refreshing journey sure to blow minds along the way. fact that it contains elements of soul, jazz, funk, hip techno, hip hop and house, and he does it in a way hop and techno is exciting to me. As a drum & bass DJ that shows the relationship of the different styles to Philipp: “I think the times of people not accepting and producer one has the chance to show his musical each other. He calls it ‘the worship of breakbeat something because it doesn’t fit in their scenes should roots in a non-explicit way and that’s fascinating.” wizardry in all its facets.’” be over. My heart beats for drum & bass, especially when you’re talking about me as a DJ, but that Tired of songs that “all ended up sounding the same,” The label’s collaborative approach to music is best doesn’t mean that I’m keeping myself away from look- Philipp approached Oliver Drewes, the marketing exemplified by another pair of artists united under the ing left and right.” director of Carharrt, with an idea for a label that Combination flag, Swimming Pool. Michael pushed the boundaries in ways that had yet to be Scheibenreiter (Phoneheads) & Antonelli (a master We wouldn’t have it any other way. With a host of explored. Oliver was obviously impressed - shortly minimalist for those unfamiliar) work something out genre defying singles and an album from Fellmann & thereafter, Combination Records was born. Built on that pumps with the monotony of techno yet subtly Louise (as well as rumours of a possible full-length the foundation of taking a step back and re-examining shifts in a way that hurts it feels so good. Using the from The Green Man), the future points to exciting electronic music in general and breakbeat-inspired basic premise of fusing drum & bass and minimal- times and wicked transformations. drum & bass specifically, Philipp hoped to bring techno, the duo have created something far deeper disparate artists together who, under artificially than could have possibly been initially imagined. Be sure to check the websites for more: imposed limitations created by genre boundaries, may www.combination-rec.de never have the opportunity to collaborate. www.phoneheads.de 34 KNOWLEDGE
BREAKNECK WORDS: STU C PICTURE: COURTNEY HAMILTON Breakneck ))BREAKNECK THERE’S A SYNERGY WITH THIS CREW. COMBINING A HARDENED CLUBCHILD (VLAD), AN ORIGINAL RAVE DJ (TAMSIN) & A PROFESSIONAL STUDIO HEAD / DRUM & BASS TECHNICIAN (PETE AKA VOYAGER) )) Breakneck have lived three different versions of the In this hybrid musical form, Breakneck combine all their of wider acceptance. In Tamsin’s view, the two are not last decade. Uniting as each approached saturation histories. If their contribution to the TCR 50 compilation, mutually exclusive. “We wanna make big dancefloor point with their previous allegiance, the three set about ‘Atomic Agent’, is reminiscent of the early nineties, lost tunes, not clever little technically superb things for the assaulting the dancefloors from a nu skool breaks in the jungle, links are obvious. Tamsin held it down for end of the night when the DJ finally dares to play it. We angle. Not only has the collaboration worked on vinyl, Roast around London’s clubs and warehouses and as want proper middle of the night, banging tunes.” the bond has increased to include PlayStation Voyager, Pete was pursuing beatscience. Vlad, living You can still rock a club without making obvious teamwork and an infamous range of Breakneck the club life of hard house was also seeking something “punters tunes” she insists. breakfasts. According to Tamsin, “...it’s a very impor- more. They had to seek the middle ground, combining tant part. Listen to the music and you can imagine the pasts to forge future funk. “It’s also luck when you’re The heavier techno influences that have dominated kind of food we make.” If you’ve wrapped your ears dealing with different tastes and different musical drum & bass production over the last few years have to around any of the group’s vinyl excursions you’ll be backgrounds. We’re lucky that it clicked.” Though initial be at least partially responsible for artists seeking well aware that only healthy appetites need apply. sessions were difficult as Vlad explained his fever for the fulfilment on the outside. “There was a lot of backlash nu skool, the results speak for themselves. from that ‘95, ‘96 period where everyone was talking More and more drum & bass soldiers have unleashed about ‘coffee table’,” Pete reminds me. “All this bullshit sub 150 bpm breaks tunes over the last two years. With darker edges prevailing in Breakneck’s music, Vlad from people who didn’t really understand where it was Aquasky, Blu Mar Ten, Zinc, BLIM, Hype and is keen to point out the need for a “funky configuration.” coming from.” The commercialisation and subsequent T-Power, Lemon D will all have their own reasons for Dark for dark’s sake is something they avoid, but they’re retreat to the underground is a repeated cycle in music, slamming on the brakes, but any talk of desertion not afraid to get noisy. “Take Tipper, he can make a as corporations buy into it, scene leaders tighten their should be ignored. Tamsin’s view is simple: “It’s still pneumatic press sing. For me that’s a challenge of grip and make the music uglier. “I saw it before in the dance music we’re making, I don’t feel like we’ve got expression.” With Breakneck the music is constructed early rave days. As soon as it started to go commercial up and deserted drum & bass or changed. I’m doing for the floor, trying to emulate emotions and energies the top flight DJs and producers take it back, the same thing; cutting up beats.” from their collective pasts. “We already know the breaks deliberately make it as non commercial as possible by and the tempo is the same as the stuff I was playing at making it dark and nasty.” On the same topic, Pete feels more will make the Roast,” is Tamsin’s explanation for the fever she feels switch once barriers are broken. He admits the, for this. “It’s always created a wicked vibe to dance to, a Throughout the two hours spent with Breakneck, there’s “breaks felt like they weren’t arriving quick enough,” great rhythm and a great speed. It’s great party music.” no lull in conversation, each member has found some at first, listening to the sounds his two team mates renaissance in breakbeat fusion. A refreshing were championing. Something that started as a bit of When quizzed about their label, Rennie Pilgrem’s TCR enthusiasm from people who between them have a laugh - Pete was “dragged into it” Tamsin imprint, “healthy atmosphere”, “chilled” and “cool” are witnessed many dance music mutations over the last jokes - has become a way to expand and explore. “If phrases used. The general feeling is that, like the ten years. It would be easy to remain cynical but that’s you’re a producer or artist, it’s almost your responsi- members of Breakneck themselves, the people involved not the vibe here. Pete explains it best: “It’s wicked, bility not to paint yourself into a corner,” Pete insists. have lived through the bullshit and make the right moves man. The amount of late night conversations we used to “You have to push the boundaries, push the to avoid it now. Underground credentials - all important have in the studio about all different scenes, how it envelope out. You’re obliged to use everything that’s in the UK as we know - are never in question here, but would be wicked if it just all comes together. Breakbeat around you, 360 degrees.” that doesn’t prevent the artists from seeking the benefits is the unifying element for the UK dance scene.” 36 KNOWLEDGE
ASPECTS WORDS: STEPHEN LAWSON PICTURE: TIM ‘THE WARDEN’ Aspects))ASPECTS KNOWLEDGE CATCH UP WITH WARPED WEST COUNTRY B-BOYS ASPECTS ON THE EVE OF THEIR DEBUT ALBUM TO TALK FUNK, BREAKDANCING PARENTS AND WITCHCRAFT, NATURALLY.... )) “Making an album is like giving a monkey a pen and “Started breaking,” Specify jokes. “I’m Alistair Crowley’s lovechild. I have the same heroin getting him to draw a naked woman; he’s just going to problem,” he jokes, “I’m well interested in religion in start wanking.” So says Ian Merchant aka El Eye The Dirt “Yeah, did a headspin on the kitchen table.” general. I read a lot about it. It’s just a real English thing; Merchant of the West Country’s premier hip hop crew, we’ve got old religions. Where we come from, it’s quite a Aspects. The group’s debut album on Hombre “With no pants on.” West Country thing... the wicker man and all that. Rather Recordings, ‘Correct English’, was a year in the making. than shy away from that, I’m addicted to the supernatural.” A year that saw Aspects develop from a motley crew with This kind of banter comes naturally to Aspects. Their a lively stage show and a scattering of respected twelves sense of humour pervades everything they do. You’d Knowledge wonders if this addiction has extended to and mixtape appearances into the professional - but no have to be terminally po-faced not to raise a grin at dabbling with the black arts. less motley - outfit that sits in front of us today. Aspects’ antics on record. “No, I’ve never done anything that weird. I’ve gone to The album is an irresistible medley of dusty funk and “We don’t try and take ourselves too seriously,” seances. I filmed an exorcism for my media course. I went self-deprecating humour, and the group sounds tighter Mantis confides. to interview this guy from the Corinthian church. He’s a car than ever. This comes as a pleasant surprise to Ian, who park attendant by day and an exorcist by night, a spiritualist. insists the album’s creation was a haphazard affair, “I think it’s part of being English,” Ian says, Him and his gang went up to Manchester and we went with hence, his colourful simian simile. Aspects’ producer “Blackadder, League Of Gentleman... It’s not hip hop, them to exorcise this girl.” Specifi is surprised, too, but more by our perception of his but hip hop used to be funny. And it wasn’t just Biz production on the album: “There’s pretty much no funk Markie; there was always something to laugh at. ‘The “Did you ‘exercise’ her?” Specify asks. breaks on there at all.” Humpty Hump’, all that shit. “I ‘exercised’ her the wrong way, got arrested. But it was for “It’s funkier,” says Ian, “the breaks we use are really hard “I don’t think we’re out and out funny but I think that’s real. I found it disturbing. They [the spiritualists] all had weird to get and if Specifiy wasn’t a really disturbed person what English people are good at. Everyone’s good at accidents and suddenly became ‘psychic’. Not one of who started collecting records as a child, and never something; we’re just good at being funny.” them’s fucking normal. leaves his room, it wouldn’t be an influence. I think it’s down to having a weirdo in the group.” Aspects found their niche a long time ago, when they “But it’s interesting, what people believe. This guy had an realised there’s nothing wrong with being white and accident; a piece of glass went through his head and he Ryan agrees, “You’ve got to have a weirdo in the group.” English, and in a hip hop group. Ian and Beelzebubber, started hearing voices. So rather than thinking his brain was Aspects’ third MC, both hail from Taunton, in the damaged somehow, they believed he could channel ener- “Yeah, if we didn’t have one, we’d be fucked. We’d be depths of the West Country, where things are a little gies. That’s just one example of weird shit I find interesting.” making Swizz Beatz [producer for Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z different from your average hip hop hotspot. and DMX]. Our producer wears Farahs. That’s how funky Beelzebubber elaborates: “Where I first had a drink “We’ve done a track on the album called ‘Intrigue’, and it’s he is.” with Ian, that pub was where Judge Jeffries decided just all intriguing stuff on that vibe,” Mantis says, “Cos what witches they were gonna hang. They used to I’m not all that intrigued by some guy in his G ride Aspects’ funk credentials go beyond breaks and have the wassail, which is from a pagan festival to do pedalling crack...” sta-press trousers. As lyricist Probe Mantis says, “We with the apple harvest...” deliberately wanted to reach people who might not Thank God. The hip hop scene’s a brighter place for Aspects understand the lyrics but can dance to it. My mother “After Halloween there’s big pentangles drawn in the and their extraordinary extracurricular interests. listened to my album and...” park and shit. It’s wicked,” says Ian, who’s clearly fascinated by this stuff. 38 KNOWLEDGE
UGLY DUCKLING INTERVIEW: ALEX FARBER PICTURE: MIKE REES DUucgklyling ))UGLY DUCKLING “WATCH ME DROP A LITTLE FLAVOUR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE EQUATOR AND WALK WITHOUT A COMPASS TO ROCK YA WHOLE CIRCUMFERENCE...” )) After the success of their ‘Fresh Mode’ EP, ARE EUROPEAN People Under The Stairs in our van. The CAN YOU EVER SEE YOURSELF Andy, Dizzy and Young Einstein come OR US CROWDS MADDER? whole drive from Boston to Toronto, about PERFORMING ALONGSIDE THE LB back into effect for a full length, animated Well, Euro’s drink more booze which ten hours, Thes-One had to hang his pants COMMUNITY OF SNOOP, DOGG hip hop onslaught, ‘Journey To Anywhere’. usually equals a wackier crowd but, hon- on the luggage rack on top of the car. POUND AND ALL THE REST? Andy took time to answer some questions estly, every town is a little different. Only at gun-point. from Knowledge... WHO WOULD YOU IMAGINE TO BE DO YOU THINK UK HIP HOP CAN THE WORST GUEST MC TO HAVE ON WHICH CITY HAVE YOU WHY ‘UGLY DUCKLING’? MAKE AN IMPRESSION IN THE US? AN UGLY DUCKLING TRACK? HAD THE MOST AMOUNT OF FUN WHERE DOES THAT COME FROM? Possibly, but I think it’s important that That guy from Limp Bizkit would be the IN SO FAR? We never really fitted in with what was British groups carve out and perfect their worst MC on any track. London. This last time the shows were going on in our local scene and we never own identity first before they worry about really good and that’s what I like most thought ourselves too handsome so the US. Too many UK rappers try to AND WHO WOULD YOU about travelling. we went with Ugly Duckling. We also sound like they’re from New York and we LOVE TO MAKE A TUNE WITH? wanted a really stupid, cartoony name have our own New Yorkers so we don’t Any one of the Jacksons. UGLY DUCKLING TAGTEAM STYLE because most hip hop groups are all need one from Leeds. When the British AT WRESTLEMANIA: serious with names like ‘Architects Of rap bands have their own sound, as a YOUR STYLE IS SO LIGHT-HEARTED. WHAT TUNE ARE YOU GOING TO Science’ or ‘Cultural Dialect’. couple do right now, and scene then the WHY DOES HIP HOP TEND TO TAKE WALK IN TO? exporting opportunities will grow; as they ITSELF SO SERIOUSLY? Easy, “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor. WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE ARE YOU REP- have with many UK dance and rock acts. I call it White Boy disease ie. Limp Bizkit RESENTING THROUGH YOUR MUSIC? and Eminem. Most of these kids grow up in UGLY DUCKLING LABEL BOSSES. We just like funky, funny, classic hip hop WHAT DO UD GROUPIES boring towns where they find nothing to WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO SIGN TO but I have met people who get into the LOOK LIKE? WHO HAS THE MOST do but smoke weed, listen to gangsta rap, YOUR LABEL? music for different reasons. I like the kids FUN WITH THEM? act tough and stare at each other. After I would sign rock-rap bands to make who say that they’ve never felt comfortable They are all beautiful, young ladies with that, it’s just a matter of supply and sure they DIDN’T come out. on the hip hop scene because they were high self-esteem who would never do demand. These kids have never had the too goofy or smiley (or just not into anything dishonourable. If you want any opportunity to hear the real thing. I don’t ON ONE OF YOUR TRACKS YOU underground hip hop enough). But with us, further details, ask Dizzy... know what would ever change this pattern. TALK ABOUT UK BOOTLEGGERS, they can just relax and have fun. Maybe if a good group had some success. HOW WOULD YOU DEAL WITH THEM WHAT’S THE FIRST Formerly fun-loving De La Soul had a big ONCE YOU CAUGHT UP WITH THEM? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE TRACK WEBSITE YOU’LL VISIT AFTER THIS? hit record in the late 80s and it helped to I would politely and passionately appeal TO PERFORM LIVE AND WHY? I’m going to a sports site to find out the turn the tide, momentarily, for the culture. I to their sense of justice and honesty Right now it’s “Eye On The Gold Chain” final score in the LA Dodgers game. hope it happens again. which, I feel, would make them because it’s uptempo and energetic. I like Today is opening day of the baseball understand that bootlegging is wrong. to get the people moving and jumping and season. DO ALL WHITE RAPPERS OWE SOME- that song seems to work. THING TO HOUSE OF PAIN? WHICH ONE LP WHEN DID YOU DRINK Yeah, thanks to House Of Pain every SHOULD EVERYONE LISTEN TO? WHO’S THE BEST BREAKER? EVER THE MOST IN YOUR WHOLE LIFE? stupid white kid I know has a goatee, Tie: “Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop” by TRY ANY MOVES ON STAGE? THEN WHAT HAPPENED? wallet chain, wife-beater tank top and acts Diamond D and “Breaking Atoms” None of us can break worth a crap but I’ve never had any alcohol or done any like a hardcore, tough guy idiot. So they did by Main Source. Dizzy’s got some nice pop-lock moves that drugs in my life but you can ask either of contribute that and, because of them, the he often busts during shows. my partners about extreme drunkenness. Irish people finally got the recognition they Ugly Duckling’s ‘Journey To Anywhere’ On one tour, Einstein barfed on the so richly deserved. is available from May 7 on XL. Look for 40 KNOWLEDGE live dates over the summer.
))ART : MAO MAO WORDS: DANIEL TURNER 44 KNOWLEDGE
)) Good things come to those who wait, and for anyone who has watched Mao paint - this is definitely true! What he lacks in speed though he more than makes up for in style and content. Focusing mainly on characters rather than elaborate lettering, his pictures look deceptively simple but those few lines carry a heavy message. A true “countryman” born and raised in the South West, and currently residing in the beautiful surroundings of north Devon. This may have kept him out of the limelight to a certain extent, but it has also has kept him and his family out of the nasty city and in a place where it is actually nice to live and bring up your kids. The beach and the surf is just down the road and everything runs at a much slower pace (which suits this dread fine!). The exile of living away from the beaten media track (i.e. London) gives his work a different angle to many city based artists and designers, as can be seen in the Cost Infected Farming Mad Cow piece - but it does not affect the relevance or the message - babylon and the ‘shitstem’ affects everyone, whether they’re countryside or cityside and everyone can do their bit in beating it down. Bristol with its long standing graff, music and skate crews is nearby so he can keep up to date with everyone there, and on his missions to London and beyond ‘nuff people check for him and he is never short of a place to stay. Along with his partner in crime ‘Dirty T’ he runs Sewerside clothing, providing the designs and graphics while Ol’ Dirty takes care of the business side. however, Sewerside is about much more than just clothes, and is unique in the fashion world because it actually stands for, and means, something. “Positive vibes in a negative environment” is what they are all about, and by creating clothes for skaters, snowboarders, surfers and like minded souls - they are making a statement about how surfers can’t surf cos the sea is full of sewage, and how the babylon police stop you from skating and doing what you want to do. This ethos and outlook carries through to their other method of getting the message across - parties! Since the Criminal Justice Bill was introduced they have made sure that their parties always go with a bang, and in the land of crusty techno they have brought the salvation of hip hop and drum & bass to the masses in the South West via the Pig Farmer’s mighty sound sys- tem. Held in locations like barns, fish farms, and the infamous Kingsley and Mission nightclubs, with a big event hopefully on the beach this summer (depending on foot and mouth as much as word of mouth!) people have travelled from all over the country to check out these mad parties - phat sound systems, ruff beats and cool people. Anyone who came across their sound system, mini ramp, and graff wall in the bottom corner of the cabaret field at Glasto 2000 will certainly remember it, as will the organiser woman who pulled the plug on the Sunday afternoon after a wild weekend of breaking the rules and rinsing it out all night! (yes, even Glastonbury is a wee bit corporate when it comes to decibel levels in the middle of the night, but it was an honest mistake bringing a 15k rig when the limit was 3k!) Mao’s most recent project was the back cover artwork for DJ Skitz’ album and the animation for the ‘Domestic Science’ video. Originally Skitz asked him to do the back cover for his excellent ‘Countryman’ album - and what started as just a couple of characters ended up being a picture of all the MCs and DJs who contributed to the album. When the response from everyone immortalised in ruffneck caricature was so good, it was a natural progression to animate the characters of Skitz, Tempa, Estelle and Wildflower for the ‘Domestic Science’ video. After some sleepless nights, drawing hundreds of original frames and fitting them with Steve Mitchell’s 3D digital backgrounds to create a new mix of styles - analogue and digital together, the finished product looked so good it was moved from the end of the video to the beginning, and was shown on Yo! MTV Raps between Snoop and KRS 1! With plenty of people eager to work with him, crews up and down the country appreciating his artwork and wanting to wear his clothes, and a collaboration with high class Wedgewood china for an exhibition at the V & A museum in the pipeline, the future looks bright. As more people commission artwork from him , so more green (of both the dollar and herb variety) will come his way. BIG UP $EWER$IDE! Check www.sewerside.co.uk e-mail [email protected] / phone 07980 098773 KNOWLEDGE 45
))GALLERY : CHU 01 02 GALLERY: CHU CONTACT: 07966 169917 WEB: www.schudio.co.uk EMAIL: [email protected] Use 3D glasses (not supplied). See for correct use 01: 'Letting the side down' - canvas for MackDaddys, Bristol (aerosol on canvas) 2001 10: Freestyle for Fresh 2000 held at the Custard Factory 2000. 45ft x 7ft 02: 'Deparchure Lounge’ - Urban Games, Clapham Common, (aerosol on timber partitions) 1999 11: 'On a Swiss Roll' - detail of Swiss Embassy commission, (aerosol on brickwork) 2001 03: TurnTableTank sketch - (biro sketch) 12: 'One Owner, Low Mileage' - Scratch @ Scala, London (aerosol on brickwork) Oct 2000 04/05/06/07: Flyer designs featuring the Superschool 2000. (biro sketches) 13: Various animations stills, inc. 'Stereo Equipment' - TurnTableTank showcase movie (CGI) 08: 'Graforiginees' feat. Task Force - Cover design for BreakinPoint magazine, (CGI) 1999 ‘CHU's your Moment’ @ Cargo, London 2D, 3D & 4D works 10th July to 6th August. 03 09: Press advertisement for www.blupencil.co.uk (biro sketch) 46 KNOWLEDGE
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Drum&BassSingles DRUM & BASS SINGLES REVIEWED BY: LURCH & SHAREE IT’S IN THE BAG… ONLINE D-N-B STORE AT WWW.KNOWLEDGEMAG.CO.UK THE ADVOCATE another superb track from the Bad DJ DARA chaotic tune, throwing down ruff, turbu- Company crew. Suggesting nothing of lent drums, raw techno stabs and a APOCALYPSE / SELL YOUR SOUL the imminent audio destruction in the KILOS / RANGER deadly vocal that really makes this tune DEMONIC intro, we roll with bright beats, smooth ORGONE whole. A bit rough around the edges but and soaring pads and some bizarre vocal the vibe is most certainly there. L An off-kilter twelve, as you may well snippets to the drop, before the Reese One of America’s top drum & bass DJs expect from The Advocate. The incessant hook, mid-range swarm and rumbling sub delivers the dancefloor beats to Orgone. DIGITAL sounds of ‘Apocalypse’ certainly live up to combine for slaughter. This rawness is ‘Kilos’ builds well with frenetic bongo their title, as a cacophony of demolition well so balanced though, with lighter breaks, melodic bass and punctuating THE SWAMP / RED MIST bass and furious Amens thunder down elements of the track intertwining with the vox, but the old skool chord hook on this CREATIVE SOURCE with reckless abandon. A merciless tune, terror sounds, as the latter occasionally track is more ‘Sesame’s Treat’ than ‘Mr that takes no prisoners. ‘Sell Your Soul’ fall away, allowing the lively beats to Kirk’s Nightmare’. A shame really ‘cos the Possibly the moodiest track to have then opts for a very different tack, rolling parade with the travelling, melodic synths. backbone of the tune is good. ‘Ranger’ is graced the Creative Source catalogue - smoothly, though still with a blistering A very cultured track. L a lot better though, with its mental, Digital gets all grizzly on the cavernous dancefloor presence; and through its garbled vocal blending with Twilight Zone sounds of ‘The Swamp’, resplendent in an spread of searing guitar licks, deep bass BLUE keys over a funky bassline and tight, orgy of splintering Amens and subdued and dramatic strings will keep you hooked skippy beats. L darkness that’s sure to please all the to the very end. L DEADBEAT / RELEASE hardcore heads out there. The air then SOUTHERN SESSIONS DECODER & SUBSTANCE clears on the flip, but only for the ‘Red APHRODITE Mist’ to drift into view, soon to envelop BELAY DIALECT EP you in its tight percussive snare, as the CLOUDBREAK / KARMA SUTRA BREAKBEAT CULTURE obscure industrial drones and sparse COME DOWN DUBBING COWARD / TAKE CARE jazzy bass lead you further into this BASS HAZE PLATE SOUTHERN SESSIONS With the buzz surrounding Kosheen strange and hypnotic groove. Deep. L APHRODITE growing by the day, there couldn’t be a These are the next two coming up on better time for the release of this new EP DOPESKI Keeping the pressure on, Aphrodite steps Germany’s Southern Sessions label, and from Decoder & Substance. Showcasing forward with another two releases on his they’re both worth checking. Blue running the more underground drum & bass SLAYER / STYLEZ TERRIFIC own imprint and, true to recent form, with that characteristic stripped back and flavas that they have championed for the CHEMICAL WARFARE there’s something for everyone in this eerie, rolling vibe on ‘Deadbeat’, while best part of a decade, while also featuring selection. ‘Cloudbreak’ intros with a nice laying down more gruelling drum work the considerable talents of MC Jakes on Some lively gangsta funk comes to the blend of interlocking drum edits, keeping it and a fuller sound on the melancholic the lead track, this has got to be one of fore on ‘Slayer’, a more melodic track than all on a lively tip before the serious, ‘Release’. Before that though is the debut the most dynamic releases from its title suggests, but the best rub on this driving bass comes in; contrasting well release from Belay, a new signing to the Breakbeat Culture to date. The bouncy, twelve from Dopeski is the phat and furi- with the funky sounds and fills that roll label, hailing from their hometown of techno groove of ‘Dialect’ further shows ous, hip hop jungle hybrid, ‘Styles Terrific’. through the track. ‘Karma Sutra’ then Munich. ‘Coward’ moves on a fluid, and this duos firm handling of vocals before A flava formerly known as jump-up? L touches down on a saucy tip, full of well executed, tech-step, as does the giving way to the more hostile strains of gasps, moans and dirty vocals while similarly styled, though more panic- ‘Dog Fight’, a dark and menacing Amen DRUMSOUND & simple beats and that juicy, Aphro bass stricken flip side, ‘Take Care’, to make this track that would challenge studio pal Tech SIMON BASSLINE SMITH bounce do the rest. Onto the next twelve, another solid wax. L Itch in the stormiest of weathers. ‘Icon’ and my favourite, ‘Come Down Dubbing’. soon returns us to more pleasant DUBTRACK / SUPERSONIC Flinging down some warm reggae flava, CAUSE 4 CONCERN pastures, with its sunny chords and TECHNIQUE nice funky breaks, sustained bass and a shakers, juicy bass, neat vocals and fresh little taste of that early Aladdin flava (for HIGH DOWN beats, while continuing this rolling vibe, Tuff bongo breaks, a travelling synth line those that know), this is a tight and rolling STRANGE NATURE the ‘Squadron’ take off on a stealth and bright chords bring the intro flava track with a pretty unique sound in TIMELESS mission that seals this vital release. L on ‘Dub Track’, spreading an uplifting vibe today’s d&b climate. The heavy vibes of across the cut, building nicely for the ‘Bass Haze Plate’ then tidy things up, Alongside ‘Future Funk’ and ‘Give It 2 DJ DELTA ruff ride that follows. At the drop, a reflecting the vibe of ‘Cloudbreak’ to ‘Em’ on the Hardware EP, ‘High Down’ is pummelling bassline enters the mix, complete a proper varied set of tunes. L one of the best tracks I’ve heard from DELIVERANCE / CONNECTED memorable dub vox add spice and with Cause 4 Concern to date and shows FIRECLOWN the intro ingredients flowing through the JOHN B them to be well and truly on a roll. Again track, this is a real dancefloor livener. it’s that urgent, sparse and funky style This is the second release from DJ Delta Simple melodic hooks do the work again SKY’S THE LIMIT running wild through the cut, with a on Fireclown, and together with his on the flipside cut, with the playful piano MOVE YOUR BODY (REMIX) distant female vocal and choice bleeps forthcoming release on Penny Black as and chord combo the key, while military SHOEBOX providing the hooks, meanwhile the stern Stormtoopers, he is building up a neat style drums and a steady horn line assist beats and juicy bass swing their pants catalogue of work. ‘Deliverance’ is a in keeping this minimal cut in check. L Returning to Shoebox, and with a much below. A must for all those future stronger release than the previous two, funk dancefloors. L A-SIDES John B lays down a pair of right tasty, techno influenced vocal tracks. ‘Sky’s COMMANDO BIG REQUEST / SPREAD LOVE The Limit’ just rolls and rolls with its & DAMAGE HARD LEADERS intoxicating fusion of dreamy vocals, hypnotic synths, filthy bass surges and SW11: DUB SPECIALIST A Hard Leaders special here, as A-Sides touches down with two blistering tuff drums being hard to resist. On the SKULL KRUSHER dancefloor cuts of a contrasting nature. As the title suggests, ‘Big Request’ is a other side the electro-fied remix of ‘Move TRANSFER dub-influenced dancehall slammer, with a monstrous Amen and bassline drop Your Body’ approaches more stealthily, that is bound to get ‘em calling for the reload. ‘Spread Love’ then flips the script treading a cleaner, trancey path into Following tracks on Invader, Spektrum with an altogether smoother groove, as tight bubbling beats, a nice blend of vocal your subconscious. L Audio and Outbreak, Damage teams hooks, glowing melody and deep but lively bass drive this funky roller home. up with Commando for the first release on Two for the front of the box. L BAMBOO this new label. The lead cut is an Amen, rave chord and dub vox rinser, but what NEW DAWN RELICK / THE JOINT really caught my ears was the strangely FORCE titled ‘Skull Krusher’. A ruff tune, but in the light of ‘SW11’ it’s more of a skull Two new releases at once from this soother. Using a wicked vocal sample, Florida based label and collective. On this beefy drums (OK, the odd filtered Amen one, Bamboo takes full advantage of the edit), simple funky bass and rood stabs, tribal bongos to create a groovy riff that this skankin’ tune is pure runaway. begs you to dance to it. Full vocal lines Must check. L run throughout while some serious pressure filled beats traverse alongside DJ DAMAGE analogue surges. A real rinse-out. ‘The Joint’ provides some more tribal-esque FIRST CONTACT beats and a rasta style vocal snippet. INVADER Moody reverse synth melody casts a melancholy shadow on the cut. The If you’ve been buying drum & bass in Paradox-esque drum work pushes the the past year then you’ll have a good idea track to another level of craziness. S what kind of flavas this record has buried in its grooves. Relentless Amen pressure, BAD COMPANY select old skool vocals and an alien atmosphere run through the powerful PLANET DUST / SPEEDBALL original version of ‘First Contact’; while PROTOTYPE with Dylan applying his mental drum edits for the remix, this is a slammin’ Protoype emerge for 2001, and with it darkside release. L bring the long-awaited ‘Planet Dust’, KNOWLEDGE 51
Drum&BassSingles ( ( (((( IT’S IN THE BAG… )))) ) ) DUNE to have made such an impression on the JUNGLEBOY Although you could hardly call Kemal & drum & bass scene with just a handful of Rob Data old timers, the past few years ORACLE / RESISTANCE: 2050 tracks. Fellowship steps up again for this CONFLICTED / LOVE ME has seen them on an unstoppable rise BREAKBEAT SCIENCE release, bringing a real taste of summer FORCE through the scene, and here they fully dis- with this pair of uplifting rollers. ‘It’s A play those ruff and rolling futuristic flavas Hot on the heels of the ‘Remixology EP’ Mystery’ surfs a smooth bassline roll, nice Palpitating drum hits and wood block that have served them so well. Narcosis come these two fresh tunes from Dune, Rhodes, disco strings, driving beats ‘n’ melody intro ‘Confused’. A light echo on deliver in a similar sci-fi vein. A more aggro AKA Double A & Twist. Displaying their bongos and diva vocals, but if a more the synth stabs gives it a bit of a selection of metallic squawks dominate versatile approach to drum & bass they saucy bottom end is required, then just flip dubby/dreamy effect. FX’ed out sample the track but, with eerie melodic elements first showcase the delicately trippy, sensu- to the sassy strut of ‘Feelin’ Good’ for and bassy stabs come in the early giving the cut balance, it’s a worthy ous sounds of ‘Oracle’, while for afters further rock solid, jungle funk. L breakdown and then you get clubbed over bedfellow for the blazing ‘Konspiracy’. L allow us to see the darker side of the the head with a hard Amen fest. At the consciousness in the minimalist guise of FOOTMASTERS midway point, you’ll have sworn you KOM’AH ‘Resistance 2050’. Both quality tunes. L & KENNY KEN crossed over a time portal back to 1996 when darkness reigned supreme. Evil GALACTIC SPIN EBK / CITIZEN & FUTURE FAT CAP / SALAD SURGERY bass is pushed to its growly limits while TREASURE HUNTERS UNKUT the Amens go to the sushi bar for some PURIFIED AUDIO 2000:2000 / NEO expert slicing. It’s got a great mixable COMPOSITE Ruff bizniz once again from Unkut. ‘Fat outro too. Nice one. Swanky, sustained RADIANCE Cap’ keeps things tidy with military style strings are the first thing you hear on the The third, and probably best, Composite drums, rising hardcore riffs, dirty bass and flip. Then along comes a floaty female LALO’S BEAT / TUNA SALAD assault to date, here flipping two different pure dancefloor energy; while the more vocal sample. Hard Amens aren’t too far PURIFIED AUDIO drum & bass styles sourced from the gruelling flipside sees Kenny dropping behind and bust in like a battering ram Federation / Central Intelligence axis. The into the studio with a serene intro and with some squishy bass that seems to Top draw, clean and melodic beats on money shot has to be ‘2000 : 2000’, with a raw bass grind. L compliment the beats like fish compli- offer once again from Holland’s Purified its rugged techno steps, bruising ments chips. What I like most about Audio camp. Kom’ah brings a nice and pummel-bass, sci-fi bent and all-round GRIDLOCK Jungleboy is he’s not afraid to chop the funky, minimal vibe to both tracks: ‘floor blazing properties, though the DJ DREAD drums and throw in breakdown interludes ‘Galactic Spin’ gets stepping right from the abstract sounds of ‘Neo’ is sure to find with entirely new patterns. One to pick up top of its lunar quest, while the more favour with the deeper hardstep crowd. L KREEPY KILLER / DEVIL GIRL if you like that old school cut-up feel. S gentle drift that introduces ‘Treasure TECHNORGANIC Hunters’ masks the deep, aquatic ESKOBAR FEAT. LEMON D KEL hypno-beat that follows. Before that one No info on the release date of this fourth drops though, Radiance delivers an apt IT’S YOURS wax from Technorganic, but for the crazed SO FINE / TWISTED release, with ‘Lalo’s Beat’ and ‘Tuna RETURN TO 125TH STREET Amen-techno assault of ‘Kreepy Killer’ and WHITE Salad’ both glowing with a more upbeat, TRUE PLAYAZ the dark, rolling sounds of ‘Devil Girl’, look jazz funk edge. L out for this US label in the independent Bootleg shenanigans, and like so many A coup here for True Playaz, as Eskobar stores. For more of the same, also check recent under the counter releases, this M&M and Lemon D make their debut on the the previous release, ‘The Rattlesnake one is definitely worth asking about. label, and if you’re a fan of those Valve EP’, featuring Ju Ju. L ‘Twisted’ is a deep, tech jazz, drum & bass GO REMIX sounds, then you’ve just got to pick track, rolling with dramatic strings, bluesy WHITE this up. ‘It’s Yours’ is the ruffer of the two, HAK W/HIVE horns and Blade Runner passages, but leading with oriental chimes, choice hip the big tune here is ‘So Fine’. Rinsing Further bootleg goodness for you lot to hop flava and that patent line in bass, GLOK Whitney Houston over filtered Amen, dark hunt down, and with this one we see drum and edits. As far as mental beats go, BLACK PEARL bass and eerie synths shouldn’t really Moby’s classic rave tune ‘Go’ get a drum & they don’t get much better than this. work, but it does. Nicely. L bass re-work. Massive in the raves back Equally as essential is ‘Return To 125th First up is the Hive remix. Hive changes then and destined to be massive in the Street’ which finds the fruity D flexing his the main drums of the original to a more KEMAL & ROB DATA raves once again, ten years later. Even jazz funk muscle over some contrasting, scattered, shuffling syncopation that builds NARCOSIS the sceptics should check this one out. L but chunky beats, to give this 12” that to a light cacophony after the first drop. all round appeal. L Nice and ruff. The bass blasts are also KONSPIRACY / ESCAPE ROUTE MARCUS INTALEX tweaked to a fine subby variety. Oscillating INDUSTRY & ST FILES FELLOWSHIP synth riffs pulsate throughout. Hak’s original is a tough firing blast of a nice After an incredible launch, courtesy of UNIVERSE IT’S A MYSTERY / FEELIN’ GOOD hardstep variation. Cut-up samples and Total Science and Davide Carbone, LOSE CONTROL DEFUNKED bass throbs give it an abstract feel. A total Industry are back with another twelve of METALHEADZ With this being only the fourth release on raucous of sound. S established and up-and-coming talent. Defunked, there aren’t many other labels Just like their recent 31 Records release this is another long awaited issue from the JOHN B CAUSE 4 CONCERN IT’S SO REAL / NO-ONE LIKE YOU SYMPTOM EP TANGENT RENEGADE HARDWARE It’s John B himself who takes the first release on this, his new label dedicated to the more melodic and vocal styles of drum & bass. ‘It’s So Real’ opens the account and One of my personal favourites from the recent EP selection from Hardware, with this drops something of a garage flava; rolling out sparse skippy beats, a clean staccato one holding four different takes on the dark funk style. ‘Skewer’ brings the most bass to make you bubble plus, of course, a wicked vocal blend. ‘No-One Like You’ hardcore terror, opening the account with a tight blend of deep melodic subs, needling then steps out on more fluid, rolling tip. A delicate fusion of keys, sax and guitar, mid-range and sheer drum demolition, while wreaking a similar kind of havoc is the together with deep, driving bass provide the backbone, as an enchanting combination Usual Suspects ruff percussive remix of ‘Research’. The quite brilliant, ‘Give It 2 ‘Em’ of male and female vocal melts all over this delightfully sumptuous track. A quite finds C4C laying down their own pedigree breed of electro-funk, all deep, spacious brilliant introduction to the new label. Check it. L and lively, while completing the four with equal panache are the spooky rolling sounds of ‘Symptom’. With so much variety on offer here, this EP is sure to reach 52 KNOWLEDGE beyond the Hardware core. L
Drum&BassSingles ONLINE D-N-B STORE AT WWW.KNOWLEDGEMAG.CO.UK Manchester duo, again with a versatile MOS DEF, PHAROAH moving. The flip then takes a different of darkness in the mix. The flipside cut is of edge and holding two dynamite tunes. MONCHE & NATE DOGG route. Still rolling hard, but with some red a very similar flava; a touch more grizzly The deep roller, ‘Lose Control’ trades the raw flutes and a juicy live bass taking the in its mid-range tones and with a tuffer, more obvious techno-oriented angles, but OH NO lead, ‘The Boss’ erupts into a driving jazz steppin’ approach on the drums. L with male vocals and warm melody RAWKUTS funk ride that gives this twelve more blending nicely with the delicately sinister versatile dancefloor goodness. L RAREFORM air and those edgy bass tones, this is a Coming with two flavas, ‘Heavyweight’ wickedly rolling and wonderfully balanced and ‘Smooth’, John B turns his remix POLLEN & STILL LIFE ODE TO THE ENEMY track. The same can be said of the hand to this popular, and totally runnin’, WORST CASE SCENARIO massive lead cut ‘Universe’. A sublime hip hop joint. If you like the vocal and you LOOKING GLASS WHAT’S THE POINT IN ANYTHING? number, that glides along on a sea of like drum & bass then there’s little more RUMBLE NEW VISION shimmering strings, warm synths, deep recommendation needed. Both mixes driving bass, and a bright drum track; smash up their appropriate dancefloors; POLLEN ‘Ode To The Enemy’ is one sickass track. while together with those choice vocal so don’t sleep on this. L Best grinding bass I’ve heard in a long edits, is a cut that guarantees a drop of SEDUCTION / SKY SWEEP time. Makes me want to put my head right sunshine in the dance. L MULDER RAWKUTS in the bin! Treacherous Amens... seething effects... what more can I ask for? ‘Worst MILAD NUMBER STATION / CHANGE UP Two from Pollen, with ‘Seduction’ fusing Case Scenario’ is a total opposite. Full on URBAN TAKEOVER r&b vocal hits, gruesome Amens and an electro vibe, fast moving drums and vocal D-TOWN SOUND A tight release here from Bristol’s man of acid swarm, while the brighter, though no hooks from Manik D and Sophie B make THE ONLY mystery, with this wax featuring a more less dirty, ‘Sky Sweep’ travels on a carpet this one a little more involved that your LOSTRACK sinister set of ‘floor stormers than of grizzly undulating bass. It’s the Rumble average d&b cut. The last one is a previously. Stepping drums, spooky lead release that makes most impact though, surreal little journey into the mind of a ‘D-Town Sound’ begins with a muted intro lines, dirty mids and sustained subs do the and together with Still Life they turn in a stressed out producer. Only a minute and quickly moves into tight rattling drums damage on the simple but effective vocal and Amen smasher on ‘Looking long, but great for creating a weird, before a second breakdown and build-up. ‘Number Station’, while for afters it’s Glass’. The ‘Deep mix’ offers an alterna- spooky intro to your set. Props to NV for With the formalities out of the way, a slightly darker affair, as raw hip hop tive to the brutal thrust of the original, and thinking out of the box there. S D-Town takes off like a heat seeking mis- vox, old skool drum breaks and wobble that’s the cut for me, with its gentler sile. Moving, roll-out drums and pulsing b- bass combine. L stepping groove, but I’m sure many will RED ONE lines make for a real tear-out, possibly be frothing over the lead. L even a rewind. ‘The Only’ creates a NEXT WAVE OF JAZZ DREAMS / SIDE STEP tension early on with turning synth jabs, PREDATOR RATIO wind-up beats and haunting synths. WHAT WE DIE FOR Two different dancefloor styles here from Watch it after the break. Cut-up beats with SPEEDLINCS DISS-INTEGRATION / SMUGGLERS Red One. ‘Dreams’ touching down with Amen fills surround the techy stabs and This debut release from New Wave Of ACETATE trekking sci-fi flavas, and delivering the deep bellowing bass. S Jazz sees the Speedlincs label deliver beats in a manner you may guess, though their best yet in the shape of this tuff vocal TROUBLED MINDZ the undulating bass and dirty stabs ANT MILES roller. Driving beats and nervous techno of ‘Side Step’ cut a much more rugged bass accompany the powerful vocal and TERMINAL / INTERSAT stance, reflecting the suggestion made THE ESSENCE haunting vibes of the simply tearing ‘What ACETATE in the title. L INDUCER We Die For’, while on the flip there’s a LIFTIN’ SPIRIT more intricate and off-key beats remix Already out there is the Troubled Mindz REKOIL & POISON from Reinforced’s Search Engine. Further twelve (AKA Cause 4 Concern), where we Strangely enough, this is the first release extending the appeal of a twelve that all find the boys throwing down some indus- JAH WITNESS as Ant Miles on Liftin’ Spirit, though lovers of vocal drum & bass and futuristic trial funk on the hard stepping ‘Terminal’, BAD MAGIC obviously not the first release on the label flavas should check. L while rugged metallic breaks and dark SPEKTRUM AUDIO from the Liftin’ Spirit himself. ‘The technology gets a rinsing on the dramatic Two more slices of dancefloor madness Essence’ is one of those ruff with the NU TONE futurescape of ‘Intersat’. After that, from Spektrum Audio. ‘Jah Witness’ smooth rubs, with soft pads and washes Predator returns to Acetate with a nasty blending dub vox, percussive drum being draped over a strong riddim track, GRAND CENTRAL / THE BOSS twelve of rolling bass, running it all crisp breaks and rave loops in an intense brew while ‘Inducer’ takes you on a more BETA and fluid on ‘Diss-integration’ before drop- that is strictly for the headstrong. ‘Bad punishing glide from the off, rolling out in ping some heavier steps on ‘Smugglers’. L Magic’ appears to tread a breezy and true Ram style. Nothing to blow your Two ruff, but contrasting licks here, with bubblin’ path, but the layer of deep subs, mind, but a tasty filler. L rolling Amen pressure and old skool RANDOM SOUNDZ retro vox and Raindance stabs keep it chords raining down through the turbulent CHRIS SU circling the M25. L ‘Grand Central’, a relentless assault that is sure to keep the harder dancefloors M13 / E.M.D. MUSIC 4 EVER ‘M13’ is a hyper techno rampage, building in intensity throughout, with a little sprinkling INK KENNY KEN KAOS THEORY EP EVERYMAN (REMIXES) RENEGADE HARDWARE MIX & BLEN’ All OJs will know about ‘Everyman’, Kenny’s signature tune from back then and, as A tearing EP from Ink, holding an array of damaging tracks, with one of the biggest you’ll no doubt agree, these new mixes are a most welcome arrival. First up is a dirty, guns in this package being his collaboration with Dylan on ‘Need You’. Rolling it out raw step-a-thon, with deep and deadly subs rolling, ruff beats to keep you moving and rugged, percussive and tribal, the vaults are unlocked for the classic vocal break and a classy cut-up of the original ‘Everyman’ vocal. In short, a killer dancehall tune. The melodic darkside drones, while a selection of tasty stabs run wild across this reggae vocal is rolled to the maximum through the intro on the flip, but beware of this bruising track. Ruff. The past is raided once again for the title track, as countless diversion, for the drop heralds a more thunderous mix, complete with mental dub FX, drum breaks and percussive loops are sliced and diced, while a bewildering array of which will satisfy all the hardhat crew. There’s something for everyone on this record, samples fly in and out of the mix. Quality mental stuff once again. Elsewhere, and is a tune that will no doubt be rinsed all summer long. Wicked. L ‘Re-Lock’ lays down heavyweight drums and sustained subs in a more abstract groove, while to complete this essential Hardware EP Twisted Anger re-style ‘Murder KNOWLEDGE 53 Inc.’ with trademark Amen pressure. L
Drum&BassSingles IT’S IN THE BAG… ONLINE D-N-B STORE AT WWW.KNOWLEDGEMAG.CO.UK REPRAZENT More Try’, punctuated by horn blasts and SONIC & SILVER TOTAL SCIENCE vocal snippets. Off-key but rolling. ‘Self LUCKY PRESSURE Destruct’ opts for a different, though TELL ME / BACKHANDER BORDERLINE 2000 / JUNGLE TALKIN’ LOUD equally abstract approach, adding a little L PLATES JUNGLE mystery with its melody and building METALHEADZ Third single and a bona fide highlight from a more spacious groove through the rid- Number two on the new L-Plates label, the ‘In The Mode’ album, with this one dim, track and aquatic bass hook. with this one dealing two contrasting cuts. TOTAL SCIENCE finding Onallee in the limelight, injecting her Something a little different. L ‘Backhander’ blazes through in a rush of instantly recognisable vocal style to the furious beats and nasty bass, and while BUSTIN’ LOOSE / ELEMENTARY mix. In a magazine like this, there’s little DJ SKINNY the melodic rolling vibes of ‘Tell Me’ paint a TIMELESS need to go into detail on track that’s more serene picture, both boast an already an anthem, but there are a few STREET GANGS / MR BONGOS equally forceful dancefloor presence. L ‘Borderline 2000’ intros at length with remixes you need to know about. I’ll get UNDER PRESSURE sparse metallic beats, breaking down for the surprises out of the way first of all, and SPIRIT / DIGITAL the harsh bass to show itself, cue classic that comes in the shape of the Layo & DEODA vox and pads and the track bursts back Bushwacka! remix where we find them on RAYGUN / RAS 78 into life. A pounding cut for sure, but with a rare drum & bass excursion, and coming BASS-SINE / ACID FUNCTION intrigue a plenty, there’s no escaping the up smelling of roses. Elsewhere, Roni UNDER PRESSURE tight grasp of this serious cut. A more serves his dark and driving ‘Hit Mix’, SIMON BASSLINE SMITH chaotic, heady blend of beats are absolutely tailor made to bust up a dance, Numbers two and three from the newly unleashed on the tearing ‘Jungle Jungle’, and Suv an excellent Amen take, while formed Under Pressure, with that familiar, JUNGLE 99: DIGITAL DUB MIX / this one with more overt old skool also on the drum & bass promo package is rolling sci-fi bass a dominant theme TROUBLE influence and, with so much happening a track called ‘Lend Me Your Fuckin’ Ears’; through all four tracks. ‘Street Gangs’ FUNCTION through the track, it’s a credit to their essentially a re-touched instrumental of intros atmospherically before dropping production skills that you can hear so ‘Ghetto Celebrity’. Essential, once again. L into some schizoid electro riffing, while A pair of rather moody releases here from clearly the definition of each sound. On the the darker flipside matches lively Function, though with Digital’s ‘Ras 78’ Timeless twelve, a more laid back take on RUFIGE CRU percussion with moody techno stabs. standing out as the exception to the rule. the heavyweight unfolds through the Harder beats break through on the His serious and stripped remix of ‘Jungle melodic ‘Bustin’ Loose’, while the nervous STORMTROOPA VIP / THE BEACH following twelve with the grinding ‘99’ kicks things off, and while the gigantic rattling groove of ‘Elementary’ fits nicely METALHEADZ ‘Bass-Sine’ before Friction completes the old skool stabs of ‘Trouble’ begin to up the with the vibe of the Metalheadz release, rumbling bass of his ‘Acid’ remix. L pulse rate, these cuts didn’t really ignite rolling with the deep sensibilities of This twelve was originally promoed last for me. ‘Raygun’ then lays down brutal ‘Borderline 2000’. Quality gear. L year, but only now gets an official release; SMOKEY JOE VS DJ BEN mid range power and doom laden subs also signalling the start of a lengthy in za menacing fashion, while ‘Ras 78’ TRON Metalheadz campaign on your ears. Very Q REASON / INSIDE blends ruff Amens, rumbling bass and much Goldie in sound and style, though SMOKERS INC. haunting ragga vocals. L SURFING / ATOMIC with so many re-designs on the GLOBAL THANG Reinforced blueprint, it’s not so easy to tell A cross channel collaboration here, STORMTROOPERS nowadays. ‘Stormtroopa VIP’ is a ruff-ass between the Smokers’ Smokey Joe and Two dark and minimal excursions on offer trip into the darker realms of jungle, France’s DJ Ben, with both cuts heavy on THE MIRAGE EP here. Crisp snapping snares, rising strings complete with heavyweight interlocking the subs, rave sounds and driving beats. PENNY BLACK and grizzly bass guide you in on ‘Surfing’, drums, a cascading collage of paranoia ‘Q Reason’ is a real churning track, and before dark stabs, knocking subs and hooks and a twisted trumpet riff that really comes with a storming second half switch, Closely following the bone-crushing clattering Amens finish the job off. Similar tops the tune off. ‘The Beach’ is something while the darker strains of ‘Inside’ Special Branch debut, here comes elements also do the legwork on ‘Atomic’, of an antidote, reminiscent of ‘The Sea’ in complete this rugged retro ride. L another new singing to Penny Black, with to complete a twelve of fierce, though its strings, ambient sounds and touches of this EP from the Stormtroopers being familiar, ‘floor flava. L warm bass, and although the track does J SMOOTH an equally weighty package. The lunar drift into a more demanding stride, it still trek of ‘Mirage’ guides you in on a UNIVERSAL PROJECT retains its epic elegance. L JECKYLL & HYDE / Z CHAMBER comparatively gentle wave, building in ARGENTO stature as it rolls, but holding a deep BLEACH / THE TRUTH? SAPPO groove throughout. The pain is duly dealt UNIVERSAL PROJECT Churning techno riffs blend with steppa on the second track though, the original ONE MORE TRY / SELF DESTRUCT beats and smooth female vocals on the mix of ‘Alive’, as it grinds its way down a Following their track for Hardware and the GLOBAL THANG lively ‘Jeckyll & Hyde’, while a moodier dirty minimal path, keeping you hanging ‘Soundclash EP’ on True Playaz, selection seems to surface on the flip. The on for that classic vocal drop which gives Universal Project run with a monster first Hold tight for some sparse and frantic half time drop signals a switch though, as the track its name. Onto plate two, and release on their own label. ‘Bleach’ is the percussive action in the shape of ‘One folky strings and a bass twang enter the here you get a relick of ‘Alive’, keeping big one, guaranteed to cause dancefloor mix, before ‘Z Chamber’ heads off on its the original ruffness and injecting it with frenzy, as it charges forward on an new-found, spaghetti western flex. L some bubblin’ acid lines, while complet- undercurrent of pounding subs, almighty ing the EP in the fiercest of fashions is industrial sounds and catchy vocal PERFECT COMBINATION ‘Murderous Style’. L snippets, while with truly vicious vibes dished on the deadly grind of ‘The Truth?’, EP SUB ERB N’ KAOS the flipside should come with some kind of MOVING SHADOW hazard warning. Dark. L BATTLE AT THE PLANET Jimbo debuts on Moving Shadow with an EP featuring some of his harshest material PROJECT 5 VOLATILE STATE to date, though fans of his deeper styles may find that there’s little for them here. BIRTH ‘What Lies Beneath’ and ‘Highway 5’ both fly out of the trap on a stomping, techno tip, ASSIMILATE / GLACIAL while the second plate holds the fierce Amen tracks, ‘Bring Back The Bongos’ and Originally floating around on white at the ARCANE ‘The Slice’. If you’re after heavyweight beats then check this out, but followers of end of last year, and somehow slipping previous perfect combinations may feel a little left out. L through the Knowledge net, these are the Average fare here, with brooding sounds first cuts from Garry Jarman and Guy flowing through the intro of ‘Assimilate’ Cutler on their new Lancaster based label. before the switch into a raucous tech - With Jude Sebastian, AKA Proteus and funk session; meanwhile the more one third of breakbeat act Koma & Bones, experimental ‘Glacial’ leads with frantic in front of the desk you know the bongos and slinky, sliding bass. L production is gonna be tight; so, if fierce, frantic beats and big, dirty basslines are ZINC / HYPE needed, then check this. L CASINO ROYALE / DEAD A’S SU8M3RG3D TRUE PLAYAZ 110 / OUT OF (REMIX) Sampler to the forthcoming ‘Playaz 4 Real’ OHM RESISTANCE album, and while Hype flexes on a down- tempo tip, what you’re gonna be wanting This Washington DC based label has been this for is Zinc’s super slinky ‘Casino holding its own and gaining a foothold Royale’. Warm funky bass and firm beats Stateside and you can see why with fire the track along, while the freaky vocal releases like this latest from frontman Kurt and wonderfully exotic melody give Gluck (aka SU8M3RG3D). Starting off the track its inimitable character; all com- with odd scattered drum hits, ‘110’ builds bining to whisk you away from the dark to a frenzy of filtered Amens and over- dancefloor to a sun-drenched paradise, loading bass. Sick beat work throughout, where the baddies have three nipples and interesting cuts and weird effects put this there’s always time for a vodka martini. one so high up on my list. The flip offers up Uplifting and inspirational. L a more straightforward tune which remixes an old downtempo classic. Buzzy TO HEAR & BUY MOST OF THESE REVIEWS (& bass and big lumbering breaks carry this one right out to the ‘floor. S MORE CURRENT REVIEWS NOT FEATURED HERE) GO TO: www.knowledgemag.co.uk 54 KNOWLEDGE
HIPHOP SINGLES REVIEWED BY: BEN WEAVER & LOPEZ HiphopSingles UNIVERSAL ONRY OZZBORN dialect injecting much charisma. SUPRA SOLDIERS Actually Karizma (fellow Notts MC) VENOM EP guests alongside Midnyte for the trail SILHOUETTES STREET VETERANS EP PART 2 B.S.I. blazing ‘All Stylz Anthem’ but not TRADE WINDS / WINTER SKY TONGUE TIED before the indelible Cappo and Scor- LANDSCAPE Onry Ozzborn is part of the Oldominion Zay-Zee tear lyricists new sphincters War relies on strategy. Attacks are crew who hail from Seattle, Portland on ‘No Pain No Gain.’ Re-rinsing a Lalo I’m becoming spoilt, I’m sure of it. made in stages. This record is the and Oakland. This EP is his debut break and simultaneously spawning a Another 7 inch from Landscape and second assault in an ongoing battle, release and it’s four cuts deep. First up classic. Those two are killing it right whaddayaknow, if it isn’t some str8 one that shall commence in the London is ‘Venom.’ Let me begin by stating this now and this is some more of that hard butta ish! Or plainly put, another streets just as soon as a mediocre is the some of the illest US shit I’ve knock biz. Styly reveals his old skool delectable offering from Supra, studio crew comes anywhere near Universal heard of late. Very creative lyrically, roots in the upfront dissfest that is ‘Filter supremo and cream of the North. There Soldiers Ricochet and Ultra. War with crew members shining and subtle, Out The Weak’ proving that in terms of is some hard work being done up there stories get spat your way and these perhaps even electro influenced pro- beats, rhymes and cuts this guy has at Landscape and this one is all emcees seek heat, so rock camo and duction from Pale Soul. In fact, the further stepped up his whole game. instrumental. Thoughtful composure lie low. Starting where part one left us ‘snake charmer’ hook sung on this This comes with instrumentals, bonus within three blissful soundscapes. (in a smouldering heap somewhere in harks back to some 80s soul (the good beats and accapellas. Impressive. BW Something to play while letting your the eastern bloc, perhaps) is an all new shit too). Next up is ‘Immortal.’ This one mind wander. So much thought has ‘Immortal Combat’ after which some is Onry’s own creation whereby the MICRODISIACS gone into these tracks, this man must obligatory ‘War Stories’ ensue. Next is option of being undead is discussed on have inspiration plumbed into his lab, the reflective ‘Street Veterans’ followed a sick break with flutes and strings drift- TOO LATE / WHEN THE RAIN STOPS ‘cause it sounds like he’s got it on tap. by the thunderous ‘Rotten Apples’. Bad ing in and out the mix. Dope bell chime LANDSCAPE Melodious and crisp, seek it and seeds indeed, club dominating as well. Turn this M.F. over and hear refresh ya spirit. BW production from AH Fly and tight ‘Lights Out’ it’s unavailable elsewhere An utter gem finds its way to my clutch- uncompromising verses. This is some (not even on Ozzborn’s soon come LP es, a 45 slab of wax from Manchester’s DE LA SOUL John Matrix shit, with uncut machete ‘Alone’) and features Sole of Anticon largest, the Microdisiacs. Keeping their scenes ya get me?! Commando tactics, fame. Lolloping breaks, personal poet- vinyl assault fast and furious, hard and THRU YA CITY overlook at your peril. BW ics. Very, very tightly executed. Things heavy they manage to spit ill one-liners THE ART OF GETTING JUMPED finish up with ‘Daredevils’ a suicidal and keep vibes alive and soulful - TOMMY BOY TALIB KWELI journey, to hell maybe. Peep lines like thanks to production overlords Supra & HI-TEK ‘My chariots of fire bleed blue, the oxy- and Evil Ed. Those motherfuckers are A slice of summertime listening from De gen never touches emotions in my the noughties Bach and Beethoven, La. ‘Thru Ya City’ is a head nodder, DOWN FOR THE COUNT game of Clue...’ Find this EP. BW believe. Only funkier. Both cuts ooze blessed with the dulcet tones of DV RAWKUS mood, and are lifted by the wit and tidy Alias Khrist on the chorus. The B side STYLY CEE elocution of the crew. Nice. BW gets the most plaudits though. Plug 1 A standout release this, thanks to the A and Dave’s tales of bodily harm over a side version featuring Ty and Black THE CRUSOE EP NOBODY sweet, chopped up Latin rhythm have Twang sparring alongside Mr Kweli. It SON all the ingredients for a Carnival sounds bloody good, go and buy it. SHADES OF ORANGE EP favourite. Effortlessly good records Solid beats from Hi-Tek, very Rawkus. More from the Notts trooper and one CATSKILLS seem a staple of De La Soul’s back Well worthwhile for club rinsage. The half of the Lost Island crew. This time catalogue, this being no exception. L not so interesting Talib solo version is around the workaholic Styly delivers a Nobody is actually a somebody. One included, but lyrically it can’t be faulted. bumper double 12” package and it Elvin Estela in fact. He knows a thing or MARK B & BLADE Content remains as high as we’ve looks like he’s saved us his best work two about making beats too. Part of come to expect from this dude. BW until now. The rhymes come at you LA’s ever flourishing live hip hop scene, YA DON’T SEE THE SIGNS frankly and honestly, with that midlands this man provides a lovely backdrop for WORDPLAY / SOURCE 2 Mex to flex on for the A side cut PLATINUM B-BOY STATUS AWARD ‘Shades Of Orange’. Corking, and Another shrewd move from the UK’s that’s a sentiment only affirmed more biggest hip hop artists. This track was ASPECTS ASPECTS so by Brighton’s Mex (2 Mex and Mex, originally released last year, but with all funny isn’t it) dealing us a remix. An the radio play, I reckon those guys BEST MUSIC PSYCHOBOOGIE 7” unholy break is immortalised here. He’s have done good to drop it again. All a sick man that one. Go on, turn her three versions are heavy duty, uncom- HOMBRÉ HOMBRÉ over and get yer lugs tuned in to ‘Faces promising and suit Blade’s flow to a Of The Deep’ with Aceyalone. It ain’t tee. But before some over zealous The fruits of Aspects labours are finally blossoming and these singles approach half bad you know. ‘Sixth Sense’ and sorts get their knickers in a twist, the ‘Sun Child’ are worthy rap-less excur- contents of this single should be put in the listeners’ senses in a well practised leg sweep to wedgie combo. It’s worth sions to finish. Proper MCs, proper perspective. The focus has to be on the beats. Just bloody marvellous. BW Feeder remix, even though the original the chaffing though as considerable freshness is on each platter. ‘Best Music’ version and Nappa remix are tasty too. THE PLANETS Having a guitar driven cut is the best is a good old ode to hip hop and gets the remix treatment from 7Stu7 (his debut business move they could make in the GLOBAL present climate of music. I really hope production duties for Aspects) and DJ Vadim. Quite simply a quality release, RED SEA ENT. this single breaks them into Radio 1 A playlist and to the masses who only credits go equally to both the original and rerubs as the production quality is Reaching out, still hot on the heels of know Limp Bizkit & Eminem. Any bitch- the successful ‘Circle Of Light EP’ is the ing about it (and it’s bound to generate tight throughout. Obsessive crate digging has been noted as a pre-requisite for first single from The Planets ‘The enough) is lame as it is only a remix, Opening’ LP. The proceedings kick off nothing more, so give it up and wish this level of beatmaking. ‘Psychoboogie’, on the other hand, laces a twisted with a upfront track, ‘Set Flames’ them success. Black slaps also to Phi produced by Celph Titled with some Life Cypher for bringing their own banger of a beat under verbal pranks and tales of dancefloor violation spun by sick-as-you-like cuts from DJ Go. special flavour to the table. A quality Confident one liners are the order of single of the highest order. L El Eye, Probe Mantis & Bubbalouie in their own demonic fashion. Crafted into the day. Then comes ‘Global’ featuring none other than Slug from Atmosphere L FUDGE 7” form it is the bastard child Biz Markie & Joe Ski Love couldn’t hide from the and Musab. An ill combo with a positive message, not to mention some ultra LOVE LETTERS world. Two singles out (don’t forget the LP too) and they’re both Dope with a tight flows. Two mixes of this are here, REMEMBER THE TIME one from Ant another by Winchester; BRICK9000 capital D. This is some of the finest most original hip hop these shores offer. L with deejay’s Go and Yo blazing it up. It’s a thoughtful and original approach Another of the increasing numbers of to the concept, conscious and fresh. Yank indie artists finding a home on this A priority purchase, under or over- side of the Atlantic, L Fudge now ground. BW resides at the Belgian imprint Brick9000. Now I’m not brave enough to straight-up bitch these artists, but the 56 KNOWLEDGE
HiphopSingles content never reaches those levels OC isn’t the man he was, but on the mic DELINQUENT us Europeans seem so willing to & NTENSE REESE he’s still bad so no arguments - that’s HABITS assume all things American naturally / STIMULUS the bottom line. His return prompts the reach in the rap world. Maybe this is warm feeling felt when finding a long RETURN OF THE TRES a little exaggeration on my part and WHAT U WANT FROM ME lost blim down the side of the sofa. L ARK 21 dues to L Fudge for consistently DON’T TELL ME turning a good verse out. ‘Love Letters’ LEGACY 4 LIFE DJ BOMBJACK This must be the follow up to their hit deals with past love over some nice ‘Tres Equis’ from a few years ago. organ licks that producers make to A double a side from L4L Records FUTUREPROOF EP Delinquent Habits are representing measure for this vibe. On ‘Remember pushing street level hip hop from New SEVEN RECORDS LA and this single takes equal The Time’ Fudge works through some York City. I get a little confused about measures of Hispanic and traditional more contentious matter with the the marketplace we rap devotees are Not quite a long player, the hip hop gusto to create the vibe. help of Outty Cas and Wil Vill. The gui- part of, when hearing content like this ‘Futureproof’ EP still has far too many ‘Return Of The Tre’ is blessed with tar loop is nice and fits well with the that leans more towards commercial cuts on it to be a single. DJ Bombjack a killer Latin horn loop that makes the conspiracy chat. Good material that’s rap (synthed up beats and all), on an provides the mix of skits and b-boy track. The vocals switch between worth a listen and that’s as positive as indie imprint. Anyway, just because it’s instrumentals. A big up has to go to the English and Spanish with ease over I can get. L not to my taste, the 12” holds its own sturdiness of the drums on every track, the beat and, to complete the regardless. Firstly, OC will always get as that’s what makes the whole EP package, there’s a liberal peppering BAS 1 a big thumbs up. This ain’t his best by bump. For a collection of instrumental of cuts all over the beat. It’s those any means, but that extra yard of style songs, I don’t rate some of the horns that qualify it to rock a jam near HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE that seems to be a natural by product melodies and the loops chosen, espe- you. Keep your ears pinned back IT’S A KLASSIK of his verses takes it one step ahead of cially the guitars on ‘It’s On’. This is my for this on dancefloors soon. L HERATIK the rest. On the B-side Stimulus main- only gripe and Bombjack’s production tains the lyrical standards and check sensibilities have kept everything else CHRIS LOWE Props should be garnered onto Bas 1 the remix of ‘Don’t Tell Me’ for the sounding lovely. L for this hella good piece of wax. punchiest and nicest beat to grace this THE TREACHEROUS THREE Both sides exhibit a virtuoso display of piece of wax. L RISE ROUND AND ROUND West Coast lyricism. With flows to BRONX SCIENCE go and spitting everything abstractions BIZ MARKIE THE WICKEDEST FLOW to anthems, Bas 1 represents fully NO FAITH From the growing home of hip on the mic. ‘Highly Effective People’ is TURN THA PARTY OUT BRONX SCIENCE hop, Bronx Science, Chris Lowe my top choice. The beat and bassline SUPERAPPIN drops more no nonsense lyrics for are rough and are topped with a Rise is one member of the soon to be your enjoyment. Both tracks are haunting organ lick. And with his hallu- To get the Biz onto wax is a coup propmasters, the Demigodz crew. Like working hard, but go straight to the cinogen fuelled lyrics, Bas flows all and nothing less. So Superappin his learned friends Apathy and Celph A-side first for a heavy group cut over the beat with finesse. ‘It’s A deserve a mention for this public Titled, this emcee deals in that straight featuring Sadat X and long lost mem- Klassik’ shouldn’t be taken lightly service. And, more importantly, it’s up NYC type of bragging. With beats ber of Leaders Of The New School, either. Another presentation of next also a very tasty track. Paul Nice is hooked up courtesy of Apathy on the Dinco D. These kind of credentials level bragging over heavy beats is the certainly a shrewd choice as A-side and Celph taking the duties for aren’t to be taken lightly and the order of the day. Mad respect for beatmonger, because without hesita- the flip, the sound is as fresh a take on content from both guests doesn’t dropping a single that works new tion he aims another fatty at your ears. their crews bumping, hungry style as disappoint. The sparse piano on the styles in such a funky way. Go and With a stripped down, funky break you’ll get. Rise gets most busy with his B-side, ‘Round And Round’ is a much search this out. L chugging the beat along, Biz does flurry of mad battle rhymes on ‘The better platform for Mr Lowe to do his the honourable thing and drops Wickedest Flow’. Another strong single work though. Another simple, good unadulterated old school nonsense from the Bronx Science stable. L quality slice of US hip hop. L and of course it sounds amazing. Biz KELA JEHST HEAVY ARTILLERY: ALL TERRAIN SERIES ONE HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER JAZZ FUDGE LOW LIFE To add to the sweep of mighty fine UK material that has been assembled this Superior beat box emcee and all round superstar Killa Kela drops a wild 12” of month comes a classic to be. Jehst has pulled all the stops out for this EP and his own. Utilising the mic talents of Boston’s Akrobatik for the title tune, we have drops some of the nicest beats and rhymes of this year. There’s not a weak cut some stripped down, bass heavy vibes not to mention a nifty scratch or two on the record, every track and skit has the toughest drums, but the style of from Plus One. Things get jazzier and more experimental on the flip with ‘Step production is more melancholy than hype. His choice of breaks has unearthed Then’. It’s a hella smooth groove yo, with The Audio Cooks on the keys some of the most beautiful melodies too. As a wordsmith Jehst does the busi- keeping things soulful. This pushes at the confines of this music, and in short is ness, his turn of phrase and delivery sit comfortably amongst the beats - a nod a bit of a landmark. The most original release out there right now. Watch out for to Ricochet & Tommy Evans as well for turning out two ill guest spots on ‘The more where this came from. BW Trilogy’. In terms of style, the material runs along similar paths as much of the output from YNR and Lowlife. In comparison it’s got to be said that “High Plains Drifter” is the most complete package I’ve heard of late. To summarise, the man deserves props and for this single, props he is most definitely gonna get. L KNOWLEDGE 57
BREAKS SINGLES REVIEWED BY: LURCH BreaksSingles VARIOUS classic rave elements over tuff beats making it and funky dancefloor fodder - OK it’s nothing GROOVY ONION an essential hardball twelve. Also look out for ground breaking but both cuts are smashing it TCR 50: EP’S ONE & TWO the crucial ‘I Can’t Take It’ on ‘Botchit Breaks on the floor. If you see it, buy it. MEMPHIS FUNK TCR 4’, another track that fully expresses Si Begg’s CARBON unique take on the dancefloor. PEACEMAKER In case you hadn’t noticed, TCR have reached Featuring four mixes over two 12”s, with two their 50th release and, to celebrate, are releas- LEMON D CRISIS breaks rubs to choose from, ‘Memphis Funk’ ing two double packs of fresh tunes. The first FAT is a nice and simple, fruity floor tune. Both the holds the deep and rugged beats of ‘Subsonic’ B-BOY’S REVENGE original and Deep Fried mixes fill the room from Vigi & Flip, ‘Everybody’ from Silicon Valley R&S Welding a variety of hip-hop breaks (including with friendly vibes, the former laying down the Def Stars and Breakneck’s acidic ‘Atomic a hefty dose of JVC Force’s finest moment), more powerful strutting beats while latter opts Agent’, but the stand out here has to be Koma This new mix of the awesome ‘B-Boy’s big beats, funky driving bass and some lively for a more rolling approach. & Bones’ delicately balanced ‘Morpheus’, a Revenge’ sees Lemon D join the growing acid wiggles, this makes an impact straight dramatic and driving masterpiece that goes ranks of established drum & bass producers away. A no-nonsense, good-times tune. VERONICA down well on a variety of ‘floors. The following releasing breaks rubs. Rolling with all the ruff, EP features tracks from Rennie Pilgrem & tribal flava of the original jungle lick, this mix B.L.I.M & CHRIS CARTER GIRLS GOTTA HAVE FUN Arthur Baker and, with a nice, bass heavy keeps things stripped back and sparse, URBANSTAR remix of ‘What I Got’, Dub Marines. Meanwhile, perhaps a little too much for some, but once CHECK IT OUT / I ROBOT turning the heat up even further on slate two you get this heavyweight cut in the mix you’ll TRACK Some ruff breakbeat garage mixes here from are the sublime steps of 2 Sinners ‘Ubiskiboo’ hear just what it can do. Headtop, with the dub mix being the one and Ellis Dee’s particularly saucy ‘How Do You A lot of interest surrounding this one, as to head for. Moody, but nicely balanced, this Want It’. Not to be missed. TIM WRIGHT B.L.I.M. launches his own label with the highly one runs with sci-fi FX, vocal snippets, crisp sought after collaboration with Chris Carter, ‘I two step drums, some smooth synth riffs AQUASKY & MASTERBLASTER THE SEARCHER / THE WALK Robot’. Wanted by Rennie Pilgrem for TCR, G and a deep, hypnotic bassline. Better than NOVAMUTE chose to keep this one to kick off Track and, the title suggests! KONTROL / I STAND TALL once heard, you can understand why. With the PASSENGER This is a right corker here from Tim ‘Tube Jerk’ killer combination of ‘I am a robot’ vox, crystal DAHSHEKA Wright. Fusing the best of electro, 2-step, breakbeats and ruff, rolling percussion, alien Resurrected for, I think, the third time, techno and breakbeat on one fantastically fat melody and filthily freaked bass, it’s gonna be BUTTAS Aquasky’s own Passenger imprint hits back 12”, there’s something for everyone here. ‘The a hard job keeping this one away from the WEA with a couple of double-rood, bass-jacking Walk’ is a filthy slice of breakbeat house, but turntables. The warped, ‘Check It Out’ is monsters, and if you’re into the beats that it’s ‘The Searcher’ that’s destined for most equally as essential, laying down some chunky More breakbeat garage flavas, and on this they’ve put through Botchit recently, then don’t regular rotation, with its dirty fusion of crisp break-house moves, which gives this twelve it’s the Sunship vs Chunky mix doin’ hesitate on this. Though not on such a dark skippy beats, raw mid range and gnarly bass twelve that versatile touch. most damage. Trimming the vocal back to the and bruising tip as ‘777’, these two cuts really all giving it a massive crossover appeal. catchy chorus, a few defining lines and ad hit the mark - blending tight skip-along beats, a WOOKIE libs, this is the mix that will see the rolling bass bounce and dub-house flava on SOUL OF MAN most crossover action, with its backbone ‘Kontrol’, while the more aggro ‘I Stand Tall’ BACK UP of winding warp bass and phat selection runs on driving electro-beats, hip-hop flava and KILLA BREW SOUL 2 SOUL of drum breaks. surging bass licks. FINGER LICKIN’ As heard all over Radio One, and featured in VARIOUS MR MAGIC Gearing up for a very busy year, Finger Lickin’ the Dreem Team’s TV campaign, ‘Back Up’ certainly ain’t messin’ with this first tune for gets a proper release. No doubt the mix you’ll COMIN FROM THA D:BLUEPRINT O’BLEEK INTELLIGENCE EP 2001, as Soul Of Man return to wax with a be most interested in is the Zinc remix, but if (INTUIT-SOLAR) O’BLEEK INTELLIGENCE glorious ‘Killa Brew’. Head straight to the ‘Killa you haven’t heard it and are into your vocals, Mix’ for the breaks and prepare yourself for a do check the original, ‘cos it’s dead good. Something a bit different for this page, but this Two slices of deep and soothing breakbeat stunning blend of old skool vocal hooks, Credibility shattered, we’ll turn to that remix. tech-funk twelve from Detroit is sure to appeal here. The lead cut, ‘A Deep Thing’ takes a deliciously warm bass and tuff, driving Concentrating on the flamenco guitar riff and to some of you. Electro comes in the shape blissful two-step stance, rolling out on a bed of beat-play, Guaranteed to slay a dancefloor in piano hook, Zinc rips into this track with of Dopplereffekt’s already legendary hypno-bass and off-key atmospheric washes, 64 bars. The progression and structure of this characteristic phat bass and tight, rolling beats, ‘Pornoactress’ and Keith Tucker’s ‘It’s Time, making it a quality cut for the warm-up, chill-out track is something to enjoy as well, shifting holding it down on a deeper tip than some of while the furious techno-bass of DJ or even bed-time. The flip gets a little livelier, a mood effortlessly and drawing you deep inside his other bassline grooves and, all in all, Godfather’s ‘Whatulookinat’ and Aaron Carl’s bit more intricate on the beats, but with the the groove. Sure-fire bizniz. blazing one of his best 138 treks to date. ‘No No’ are sure to offend yer ma! emphasis still on the smooth, this is an altogether refreshing release. SQUAREPUSHER SCUBA Z SPEC-X-RAY STABILIZER MY RED HOT CAR INSTANT WHIP REVAMPED RAVER WARP ODD PLASTIC RAYGUN PEOPLE COME UP FUNCTIONAL BREAKS Reminiscent of Aphex Twin’s ‘Windowlicker’ Head straight for the Terminalhead remix here, Break heads will want to head straight for the and taking influence from early jungle, UK or suffer an ugly punch up between B.R.A., minimal electro re-rub from Vandal on this STABILIZER garage, folk and porn, this is a nicely fucked up Carter U.S.M. and E.M.F. Roaming, dubby twelve, while also check the previous Raygun piece of music. Marrying some seriously bruis- breakbeat is what you will find here, while also release from DJ Scissorkicks, ‘Everyday ELECTROPHOBIC EP ing time-stretched Amen edits, loopy warped worth checking is their remake of Only Thing’, featuring mixes from Phantom Beats BOOMBOX bass, ‘bad boy’ chants and the lullaby vocal Kismet’s ‘Game Boy’ on Lemon Groove. and Stabilizer. ‘I’m gonna fuck you with my red hot cock’, is There are a fair few cuts floating around right probably insight enough for you to make your LONDON ELEKTRICITY now from Sir Stef of Stabilizer, all displaying mind up on this crazy, but classy, record. this man’s considerable musical flair and studio ROUND THE CORNER know-how. ‘People Come Up’ goes to DJ HYPE HOSPITAL Functional Breaks, a lively acid funkster, and is undoubtedly one of the label’s strongest MENTALLY ILL 2 KILL / SHOTS The long-awaited Landslide re-rubs touch down, and with solid plate play from jocks like EZ releases to date. Remixes come from Phantom NAUGHTY and Freq Nasty on the garage and breaks circuits, the buzz around this tune is large to say Beats and Spoon Wizard, but for me it’s the the least. Very funky and ever so fresh, this is soulful breakbeat music at its very best, and original that does it every time. On a different More naughty flava from Hype, with ‘Mentally perhaps the best version of this track that has been produced to date. Coming with two quite tip, is the breathtaking ‘Electrophobic EP’ on Ill 2 Kill’ drawing on dark bass and spectral different, though complimentary mixes, these beats are designed to make you feel better. Boombox, this one holding four tracks of deep piano loops. The similar, but more effective, and juicy, melodic electro-breaks, all begging ‘Shots’ then hits the floor with ragga vox, some for club play, and sure to become and spooky, staccato strings, those trademark essential plate on the united dancefloors of the clattering drums and a mixture of bottom end world. Absolutely top gear. squeeze and demon bass boom. Raw. ORBITAL GOLDSPOT PRODUCTIONS DJ ABSTRACT FUNNY BREAK FFRR BOOZEY / IDENTITY CRISIS VEHICLE As you would expect, the first single from Orbital’s new album comes with some serious Crisp, crisp production runs through these two remix pressure. Layo & Bushwacka! turn in rubs, both falling slightly left of centre, as they quality tech-house and mid-tempo beats ver- tread a less-worn path to the dancefloor. sions, but the real bomb for the breakbeat floors ‘Boozey’ is an infectious percussive number, is the Plump DJs mix. Probably the best of their and once the rockin’ vibrato bass is dropped recent remix bouts, this one takes the ruff funk there’s no stopping this minimal stack shaker. route, rolling out layer upon layer of goodness ‘Identity Crisis’ then takes the vibe even in the mix and, with plenty of movement deeper, but with true funk running through its throughout the track, no matter how often you nervy, tribal bass and edgy, stuttered beats, hear this, it’s one tune that you won’t tire of. this one’s a real grower. BUCKFUNK 3000 UNKNOWN ARTIST HIGH VOLUME RAW 24 FUEL WHITE Fuel hit us with one of their more direct, No info on this except the Raw 24 etching dancefloors missiles in the shape of this men- around the label, but if the rolling bass & tal cut from Si Begg. ‘Hi Volume’ is a twisted breakbeat sound is your passion, then you’ve bassline thumper, mashing up a myriad of just got to get a hold of this. Two tracks of tuff 58 KNOWLEDGE
Mp3 Reviews MP3 REVIEWS BY SENSE ICOTEC bassline feel with the tireless beats. In VACIOUS angst ridden atonal synth sweeps fact, the only flaw I could pull from this swim around in the background. The BIRTH OF PION track really is the uninspiring reverse SWORDED remainder of the drums are made up of WWW.MP3.COM/ICOTEC cymbal use. It’s a bit like using a drum WWW.MP3.COM/VACIOUS sharp pieces of constructed white roll in trance or house music... i.e. it noise. Beyond the elements, and as ‘Birth Of The Pion’ is one of those always does the job of “finishing the bar More dark horror film stylings here. dark as this track is, the bright mix of pieces of music that makes you stop off” but it’s just something that’s been Once again, a very impressive tension the drums gives it an upbeat almost and stand still. Other mundane tasks in done so many times before. All in all, to building intro to the track and the beats contently happy feeling, much the life fall by the wayside and seem totally make an impact on the vinyl d&b scene, and snare all sound a lot sharper and same way that happy hardcore pointless. This is atmospheric drum & these are the kind of tracks new and stand tall in the mix. The bassline has a appeases its fans. Not that it brings a bass of the utmost quality. The feeling upcoming producers should be making, lovely smooth texture to it - it covers smile, more so an evil grin! From an of space, depth and movement is no nonsense floor pounding tracks. both the high-end and the low-end aesthetic point of view, originality is the breath taking. The skills on offer here frequencies and doesn’t sound like it’s key, as the entire piece has been are truly inspirational. The long beauti- MO-SYS been distorted to death but more like written, and not sampled, with careful fully orchestrated intro sets up up for a coaxed into sounding that little bit attention being paid to synthesis. huge blast of beats which at first may COSMIC VOYAGE nastier as it’s been built. An excellent be a little off-putting for the mood you WWW.MP3.COM/MO-SYS inclusion of some really stand out WAVESHAPER have been put into, but you soon climb hi-hats really add that great Konflict / on-board this wonderful journey This tune has nice light pads and a Optical styling to the track. It’s great to SKYLITES through sound. Then we slip back into simplistic sub bassline. The beats here hear the FX haven’t been forgotten WWW.MP3.COM/WAVESHAPER the swaying enchanting pad lines with roll very smoothly, with a real ‘live drum- about this time as the tune rolls on and waves of electronica passing overhead. mer’ feel and if these are programmed, on. The more you hear this one, the Although advertised as ambient d&b, then hats off to the skills right here! The more it grows on you. this, in my opinion, is essentially SPOROPHYTE whole track has quite a commercial feel. another 2-step dancefloor piece. Apart from the beats, it’s definitely the CEREBRAL INTEGRATION Slightly darker than previous offerings, MINDFORGE type of track that grows on a listener. this tune benefits from a rather more WWW.MP3.COM/SPOROPHYTE There’s no real high impact sounds SIMULACRUM complex melodic structure - it sounds apart from the beats and it’s a very WWW.MP3.COM/CIRECORDINGS like two or three analogue synths are Simplistic bassline stabs are pulled smooth and gentle affair with straight up fighting over who can supply the coolest along by a great sounding pulsing FX synth line leads played and mixed very A mystical swirling type sound gets us bassline - but by some amazing sound which gives the track that nicely. All the different elements of the in the mood and the whole intro build production sleight of hand they never important sci-fi lick. Once again, some track just seem to drop nicely into each up would work wonders for any DJ out get in each other’s way - I wish my experimental percussive elements other (if you understand what I mean!). there. This is one frantic roller with basslines could do that! The magic is feature here and they really give a great manic synth stabs and cool underlying completed by some filter-swept ambient new definition to the track. To say they NOCTURNAL INC. bassline grooves being the main focus pads floating menacingly overhead. sound like spoons being played at throughout. The tune definitely has a breakneck speed may sound a little DIMENSIONS (PHANTASM wicked techno feel to it with a lot of TRANSIENT strange but they have that ‘plucking’ CONTINUED) different styled arpegs running at sound to them, maybe created by some WWW.MP3.COM/NOCTURNAL breakneck speed that combine very GYPSONIC kind of flanging effect. Anyway, there’s well with some tight compressed beats WWW.MP3.COM/TRANSIENT a skill there making the listener think... ‘Dimensions’ is a fairly experimental and some simple percussion flying “how the hell did he do that?!” It’s d&b track. The beats are of top quality, over head. There are plenty of nicely Right from the beginning I know that I’ll always a great ingredient and shows conjuring that feeling of consistent mad- timed mini-drops and the tune flows like ‘Gypsonic’. I’m not sure what it is - originality and a fresh approach. Once ness throughout the track, plus there’s ever so well into its different stages the intro is not extravagant in any way; the main bassline kicks in it’s pure some nice innovative arrangement using a nice variety of bassline still, that sustained melody has dancefloor material. This time around going on here too. I particularly like the melodies and those synth stabs just something special. When the beat kicks we have a heavily effected bass guitar mood that the abrupt cuts make to the get rougher and tougher as the tune in, the tune really lifts. Transient man- line which gives that great contrast of whole of the track. Everything is shoots along. There’s nice subtle use ages to get that lovely feel of velocity tech and funk. This one rates alongside stripped away giving a nice feeling of of filtering with the beats in various and relaxation, which is so characteris- anything you will hear from the other big desolation. There’s no build up but places in the tune and it all adds to the tic for atmospheric drum & bass. It has online talents in the same style of say instead a full-on terror attack on the amazing tension created. a little bit of the same feel as ‘hasty Mobiuz and Cycom. Straight down the listeners brain right from the start. The boom alert’ by mu-ziq. ‘Gypsonic’ has line skills from this Canadian producer. basslines are pure evil in style, NOKTURNAL so many layers and so much attention morphing and bending and they mix to detail that my rough analysis here will RAN:DOM well with an interesting zip-zapping FX RITUAL not do it justice. Anyway, the beats are sound. I particularly got right into the WWW.MP3.COM/NOKTURNAL astonishing. It must have taken forever GENERATIONS beats nearer the end of the track. It’s to program them; they are very varied WWW.MP3.COM/RAN_DOM that ‘worm break’ that I always love and Not since the likes of Panacea have I and contain an endless stream of it really gets that ‘head-nod’ element seen someone so accurately capture bleeps, blips, noises and scratches. The ‘Generations’ is straight-up, minimal going. This one’s a definite wake up call the darker side of drum & bass. Only other sounds also fit very well into the dancefloor business. The atmospherics for any listener. The key to this one’s this time dropping such a brighter song. The melodies are well arranged; are of a “whispering wind” type sound appeal though is the sad sounding tube sound to the upbeat evil and without all smooth but interesting and they and are blended nicely with a metallic sounds used. They sound like a cross the drama. Cleanly distorted reverse contrast well against the somewhat bell, which gives the track that essential between a sonic beep and a bell being sine waves for bass, and clean 909s at harsh beats. However, I would have depth. More deep sub bass here again chimed, but really slowed-down. double time, this has a bit of amped up liked more low-end in this tune, the bass and this time, it’s joined by a much A great sound though and it’s bounced forward energy yet in such square gets lost in the massive soundscape. more interesting bass lead line. I can around the spectrum very nicely. form. C64 sid chip style distorted acidy here Matrix style programming when blips climb over the top of the mix, and listening to this - that typical Virus bring it all to a crux, while bee swarm KNOWLEDGE 59
ALBUMS REVIEWED BY: RICHARD ARNELL / LOPEZ / BEN WEAVER Albums DRUM & BASS may anticipate, Hidden Agenda flow with two slabs VARIOUS of mid-tempo breakbeat funk. True to the label’s RAY KEITH musical history, and with a simultaneous display of TUNED IN cerebral sound and dancefloor rhythm, ‘Platinum CIA ALIEN ENCOUNTER Breaks 3’ reinforces the central position that UFO Metalheadz holds in the drum & bass scene. RA With their sensational debut album, ‘Advanced’, released last year, Total Science have been ‘Alien Encounter’ is the second album from Ray VARIOUS amongst the front-runners in applying the fresh Keith on his UFO label, following up 1999’s angles to the original jungle blueprint, and for this ‘Contact’, which held the original version of the DÉJÀ VU new project have hooked up with some of their dark, vocal anthem ‘There’s Something Out There’. EBONY contemporaries from back in the day, also enjoy- Lea, the vocalist on that tune, also features on a ing renewed success, along with a batch of number of tracks through this new album, and it’s With the concept for this album hatched well over a dynamic young upstarts. Digital & Spirit deliver a those that have the most impact here: ‘Show A year ago, and so arguably pre-dating the old skool track each, ‘Fu Man Chu’ and ‘Moving Target’, Little Respect’ and ‘Silly Games’ both of a revival that has swept through the drum & bass before joining forces as Phantom Audio to bring scene, this proto-jungle compilation is a welcome on the awesome sounds of ‘K2’. Marcus Intalex particularly huge nature. That’s not to say the release. For the seasoned ravers out there, Shy FX & ST Files flip their smooth groove script with the instrumentals pale in comparison, far from it, for takes you on a trip down memory lane, rolling out edgy ‘305’, while Total Science excel on the there’s ‘floor ammo a plenty to fire up the darker the tracks that signalled the first flash of a lighter, hardcore sounds of ‘Kingpin’ and the vocal led drum & bass dancefloors here, while look out for and for the fresh-faced junglists this is an essential ‘Juicy Fruit’. TeeBee also features with a remix of the tracks ‘Acid Rock’, ‘Bypass’ and ‘Frequency’ history lesson. Of course a number of Shy’s own ‘Freeze’, and the hotly tipped Futurecut, Invaderz which are only available on the 12” LP sampler. On tracks feature, namely ‘Original Nuttah’, ‘This Style’ and Calibre complete the line up. Full up of beats the CD version, ‘Alien Encounter’ also comes with and ‘Wolf’, and when put together with bonafide for the dancefloor, and with the second CD put a Ray Keith mix CD; so if the elegantly brutal sound classics like Jo’s ‘R-Type’, the original ‘Babylon’, together by DJ Randall, this is another fiery hot of The Terrorist is your flava, don’t sleep on this. RA ‘Mutant Revisited’ (both the original and Trace drum & bass package for your collection. RA remix), Dextrous’ ‘Loveable’ and that incredible first VARIOUS release on Juice, ‘Oh Gosh’, this is a mix that HIP HOP showcases the broad range of flava that made 01.1 jungle what it is, and that’s what makes ‘Déjà Vu’ ASPECTS MOVING SHADOW so special. RA CORRECT ENGLISH The sixth volume of this budget priced sampler VARIOUS HOMBRE series from Moving Shadow and with ‘01.1’ reverting back to the 99p price tag this is well worth PLAYAZ 4 REAL How often does a hip hop LP come out that’s putting your hand in your pocket for. Featuring 19 TRUE PLAYAZ whole as a package? We all know it’s not tracks from last year, and some of this year’s enough, so to hear ‘Correct English’ from start to unreleased material, Rob Playford takes you The 20 track deep ‘Playaz 4 Real’ opus is ready to finish and not have to restrain my trigger finger through the sounds of Technical Itch, Dom & go, and this is certainly one of the finest breakbeat from the skip button is always nice (fuck any talk Roland, Aquasky, Ryme Tyme and Calyx. While for collections this label have put out. All tracks are of vested interests before I start brown nosing Omni Trio fans there’s a real treat, in the shape of brand new and unavailable elsewhere, and with too - credit is given where it’s due). To start with, ‘First Contact’, taken from the forthcoming ‘Even this collection touching down with so many different the album flows really nicely. A collection of Angels Cast Shadows’ album. RA styles and flavas (check Pascal’s awesome songs, or an LP that arranges it for you into an ill mid-tempo groove, ‘Step Up’), it’s an album for all little parcel is no contest. Technically, as a group VARIOUS you beat-freaks out there. Hype, Zinc and Pascal they can hold with the best of them in the UK and obviously feature heavily, bringing their individual further. The beats are super bad. Specify PLATINUM BREAKS 3 musical recipe to the table, while laying down deserves an abstinence medal for so selflessly METALHEADZ enough of those characteristic ganja traits to make devoting the use of his hands to banging out this volume instantly recognisable. Pascal rocks it beats on his MPC. And the break prowess dis- To coincide with their current 12” campaign, hard and funky on ‘Sky’, and rolls out those played is sickening, with enough variety to stop Metalheadz back up their charge into 2001 with this masterful, deeper moves through ‘Keep It Real’ and that samey sound less well equipped producers timely compilation. It’s a broad selection of beats, all ‘Roll Play’. Hype drops the gangsta jazz of ‘All I suffer from. Nu Balance rocks raw cuts through- previously unavailable, save Goldie’s ‘Beachdrifta’ Have’ and flows with hip hop flav and deepest bass out much of the album and then there’s the lyrics. and Photek’s ‘Freeway’, with original label artists on ‘Situation’; meanwhile to go with the already And please, enough about the West Country turn like Hidden Agenda, Source Direct and Doc Scott classic, ‘Casino Royale’, Zinc then offers the self- of phrase already, it sounds good. Bubbalouie contributing tracks alongside new recruits, John B explanatory, and simply blazing ‘174 Trek’. leads the three pronged attack with his smoke and Total Science. Spirit also makes his debut, with Breathing further life into those addictive bleeps damaged style. Then El Eye and Probe Mantis one of the strongest of his recent licks, ‘Solitaire’, and bass, before turning his hand to the rugged, strike in a pincer movement and display some and it wouldn’t be a ‘Headz release without an ethereal steps of ‘Pitcher’ and the stuttered Amen sick lyricism. The word play creates a mine of appearance from his Phantom Audio partner, drive of ‘Disturbed’. Guest appearances come from quotables and the flows scoot all around the Digital, who hits you with ‘B-Boyism’ and the Lemon D (ruff), The Outfit (c’mon!), Shimon music. More importantly though, it’s funny and reggae-tinged ‘Pull Up’. This sinister strain of sound (smooth) and Danny Breaks, on his space-age funky. These two elements elude (or are ignored also runs through another best of late, this time from remix of Pascal’s’ Cool Manoeuvres’, while by) so many artists that when they both come Source Direct, on the spacious and eerie ‘Dog Fellowship and DJ Red both deliver their own along at once it’s kind of a revelation. There are Style’; Total Science display the darker side of their exquisite vocal styles on ‘Dark Flower Remedy’ and criticisms, but they’re too minor and anal for print. rhythmic alchemy on ‘Cube’, while Doc Scott the ‘Everything Must Change’ remix. Available on What more can I say? An essential piece of hip updates his signature tune in the dramatic guise of double CD and six slate vinyl, this is another hop vinyl. L ‘Drumz 2000’. The more uplifting, melodic aspect of compilation that you cannot do without. RA the label’s repertoire is taken care of by Sci-Clone, with the long-awaited release of ‘Everywhere I Go’ and, through the stunning vocal styles of John B’s ‘Diversify’. Meanwhile, as followers of the Zest label 60 KNOWLEDGE
Albums BROTHER EL in the know who feel their steez, so to speak, will Thang’ to ‘Gin & Juice’ and so on. The second CD feel this one. Infectious indeed, with catchy rhythms in the set is a pretty bizarre combo of remixes that THROUGH THE CRACKS OF CONCRETE a plenty and a safe as houses formula exercised aren’t as good as the originals and a selection of THE BEAT BANK throughout. Uptempo delivery from Kriminul, very the r&b Death Row put out. Nothing apart from street oriented, almost hip hop standard fare in fact. Tupac’s super diss ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ touches the tracks Voicing his innermost thoughts from somewhere in Yet this LP serves punters the fodder they cry out that made the label famous. There’s ample Chi Town comes Brother El. On a spoken word tip, for, although it may be deemed one dimensional, it’s quantity of the good stuff to ensure repeat playing, expect intellect and high brow expression as this deliberate and spotlessly presented. BW though. Possibly the closest to perfect summertime emcee scatters the patter on some ambient tunes. music you’ll hear. L It’s trance like and somewhat enchanting but El still LONE CATALYSTS has his tootsies on the sidewalk with deep issues in VARIOUS mind. ‘Through The Cracks Of Concrete’ is what HIP HOP the title might suggest; a closer look at life with in B.U.K.A/GROOVEATTACK SCRATCH VOLUME 1 depth perspective. Exploratory. BW RAWKUS Proculture and big on the whole live performance In conjunction with the Scratch club comes a HI - TEK tip, the Lone Catalysts have made quite a name for compilation of everybody’s favourite hip hop tunes. themselves. It is now time to peep the long player. Shit like Souls Of Mischief ‘93 Til Infinity’ or Original HI - TEKNOLOGY Steeped in hip hop tradition this is filled to the brim Flavor ‘Can I Get Open’ (still the best argument for RAWKUS with positive vibes. 21 tracks take you on a ride that Jay Z being a good emcee!) How about ‘Popcorn’ starts in their native Ohio, but soon branches by KMD, good choice that, none too obvious. Finally the man responsible for production on outward to reach heads everywhere. Emcee J There’s old classics from Love Bug Starski and Reflection Eternal, Black Star and a whole heap Sands and beatmonger J Rawls know what they’re Digital Underground, plus modern ones like DJ more gets his first solo joint. Amassing a crew of doing, creating music from the heart and music far Serious & D-Sisive with ‘Popped.’ It’s a hysterical like-minded individuals has consolidated his sound. removed from the nonsensical drool of many a tune in which the emcee describes various methods And ‘Hi - Teknology’ is treading well worn ground, peer. It’s energetic and lively, and clearly a and ways to abuse pop stars, physically and men- but Hi - Tek must be comfortable with it as this LP contender for some heavy rotation in the coming tally, but mainly physically. 14 cuts in all. Have it. BW is a confident solo debut. All the long time summer months. Yo, you got props over here! BW associates are present, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and VARIOUS Mood to name three. Surprisingly it is the latter who MALARCHI drop the nicest material. ‘Breakin’ Bread’ is one of STYLES UPON STYLES 2 the strongest tracks, with Mood lacing lyrical gems FORGOTTEN WORLD STONEGROOVE over a beautiful horn melody. Other contributors GEMTOY These people are the compilation dons and this time worth mentioning are Cormega, Buckshot and they’ve really hit that nail head on. Pure Jonell on a r&b cut. It is musically a very soulful Holding it down for east London, Malarchi has risen underground offerings from the US of A but without album and proves Hi - Teks calibre on the boards. to prominence in his home town over the past year. a wack joint in view. Tracks such as ‘Nikehead’ from He still loves his jazzy guitars, clipped snares and Here he makes his full length debut and Lexicon grab you instantly, as any trainer obsessive those heavy basslines though. Anyone with a springboards his persona onto the rest of the will agree. It’s specifically an ode to kicks. Next are taste for the jazzier side of rap music should world. Swiftly following up his recent singles, the the sick battle raps of Apathy & Open Mic with Celph definitely take a listen. To those into Kweli or Mos LP showcases the many facets of this artist. With Titled producing ‘Science Of The Bumrush’. Crazy Def, this is essential. L several thoughts and topics being discussed the illness. Other standout material is present with Louis listener will soon learn they are dealing with an Logic’s ‘Postal (Workmans Comp)’ an exclusive INSANE MACBETH intelligent human being. It’s a very urban offering detailing the bane that is the day job. Dope. experience, more rap slickness than raw b-boyism, There is a lot of cool shiznit here, too much to go into THE RETARDATION PROJECT but not as shiny as you might imagine. Once you now, but trust me, if you want 12 tracks of quality INSANE RECORDINGS get past the marketing and industry side of the underground, get this record. BW whole package you’ll realise you can’t fault him on Original hip hop heads will be familiar with this artist, the mic. Malarchi raps good, simple and plain. You BREAKS & BEATS Insane Macbeth has been around for well over a won’t find much in the way of turntablism or decade, producing hardcore underground material sampling genius, instead you’ll discover some BADMARSH & SHRI for the devoted. So now, in 2001 and enjoying a straight forward anthems and tough wordplay. This renaissance, what we could use is a reminder of hits home on cuts like ‘Da Shock’ where our M SIGNS those vibes almost lost these days. Some post spars head to head with Canibus. Who say that UK OUTCASTE Britcore maybe? Nope, sod that media pigeon hole can’t rock?’ There’s a lot here. Hear. BW Dripping with emotion, from the moment the ting and check the line up of guests; Kinetic Effect, melancholic sounds of the title track drop, you feel Grizzly, The Icepick, Sindecut’s Crazy Noddy, VARIOUS that you’re in for something special. And you’d be Shaka Shazzam!, Hunkillbury Finn and new artist right. Featuring the vocals of UK Apachi (this man Ripper. Those who listened in awe to the aforemen- GREATEST HITS can sing!) on the aforementioned cover of the Tenor tioned artistes in the days of way back will rush out DEATH ROW Saw classic, ‘Signs’, the album, draws influence and get this. Those unfamiliar seeking insight from reggae, latin, folk, hip hop and UK dance cul- should do the same. This LP is void of pretence, it’s A compilation of stone cold classics if ever I saw ture. Moving effortlessly between ruff, uptempo hardcore and cynical but not without laughs and one. The music Death Row has released over the ‘floor work-outs like ‘Swarm’ and ‘Bang’, the deep brings together some of London’s most past ten years has tipped the scales of good and and organic sounds of ‘Day By Day’ and ‘Sajaana’, accomplished acts all under the one umbrella. BW bad quality. And maybe unintentionally, this being and the sensuous, soundscape of ‘Appa’, this is an an honest depiction, shows both extremes of the album of exceptional quality. Breaking down JIGMASTAS label’s roster. The music Dr Dre and co. barriers, and with such beautiful music throughout, championed is some of the low-down dirtiest hip this is an album that you must get involved with. RA INFECTIOUS hop you will have the pleasure to hear. If you get LANDSPEED the CD, stick with the first disc. The track listing is a KNOWLEDGE 61 roll call of undisputed hits, from ‘Nuthin’ But A G If you’re after some polished NY hip hop look no further. Jigmastas Spinna and Kriminul have been gathering props globally over recent years, so those
Decksterity )) MIX TAPE COMPETITION Origin Unknown and Total Science forms a better description fits the bill, give him a call now while you foundation than ever before for a new breed of DJ - can! The mix opens with a sample and Jurassic Five Word up people, here we go again with this issue’s the drum & bass turntablist, one who uses innovative instrumental, before long the intro of Omni Trio’s ‘Nu mix-tape winners. Plenty of badness in the mailbag mixes to elevate the drum & bass experience. Birth’ drops in the mix, and as the beat eventually this month, so big up all those who submitted... the drops on that, Gracie brings in the J5 acapella. That’s standard (and number) of entries has been steadily The science of turntablism has become incredibly a good example of the kind of advanced mixing I’m climbing over the last few months. We’re still refined in recent years, and this shines a light for a talking about, it’s all very effective and holds well in inundated with d&b mixes though, so breakbeat and new way of elevating d&b in the mix using the mix with solid scratch patterns and good timing. hip hop heads around the world - get your shit custom-planned tricks with sound FX, soundtracks, The body of the mix consists of tracks from London together and hook up with us. Feedback on 99% of acapellas, hip hop tracks with the EQ tweaked, Elektricity, Marcus Intalex, Nookie, John B and the tapes / CDs submitted can be found by contact- lyrical wordplay (i.e. selecting meaningful lyrics to cut Kosheen, so there are plenty of vocals there already, ing the impartial Knowledge mix-tape advisor - the into the mix)... not to mention taking advantage of but Gracie deftly fits the various acapellas and Rogue ([email protected]); whether that aforementioned d&b production quality, and samples around these to create a jazz-tinged musical you get a slating or props, there will always be scratching fuck out of the riff on the latest Dillinja tapestry. Original stuff, well executed - nice one. some useful advice. track. It’s an exciting new take on d&b, it tears up the clubs when it’s done right, and the potential for OVERSEAS WINNER There’s only two winners this month, so before they original ideas when mixing two or more musical get their dues, it’s time for a few words about the genres is infinite. I also think it’s worthy of more NAME: JAN FORSANS convergence of drum & bass and hip hop turntablism coverage, but first I want to know what YOU think... DJ NAME: DUST in the DJ arena. It’s a minor phenomenon in the whole if enough people are interested in this, then I’ll do HOMETOWN: PARIS, FRANCE scheme of things, with the only major-league players something about it, simple as that. E-mails to the DJING FOR: 4 YEARS being DJs Craze and Marky - but it’s certainly rogue as usual, please... watch this space. CONTACT: [email protected] popular on the underground (bedroom) mix-tape (France+) 06810 24258 scene, so here’s a bit of history on the subject. And now for the winning mix tapes! DJ Dust claims the overseas trophy this issue, coming The rawness of hip hop has always had a presence UK WINNER through with a weighty selection of exceptionally well in the prehistory of old skool and jungle production - mixed, rock-hard d&b. Formerly a breakbeat DJ with after Shut up and Dance and Silver Bullet came the NAME: DAVE CLARK production credits, Dust’s style has evolved into jungle scratching, time-stretched breaks and sped-up DJ NAME: GRACIE over the last few years; indeed he will soon be samples of 2 Bad Mice, DJ Hype, Sonz Of A Loop Da HOMETOWN: NOTTINGHAM releasing a remix of a track by German artist Cycom Loop Era and Acen. Circa ‘94 we saw the establish- DJING FOR: 4 YEARS on his own label, we’ll keep you posted on that. ment of d&b as a music running at a standard 160- CONTACT: [email protected] Claiming that this is his first ever mix-tape (surely not), 165 bpm tempo, with it coming the opportunity for mobile 07780 703103 the overall professional quality does tend to suggest sampling 85 bpm hip hop vocals and instrumental that you’ll be hearing more from this guy either in per- hooks. A honeymoon period ensued - we all As if to prove the point I made before, a UK mix tape son or on vinyl. A nicely mac’d up tape inlay informs us remember ‘Super Sharp Shooter’ and ‘This Style’ has arrived that successfully blends drum & bass with that the tape is packed full of slick darkness and old being superb examples of the success of this genre... hip hop sensibilities. DJ Gracie (apparently a Gracie is skool vibes from the likes of Ed Rush & Optical, In the last four years, however, we’ve seen d&b cast a type of Brazilian martial artist.... fe real...) admits to Renegade Hardware, Substance, Bad Company and aside the use of obvious sampling and define itself as not having had that much real club experience - his Digital. The mixing is faultless and there are some a distinct, credible musical genre. Nowadays, the time has been spent refining his style to “try and give devastating roll outs scattered throughout, what else benchmark production standards evident within myself a more individual sound” - well, it was worth it. can I say? Check this guy if you can. And apologies to material from artists as diverse as Digital, Kosheen, As of September, Gracie will be in Australia for six Jan, I found your letter and yes, your English is much months, so if you’re looking for a DJ and this better than my French. Quelle surprise. 64 KNOWLEDGE
Decksterity If you would like to enter the mix-tape competition, TRAKTOR speak, means that it’s the place to go to check then go to www.knowledgemag.co.uk where you will out all the newest turntables and mixers, and find a full run-down of the competition rules; plus the Following such award winning software products as actually get your hands on them! Now in its 24th list of the previous winners and their contact details. Reaktor and the B4, the next from Native year, PLASA 2001 will feature many of the attrac- Instruments Berlin is Traktor, the first fully profes- tions that contributed to last year’s success, BEDROOM BEDLAM sional DJ software. Integrating two high-quality including the Gemini sponsored DJ Competition players and play list section, Traktor comes with an and The PLASA Technology Gallery, that houses In a postscript to our own Mix-Tape Competition, a intuitive visual interface that gives you a real time, all the latest new products entered into the brand new site, www.bedroombedlam.com, has waveform display for both decks, allowing you PLASA Product Awards For Excellence. Keep recently appeared on the net dedicated solely to the advance inspection of audio material and graphical- checking Decksterity for further information on bedroom DJ. One of the main features of the site is ly showing cue points, that can be re-positioned by PLASA 2001, nearer the time. that it invites users to upload their DJ mixes and dragging the mouse. Elsewhere you have pitch con- review those done by others. Elsewhere there’s the trol of +/-35%, automatic beat matcher, filter section FABRIC usual range of message boards and forums, review and digital scratch feature, while the DJ mixer on sections, and web links to record labels, gear dealers Traktor even boasts a 3-band EQ and kill switches Eighteen months after the club opened, Fabric and manufacturers; while future plans include the for each deck, curve control, auto-fade, punch, have commissioned loudspeaker manufacturers hosting of online mixing contests, and producing loca- boost and mute buttons! You can set multiple cue Martin Audio to supply a new sound reinforcement tion specific content, so that promoters for new club points and create beat-accurate loops on the fly; system in two of its rooms. The full system upgrade nights can get in contact with the best untapped tal- while, as well as supporting WAVs and MP3s, was initially spurred by a demonstration of Martin’s ent in their area. Traktor can also mix files directly from an audio CD. DJ monitors and following that, the remit expanded Indeed, the full version of Traktor comes with a to incorporate the entire club system. Martin RED SOUND CYCLOOPS selection of over 70 tracks and mixes from such rep- Audio’s Richie Rowley was delighted to begin utable labels as Moving Shadow, Warp, Precision structuring the system with Fabric’s technical man- Red Sound, the company that brought you the incred- and Blue Room. ager Dave Parry and his team, after Fabric’s owner ible Infader mixer, has recently unveiled another rev- Keith Reilly had personally put the trial system olutionary DJ product. Billed as the world’s first, easy To find out more about Traktor go to www.native- through its paces. “When we put the system on to use, DJ loop sampler, Cycloops could soon bring instruments.com, where you can find the full techni- trial, this guy turned up with a bag of records,” cutting edge to your DJ set up. Combining Red cal specifications as well as being able to download explains Richie. “He stood at the decks for four Sound’s V2 BPM engine and another patented inven- a demo version. hours, mixing solidly, then stuck his thumb up and tion, ‘cyclic sampling’, Cycloops can create instant left. I assumed he was a DJ, though it turned out loops that cycle continuously in synchronisation with PLASA 2001 to be Keith Reilly himself.” each other and the original music source. Pre-set sample lengths are available at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 Although it might seem a little premature, here The Charterhouse Street venue plays host to one beats, while all loops can be recorded on the fly, and comes your early warning of the dates for PLASA of the most cutting edge breakbeat nights currently then played back at the press of a button. Thereby 2001, this year running from 9-12 September at on offer in London, Fabric Live. Incorporating three allowing DJs to record and playback any combination Earls Court Exhibition Centre. With over 89% of the rooms of drum & bass, breakbeat and hip hop of the loop samples in sync with the original track, and available stand space already sold, and all the every Friday; the new sound system will bear wit- build up a spontaneous remix during a live perform- leading manufacturers booked into the show, ness to beats from the True Playaz squad, the ance. Red Sound Cycloops will be available very PLASA 2001 look set to build on the 13,000 visitors Valve axis, plus the V and Full Cycle crews. If soon, with a suggested UK retail price of £275. For that came through the doors at last year’s show. you’ve yet to get down there, then now is the time. more info go to www.redsound.com, while look out For those of you unfamiliar with the concept of For listings and general club info, go to: for a full review of Cycloops in next issue’s PLASA, it is one of the leading trade shows for the www.fabriclondon.com Decksterity. entertainment technology sector; which, in street- KNOWLEDGE 65
Soundbwoy SOUNDBWOY LABORATORY elements. Using more units will give you more knobs and more Freeze lets you select a 3-second sample from an audio control over sounds, however do you like the sounds in these source and create up to 32 loops within that 3-second Send your questions to: units? I suggest you listen carefully and buy more based on sample. You control the number of simultaneous loops, [email protected] what you hear because that defines what sound you will have. timing of the replay, duration and synchronisation of loops, There are good digital units like the EMU extreme lead around and the speed of replay. SOUNDBWOY, as well, which works like a synth. So, I reckon you get down I have a copy of Cubase VST but not a clue how to use it, I your local store and use your ears. Delays features a group of up to 128 variable delays, each don’t have a sampler but I’m thinking of getting one very with separate control of amplitude and timing. In the stereo soon. The thing is I’ve just seen your review of the computer SOUNDBWOY, version of this plug-in, the delays are assigned alternately to based Reason software and I want to know should I just get I’m from Cape Town, South Africa. Could you please tell me the left and right channels. a sampler for Cubase (and if so which one with drum & bass what fairly cheap equipment I could use to produce some in mind) and continue down this path, or does it make more decent tracks. I have used Acid, Fruity loops and Orion but they It allows user settings to be assigned to one button in order sense to get hold of a copy of Reason? are never enough and they can’t get as technical as I’d like to that the settings from the one pre-set morph smoothly be. Is MIDI the best thing to use? I’ve also begun saving for a over into the other! Complex parameter mixes allowing If you get a copy of Reason you’ll have a software sampler Roland MC505 which I believe should get me rolling. Another sensational sound movements are created in no time at all. within Reason as well as synths, drum machine, Dr Rex, question I have is that I am not a DJ so how do I get my tracks effect units , mixing desk and a wickedly simple but effective out there? Do you come across many producers who are not Price: £149.99 including VAT sequencer. In fact, you’ll have everything except any audio DJs and if so, how do they do it? Forgive me if I sound a bit recording or arrangement. That’s where Cubase VST could naive but this is stuff I need to know. WALDORF COMES BACK come in, with audio along with all of its plug-ins and Maddin WITH AN “ATTACK” instruments. Both can be run simultaneously. That’s a good enough reason to get Reason (£299) plus you get 500 MB of Firstly, there are so many wicked virtual instruments on the Steinberg presents Waldorf Attack, a percussion synthesiser wicked sounds. As for getting a sampler there are many on computer based Cubase VST and Logic platforms that I would that works as a VST Instrument for both PC and Mac the market, but I’d say get an Akai s3000xl (£750) or s5000 recommend going down this route initially, as hardware units platforms. It seamlessly integrates the sound of 80s (£1050) or s6000 (£1699), there are also the Yamaha A5000 tend to bring there own limitations and complexities and you analogue classics and electric club drums of the 90s into the (£800) or Roland VP9000 (£1649) depending on your finan- can quickly get bored with them. Software on the other hand VST system of the 21st century. cial situation. But in your case I’d say get Reason and learn can be updated and you can have as many units as you want! how to use it with Cubase and get writing some future beats. Recommended software: Logic or Cubase, Reason, Pro-52, Waldorf Attack has 24 sounds available per percussion set, Mercury-1, ES-1, ESX-24. A combination of these would far spread over two octaves. Two oscillators, each with nine SOUNDBWOY, surpass a MC505. As for getting your tracks out, like most waveforms, represent the sources. In addition to the popular I am a complete amateur. I have never been around a studio, producers in the scene you’ll probably have to start your own analogue waveforms, Waldorf Attack offers three samples to so subsequently I have no clue how to make hip hop. All I label initially to get your tracks noticed and played, then create hi-hat or crash cymbals. Ring Modulation and know is that I love listening to the music and I would enjoy possibly released on established labels, but there is no easy Frequency Modulation expand the sound spectrum with a making my own music as a hobby. Where should I start and road (unless you immediately come up with a bomb track!). The Metallic component and FX sounds. how much money am I looking at to have my own system? only route is hard work and perseverance. The drum & bass Joe nation wasn’t built in a day. Well, forget the studio and go get yourself a phat computer NEWS Waldorf Attack contains a filter section with six filter types, and some software, ie Logic Audio, Cubase VST or Reason resonance up to self-oscillation and an overdrive up to and get playing. GET TOOLED UP! +52dB. The two envelopes are used to alter oscillator pitches and FM amount, filter cut-off and the output volume. SOUNDBWOY, GRM Tools, Volume 2 offers a new collection of audio effects for Two modulation delays and eight outputs (two stereo, four I need some serious assistance, I’m buying some synth(s) both Mac and PC, complementing the first volume. There is no mono) connect Attack to the VST world. Seamless and I don’t know what to do. Here’s the deal: I have roughly doubt that Volume 2 will also play an important part in dance, integration into the VST 2.0 interface means all parameters $1200 (US) and I can either buy a multitimbral polyphonic electronic and experimental music productions, jingle and to be addressed via MIDI controller allowing for more power- doodad like the Access Virus, or single monophonic trinkets broadcast effect creations. ful dynamic changes. like a Pulse Plus or Elecktron Sidstation. If I go with the latter, I can buy 2-3 of these... I just don’t know which is a Reson consists of up to 128 resonant high-pass, low-pass or Moreover, twelve sounds of a drum set can be played better option. I want the ability to make serious unheard of band-reject filters, each of which resonates a single frequency melodically, so that tom fills, conga grooves and other type sounds but right now my digital audio is not cutting it. If and produces an ensemble of very soft resonances in an input percussions can be created within no time. You can also you have an tips, suggestions or guidance, it would be signal. So, a drum loop for example, may take over a melodic play bass, melody or sequencer lines. With the sound greatly appreciated! component of your song, if you wish. quality that Waldorf has achieved with Attack, they prove Jason once again that software sound modules can rival their Doppler simulates the effect of a sound moving towards or away hardware equivalents. If you want to “make serious unheard of type sounds” you from you. The best example of this is the variation in sound you need versatility. Ask yourself this question - do you want hear when an ambulance approaches and passes by. It can Attack should be out now. more knobs or less knobs? Multi-mode type kit usually also obtain a wide variety of unusual effects by manipulating the Retail price of £109.99 (inc VAT) means small screen twiddling and less control over individual 2-Dimensional Potentiometer in unconventional ways. 66 KNOWLEDGE
PLUG IN YOUR BATTERY NEXT ISSUE: Native Instruments has created a professional drum sampler which is incredibly easy to use. With separate sound parameters for 54 instruments, powerful modulation capabilities, ON SALE MID JUNE Battery is fast, effective and convenient. STILL ONLY £2.95 Battery runs on Mac and PC platforms, either as a stand alone application or as a plug-in. WITH A FREE It also has access to the world’s biggest sound libraries as it is compatible with many sample BETA RECS formats such as AKAI, SF2, LM4, AIFF, WAV and MAP. Not to mention the 20 high quality CD MIXED BY sound sets already included. JOHN B Battery can play 54 instruments at any one time creating a state of the art percussion PLUS FEATURES ON programming environment. The matrix and its intuitive drag and drop functionality are an enormous time saver when arranging samples. Sounds from different sounds-sets can be MC MOOSE, compared with relative ease and combined in to new sounds-sets without the hassle of FELLOWSHIP, re-adjusting any parameters, as they are calculated and immediately shown in the ‘Wave BOTCHIT & Display’ in real time. SCARPER AND LOTS Every sample slot features six modulation routings which include many useful and drum- MORE… oriented settings that have already been configured as presets. Each sample slot has a unique FX Loop that can be used to create modern, innovative and rhythmic sound effects, akin to extreme time stretching or granular synthesis. Up to three banks in LM4 format can be imported and used at a time, while AKAI sounds can be read directly from CD. Battery is out now with a retail price of £99.99 (inc VAT). SOFTWARE M-TRON (G-FORCE) This plug-in instrument for VST/Logic platforms is a recreation of the mellotron keyboard from the 60s, famously used on ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ by The Beatles. This keyboard was a kind of mechanical sampler using real tape loops assigned to a keyboard playing samples of real instruments like flutes and strings. Because of the technological limitations this rudimentary sampler had a sound all its own that has now been recreated in the virtual world. This gives instant access to all those lovely old sounds and loops! Yes, there are even some live loops for each key change (very retro!). The nicest sound here are the vibes, the scariest I’ve ever heard. The flutes and strings sound very good in a mellotron type of way! This instrument gives you the classic mellotron sound for a new generation. There are very few controls except for selecting sound bank, a volume and tone control. The tone control is quite interesting - it sounds a bit like a filter and has a very warm sound. The M-Tron is a must for retro enthusiasts and at this price definitely worth a look. SAMPLE CDS MONSTER BEATS (ZERO G) AUDIO CD PLUS WAV CD-ROM. This is a collection of live drumming by Chris Whitton teamed with producer Peter Henderson. There are 90 different breaks on this CD ranging from 64 to 148 bpm so it’s quite well spread. These boys aimed to create ‘something quirky and inspirational’. They’ve recorded the excellent drumming loops with edits and created various EQ-ed and effected loops to keep it interesting. What you get is a load of pop/rock type live drumming with some off-key produc- tion to create some original sounding drums. Each loop has more than one EQ treatment plus dry, ambient and ultra radical processed versions. The results are excellent with sharp, clean drums alongside phat break loops and electro effected drums, there is a very broad range here. The main styles of drumming here is rock, funk, fusion and alternative grooves. The CD- Rom contains all the drum loops ready for importing plus extra loop and fill samples. RIZING DRUM & BASS This new drum & bass CD has 30 construction kits plus parts. What this means is that you get loads of parts, drums, basses, sounds and FX. All the parts you need for making your own tracks. You might like the hats in one part and a bass from another. Tempos range from 165 bpm to 180 bpm. There are loads for good drums and breaks plus percussion parts. The sounds tend to be on the techno side and I’d say this sample CD veers toward the dark side of drum & bass. There are loads of hard drums and acidic basslines and techno FX so it will appeal to hardcore fans. Some of the construction kits sound like they could be tracks with a bit of work. As a straight drum & bass loops resource this is worth getting, but the sounds are a little limited. The end of the CD gives you individual basses, kicks, snares, hats, percussion, FX plus bonus samples from Trouble On Vinyl Records.
Dancefloor1 HARD EDGE DJ Dex and resident Cookie whip up the AT THE CAVERN CLUB crowd so much that by the time Hype walks EXETER on stage the dancefloor is more like a mosh pit than anything else. 300 nutters are chant- This is what a drum & bass night should be ing “Hype, Hype, Hype” from the beginning of like. As I descend the steps into the venue the his hour and a half set through to the end, bass is so ferocious it makes my teeth rattle. and every fresh mix raises a cheer from the A blast of hot air greets me as I open the crowd. At some point during the pandemoni- door, the combination of 300 sweaty, excited um that ensues, the barrier in front of the bodies crammed into a small underground stage gets ripped down, not that it makes club. The Cavern Club was originally a pre- much difference because the DJ couldn’t get dominantly live punk venue, but it’s now one much closer to the crowd unless he was on of the most respected music venues in the UK the dancefloor himself. The atmosphere is attracting some of the finest DJs and bands absolutely electric. Even the MC had to go to from across the country. Hard Edge, the reg- the bar for a couple brandies to get his head ular drum & bass night, has been going for together. four years now and attracts people from all over the South West. Tonight it is predictably By the end of the night, my ears are ringing rammed. There is a busload down from the and my stomach feels like it’s been in a Midlands and people have come from as far cement mixer for the last couple of hours. away as London just to see Hype. In compar- People leaving the club look slightly dazed, ison with most venues the Cavern is tiny, but but are grinning like loons. An absolutely it is no wonder that DJs are willing to travel superb night. five or six hours to play here. It’s intimate and intense, the crowd are friendly and up-for-it Words: Becky Moran Photos: David Goodchild plus the music is right in your face – there is no escaping it - and people are here simply because they love it. fridays CHEW THE FAT FX, MC Skibadee, MC Det, MC IC3, MC GOIN' OFF Shabba + special weekly guests such as THE BASS AT BUG BAR, ST MATTHEWS CHURCH, Ray Keith, Mickey Finn, JJ Frost, Kenny AT VAULTZ, BRISTOL TRAP SESSION BRIXTON, LONDON, Ken, Nicky Blackmarket + MCs 9pm-2am. £3 b4 11 with flyer/£5 after. Free. 7pm-2am. Info: 0207 738 Navigator, Moose & Fearless Weekly. 12 May: Masterchef & AT BAMBOO, SOUTH BRIDGE, 3184/07776 215 180. 11 May: Wildlife Riski Bizniz, Techunique, Ba$h EDINBURGH. Display Crew; 18 May: Klaus, Atomic FABRIC LIVE Money; 19 May: Wilson & Burns, Little 9pm-1am. Weekly hip hop, broken Hooligan, Soto; 25 May: Lee Coombs. Muchacha; 26 May: Leather Apron, beats, 2-step, breaks and drum & bass Resident: Paul Arnold AT FABRIC, 77A CHARTERHOUSE Awkward, Azlan with resident G-Mac. 11 May: Felix; 18 STREET, LONDON EC1. May: Queenie; 25 May: DJ Kid COCOSHEBEEN HARD EDGE 10pm-5am. £12/£10. Info: 020 7336 BASSHEADS AT URBAN, FIRVALE ROAD, 8898. 11 May: Talvin Singh, James AT THE CAVERN CLUB, BOURNEMOUTH. Lavelle, Deadly Avenger. Room 2: 83/4 QUEEN ST AT THE MATRIX 9pm-3am. £10adv. Info: 01202 555129. Dillinja, Lemon D, Jumping Jack Frost, EXETER, DEVON. LONDON ST., READING. Weekly. Residents: Orbit, Aquasky, Danny C, MC Rodney P & MC Fats. Fortnightly. 9pm-2am. £3.50/£5. 11 Last Fri. every month. 9pm-4am. Element, Deep, Shaftie, Carlos, MC Manic Room 3: Ross Allen, Ali B; 18 May: May: Nicky Blackmarket; 25 May: J £10/£8 NUS. Info: 07971 970703. 25 UNKLE (DJ set), Scratch Perverts, Adam Majik & Futurebound; 8 Jun: Ed Rush; May: Emission - Grooverider (tbc), DJ COUNTER CULTURE Freeland, Touche. Room 2: Krust, DJ 22 Jun: Andy C. Resident: Cookie Craze, Usual Suspects, Future Cut, Die, DJ Marky, Bryan Gee, Storm, MC Panic, MC Trip, Chickaboo. South AT THE OCEAN ROOMS Dynamite. Room 3: Ali B; 25 May: DJ HOMBU bound - DJ Craze, 2-Co, Hoopa; 29 1 MORLEY ST, BRIGHTON. Hype, Zinc, Pascal, Mickey Finn, Randall, Jun: Micky Finn, Swan-E, Randall, 10pm-2.20am £6/£5 concs. Info: 01273 Frenzic + MCs GQ, Fats & Rage. Room AT LAS IGUNAS Nicky Blackmarket, Illusion, MC Trip, 608886. Sophisticated beat variance 2: Richard Fearless, James Lavelle, The MILL LANE, CARDIFF. Wong. South Bound - Rodney P, 2- from Fat City/Grand Central. 25 May: Psychonauts. Room 3: Ross Clarke; 8 Free. Weekly hip hop, new wave breaks CO, Frenic, Hoopa. Cryonix Martin Brew, Nextmen & AS-IF; 22 Jun: Jun: UNKLE (DJ Set), Howie B (live), & deep tech house with residents: DJ Mark Rae, As-If and Henry Smithson Scratch Perverts, Touche, Tayo. Room Sek, Matt Jarvis & Neil Hinchley, JJ BEATZ & BOBZ 2: Dillinja, Lemon D, Danny C, MC Smoothie & DJ Drop DRIVE BY Rodney P & MC Fats; 15 Jun: Badmarsh AT THE CAVERN CLUB & Shri (live), Adam Freeland, Mr Scruff, HOMEGROWN 83-84 QUEEN ST, EXETER. AT CREATION James Lavelle. Room 2: Krust, DJ Die, 9pm-1am. £4/£5. Info: 01392 420580. 13-21 BALDWIN ST, BRISTOL. Bryan Gee, Jumping Jack Frost, Ed AT THE WAREHOUSE 1 Jun: Cut La Roc, Darren Chapman, 10pm-4am. £8 with flyer b4 11pm/£10. 8 Rush, Frenzic. Room 3 - Luke Vibert; 22 NORTH ROAD, LANCASTER. Bitesize; 29 Jun: Dominic B (Stanton Jun: Grooverider, Fabio, Ed Rush, Jun: Stanton Warriors, Dub Marines, 10pm-2am. £4. Fortnightly. Residents: Warriors), Darren Chapman, Ben & Optical, Hype, Marly Marl, MC Fats James Lavelle. Room 2: Grooverider, Sub, Erb ‘N Kaos, Lady D, DJ Wild, Lex Fabio, Bad Company, Optical, DJ SS, Scope, Gez, Jozza, Shifty & Jay B DRIVE BY MC Moose, MC GQ BITING BACK KILLIMANJARO AT THEKLA, THE GROVE, BRISTOL. FIRSTLIGHT AT THE OCEAN ROOMS 10pm-4am. £6 B4 11/£8. 0117 929 AT FLUID 1 MORLEY ST, BRIGHTON. 3301. Fortnightly. Residents: Gerard, AT GENERATION X 40 CHARTERHOUSE ST 10pm-2.30am £6/£5 concs. Info: Ramjack, Lurch, MCs Foxy & Risky NEW WAKEFIELD ST, MANCHESTER. FARRINGDON, EC1. 01273 608886.18 May: Red Snapper, 10pm-3am. £7 adv/£8. 12 May: Cash 9pm-2am. Free b4 10pm/£3. 11 May: L; Sonic Boo; 1 Jun: Aphrodite. DUST Money, Iain Taylor, Alix Walker 18 May: Ben Wilcox; 25 May: L. Residents: Cut La Roc and Krafty Kuts Resident: Orson AT THE BASSMENT, FUEL BULLITT MERRION CENTRE, LEEDS. LIFE 10pm-2.30pm. £3.50. Info: 0780 AT WATERFRONT, KING ST, NORWICH. AT DOGSTAR 3204045. Weekly hip hop and drum & 10pm-4am. £9/11. Info: 07810 562 AT DANCE ACADEMY, PLYMOUTH. 389 COLDHARBOUR LANE bass from residents Dr Dust & Zak 534/01603 50 80 50. 11 May: Bryan 10pm-5am. £12/£11. 07769680169 / BRIXTON LONDON. Gee, Ray Keith, Simon ‘Bassline’ Smith, www.life.uk.com. 11 May: Kosheen, 9pm-2.30am. £5. Info:0207 740 6677. E.N.V.Y. MC Skibadee, Barrington, Jay Blaze, Ray Keith, Mampi Swift, Decoder B2B Weekly hip hop with residents Sahin Wax Magic. Room 2 - Mr Thing, Substance, Brackbeat Heroes feat. DJ Dellemann, DJ Vadim & Andy Smith. AT THE AZTECH LOUNGE, 415 Chrome, Just One Rapid & Gem, Quest MCs (Money, 11 May: DJ Skitz, MC Rodney P, MC TOTTENHAM HIGH RD, LONDON, N17. Sweat Pea, Slix). Arena 2: Scratch Honey Brown £10 ladies / £7 B4 12am. Starting 11 Perverts, Freak Easy, Kwesi, Plug, May and every week thereafter. Info: Sharp, Blueprint 0956 111833 / 0208 806 2700. Residents: Hype, Brockie, Swift, Shy KNOWLEDGE 69
Dancefloor2 NIDGE & PRASH cos it was such a big scale. We were ARE THE BASSHEADS going from a 500 to 1500 capacity. We WEST OF LONDON... want to promote music with a certain level of atmosphere. A lot of the nights GIMME THE BASS... in Reading before Bassheads brought We were running a Reading night with them a lot of attitude and called Emission early in ‘99 then the drug use. We want to keep away from Matrix opened up and approached us that, stay with more inspirational to move our night in there. Our first nights where there’s a lot more soul, event was still Emission, we got 1700 more like a rave-y festival. people in to see Adam F, J Majik, Brockie and SS. From then Matrix NEXT... asked us to promote their drum We’ve lined up a UK tour to promote & bass so we called the night the Emission label cos we’ve got Bassheads and collaborated in the some releases due in September. second room. First with nu school From May though, we’re setting up a breaks but now hip hop. We’ve nice big six hour jam in the third room; got Rodney P out the London Posse bongos, didgeridoos, scratch DJ, just as guest MC. the Impact musicians freestyling. MOVING UP... Bassheads takes place on the last We originally set up Emission to give friday of every month at The Matrix, us an outlet for our PA, Impact, which Reading. has a really strong following in Reading so it was quite easy for us to bring a lot of our crew with us from Emission. But we worked really hard on the promotion side, going mental, MANGA PROGRESSION SPELLBOUND URBAN JUNGLE SESSIONS AT LA BELLE ANGELE AT PLANET K, OLDHAM ST, AT UPSTART, 243 OLD STREET, 11 HASTIES CLOSE, EDINBURGH. AT THE END, 18 WEST CENTRAL ST., MANCHESTER. LONDON, EC1V 9EY. 9pm-3am. £10/8 membs. Info: 0131 225 LONDON, W1. 10pm-3am. £6/£7b411pm/£8. Monthly Free. Info: 07956 127 006. 1st Fri every 7536. 18 May: A-Sides; 15 Jun: Alleycat d&b and breaks. 25 May: Ed Rush; 29 month. 25 May: Residents & J Double & Tania Swift. Residents: G Mac, Unify, 10pm-4am. £12/10. Info: 0207 419 9199. Jun: Andy C, Si Smith (@ Rocket, Holloway - £5.); 1 Jun: DY Kid & The General. 11 May: LTJ Bukem, Nookie, PFM, MC Element & Penfold. Residents: BBP, Conrad & MC Ivan; 18 Jun: LTJ Bukem, SOURCE DLB, Vega & Nexxii MELTDOWN Nookie, MC Conrad AT THE ZODIAC, OXFORD. WAH WAH AT THE BEACH REFUGE 9.30pm-2am. £7adv. Info: 01865 420042. KINGS ROAD ARCHES, BRIGHTON. 18 May: Doc Scott; 15 Jun (£10): Fabio, AT JAZZ CAFE 9pm-3am. £8.50/£7.50 concs. Info: AT SWITCH Grooverider. Residents: DJ Lee, Jay Jay, 5 PARKWAY, CAMDEN TOWN. 01273 608886. 3rd Fri every month. 18 EUSTACE ST, TEMPLE BAR DJ Baron, MC Justiyc 10.30pm-2am. Weekly. Residents: Chris May: Randall, Zinc, Marky, Ed Solo, MC DUBLIN, IRELAND. Goss, Dom Servini, Simon Goss Darrison, MC Stamina; 22 Jun: Brockie, TEMPO TANTRUM Ray Keith, Marly Marl, Friction, MC Det & 10.30pm. £7. Weekly. Info: 00-353-1- WASTED MC Darrison 874-1243. 11 May: Zero Tolerance, AT MINT. 182-186 ST JOHN ST, Naphta and Malcolm; 18 May: Elmo and CLERKENWELL, LONDON EC1. AT THE EMPIRE CLUB MOVE SOMETHANG Roy Da Bwoy. 25 May: Source and Jet £3 after 9pm. Monthly. Info: 020 7253 BOGNOR REGIS. Li. Residents: Rohan, Naphta & MC 8368. Residents Marcus, Darius, Matt Beats & breaks. 3rd Friday every month. AT THE PHOENIX, 37 CAVENDISH Wuzza Juice & G Man with breaks, 2 step & bass. 10pm-3am. £6/£5. Info: 07940 245724. SQUARE, LONDON W1. 25 May: Nash; 29 Jun: Tipper 18 May: Hyper. 15 Jun: TBC. Residents: 10pm –3am. £5. 1st Fri every month. RENEGADE HARDWARE Karoshi & Disco Assassins, Spencer Info: 0973 802162/ 0207 284 2527. THE CLINIC Chapman, Dillinger & Dave Roman Abstract beats & killa grooves from resi- AT THE END, dents Flowerz & Des 8 WEST CENTRAL ST., AT COSIES, BRISTOL. X LONDON, W1. Last Fri of the month. 8pm-1am. £3 after MUTINY 9pm. Residents: General Midi & Lurch. AT LE BATEAU 10pm-4am. £12/10. Info: 0207 419 9199. DUKE ST, LIVERPOOL. AT LAKOTA, 81-83 STOKES CROFT, 1 Jun: Andy C, Ed Rush, Loxy, Dylan, TOTAL ECLIPSE 10:30pm-4am. £11/£9 Concs. Info : BRISTOL. Usual Suspects, Future Cut, Frenzic + 07967 626 927. 1 Jun: Ray Keith, Nicky 9pm-5am. £12adv. Info: 01179 426208. MCs Verse, 2Shy, GQ, AD & Rage AT THE FIRKIN CLUB, ELIZABETH WAY, Blackmarket 25 May: Lineup TBC. 22 Jun: Lineup PINNACLES, HARLOW, ESSEX. TBC RUMBLE 9pm-late, £5 b4 10.30/£8 after. Info: 07940 saturdays 187963. 18 May: Little Joe & MC Super; 1 OFF CENTRE: SOUTH AT WATERFRONT, KING ST, NORWICH. Jun: Mampi Swift & MC IC3, Quest & MC ACCELERATED A1; 15 Jun: Food Junky & Darkness. CULTURE AT THE OCEAN ROOMS 10pm-4am. Info: 07767 444581 / Residents: Tony B, Ricochet, Sabotage + 1 MORLEY ST, BRIGHTON. www.fluxrecords.demon.co.uk. 8 Jun: JJ MCs Hi Rarki, Savage & Chad AT DENBEIGH LEISURE COMPLEX, 10pm-2.30am £6/£5concs. Info: 01273 Frost, Bryan Gee, Ray Keith, Dimension, SAXON STREET, BLETCHLEY 608886. 2nd Fri every month. 11 May: Balisitik + MCs Moose, Darrison, VIP & TOKYO GROOVE MILTON KEYNES. Storm, Ross Allen. 8 Jun: London Infinity 9pm-6am. £18.50 + bf. Info: 01295 Elektricity, Herbaliser DJs. Residents: AT FAY, SPRINGFIELD MOUNT, LEEDS. 721640/01604 472913. 12 May: Roni Patrick Forge, Ross Clarke & Carl Faure SQUEEZE 18 SESSIONS 10pm-2am. £2.50. Weekly downbeat, rare Size & MC Dynamite, Grooverider, groove & d&b from residents Cedar, ASC, Mampi Swift, Frenzic, Zinc, Hype, Nicky PERVERTED SCIENCE AT CLUB M, SOUTHAMPTON. Mike L, Bob Brazil, James Clark & special Blackmarket, Micky Finn, Andy C, guests Kenny Ken, Dangerous D & Marcus AT 333, 333 OLD ST 10pm-2am. NUS/Members £3/4 b4 Black, Garry K, Ellis Dee, JJ Frost, Bad LONDON, EC1. TWISTED FUNK Company, Dollar & Ital, Darren Jay, 10pm-5am. £5 b4 11 or members/£10 10.30pm/£5/6. Info: 07973 Brockie, Randall. MC’s IC3, Fatman D, others. Info 0207 739 5949 /connec- AT ENZO’S, HIGHPOST, SALISBURY, Juiceman, GQ, Skibbadee, Shabba, [email protected]. 18 May: Mr Thing, Big 829578/07710 804420/07712585690. 11 WILTSHIRE. Fearless, MC MC, Presha, Five Alive, Bang, Keith Tenniswood, John Reynolds, £6/8. Info: 01722 782618 / Man Parris, Craig ‘Dangerous’ Lee, Pete Herbert, L, Jay 33 1/3, Orson, ADJ, May: Method & Blade; 18 May: DJ Red; [email protected]. 11 May: DJ Rap, Kenny Fever, Dett, Fats, Melody, Willis MC. The Greedy Giants Ken, Stingray, MC Moose & MC Fearless; 25 May: Defikew, MC Wrec & Lord 22 Jun: Mickey Finn, Aphrodite, Leggy, N- Deva & MC Fearless Tekneek; 6 Jun: (@ The Brook, Southampton) Rahzel, Masters of Momentum feat. Wrec & Tech, DJ Defikew (ABC). Residents: Deep Rooted, Ri D’Rat, Joker, Point three, Wheeler, Reeda, CJay, Superdense Child, Mojo, Special T 70 KNOWLEDGE
Dancefloor3 DIGITAL TAKES US THROUGH HIS RECENT SET AT BOURNEMOUTH’S COCOSHEBEEN: OPENER... SPIRIT - ‘MAYHEM’ Tough enough to start with but cool enough too. FLOOR FILLERS... DIGITAL - ‘RAS 78’ & Q PROJECT - ‘TROUBLE’ ‘Trouble’ is a really enjoyable tune to mix with as it flows along nicely. You can move or just chill to it. REWINDS... SPIRIT - ‘RAY GUN’ I only played an hour but I gave ‘Ray Gun’ a rewind. It just blasts off. ONE MORE... Q PROJECT - ‘40 BELOW’ A rocksteady tune to finish with, tough but mellow. BEST OF BRITISH FOUR-GASM ONE NATION SQUEEZE 18 AT THE STRATFORD REX, LONDON. AT STRIPES, AT LAKOTA SESSIONS 9pm-6am £13.50 +bf. Info: 07976 NR TOWN CENTRE, ANDOVER. 81-83 STOKES CROFT, BRISTOL. 267532/07989 320214. 2 Jun: Mickey Monthly. 9pm-1am. £4/£5. Info: 10pm-4am. £10adv. Info: 0117 9426208. AT CLUB M, SOUTHAMPTON. Finn, Mampi Swift, Zinc, Ed Rush, www.blukon.co.uk. Residents: Chemical 12 May: Line-up TBC Optical, R-Type, Playa, JJ Frost & Ray (b2b) DJ Leggy. 10pm-2am. NUS/Members £3/4 b4 Keith + MCs Ragga Twins, Skibadee, PASSENGER Fearless, Det, Foxy & Shabba. Old Skool FREEFORM 10.30pm/£5/6. Info: 07973 - Nicky Blackmarket, Ratpack, Squirrel, AT FORM, 4/5 GREEK STREET, W1. Ash-A-Tack, DMS & Food Junky, MC AT THE PIRATE, FALMOUTH, Weekly. 9pm-3am. £5. Residents on rota- 829578/07710 804420/07712585690. Everson Allen, MC Jay J CORNWALL. tion: Plump DJs, Steve Blonde & Ali B 9pm-1am. £4 b4 10pm/£5 after. Info: 12 Jun: Outdoor stage special - Bad BIRTH 01326 372859. 19 May: State Of Play PHONIC: HOOP (live), Oktal & Ollie Rhodes Company, First Rate, Joker & AT LANCASTER TOWN HALL, AT ENIGMA, 10 SHIP STREET, LANCASTER. INFORMAL BRIGHTON. Point3Three, Wheeler, MC Wrec. 9pm-2am. £10 + bf. 20 May: Ray Keith, 10pm-2am. £8/7/£6/5. Info: 01273 Nicky Blackmarket, DJ Guy + MCs Hybo, AT FORM, 4/5 GREEK ST, LONDON W1. 328439. 2 Jun: Bonobo; 16 Jun: Ty & DJ SUBTUB Real Deal & The Microphone Don 9pm-3am. £5. Weekly. Residents: Steve Biznizz. 23 Jun: Robert Luis. Residents: Blonde, Ali B, Unsung Heroes, Mastomic Deeds Plus Thoughts, Jon Kennedy, AT UMIST UNDERGROUND CLINICAL Steady, Cairro, Humble Munk, Quiet SACKVILLE ST, MANCHESTER. LIFE Storm, Chris Clark and Bonobo AT QUE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM. 10pm-4am. £6adv/£7. Info: 0161 £15adv. 2 Jun: Fabio, Doc Scott, Teebee, AT LAKOTA, PURE SCIENCE 4489431. 2 Jun: Label launch - RSL, DJ Klute, Addiction, October, Decoy. Room UPPER YORK STREET, BRISTOL. Ole, Roscoe, Serial Thrillas & DJ Marky. 2: London Elektricity, Danny Byrd, High £10/11/12. Info: 01179 426208/07769 AT ATOMICS, MAIDSTONE, KENT. Contrast. Room 3: Kool FM 680169. 16 Jun: Dom & Roland, EZ Info: 07976 755002. Weekly. £8. Ladies TELEPATHY Rollers, Aquasky. Back Room: Elite £5 b4 10pm. 9pm-2am. 12 May: Special K DESTINATION OUT Squad, Dub ‘n’ Air, Breakbeat Heroes, & D’Cruze, Andy C, Brockie, Doc Scott, AT THE EQ ARENA Beat Funk. Top Floor: Moorish Delta 7, Jev + MCs Skibbadee, GQ, Fearless & WATERDEN RD, LONDON AT CARGO, 83 RIVINGTON ST, FreakEasy, Kwesi, Quest, Space Jockey EKS Man; 19 May: Mampi Swift, Brockie, STRATFORD, E15. SHOREDITCH, LONDON. Bryan Gee, Randall, Dice + MCs Monthly. 8pm–1am. £5 b4 9pm, £7. 12 MOVEMENT Skibadee, Navigator, IC3 & Fun; 26 £10+bf. Info: 08700-6000888. 9 Jun: May: DJ Skitz, Ross Allen May:Micky Finn, Aphrodite, Darren Jay, Andy C B2B Brockie, DJ Rap, Bryan AT MASS, ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH, Hype, Eljay + MCs Fearless, GQ & Gee, Randall, Shy FX, Phantasy, DJ ELEMENTZ BRIXTON HILL, LONDON SW2. Riddla; 2 Jun: Brockie, Bad Company, Sly + MCs Moose, Shabba, Skibadee, 9pm-6am. £7 b4 11/£8 NUS or Hype, Kane + MCs Det, IC3 & Fearless; 9 IC3, Shaydee. Arena 2: Concrete B2B AT PESO’S, ANLEY ST, ST HELIER, membs/£10. Info: 0171 377 9494. 1st Sat Jun: Mampi Swift, Andy C, Fabio, Randall Barrington, Ital B2B Rips, Coolhand JERSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS. every month. 5 Jun: Bryan Gee, Ray + MCs Skibadee, Navigator & Foxy; 16 Flex B2B Dangerous D, Papa G 9pm-2am. £3. Info: 07797 720936 / Keith, JJ Frost, Marky, Patife, Fabio, Jun: Brockie, Kane, Probe & Ital, Ruffstuff B2B Sly, Blarney B2B Env, Tyra B2B www.terminalstate.com. Every 2nd Fierce, Ruffstuff, Wheeler, Ed Rush & & Papa Gee + MCs Det, Shabba, IC3 & Sub + MCs Five Alive, Riddla, Saturday. Residents: Fire, Snare, L Optical + MCs Rage, Darrison & Flux Fun; 23 Jun: JJ Frost, Hype, Andy C, Shaydee & Locki Duffy, Breakz, Explore Nicky Blackmarket & Crazy Legs + MCs NY SUSHI PRESENT Skibadee, Foxy & Fatman D sundays EXIT THE BIG BANG 5 RANSOM CO OP AT UNION 1,WILLOW RD, DERBY. AT SHEFFIELD SKI VILLAGE, 10pm-3am. £4/£6. 12 May: Kenny Ken, SHEFFIELD. AT THE ISLINGTON AT THE VELVET ROOMS Simon ‘Bassline’ Smith, Drumsound, MC 6pm-3am. £20 membs / NUS/£22.50. 342 CALEDONIAN RD, LONDON. 143 CHARING CROSS RD Fearless Tickets: 0207 771 2000 / www.tick- 8pm-2am. Weekly. £3. Residents: Geko LONDON W1. etweb.co.uk. Info: 0114 2671 869 / Beats, Plump DJs, Elektric Lane, Soho. FLASHBACK www.nysushi.co.uk. 26 May: Andy C, 7.30pm-12am. £5.Info: 0976 723 222. Grooverider, Hype, Zinc, Markey, Ed SCIENCE Future jazz & broken beats with Marc AT THE QUE CLUB Rush, TC One, TK & DJ Stav + MCs GQ, Mac, Alex Attias, Dom U, Bugz In The BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE. Power & E-ll. Breaks & hip hop arena: DJ AT THE DANCE STATION, SWANSEA. Attic crew, Modaji & Mike Slocombe 9.30pm-6.00am. £15adv. Info: 0121 472 Noize, Danielson, Dee Rock & Rix, 10pm-2.30am. £7/£6. Info 07977 0777/0906 701 0060/www.flash- Second To None 554214. 19 May: Andy C, Active, DRIVE BY PRESENTS back96.com. 9 Jun: Grooverider B2B Sidewinder, MC Cheeky B PLANET V Bryan Gee, Andy C B2B Randall, Ratty B2B Fallout, Shaolin B2B Pace AT CREATION 13-21 BALDWIN ST, BRISTOL. 9pm-4am. £10adv/£12 door. Info: 07976 210767. 27 May: Roni Size, Krust, Die, Suv, Bryan Gee, JJ Frost, DJ Marky, Patife, MC Moose, MC Dynamite. Room 2: hip hop & breaks KNOWLEDGE 71
RAY KEITH INTERVIEW: ALEX FARBER PICTURE: COURTNEY HAMILTON Ray Keith ))RAY KEITH JUNGLE VETERAN RAY KEITH GETS SPECIFIC WITH KNOWLEDGE... )) LIVES crowd stopped. I’ve fallen off the SPORTSMAN I’m never happy with it, there’s petitive, constructive and heartfelt Just outside east London. stage a few times as well. Sober! Nigel Benn’s the original soldier. always something you listen to music ‘cause there’s fuck all else to He fought from the heart, and I and think ‘I could’ve done that a do. If it was hot everyone would be LOVE TO LIVE IDEAL B2B PARTNER saw him get battered. Him and little bit different’. I’m just happy chilling out on the beach smoking The Maldives, near the Seychelles Chow Yung Fat. Bad boy. Frank Bruno, when Bruno hung that people dance to my shit. spliffs and nothing would get done. on for the Heavyweight That’s enough for me. So ‘cause we have no sunshine MEAL NIGHTMARE B2B PARTNER Championship. He just held it, and our inner cities are all clammed If I’m in Brazil I like this place called The devil. he was a soldier and a lot of times MUSICAL INSPIRATIONS up with dirty air it becomes a Radio Grill, if I’m in London it’s Mr in the scene we’re like that. People I grew up with people like Derrick creative point. Wings in Chelsea. He’s bad. INSTRUMENT try and put us down, lot of bollocks May, Kevin Saunderson, Juan The drums, I used to play a bit. going on. Atkins. Also the whole electronic NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT DRINK music scene I listened to when I My phone and my keys. Orange juice or water, I don’t drink HOLIDAY RESORT WORLD CHAMP TUNE was growing up: Depeche Mode, alcohol. The Algarve, Portugal. Just for I’d probably wanna walk out OMD, Gary Numan... CHILL OUT chilling, I’ve been a couple of times to ‘Shadowboxing’. Being with my children, I’ve got my DRIVES with my family. FILMS two boys and two girls. My older New shape BMW 3 series, it’s the SUPPORTS I’m old skool so I used to check for daughter dances to some of my limited edition, all silver, silver MADDEST CITY Man Utd. films starring Charlton Heston, Kirk stuff, we’ve done a video of bumpers, 18” alloys, on-board Reykjavik, when I landed it looked Douglas, those men were proper ‘Something Out There’ and she computer. The only thing it doesn’t like the moon. Like ‘What the DJ GEAR heroes. As a kid growing up, they goes mad so I’m gonna get her do is wank, it does everything else. fuck’s going on over here?’ They Just my jeans and a sleeveless were like the icons. Spartacus and in my next one. got some mad clubs and everyone top. Like a tanktop so you’re films like that. Bad boy films. LOVE TO DRIVE piles out when they’re finished and always chilled and you’re hands RINSE OUT Ferrari 355 Spider convertible. In drinks in the street, it’s crazy. are free. A lot of times when GADGET Just going out for a good meal and the limited edition blue with cream. you play you have to be careful I suppose it’s my wallet. Even watching a good DVD. I love my It’s all about the LTD right now. SPORTS wearing sleeves because they get though as silly as it sounds, for surround sound. ‘Crouching Tiger’ Love football, like boxing. Saw Nas in the way. years I’ve always run about with is a bad boy film! I like all martial CLUB lose but he’s an idiot. You can be envelopes of money. So it’s arts films and sci-fi. The End’s good, Fabric’s good, so cocky but you gotta out punch. JEWELLERY practical and I know where it is on is Movement on a Thursday. I’m I did karate for about ten years and Probably my bracelet. And my me [laughs]. The BMW’s got no DREAM COLLABORATIONS going on sound here. my son does it as well. I got to rings. And my chain. They all kinda pathfinder but I’ve been driving Mary J Blige, Ice Cube, Ice T. brown belt, two before black. Then go hand in hand really [laughs]. for so many years it’s like a sixth Any of them. CLUB ABROAD music, birds and fast cars came sense. Give me an address and Australia; nine times out of ten the along and that was it. PERSONAL FAVOURITE TUNE a roundabout destination and I CHART TUNE sound in the clubs is wicked. I don’t really rate any of my tunes, can get there. I’m really do like Jay Z’s ‘Hustler LENNOX OR TYSON I’m always looking for the next Baby’. DJ EXPERIENCES Tyson, he’s an animal. Lennox one. I’ve had quite a few hits UK PROS When I was younger I was playing isn’t English anyway, he’s a but you just move on, don’t you? I think cos it’s so cold and grim and ONE ALBUM on three decks and I took off the Canadian so I don’t want to hear I can’t be critical of music cos horrible, there’s a lot of very com- Coldplay, those boys are firing. record that was playing and the anything about that. 74 KNOWLEDGE
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