Jan
05.
Dec
22.
Blu Mar Ten, formed in the 90’s in the infancy of Drum and Bass, have been described as originators of atmospheric drum and bass. Not confined to one genre they have produced work in a variety of genres producing no less than 2 albums outside the realm of Bass.
This year saw the release of their first entire drum and bass album, “Natural History” which has been a whirlwhind success topping a variety of dance music charts. We caught up with the boys to see how 2009 has been for them and what they have to say about dnb, djing and their future plans…
EXAMPLE: So guys first off, hows 2009 been for blu mar ten?
Chris: Busy and focused. One of our best years yet
EXAMPLE: Your new album “Natural History” has been causing a bit of a stir. What was the idea behind your album? what sort of statement did you want to make?
Leo: Broadly, we decided a while back to limit ourselves to a strict 170bpm template, veering away from the genre hopping we used to do. This limitation is a freedom so I think we’ve done better music and made progress faster. The album is the first batch of results from this new path.
Chris: Even though we’ve been making d&b since 1995, and despite this being our fourth album, we’d never made a proper d&b album from the bottom-up, so we thought it was about time. We didn’t want to make something that sounded like much other d&b that’s around, we just wanted to make something we were proud of. We don’t really care if it does or doesn’t fit with what else is going on in the d&b community, we’re much more interested in appealing to a broader audience than that.
EXAMPLE: Did you expect the reponse that it’s had?
Chris: We didn’t really know what to expect, but the response has been fantastic. It shot up the charts in all the online stores and it’s just been listed as one of the best dance albums of 2009 on iTunes..So yes, we’re pretty happy with that. I think the fact that we’ve been around a long time and written more music than just d&b has really helped us reach different sets of people, especially in places like the US where d&b isn’t very popular at all.
EXAMPLE: Where do you stand on the vinyl or cd or serato debate?
Chris: Really don’t care. It’s completely irrelevant to us. Personally I only play vinyl, and still cut dubplates because that’s what I love, but then Leo plays CDs because that’s what he likes. But it really doesn’t matter. People who worry about it really need something better to get worked up over.
EXAMPLE: You asked for some interesting questions and nothing gets peoples attention more than a bit of controversy, How do you feel about the “Bishigate controversy” a few weeks ago? .
Chris: Again, not really that bothered. The only problem I can see is a mismatch of expectation. i.e. If 500 people come to a club expecting to see one thing and you do something completely different then i think that’s a bit unfair. If people *knew* that you might be doing something different and had the choice about whether they want to pay to see it or not then I really don’t think there’s an issue. The reality is, (whether you like it or not), that outside of a few internet forums the vast majority of people who go out to clubs have no idea about this whole episode, and even if you told them they wouldn’t care. To most people, getting two records that sound more or less the same to run in time with each other is a complete non-event.
Personally I wouldn’t do it, but then I enjoy the whole chaotic process of mixing and performing, as opposed to objecting to it on some weird moral grounds.
Quite a few people started complaining about producers DJing and how they shouldn’t if they’re not very good, but this is one of the realities of our time. Piracy on the scale we have now is often justified on the grounds that producers should now make their money from performance as opposed to sales, and so we have people out on the road who, years ago, would have stayed in the studio making music which is what they’re best at. People often forget that there’s no actual link between sitting at a computer and making music, and getting up in front of a thousand people and smashing up a party – they’re completely different skills and just because you’re good at one there’s no reason at all that you should good at the other. So if you force people into a performance situation (which can be very nerve-wracking at times) things like this are going to crop up from time to time. It’s inevitable.
Solution? Support the producers by buying their music, then they won’t have to take gigs they don’t really want to do in order to make ends meet and the ‘good DJs’ can get on with doing what they do best.
EXAMPLE: How did Blu Mar Ten come about?
Chris: Leo & I met through a mate in 1995 and started putting tunes together. It worked really well and we had a release about 8 months after our first studio session. We sent some stuff to Bukem who liked what we were doing, and after we did a remix for Erykah Badu’s first single we got signed to Good Looking. I’d known Michael since around 1993 and when he moved to London he started sharing our studio and gradually became absorbed into Blu Mar Ten.
EXAMPLE: You branched out into other genres what made you want to spread your wings beyond drum and bass?
Leo: We always listened super widely and we still do. But listening widely and writing widely all the time aren’t necessarily the best paths. Hence the 170bpm comment earlier.
Chris: If you really like music and you enjoy making it you’re constantly looking for interesting new sounds and ways of working. Drum & bass isn’t so interesting that it can satisfy you completely so you need to branch out from time to time. I never really trust people who only listen to d&b…It just displays a bit of a lack of imagination. We pretty much never listen to d&b ourselves..there’s too much other interesting (and better) music out there.
EXAMPLE: Which labels and artists are doing it for you at this moment? also who can you see being the bright stars of 2010?
Chris: There are loads of bright stars out there right now. Newer names I’m enjoying at the moment are:
Darkstar “Aidys Girl’s a Computer”
Stray
Randomer
San.dra
Circa
Mr Sizef & Unquote
Vaccine
Ulterior Motive
Kharm
Jean Doe
and a whole load more…
Couple of mixes where you can hear some of their stuff:
http://www.blumarten.com/home/drum-bass-mix-sep-2009/
http://www.blumarten.com/home/exclusive-bmt-mix-kongkast/
http://www.blumarten.com/home/category/mixesandpodcasts/
Leo: Well, I can do the non DnB stuff. Recently liking:
CFCF “Call Girl”
Bibio “Bones & Skulls”
Wild Beasts “Hooting & Howling”
Jon Hopkins “A Drifting Down”
El Perro Del Mar “Change Of Heart”
EXAMPLE: What was the first ever piece of music you bought and also the last?
Leo: Blondie “Heart Of Glass” / Clipz “Download (Original Sin Remix)”
Michael: David Essex “A Winter’s Tale” and Kelly Clarkson’s album “All I Ever Wanted”
Chris: ‘Iko Iko’ The Belle Stars / ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ OST
EXAMPLE: Now that your album is out and youve been touring whats next?
Chris: We have a remix we’ve done for Bop coming out on Hospital early next year together with other reworkings of his stuff from Lynx and Subwave.
There’ll be the final single from our album coming out sometime as well – we’re just sorting out some remixes at the moment but it should be great if it all comes together.
And we’ve already started work on the next album which will be out….at some point in the distant future.
EXAMPLE: When can the mancunian fans next catch blu mar ten?
Chris: When a Mancunian promoter books us!
Dec
22.
Elite Force’s remix of Caspa’s remix of TC’s “Wheres My Money” is being given away for free download. Listen below and pick it up if you like it, I myself am a big fan of this one…
This giveaways comes ahead of Elite Force’s Album “Re:Vamped” released in february.
Expect a tour in the new year and lots more from Elite Force.
Expect a tour in the new year and lots more from Elite Force.
Dec
15.
photos from the Joker and Jack Beats refund event at Area 51 last thursday. Photos taken by the newest addition to the Example Family Chloe.
Dec
14.
I think even though this night is only 3 events old. It doesn’t really need any introduction. If you went to the last few you’ll know it lives completely upto its name. And if you havent got down to one yet then you need to make sure your on it on thursday. Check out the facebook event.
Also Skittles is playing at this one. Download his free prE.P on his website
Dec
13.
Our boy Dub Phizix has remixed a track of DRS’s forthcoming solo album entitled “Slow That Flow” already getting 1xtra airplay. This tune is a skanker…..
Check out Dub Phizix and DRS at our first birthday party in february…
Dec
10.
Example Magazine is one year old in January 2010. To celebrate there was no option but to have a massive birthday party. We made a few calls and we reckon weve got the lineup to make it go off!!! check it out below….
Alley Cat (Kokeshi, Esp, Feline)
This feline selectah is a force to be reckoned with on the decks. Founder of Kokeshi recordings and co manager of ESP Dj Agency.
Who somehow still finds time to jet around the world playing records. Comes all the way from London for this one. Expect a BIG set.
http://www.myspace.com/djalleycat
LUNG (Kokeshi, Aperture)
Alleycats first signing, 19 year old producer LUNG makes his manchester debut back to back with Alleycat. His first release Afterlife (Kokeshi 002) hits the shops on the 14th December. If you dont know about this man then get to know ASAP.
http://www.myspace.com/lungdub
BROKE’N'£NGLISH (estate recordings)
Do these boys really need any introduction???
If you honestly havent heard of them then you need to make sure that you dont miss this set. and click on their links.
http://broke-n-english.blogspot.com/
CHIMPO (sidestepper)featuring FOX
Manchesters Monkey Master Chimpo will be drawing for his executive CD wallet on this one. Guaranteed you will be stepping hard with your head in the sub when this boy steps up.
Especially with the vocal talents of FOX on top of it all. Two of the biggest men in Manchester in the booth together.
http://www.myspace.com/feedthechimp
VIRUS SYNDICATE (Contagious)
The biggest, baddest Grime collective in Manchester. NIKA D, JSD, GOLDFINGER and of course MRK1 will be hyping you up as we go into the closing stages of the party to make sure you definitely dont go home early.
http://www.myspace.com/virus_syndicate
DUB PHIZIX (Phizical Education)
One of Manchester’s hidden talents DUB PHIZIX Things are gonna get dark.
http://www.myspace.com/dubphizix
PALE (Phizical Education)
Local boy DJ PALE, one of the finest Drum and Bass djs in this city. Prepare to be educated.
HOSTED BY CHUNKY (Every Rave Ever)
Everyones favourite frontman will be hosting the whole evening.
http://www.myspace.com/mcrchunky
MC’s
SKITTLES (Contagious)
will be drinking from half a melon.
http://www.myspace.com/mankunion
MAD RUSH (Viper, Chibuku, Ape)
The man himself coming at you L I V E
http://www.myspace.com/madrushmc
SUBLIMINAL (Subsonik Records, Bass Camp)
Record label mogul
http://www.myspace.com/subsonikrecords
LONGMAN (Phizical Education )
Manchester veteran dnb MC
Dec
10.
Manchester Lyricist Skittles is back on the scene in 2010. Get a free sneak preview of his forthcoming album “suspended sentence” arriving in the new year. He is giving away four tunes for free download on his website below…
Well its the last issue of our first year. Its gone a bit quick I must say. Thanks to everyone whos locked onto what were doing in the last year. Its been sick. We’ve got a few big things to come before the years out though. and a LOT more things coming for you in 2010. We are putting the finishing touches to our brand spanking new website. Which will be launching on our new address www.examplemagazine.com in the new year. We’ve also announced our First Birthday Party on the 4th february at Roadhouse. Which should help us celebrate our first 12 issues in style. Keep locked people 
2010 is gonna be large. But for now party like its 2009.
Nov
30.
Heres some more pictures from our friends in cardiff at APERTURE check them out on facebook…
Nov
30.
Nov
26.
the elusive @industryhater has been causing a bit of a stir on twitter by anonymously starting arguments with, as you can probably guess people of “the industry”. All sorts of people are guessing who he is. Apparently all will be revealed on the 28th of december.
Check the interview…
Example : Were you always an Industry hater? Or is it just since youve been on Twitter?
Industryhater : IM ONLY THE INDUSTRYHATER ON TWITTER, IM SOMEONE ELSE OUTSIDE OF THE PC
EXAMPLE: Why do you hate the Industry and what made you want to start telling everyone?
Industryhater : THE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO BE BOUGHT DOWN TO EARTH, PPL NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SHADY GOINGS ON AND THE GAS THATS BLOWN UP THESE ARTISTS ASS
EXAMPLE: Who do you hate the most and why?
Industryhater : PROFESSOR GREEN WRETCH32 SCORCHER AND ANY ONE BLOCKS ME COZ THEY THINK THERE TOO BIG!
EXAMPLE: Is there anyone you dont hate?
Industryhater : I DONT HATE WILEY
EXAMPLE: Is it all a big joke or do you actually hate everyone?
Industryhater : SO YOUR SAYING SPENDING ALL THAT TIME IS A JOKE? I DO NOT LIKE THE PPL I PAR, WELL NOT ALL OF THEM
EXAMPLE: Outside of the Industry are there any other things which you hate?
Industryhater : I HATE CONGESTION CHARGE GRRRR!!
EXAMPLE: Some people have been saying your really called “Matt” and they know your address? are you worried about being identified?
Industryhater : LOL WHY DONT THEY COME TO “MATTS” HOUSE THEN, HOLD HIM DOWN AND SEE IF THE INDUSTRYHATER IS STILL NOT TWEETING LOL
EXAMPLE: Do you think anything would happen to you if you were identified?
Industryhater : YOU’LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE, DEC 28TH
EXAMPLE: Whats your objective as the industry hater?
Industryhater : BECAUSE OF ME ALOT OF PPL ARE NOW REALISING THESE ARTISTS ARE NOT UN-REACHABLE SUPERSTARS AND UNTOUCHABLE AS THEY MAKE OUT TO BE
, YOU WILL FIND SCORCHER AT THE LOCAL TESCO N NOT HARRODS YOU WILL SEE CHARLIE SLOTH AT THE MACDONALDS AND YOU WILL FIND PROFESSOR GREEN GETTING ROBBED IN A CAMDEN HOUSE PARTY,
EXAMPLE: Any other people you hate and why?
Industryhater : Leona Lewis?
CAUSE SHE HAS NOT PULLED ANY OTHER FACE APART FROM THAT HALF ASS’D SMILE, SHES NOT COCKY BUT SHES NOT HUMBLE EITHER SHE HAS AN “IM-NOT-THAT-GREAT-AT-WHAT-I-DO-BUT-EVERYONE-LOVES-ME-ANYWAY TYPE OF FACES
EXAMPLE: Thanks a lot Industry hater any shouts?
Industryhater : dont forget to subscribe to my youtube channel industryhater
http://www.industryhater.com/industryhater
DEC 28TH! TAKE THAT!
SAFE
Nov
26.
6 months on from when we first featured Subdepth Records things are taking off with vinyl release 3 featuring blinding tracks from manchester local boy Biome and the man Dom HZ. As well as that head honcho Prime has launched the Digital Imprint of Subdepth.
SUBD003 has had strong DJ support from Rusko, Starkey, Zed Bias, 501, Synkro, Indigo, Komonazmuk, Chimpo, Borgore, Fused Forces, 6blocc, Walsh, Vista, Afterdark, Orien, Rossi b & Luca, Stagga, Gomes, Nick Argon, Monkey, Superisk, Djinn, Taz Buckfaster and many more…
AUDIO: http://www.myspace.com/subdepthrecords
Available now on Vinyl and Digital formats from all good stores.
Juno http://www.juno.co.uk/ppps/products/374497-01.htm
Chemical http://www.chemical-records.co.uk/sc/servlet/Info?Track=SUBD003
Redeye http://www.redeyerecords.co.uk/asp/RecordLabel.asp?Label=2855
Beatport https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/home/detail/1/beatport#app=7ef5&a486-index=4
Nov
25.
Make sure you get your arse down to Broke n English Ballin On A Budget Party tomorrow night at Mint Lounge, Example Photographers will be down there
CHEAP RUM
£2 FOR LADS
Free FOR GIRLS
Nov
25.
Texas based DnB label Warm Communications founded in 2000 has been releasing Original, Leftfield drum and bass from the likes of Seba, Polar, Fanu, Equinox, Martsman and more. Last year they released their first LP by Polar. Their latest Wax release WARM015 by Seba is currently out on promo. No prizes for guessing what we’ve got on the way 
.
Check out their releases here….
http://www.myspace.com/warmcommunications
http://www.digital-tunes.net/labels/warm_communications/3
and well have something interesting for you very soon.
Nov
25.
Our homies at MINDSET’s latest release hit the stores this week. Im no writer and Indigo doesnt do press releases so i guess its upto you to make your own mind up what the tunes sound like. Listen to them here and then buy them 
Top two tunes on the myspace player…. http://www.myspace.com/mindsetlabel
Nov
24.
Nov
24.
I caught up with the mysteriously named SawtoothSam from Brostepforum.com on behalf of Example Magazine on AIM to find out from the top what brostep is? why theres a forum? and what else the man has to say check it out below…
Interview by ELLIE BROWNING
Nov
24.
DJ Vapour, a household name to many a drum & bass fanatic, this guy has been absolutely smashing the scene for quite some time now. Being very open minded towards the creation of music, he has a vision to create ‘innovative’ drum & bass. Therefore his style is quite different from the ‘generic’ sound of drum & bass that can sometimes stem from producers trying to get a sound like ‘that producer’.
Vapour gets consistent airplay on commercial and independent radio stations such as Radio 1, 1Xtra and Kiss FM. Many of his tracks will often be heard on dancefloors across the globe as he has support from some of the biggest DJs in the scene including Andy C, Hype, Shy FX, Randall, Goldie, Bailey, Storm and Ray Keith to name but a few.
Now working on his own record label 36 Hertz, the future is looking very bright for this DJ/producer from Berkshire. Example caught up with him to see what’s going on.
Jonty (Example) – Safe Vapour, can you introduce yourself and give the readers a bit of background information about yourself?
DJ Vapour – EZ I’m Mike/ DJ Vapour. I run 36 Hertz recordings which is just over 1 year old now as well as producing tracks for other dnb labels such as 31 Records, Intasound, Dread Recordings , Rufige and Mac 2 to name but a few. I’ve been producing since 2001 and DJ’ing since 1991 i am currntly concentrating on my label 36 hertz but there is a few releases coming out on other labels over the next few months aswell.
Jonty (Example) – So how did you initially get into the drum & bass scene?
DJ Vapour – I got passed a Devious D mix tape by a mate when I was at school which really got me switced onto dance music. From that I started buying records, then bought my first set of decks and never looked back.
Jonty (Example) – How did you make the break into the scene?
DJ Vapour – My first main break was signing a tune to Bailey’s Intasound label, as Bailey really pushed my sound onto a lot of other DJ’s in the scene. This led me onto hooking up with Metalheadz. I did the first track on the first EP on the new label they set up called Rufige, and this also got me noticed by Randall who i now work with in the studio as “The Mysterons” . Bailey and Randall have both done a lot for me over the past few years, always pushing my sound in the clubs and giving me valuble feedeback on most of my tunes.
Jonty (Example) – What would you describe your main style as?
DJ Vapour – I’ve been pushing a more bass heavy sound over the years as I have always loved bass and actually started to make my own tracks because it was something that I noticed was missing as everyone had started to switch over to digital studios, which I think really takes the phat warm bass out of tracks over the past couple of years. I have been pushing the more jungle vibe a lot more. This is from working a lot with Serum and linking with a few other like minded producers (Bladerunner, Madd and Hades).
Jonty (Example) – Yes mate, it’s all about the analogue sounds in drum and bass! Who would you describe as your main influences and why?
DJ Vapour – My main influences are old dnb / jungle tracks, as that is what I spend most of my time listening to. I don’t really get a lot of time to check much new dnb, but I do catch a vibe from producers such as Serum, Bladerunner, Jaydan, HLZ, Lutin, Roughcut and Skitty. These are the main producers that I feel are pushing new ideas and working some decent vibes into thier tunes, these days not a lot of people can push an original sound with some decent vibes in but I think these are the main producers who really do capture something different from the rest of the producers out there.
Jonty (Example) – I hear you, a lot of dnb these days seems to be very generic ‘cut and paste’ productions, original tunes are always very welcome. You mentioned earlier about your label 36 Hertz. This seems to be going really strong at the moment. How’s it going for you?
DJ Vapour – The label has really suprised me as it’s only been going for just over a year and already we have achieved some big releases. The last release hit number 1 in the Dnb Arena Download Chart and number 2 in the BBC Dnb Vinyl Chart which for a relatively new label with a non existant advertising budget is quite a big deal! It’s looking like the “Back to the Bass” LP is going to sell even better than that release going on the feedback we are getting from record stores already. I am really concentrating on pushing the label now and have a very good group of artists making music for us so things are looking really good for next year. We already have an EP in the works and then hopefully I’ll be dropping my debut artist LP in the summer months, if i get it finished hahaha! I think the label has developed it’s own sound and from that a lot of producers have approached us with music that they have made specificly for 36 Hertz which is an amazing thing to me as it’s great that we are giving producers a good vibe to work from.
Jonty (Example) – What’s your favourite tune at the moment then?
DJ Vapour – Too many to name but one hahaha! My top 5 top tunes that I’m drawing for every set would be, in no order:
Lutin – Pimp My
HLZ – Clash Dub
Skitty – Fire Town
Taktix – The Way (Serum Remix)
Jaydan – Sumting 4 da Mandem
Jonty (Example) – What are your main interests other than DJ’ing / producing?
DJ Vapour – As well as spending time with my family I’m a bit of a PS3 junky and currently have been getting into Modern Warfare 2 quite heavily. Apart from that I spend pretty much all my time in the studio, I work 9 till 7 then 8 – 10 in the studio Monday to Friday, then weekends are mostly spent DJ’ing or resting. My schedule is pretty relentless but you have to work hard in life to get to the top!
Jonty (Example) – Haha, I know about your Modern Warfare addiction from all your facebook status’s!!! Schedule sounds pretty hectic though, how do you manage to juggle family life with playing out and the whole drum & bass scene in general?
DJ Vapour – I’m very lucky in the fact that my girlfriend is a brilliant mother and looks after our twins without me most of the time. She supports me 100% which is something that I’m very lucky to have, I dont think I would be as motivated as I am if I didn’t have her nagging me to get on with work. She also runs the 36 Hertz DJ agency – http://www.36hertz.com/index.php?page=agency and keeps on top of various other bits and pieces of my life.
Jonty (Example) – Sounds like your a very lucky man! What’s next for yourself and 36 Hertz then?
DJ Vapour – Our next release is of course the “Back to the Bass” LP featuring tracks from myself , Bladerunner, HLZ and Steppa & Ktcha. That is out on the 30th of November so I’m pretty much full on with the promotion of that at the minute. After that drops we will be having a break for Christmas and new year, then we should be dropping a 2×12″ vinyl EP around April time. I’ll then be working towards my LP which will hopefully come out over the summer. Outside of 36 Hertz im always working on new music for other labels as well.
Jonty (Example) – Sounds good. Any shout outs?
DJ Vapour – Just a big sount to all the heads buying and supporting mine and 36 Hertz releases. Without you guys we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so many thanks to each and every one of you!
Jonty (Example) – Anything you want to add before we wrap up the interview?
DJ Vapour – Only that every one should come and sign up to the new 36 Hertz website at www.36hertz.com. We have 11 FREE tracks from all of our artists as well as studio tips ,FREE ringtones, sample packs and our members get to buy TEST PRESSES of all of the releases on the label direct from us months before they hit the stores! Also, don’t forget that if you want to book any of our artists then please do contact the agency on 36thagency@gmail.com.
Jonty (Example) – Finally, marmite, love it or hate it?
DJ Vapour – Hate it !!!!
Jonty (Example) – Fair enough! Cheers Vapour.
36 HERTZ RECORDINGS – www.36hertz.com
DIGITAL SOUNDBOY / 31 RECORDS / RUFIGE / INTASOUND / EASTSIDE / INNERACTIVE / CIA / DREAD / 36TH CHAMBER / DEEPKUT / MAC II / STEP BACK SESSIONS / BOUNCE RECORDS UK / BASEMENT RECORDS / CRITICAL / TOM & JERRY
Nov
23.
Last week we went to see Contradictions a new solo show at Contact Theatre starring Frisko Dan, founder of Freestyle mondays and prolific Manchester Lyricist/ poet. We asked our Friend Alex of Pace Grey Productions to review it in a text, heres what he sent us…..
Ali Gadema is a mutli-talented performer. Utilising his skills as both an emcee and actor, he delivers an onslaught of raw lyrics, beatboxing and a narrative of a dissolusioned youth that only screams social realism. Contradictions is brave, fresh and original. A must See!!!
Photo By Rachel Adams: www.racheladamsphotography.com
Nov
20.
Our boy “A Bridge Far Away” is giving away the grievious angel remix of the track Drift featuring Indi Kaur check it out and stick it on your pod…
to find out more about “”ABFA” get on these links…
Theres another FREE REMIX on the mans myspace….
www.myspace.com/abridgefaraway
Nov
17.
Some Photographs from Hospitality at Aperture, Cardiff courtesy of Jonas Photography
Nov
16.
As of Friday Domu has canceled his gigs and officially left the drum and bass industry read his statement below posted on his blog…
The End
It’s over. I can’t go into the personal reasons, but of course will leave you some explanation as to how I got here. It feels a bit like walking away from a life of crime or the Mafia. I am Carlito, I have finally made the break from the old dangerous way of making a living. I just hope Benny from the Bronx doesn’t shoot me as I am boarding the last train out of here. The point is that I am no longer Domu. He is a character, always has been, and as of Friday 13th November 2009, he no longer exists. Neither does Umod, Sonar Circle, Bakura, Yotoko, Rima, Zoltar, Blue Monkeys, Realside or any of the other names I put out music under. I am cancelling all my gigs and not taking any more. My hotmail is closed, my Twitter is closed and my Facebook is closed. If any of you want to talk to me and know me well enough to have my mobile number then that is still the same, and please feel free to call any time. My other email address I mail from occasionally is still open to tie up any loose ends.
I had started to change, for the worse I am now sure. My confusion was growing, my insecurity and bitterness getting out of hand, a lack of creative direction and focus were leading me somewhere very dark. I have felt so depressed by all of this. Believe me I have searched my soul long and hard this year to find the reasons again why I do this, but I can’t locate them. Too much of ‘me’ is mixed up into all of this, and no one should ever give so much of himself or herself to a job. I once believed in all of it, that I made and played music for a certain type of person, for people who didn’t want to adhere to the ‘normal’ way of life, the free thinker, the independent or open minded type who was bored of the genres, the staples, the blueprints or the formulae. The underground. But I just don’t truly believe I am needed in this battle anymore. It has been passed down to another generation, who are doing it their way, and I have no desire to try and edge in and start proclaiming to be fighting a fight that is no longer mine. I am a 31-year-old man. I can’t claim to be holding a torch up to something that meant so much to me at 15. At 21, maybe. But now, after ten years going full time, I think I have said all I had to say. My creative light has dimmed. Maybe because I started so early, who can tell? But I feel satisfied that this is it.
I have had an amazing time. I’ve travelled the world, drank and partied and made a decent living out of entertaining people throughout all of my 20’s. I met some incredible people in cities I never dreamed I would visit, shared my thoughts and collected wisdom from a huge range of deeply profound and lovely people. But I have also met some real arseholes, and I could feel I was becoming one. Playing records I wasn’t sure I liked to people who had no idea who I was. I had gone cold, cold to the music, to the reactions and to the point of it all. I was changing what I thought I liked, so that I would be liked. I am not a chameleon. I am not Madonna, I can’t stay abreast of the current styles and keep changing with it just to stay in fashion or retain some kind of credible status or career. I have had my moment. If you know me well, you would have sensed a change in me over the last two years. I have always suffered with problems of confidence, but I know that’s not why I am throwing in the towel. I feel like I have to change so much of what I think is ‘me’ to carry on. What I believe in, how to talk to people, how to behave. I just don’t think I can be so arrogant and harsh to stand out anymore. There is so much noise out there that people have to shout louder and louder to be heard. And for what? I am beating myself up over something I no longer believe in for an income that is stressfully patchy and more often than not, very low.
I used to say I owed it to ‘the fight’ to keep going. My belief in that has waned over the last few years too. Yes we needed Coltrane to go against the grain, to sacrifice his well-being and life to create beautiful art. We needed all of them, creative and unique beings burning brightly in our souls, our influences and idols that created the music and the movements that can provide us with sanity, sanctuary and meaning through our confusing lives. But music has lost some of it’s meaning to me as a medium. It’s everywhere; everyone is making it, playing it, giving it away, and trying to make a living. So many people have a voice in it now it is hard to pick out what is cutting edge from what I actually truly feel. I have gotten numb to my life’s biggest passion, and I need to leave it for a while to see if I can ever get it back to how it was.
Some have attributed meaning and understanding to my some of my work. I know it is special to some people, and my message was understood by a few, which I am very grateful to have come to know over the years. I was lucky enough to catch a ride in it for a while, was recognised by some very special and talented people and I earned the respect of my peers and achieved a hell of a lot in a short space of time. There have been huge highs whilst playing music to all sorts of crowds, creating an atmosphere and being in control. I have felt the joy and adrenaline rush of the success, alongside the emptiness and despair of the empty club or the unresponsive floor. Now I recognise I have done all that, I need to put it all behind me and move on, and the only way to do that is to disappear. It has to end sometime, and as I keep saying, everything is finite. I don’t want to lose everything else in my life for this. I just don’t believe in it enough to make that sacrifice. The kids are fighting the battle now. I hope I influenced some of them, I know I have, and that gives me a sense of ease doing this. I haven’t wasted 10 years, I know I have bought joy and hope to many of the disenfranchised, the open-minded, the musical outsider or the devoted dancer. There are people creating things and using technology in a way that I am having to try and catch up to, but I no longer feel the desire to. They are doing it better than I ever could now. It’s their time, and mine has passed. You can either think I am being incredibly brave by admitting it or incredibly weak and stupid for stopping. But it’s just how I feel. I was going wrong in many aspects of my life, and I need to start making a change. I have no idea how long this piece will stay up, but this site won’t be here forever. Please feel free to copy and paste and pass on to preserve it, to let others know why I left, assuming anyone cares.
I have tears in my eyes now. I have so many people to thank for all the personal and professional support they have given me over the years, but I shall do that personally in time. But I want to thank everyone who has bought a song, paid an entrance fee, had a dance or just come up and spoke to me about life, music, the world or whatever. You have given me a dream-like blessed existence for many years. If I have inspired anyone, then I am a happy man. You all have certainly inspired me, and I want to use those years of travelling and sharing to good effect, not this anger and confusion I feel towards it all now. I need to find meaning to the next phase of my life. So I bid you all farewell. I am just too sensitive to keep up the façade of something that doesn’t feel right. I knew it would come someday, maybe some of you that knew me saw it too. I have so much love and respect for my peers and teachers that are carrying on with the struggle, and want the next generation to achieve the best they can for themselves and their art. I am just not a lifer. I’ve traded up, and I’m out.
I’ll leave you all with this. Life isn’t the X-Factor. No one has a God given right to his or her dream or ambitions coming true. I have worked hard and had some great luck. I followed some opportunities, squandered others. I have no regrets, other than not stopping when I knew I should have done this time last year. The only thing you have to guide you through your life is your instinct. Sometimes the right decision isn’t the easiest, but between your conscience and your intuition you will find the answer. Please listen to it. It’s you.
the statement on Domu’s Blog….
http://www.trebleo.co.uk/domu-weekly-blog/the-end/
Nov
16.
The guys at blind aura have done it again. congrats to hit and run for coming so far looking forward the next 3 years of mondays…
Nov
11.
We need you help!!! We are bidding to get a £10,000 grant from Umbro Industries to help us expand and improve Example Magazine. To be in with a chance of getting the grant we need people to give our idea five stars. For every hundred votes we get on the site we will give away a FREE 320 KBPS MP3 from a Manchester artist so get voting people. CLICK THE PHOTO TO VOTE…
Nov
11.
A couple of weeks ago one of Manchester’s premier nights, FORMAT made its return at MINT LOUNGE with two enormous names at the moment SILKIE and ONEMAN. You can always rely on FORMAT to come up with the goods when it comes to the underground and this night was no exception. Make sure you turn out to the next one!!!
Nov
10.
The warehouse project feat Panache, Bigz, Flexplicit, Shotty Horroh, Hypes, Xpress, Thoralis & Strategy.
HIGHRISE bring their second free mixtape to example mag. THE WAREHOUSE PROJECT ! Just a little payback to everyone who’s supported the sickness video so far. We like to pay you back with free music. check the vid out below if you have yet to see Sickness! directed by our friends at blindaura pictures and click the artwork to download the mixtape!
Also check out…
36 HERTZ & HIGHRISE ENTERTAINMENTS FREE DRUM N BASS MIX TO DOWNLOAD FROM DJ VAPOUR, HOSTED BY PANACHE! JUST CLICK THE ARTWORK
Nov
10.
Only a year ago did Context MC explode onto the music scene with his ‘Dialectics EP’ and since then things have been mutating in front of him. Context has had air play on BBC Radio1 and 1Xtra, released several EPs, performed alongside some of the biggest names in music including Caspa, Rusko, Joker, Andy C, Bloc Party, Dizzee Rascal, Shy FX and many more. Context’s first major single, Is It (Rat Attack Mix), released in March this year received maximum airplay on 1Xtra and was included in the Best of HomeGrown podcast and he raved at the Beach Break Live Festival. Not too bad for a Norwich lad without a plan. With the release of his newest EP, ‘Mental Breakdown Music’ I caught up with Context in between his busy schedule to get the latest on the Context MC breakout!
Example: First of all, when were you first infected by music?
Context: When I was born. My Dad used to be in a band, my older brother was musical, and music was always on in the house. So yeah, since forever really. Like most things, it kinda went in waves; I loved rock when I was really young, then I basically listened to only hip hop the entire time I was school, and then in the last few years I got introduced to drum and bass and dubstep, so now it’s just a mix of all of those!
Example: Do you ever play around with your own beats or have you got some sick producers behind you?
Context: To start with I made all my own beats. But it kinda had two purposes – the first was that no one was sending me beats as obviously no one knew what I could do so I had to make them, but also, it gave me creative control. I’m not the worlds greatest producer though, so when Vermin started working with me, I let my beats take a back seat and his take the lead! But yeah, I still offer ideas up to him in terms of direction and beat ideas and luckily he’s really cool with taking the ideas on board and going with them which is important.
Example: Innit, its good how you like to get involved with your beats though. When it comes to what genre you fall into, it seems you have this Dub-Hop sound, a strain off dub step, where do you think that came from?
Context: Well I know where it came from: I made it up!
Example: Ha ha! Really?
Context: Yeah. Really. It was me and my brother. He made the beats with me and came up with it. Coz my music is not really dubstep, nor hip hop, nor grime…. so Dub Hop just kinda fit it perfectly! So yeah, if people wonder where Dub Hop came from, its Context MC! I wanted to embody the affiliation I have with hip hop, as opposed to just being like a grime MC spitting over dubstep, which was never really the direction I was going for. Plus its deliberately open ended. I mean, I’ll still have dubstep in the driving seat, but electro, trance, dance, and hiphop and others, will all be passengers in the musical vehicle.
Example: Hope you can fit them all in or will one be chillin in the boot?! You hear a lot more dubstep collaborations nowadays. Chimpo and Mrk1 have a few beats that use hip hop tracks mixed with dubstep (Totally Unauthorized album – filthy tunes!) so can see where you see the appeal. But what has changed since you first came out with your EP ‘The Catalyst’? Has your style of spitting changed?
Context: You did your research! Ha. Yeah, that was my first real attempt at MC’ing really about 3 years ago. That was wholly hip hop – just me spitting over US beats. The entire direction has completely shifted. Whilst the idea of being lyrically complex for integrity remains, the delivery has altered. I mean, for me, every CD I do is a reflection of my life at that moment. That kinda explains the variations across them. When I did ‘The Catalyst’, I had been booted out of home, was smoked out all the time, and basically just had Wu-Tang records on repeat for months! So the music reflects that. When ‘Dialectics’ came round, I had found other uses for my time, but, in a similar vein you could say (!), and found DnB and dubstep, which again was reflected in the music. Now, my life is stupidly manic, I’m more musically mature, and basically just comfortable with doing exactly what I want, and ‘Mental Breakdown Music’ reflects that. Music’s a process not a result.
Example: Yeah man, music is always evolving. You’ve recently released your new EP ‘Mental Breakdown Music’, what reaction have you had from it?
Context: It’s been amazing actually. The first two singles have both caused a big stir – Is It, and, As the Sun Goes Down. The radio play has been wicked, and obviously I’m in the middle of my tour at the minute with dates all over the UK sharing the bill with Joker, Caspa, Rusko, Andy C, Rob Sparx, Bar 9, Distance and others. The reassuring thing is that I have done all this on my own. The radio play with no pluggers, the gigs with no PR, the press with no middle man. Its time consuming but I’ve got my own operation going on. Obviously, the time will come for serious plugging and all the rest that goes along with that, but for now, I’m proud to say that everything I’m getting comes from me, going out and getting it myself because I want it! And yeah, I’m glad I put the EP up as free download version alongside the CD release. It’s had seriously so many downloads in its first month! I’m really pleased about that.
Example: Big yourself up Context! You seem to be causing a lot of damage on the Norwich music scene…how have you seen it grown, and has it aided you?
Well, I’ve only been really doing the music thing for the last 18 months, so it’s hard to say how I’ve seen it grown as it’s all pretty new to me. But, the amount of club nights seems to have gone through the roof. There are some wicked promoters in Norwich (Get Low, Damage, POW, Dance Club etc…) and a lot of the lads are really encouraging with what I do and are keen to get me involved, which obviously is amazing. It helps to have where you live on your side! So yeah, there are wicked acts being booked every month, and I seem to do pretty well with local bookings with a mixture of both hosting and live performing which is great.
Example: Who are your biggest influences?
Anything poignant. Sentiment matters. I like dark brooding stuff. ‘The Infamous’ is still my favourite album of all time I reckon, so I like that depictive bleakness. Anyone who flows well and pulls you in. I like vocal instruments as opposed to just saying words over the top of music… Kinda vague I know!
Example: Anyone in particular you would love to collab with?
Lots of people I think. The time will come for that. The process needs to be organic and right. I tend to think things will just happen if you let them, so we’ll see…
Example: Not a planner then! A lot more underground artists are getting recognition and success in the UK charts like Tinchy and Chipmunk (who has the number 1 album at the moment) you have already had airplay on Radio 1 and 1Xtra, do you see yourself getting to their level?
No doubt. I would never apologise for an aspiration like that too. I know commercial success can get equated with failure by some, but success isn’t concretely defined – it is what you make it. Some might see success as having their track played in their local nightclub, some might see getting a Radio1 play as success… It is what you want it to be. I wanna be massive, and think I will be. We’ll have to see though. I’m realistic though about music being a bit like throwing a dice and just crossing your fingers….
Example: Ha you seem to leave a lot up to fate! What other MCs, producers, DJs do you see poisoning the nation?
Context: By that I guess you mean poisoning in a good way – not as in giving everyone Ricin! Haha. MC wise; Double S. He’s nuts. Giggs is doing a lot too. Producers and DJ’s – wow, so many. Just today I’ve been downloading some amazing mixes by Doc Scott, so that’s heavy. Vermin. Logistics. Tons of people!
Example: You haven’t released any mixtapes, whys that because it is the usual thing for MCs like yourself to bring out several mixtapes before their albums.
Context: It comes down to the quality over quantity debate. I could release a mixtape every few months with 20 or more tracks. Instead, I’ve released three EP’s in 18 months, where all of the tracks are thought out, well constructed tunes and I prefer it that way. Not for nothing have the only four tunes I ever sent to radio, all had national airplay on Radio 1 and 1Xtra. I’m going to do a form of a mixtape with a recording of one of my live shows I hope. Gonna try and sort that out soon. And yeah, a little free downloadable mixtape could be in the pipeline. But I wanna make hits, not tracks.
Example: All ready for the road to stardom! With your car packed with dubstep, d&b, electro and more! Where’s Context heading for the end of 2009 and 2010 then?
Context: Ha, yeah…Only Forward. I’m rounding out my tour with dates in Norwich, Bristol and Bournemouth, and a few other bits here and there. I just wanna keep pushing really. I want as many people as possible to hear the EP, and just see what I’m about really. There’s only one direction I guess….
Example: Big! What mad antics do you get up to when you are not promoting?
Context: Raving and work. That’s about it. Uni takes up a load of my time so it’s a bit tricky to have such a madly split focus, but it’s a juggling act I’ve kept up fairly well so far!
Example: Where would you go if you broke out from a mental hospital! (bit random I know!)
Context: Ha ha. That is a bit random! I really have no idea actually – home?! Ha. No idea!
Example: Any shout outs?
Context: Charlie B, Wil, and everyone and anyone who supports what I’m doing. From booking me, to playing me on your CD player in your bedroom. It’s all madly appreciated.
And yeah, if you want to get ‘Mental Breakdown Music’, head over to:
Check Context MC on these sites for free downloads, tour dates and a bit of bed time reading:
http://www.myspace.com/contextmc
Words by Cassie
Photos By Rogue Photography
Nov
09.
Skittles has been quiet for a while but hes on the way back to the underground now. check out his new Video Diary more to come shortly. With a few free downloads on the way for now check out his myspace…
Nov
07.
Its taken a bit of battling with youtube but its finally here EXAMPLE TV. Our first upload is a video interview with Alleycat check it out, lots and lots more things to come…
Nov
07.
Nov
04.
First of all weve been assaulted by the video for the new Rihanna tune produced by chase and status. I dont think i really need to pass comment on this youll know when you watch it….
the second is this freaky guy trying to explain why he loves Skream found on Skream’s twitter….
Nov
03.
Nov
03.
Genotype is a name that has been in drum and bass for a long time. Recently hes been hitting us hard with some tunes which are almost TOO bassy haha jokes you can actually never have enough bass. We thought we’d catch up with him and see what he had to say about his tunes and the scene…
EXAMPLE- So Genotype For people that don’t know tell us a bit about yourself…
GENOTYPE- Im a music producer, Steelpan performer/Tutor. My main field of producing is drum and bass. Ive recorded with many labels such as Renegade Hardware, Moving Shadow, Reinforced and many others. Ive been making music since i was 13. I begged my mum for a casio keyboard I saw in the shop window. I started making some tunes on there. Everything started to develop there really. I got into music sequencing.
EXAMPLE- As a producer youve got a rich heritage and varied back catalogue. How come the Genotype sound went quiet for a while?
GENOTYPE- I started noticing a change in the music and wasnt really feeling it.
EXAMPLE- Your making tunes again now and your part of the new wave of producers who are making what is starting to be described as deep/ minimal/ techy tunes. Are these words that you would use to describe your sound?
GENOTYPE- Well yeah and no, I do musical stuff also. I will try any sound
EXAMPLE – How come your style changed so much in recent years from some of the jungle tunes you were making a couple of years ago and the really dark stuff your making now?
GENOTYPE- Well as a musician I go by what i feel. I wouldnt say Ive changed my style.
EXAMPLE- What can we expect from you in the near future?
GENOTYPE- DJing needs to be a priority. Im working towards that. Making more phat beats
EXAMPLE – As a producer who cant DJ in the traditional sense of the word (ie beatmatching vinyls) whats your opinion on the whole Mistabishi controversy which has been all over the net in the last few days?
GENOTYPE- I dont know about it and I dont do contraversy or politics hahaha
EXAMPLE- How would you describe the Drum and Bass and Dubstep scene in your opinion at the moment? Especially since the dubstep explosion in recent months?
GENOTYPE – I think its the only music where you can try amazing things in terms of twisting up sounds and beatz. There so much you can do.
EXAMPLE – Where can you see it going in the next few years?
GENOTYPE- Just getting bigger and bigger
EXAMPLE- Finally what tunes can you not live without at the moment?
GENOTYPE- Way too many to mention
EXAMPLE- Any shouts?
GENOTYPE- I usualy get moans from people when i leave them out haha so im gonna say big up to all my supporters Djs producer etc
check out more from genotype in out mix vault and on his myspace…
Nov
02.
Back to Bass LP Review
36 Hertz has been on the scene for around a year now, set up in 2008 by Vapour to fill a ‘gap in the market’ for the more bass heavy sound that a lot of new, upcoming producers were creating at the time.
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With the ethos of getting newer producers tracks released, 36 Hertz has become very successful from their first release, Vapour – Sting In The Tail/Hades (36HTZ001).
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In June 2009 we saw the release of Vapour – Paper Cuts, an absolute anthem in it’s own right. This tune helped rais 36 Hertz’s profile greatly and received a lot of support from drum and bass’s biggest names.
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After all this success it was only right that Vapour released an album which showcased 36 Hertz’s tunes, new and old. The album is due for release on 4 vinyl LP, 12 track CD and download. Here’s a little sneak peak into what it has to offer.
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Vapour – Cut Paper
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This tune is essentially a VIP of the dancefloor smasher, Paper Cuts. With a huge intro with them stabby synths you will all recognise, you know you are in for an absolute treat. When it drops your invited with some very heavy bass mimicking the sound of the synths. As with most VIP’s, the changes from the original are very subtle but equally very welcome, Paper Cut’s is the sort of tune that really does need very little doing to it and I’m sure when Cut Paper gets released it will be just as big, if not bigger.
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Vapour – Step in the Gutter
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This tune perfectly displays the way dubstep and drum & bass have been running so closely together in the scene recently. Many big drum & bass producers, such as Chase & Status and Nero, have been producing dubstep recently proving that the two scenes can exist ultimately as one and Vapour has definitely perfected this idea here. A very atmospheric introduction with plenty of sound effects, reverbs and almost hypnotic vocal samples sets the pace for things to come. When it drops you are greeted with a very heavy, solid bassline with a lot of sub, guaranteed to make your hair stand on end on a big system. This tune is a roller, quite repetetive but still managing to stay interesting with its spacious drums and various haunting sound effects popping up every now and then. One for all the dubstep heads and drum & bass heads alike.
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Bladerunner – Mercenary Dub
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Much like many tunes on this album, this one shows off 36 Hertz main focus at the moment, jungle. Very oldskool drums set things off, followed by an instantly recognisable ragga vocal just before the drop. The bass is also reminiscent of the jungle era, cutting through the mix alongside the rolling drums very nicely. Overall this tune really does capture the jungle vibe but has been brought bang up to date, with production techniques heard in a lot of very upfront tunes. A very polished tune.
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Vapour – Natty Rocker
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As the name suggests, another oldskool style track, the drums at the start are pure jungle, with a very tight, pitched up snare and punchy kicks. A nice, chilled intro, with sampled vocals and brass, then as the drums come in, energy is introduced into the track before the drop when you are treated to a laid back bassline with no ‘wobble’ in sight. After a short breakdown a second, harder hitting bassline comes in, making sure the crowd get smashed about a bit if they haven’t already!
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HLZ – Clampdown
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Massive tune, this one has been doing the rounds for a while now. A real euphoric intro, with layered pads and synths lull you into a false sense of security. Just before the drop the pads pitch down and you are hit by a very techy, glitchy bassline, with enough weight to have your head off! The breakdown is very uplifting, again feeling like a different tune, you almost forget what is about to hit you at the second drop. Drums are very snappy and hold the whole track together perfectly.
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Vapour – Transmission
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This ones quite a minimal track, but the bass definitely keeps your attention. 36 Hertz really seem to make sure that every track has a weighty bassline and at the end of the day, most drum & bass heads are bass worshipers so I think it will be very welcome. A strange synth starts the track off with rides and hi-hats setting the pace. A ‘bleep’ sample heard in Paper Cuts can also be heard. The drop is heavy, and the drums are rolling and simple. This tune is most definitely all about the bass and can be compared with other minimal tunes such as Hazard – Wicked So.
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Steppa & Kitcha – Romper Stomper
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Again, another tune with a slightly jungly vibe, this genre is seriously becoming massive at the moment! A simple intro, with a very simplistic but weighty bassline at the drop. Every now and then your treated to an oldskool rave stab which will definitely appeal to all the 90s ravers out there. The tune seens to effortlessly roll on with very nice vocal samples scattered throughout.
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Vapour – One Inch Punch
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As the name suggest, this one is going to smash you about a bit! Starting off with a description of the one inch punch, you know your in for something very special. Simple drums keep it rolling with a heavy bassline very recognisable to vapours style at the moment. This tune will definitely test some big systems and will get that familiar rattling chest feeling we all look forward to as the bass goes through your whole body. Nice use of filters on the bassline at the breakdown really build the tune up to that seriously weighty drop, second time around! This one will appeal to jump-up fans and tech heads alike just like Fresh – Heavyweight did.
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Vapour – Sting in the Tail
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36 Hertz’s first ever release. The intro really builds this tune up, just before the drop your introduced to that high pitched, screaming bassline which you really can’t help but enjoy. Much like many of the other tunes on this album, the strucure is made up of very simplistic drums which hold the whole tune together nicely and keep it rolling. The contrast between subby basslines and high pitched, grating bass really works well. Massive tune and rightly so, being 36 Hertz debut release.
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Hades – The Break
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Setting things off, an atmospheric drum loop rolls on, with bongos playing a break, holding the whole thing together. Bits of the bassline are teased in, getting you ready for the eventual drop. Another simple bassline goes together with the drums at the drop, and although simple it still has a lot of weight. This tune is very minimal and I’m not sure how well it would go down at a rave but it is definitely an interesting tune to listen to, with many samples scattered in here and there to keep it evolving throughout the length of the track.
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Dj Madd – To the Massive
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In my opinion this track definitely makes the album. It really is massive! The bassline is deadly, so much bottom end in it and it chugs along the length of the track with enough force to get right through your whole body. The intro and breakdowns add a lot to this tune, they build up nicely and have a lot of space and atmosphere in them. Drums also seem to be quite changeable throughout the tune which keeps it very interesting. An absolute anthem!
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Serum – Badboy
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Last track of the album, serum rolls out another jungly track for this lp. Drums are reminiscent of the mid 90s and the bassline is deep and subby. Stretched vocals also take you back to the jungle era, and ragga vocals help keep this track moving forward. The drums keep your interest throughout the tune, they really do make it with the pitched snares taking you back. The tune, I feel, is perfect for the last one as it really does show what this album is all about. Original drum & bass, not necessarily conforming to the ’sound of drum & bass’ everyone tries to copy these days.
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This album is spot on, and achieves what I believe it has set out to achieve. Celebrating the originality of these really talented producers and taking you on a journey through drum and bass from the early rave scene up to modern day, minimal beats, it really does tick all the boxes.
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Back to Bass is available from the 30th of November in the following formats:
4×12″ vinyl
Unmixed CD
Digital Downlaod (Via DnB Arena)
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Big ups to Vapour on this one, check out his myspace here http://www.myspace.com/vapourdj You will also find a mini mix on there by Vapour displaying all that this album has to offer, give it a little listen.
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Don’t forget to visit the 36 Hertz website http://www.36hertz.com/
Words By Jonty
Nov
02.
Fairly new to the scene, The Sublow Regiment (Wobbla, Trauma) are working their way up the ranks. With their flithy, jump-up sounds and hugely successful night Pandemik, Example felt it would be rude not to catch up with them and see what’s happening.
Jonty (Example) – Ez lads. Can you introduce yourselves to the readers?
Sublow – Yo, yeah for sure. We are The Sublow Regiment, basically this consists of Wobbla & Trauma.We have been working together for the past 2years now, aswell as being good mates out of the music aswell it helps us to roll together in the scene and with our sets.
Feel free to add us up on the facebook for a chat and a joke and discuss bookings etc.
Jonty (Example) – Your fairly new on the Manchester Drum & Bass scene, when and how did you break into it?
Sublow – Yeah, slowly we are raising the bar as much as we can with our sound and the name,
weve tried our best to keep ourselves to ourselves and just roll our own projects just as much as trying to get involved with things going on.
To be honest with you, were not junglists from birth, we began playing Bouncy House &
UK Hardcore, what a silly choice that was!! Anyway after wasting 3years of our lives with that we realised it wasn’t working. With Uk Hardcore there is DnB influenced breaks that can be heard.WOBBLA- I remember being on the net one day and finding an old
DJ A KLASS cd. I listened and this sound was fresh to my ears, it all sounded crazy and
weird at first but there was something there, something deep and exciting that grabbed me….
I was then hooked like it was some next level Class A drugs.. Is that how everyone feels
or is that just me?? LOLTRAUMA- Yeah i remember i didnt really feel dnb at first,
i duno why, it just didnt sound right to my ears but I started to listening to DJ STEPPA
on radio frequency every wednesday night 9 till 11 and from there onwards it was all music
to my ears as they say! That’s were i get a lot of my influence from, The guys pushes his
sound welland his dj skills are on a next level!
Jonty (Example) – I think a lot of people started out in the hardcore scene lads, not just you haha! Who would you describe as your main influences?
Sublow – Our influences mainly stem from producers from all ranges in the scene , including
Mickey Finn, Serum, Hazard, Sly, Pleasure, Original Sin, DJ Fresh, Steppa, Goldie,
Clipz, D Minds… mate the list is endless there’s so many top dons who have been
killing it in the scene since day, it would take forever lol
Jonty (Example) – Definitely. Your currently running an event called Pandemik, how’s that going?
Sublow – Yeah its big at the min, There’s a group of us that run it, a few of the djs and a mate of
ours, plus a team for promotion etc. We all know each other out of the music scene and
always hit all the events/raves up together. One day “The Kingpin” as we call him managed
to hook us up with a nice little venue at a small bar to kick something off..
Pandemik was born. After a few events the support was mad for our area, Its located in
Ashton Under Lyne (tameside), it was good to see a night in the outskirts of Manchester
doing well, pushin the sound to people. People have attended our night not knowing what to expect or what this music sounds like,
they always leave educated and in love with it, which is exactly what were trying to
acheive here. We have just moved to a new venue (Underground Live) now that things are
moving bigger! We have a main room with second room for the dubstep, the venue holds about500 people , boasting a 4k soundsystem with army decor and camo, stage for live acts, chillout
area etc etc. We have a big event planned for our Xmas Mash Up, with it being both our
birthdays around the date aswell as the event manager’s it is set to be HUGE!! We have
brought in a big lineup for you, representing enough labels, events, promotions we have
Steppa and Kitcha (Northern Lights) also we have G13 RECORDS henchmen Rowney and Propz,
doing well with the Manchester movement at the moment so it would be illegal not too!
More guests will be on it , watch the promotions for the full lineup!!
Jonty (Example) – Sounds big, that line-up is filthy! Your style seems to lean very much towards the jump-up side of drum and bass, why is this your favourite style at the moment?
Sublow – To be honest here mate were flowing with a lot of styles now, a lot of our earlier sets were
mostly jump up, things are changing though… With Trauma going deeper in his selection
drawing for a lot of the newer jungle sounds that really go off in the dance, and then
Wobbla still rolling through with the jump up sound it adds an edge to switch up the
vibes with the flick of a fader, at the end of the day its about making the crowd go off to
how uplifting each tune is!
Producers and labels need to be careful with jump up on a level now, there is just too
much of it coming all at once. Everyone kills each others samples , nothing fresh.
I think a lot of the time some new producers release beats that could of been so much
better if a little more time was spent on production. Jump up is a big cause of this
“youtube culture” aswell, some people just dont understand and they love getting there
‘dubs’ straight mized off Youtube, its not about that at all, your killing the music
scene that you love, so … STOP! Its not playing ‘dubplates” that makes u a good dj!
Jonty (Example) – I hear ya bro! What would you say to all the jump-up haters out there that seem to be turning their nose up at it these days in favour of deeper, techier styles?
Sublow – (Wobbla) – I wouldnt call them haters to be fair, just people prefering to hear fully produced
uplifting tunes that have more effect in the dance. Don’t get me wrong i still love my
raw gritty jump up but it has be produced fully and be fresh. For example Sensai is pushing
out some big beats at the minute that im liking aswell as a few other producers; Sly, D-Kill,
Tantrum Desire. However theres a new sound that u hear in tunes now, i would personally
describe is as like ‘Jump-Jungle’. It combines real gritty jumpup b-lines with your tearing
amen and oldschool jungle breaks, for example Original Sin – Therapy, Vapour – Cut Paper.(Trauma) – Most hate just comes simply down to jealousy! I love it though if you are being
hated then you must be doing somthing right! A lot of people dont give jump up a chance though,
especialy at the min when there are a lot of similar tunes out there! Thats why i try to flex
a bit of a deeper sound in to our sets to draw the crowd, and when they’re in you just mix it up
to see whats goin off in the dance and what doesn’t!
Jonty (Example) – What is your favourite tune at the moment?
Sublow – I think for both of us here its gotta be…
Topcat – Ruffest Gun Ark (Chase and Status remix). This tune is just immense, it provides
a deep ribcage rattling bassline with ragga jungle style lyrics… it just kills off!!
Jonty (Example) – Any shout outs?
Sublow – Yeah we got nuff to do so here goes… Firstly a shout to yourselves at Example mag, hopefully we will be doing a few
things with you guys over the next few months…PANDEMIK squad and everyone involved, MASHED and all the Leeds crew, Platoon soldiers and the Manchester massive,
G13 RECORDS (Propz, Rowney, Frisko Logic), Steppa & Kitcha (Northern Lights), Dialogue , Highgrade (B’ham), Escape
and the Muzik Hertz crew, RadioFrequencyfm.co.uk, MidlandsRush.co.uk, Panache (High Rise)Sorry to anyone we’ve missed, its a long list with so many people who have supported/helped us with our progression, so big
up to every single person doing their thing with Drum & Bass and also with the Dubstep too. Large up!!
ONE LOVE, ONE MUSIC!
Jonty (Example) – Any plans for the future?
Sublow – Yes lots. We’re gonna keep pushing ourselves doing our thing with the sets, hopefully getting loads of bookings to help
push the uplifting vibes out there. Also we have got a lot of studio work in the shadows, working on our own productions
this will be a long process but when the beats are ready… YOU WILL HEAR THEM!Jonty (Example) – Finally, marmite, love it or hate it?
Sublow – (Wobbla) – HATE IT!! Although im stupidly fussy with food lol.
(Trauma) - Hmmmmmmm marmite on toast! big!!!
WORDS BY JONTY
PHOTO BY Richard @ Bar and Clubbing. (www.barandclubbing.com) ”
The Sublow Regiment.. Support The Movement – http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=The+Sublow+Regiment&init=quick#/group.php?gid=49432034103&ref=search&sid=787635003.2387328625..1
Pandemik (Manchester) – Follow our events / promotions – http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=The+Sublow+Regiment&init=quick#/group.php?gid=103991852157&ref=ts
Nov
02.
After a brief run on Unity Radio we have converted to a podcast. We think itd suit you lot better and wed reach more people if you can listen to the podcast whenever and wherever you want. It will be on Itunes soon but for now it’s only on Example Magazine.
Its a chilled one to kick off. To download it click the EX below and check out the tracklist too…
Example Podcast 001 - with James Example
Lung – Afterlife – Kokeshi (forthcoming)
Numan – Light – DUB
Alley Cat – Dream No More – DUB
Champur – Equilibrium – ???
Grave Robber – Ganja – Bassclash Records
???? – ???? – ?????
Chimpo – ???? – DUB
Numan – Virgo – DUB
Skittles – BOys In Blue – DUB
Synkro – Synkloop – DUB
Skittles – Tip I Cal Y – DUB
Dub Phizix – Treatment – DUB
Alley Cat – Sweet Spot – Offshore
Doc Scott – NHS (Total Science Remix) – Hospital
www.examplemag.co.uk
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www.myspace.com/examplemag
Nov
02.
Well people its November and Issue 11. Back into Manchester’s best season Fucking winter. 3-4 months of intense rain and bitter cold. God I love this city. So what have we got to warm you up this month. Well lovely readers Example is going more interactive. We have the launch of Example TV this month as well as the podcast. Weve got interviews on the way from the likes of Alleycat, Dj Djinn, Paul Reset, Synkro the list goes on. A brand new Competition starting next week and lots lots more. Were going big this month so hold tight
PEACE
Oct
30.
Oct
27.
THRASHER!!!
…Oh my good god… If you weren’t there, I am truly sorry, if you were there, then, you feel me…
On a historical October Saturday, manc’union’ and nationwide ravers united under the bricky metropolis that was Warehouse Project. An epic line up drew us to beg borrow and steal in a bid for the golden tickets to see the of the likes of Skream, Benga vs Caspa, Rusko in the main room and an explosive west coast line-up in the 2nd room, whereby the beautiful Hoya Hoya crew and Mary Anne Hobbs spoilt us rotten with the pure showmanship that was Daedelus and Gaslamp Killer!
Arriving at about half 11, Rusko was soon to kick the roof off in the main room, faces delighted and bodies truly thrashed as popular favourites such as ‘cockney thug’, ‘pro nails’ and ‘bread get bun’ superseded through the speakers and into the happy hearts of the dubsteppers army. Followed by the legendary Skream, the overwhelmed crowd jumped about to give the warehouse that familiar hot, ‘this experience is bigger than me’ kind of glow…
By this point the magical Daedelus was about to begin in the next room. After a purely dedicated 20 minute que dancing session, we were in. Rustie got the packed sweaty room in full flow ready for the musical genius that is Daedelus…who, can only be described as some periodic god send who truly sent us all into the future that night! Creating a frenzy with glitched up beats, hip hop ripples and thumping rhythm nobody in that room stopped dancing for a second- at the same time, unable to take their eyes of his pure showmanship and his master of what looked like and extreme version of the game ‘lights out’ but with crazy beats on instead. In that room, Manchester offically ‘went digital’ so much so that a group of three created an imaginary planet/orb thing and threw into the air…maybe they took it a bit too far…
Next up in the 2nd room was the “The Mother F***ing GaslAmP KiLLeR!!” who commended Daedelus for playing the best he’d ever seen him- and that is saying something! Juiced on the revelry of the crowd, Gaslamp Killer thrashed around his iconic curly hair as he dropped the likes of Jay Z ‘big pimpin’ and Underworlds ‘born slippy’ and warped them into a musical heart thumping treat never conceived of before. MC’s stepped aside at the side of the stage and watched in awe, as he reduced the crowd to a hyped up puddle of sweat! Hoya Hoya’s multi-talented Illum Sphere stepped up next, and although we were all truly spent he managed to get us going all over again to supa mixes of the classic Tweet’s ‘oops oh my’ and Outkast’s ‘millionaire’…Due to the awesome intensity of the second room I’m sorry to say I wasn’t quite sure what was happening in the main room at this point so please insert mind blowing experiences here [.............].
All in all Thrasher was a historical night of pure musical fantasy, you lucky lucky people.
WORDS BY ROBERT