SUB: As a performer you have 27 years of experience.
What were your beginnings like, who were your role models, what got you hooked
on music?
My beginnings were pretty straightforward to be
honest, it all started from being in my cousin's sound system (First Choice) to
seeing 2 turntables being used for the first time then seeing mixing at my
sister's 18th birthday party.. I was totally enthralled. From there
it was a progression into my first band the Sindecut to where you find me
today. I don't really have role models because that puts some people in a
position they don't particularly want to be in, so in that respect I would say
my only role model is my dad.. It was actually my dad who started me playing
records aged 4, he said I had a fascination for his turntable so he taught me
how to put records on. The rest is history.
SUB: Could you name some of the artist that you have
collaborated trough years?
Goodness me the list is a long and varied one, from
Jah Wobble to Morcheeba, Roots Manuva, Dizz1 and many others in between. On the
DnB tip, DJ Hype, Crystal Clear, Potential Bad Boy, Lynx, DJ Suv, Rido, Calibre
and Marcus Intalex,Congo Natty, Marcus Visionary...
SUB: This year is probably special for you, since
after years of collaborations you are ready to drop your solo album. Could you
tell us something more about it?
To be honest, every year you can remain active is a
special year, but I have been working on some tracks for a solo DnB album, but
every time I post a snippet up a label wants to sign one of of them hahaha. Not
a bad position to be in I guess, but when you have them earmarked for another
project it pushes that particular goal further back. It is a good indicator to your progression when labels
start showing interest and when good guidance is given by your respected peers
that also helps you to keep working hard to improve.
SUB: Do you think that the producers and the labels
give enough acknowledgement to the guest singers/mc on their tracks?
Some do.. Some don't. It is a pitfall as a featured
artist, it is rare that labels/producers work with and develop featured
vocalists. For the reasons why you will have to ask
SUB: What are your most favourite moments in your
career, while on stage?
There are so many good moments logged in my memory
box, but ones that stand out are walking out on stage at the Royal Albert Hall
to perform with Morcheeba and seeing how immense that auditorium is.. A moment
of panic, but just a moment. Another is having Bjork rush to finish her show on
the main stage at Glastonbury to hear a band I was working with play, but most
special is having my parents in the audience at a Jazz Cafe gig when I was one
of the vocalists for Jah Wobble..
SUB: Could you describe the feeling to own the crowd
as an MC?
I don't know about owning the crowd, but if you mean
the feeling of connecting with the audience and have them actually absorb a
performance? That feeling of those moments are special because they are so
intense at that time, but vanish to memory and into the ether as quickly as
they appeared.
SUB: Cause you are my first interviewee that is based
in Australia, can you tell us something more about the jungle/dnb scene there?
I am not directly involved with the Australian DnB
scene, but observe it from a distance. It is small and doesn't really cater for
the wide spectrum this genre we love encapsulates. In addition to that there
are not many venues that support the music because the number of people who
attend the events is very sporadic even when the more known names pass through,
but will say the Melbourne crews are on point. Grumpy's family every time.
SUB: Why do you love jungle/dnb music?
I love this music because it captures the vibe of so
many of my influences of growing up in the UK particularly sound systems and
Jamaican culture. All of my musical influences are woven into it's fabric and
it is always moving in many directions. Another beautiful expression of emotion
and art.
SUB: What was your most favourite meal during your
tours?
I don't really have a favourite meal, but like to eat
as healthily as possible and avoid fast food if it can be helped. Thai, Indian,
Japanese... Well cooked meals are definitely important.
SUB: When was the last time you danced at a party?
I dance at every party.. What's the point of going to
a part and not dancing?
SUB: What's next for you?
Next for me is some travelling around the states,
recording some tunes with Truth here in LA, I have some releases on Wicked
Jungle (Florida)and Higher Energy Recordings (UK) and a couple of other labels
interested in other tracks, an album of songs which is a non DnB project, going
into the studio with one of the Teklife family, looking to do secure DJ
bookings for my return to Europe this summer... So holla at me people hahaha,
and possibly line up some more gigs with Ltj Bukem.. The plate is kind of full.
SUB:What do you think about the new emerging sounds -
footwork, juke. Do you follow the
evolution of Jungle, dnb bass music?
I love the way music evolves and take hold with
people around the world. The formation of movements that turn into families and
communities is a great thing. The breakout of Juke/Footwork is a testimony to
all the hard work the producers and followers have put in over the years. Without
Jungle we wouldn't have DnB so the division that exists baffles me, but I leave
it to others to make their own distinctions. It is all music and it's all
related at the end of the day.
SUB:Thank you for doing this interview.
My pleasure. Thanks for asking me to contribute.
