March 2011: MischiefMakerPhotoTaker: As the bleak financial winter which was January finally gave way to a new year in February & March: Valentines’ Day; and Spring is on its way!! New nights to check, familiar favourites to attend, as well as DrumClinic’s 1^st Birthday @ Jabez Clegg, Ex:ample 2^nd Birthday @ the Roadhouse! Photos from all that messy mayhem up now! James Blake on tour to promote his debut LP/CD at Band On The Wall! Plus! The last OpenPlan @ Jabez Clegg! AND! The very first (and very good) Problem Child event at the Ritz!!

Before that our continuing favourite, Manchester social on-a-regular, Monday night like no other, Hit-&-Run. After my NYE/NYD washout, combined with an unexpected Religious excommunication, Engine Earz w/ Jenna G was a great way to get back in the chair! MischiefMaker was back again at Mint Lounge only a fortnight later for Canadian dub-step don DZ, as well as it being MC Tonn Piper’s homecoming gig following European tour dates with Tek One and SWR (that’s “Shaun William Ryder, lie down beside ya, fill ya full of junk!”) with Hit-&-Run returning Slovakian maestro B-Complex, (set which I enjoyed so much I totally missed MC Sin-Seer with Young Turks JustSkank in the back room! Sorry boys!

His big-tune ‘Beautiful Lies’ picked up & pushed by Hospital Records, was simply HUUGE. If you were at WHP last year, you heard it. Simple as:

(Also you should check out lovely epic B-Complex ‘Girl With Flower’ (Dysfunktional Audio)

At both of these nights was new Manchester photographer Gary Brown, putting himself out & about town; and now resident photographer at the mighty Metropolis events on both sides of the Pennines! We thought we’d take him under our wing at Ex:ample Magazine and let him escape Hollyoaks nazi-blondes lining up for the titillate.com photo-factory! We sent him along instead to DrumClinic’s 1^st birthday bash @ Jabez Clegg. Read his review & view his photographs, talented boy.

Manchester is home to quite a few dubstep/d’n’b/ukg nights and it may be fair to say that DrumClinic is not be the first that springs to mind when asked, but this is a night which has spent the last year building up quite a loyal following. Tonight they're celebrating their 1^st birthday by filling Jabez Clegg with ravers and bass!

The first thing I spot on entry is a sign informing that one of tonight’s headliners (Actress) cannot even make the gig! My disappointment is short-lived however, when I read the TWO replacements put in place, Illum-Sphere + garage legend El-B: Nice!

Illum-Sphere is Hoya:Hoya resident & no stranger to a mixer. Stepping up to the decks he plays a set eschewing all genres or any pigeonhole. You'll be hard-pressed to find another DJ that can fit dubstep, Garage, Roots Manuva and the Pixies into a set so well! The crowds’ response to whatever is thrown their way is surely a great positive for DrumClinic, after all we just want to dance!

Next up it’s the special last minute replacement, Mr El-B, a man who has repped the garage scene, then the emergence of dubstep, for the past 10 years. Tonight’s affair is a perfectly executed garage set, with flavours old and new sprinkled throughout, which keeps a few hundred skankers on their toes for an hour. It’s a great performance from a man worthy of headlining himself and most punters have by now forgotten about the last minute bill change.

Just before its time for the headline act, there's word buzzing on the grapevine. Headliner Zomby has forgotten the mask which he DJ's in, and consequently I can't take any photos which identify him! Great! Luckily the mask's absence doesn't seem to affect his DJ-ing ability at all.

Zomby takes to the stage wrapped in a hood and scarf, and seems to start taking his frustrations out on the venues’ subs, pumping bass to heart-stopping levels! It is definitely a set for the people that know, combining some fresh dubstep with older Jungle influences, (the peak for me being 'Tears in the Rain'), with relentless wobbly sub shaking the very foundations of Jabez.

It’s a testament to the following DrumClinic has built up in its first year that 3 quite different sets/styles are all met with equal enthusiasm from the crowd. This is definitely a night to keep an eye on if you want to avoid the 'too cool for school' dubstep crowds and join a party where, quite simply, good tunes are good tunes and bad attitudes are left out in the rain (Gary Brown).

DrumClinic this Saturday (26th March @ Jabez Clegg) sees Kode 9 launch his new LP alongside Detroit DJ Stingray!!

Canadian Drum n' Bass producer/D.J John Rolodex, who is well known for his big releases on the mighty Dread Recordings, Tech Itch Records , Metalheadz, Freak Recordings, Bad Habit Recordings, Pi Recordings and also remixes on O.G Recordings and Yard in the earlier part of the century, has now re-emerged after a little break with his new label Machinist Music. A lot of heads out there really missed his powerful music, so we at [Ex]:ample had to get on John's case and find out the low down on what is happening with the Label.

Hi John, It's been a little while since we have heard anything from you and we are real happy to see you're on it again with Machinist Music. What inspired you to set up Machinist Music?

It had been a dream of mine when I was first interested in dnb, to someday have my own label. Early last year, it occurred to me that I could do that any time I felt like it, so I got some music together that I believed in, asked some friends who had labels to point me in the right direction, and got my shit together.

How would you define your Label sound? Is there any particular style Machinist Music should be known for?

Initially, Machinist was intended to be more on a techstep kinda tip. A lot of reeses, heavy breaks and so on... The kind of sound people know John Rolodex for. But of late I’ve started really enjoying some of the other styles of dnb. So much so, I can’t see us staying on such a narrow path for very long. 

Your first release ' Keep on Truckin' / Connector' on the label is huge,  What else can we expect to hear on Machinist Music in the future?

The first release and likely the second will be fairly heavy. ‘The-Rolodex-you-know-and-love’ kinda thing. But from then on, I’m open to some different sounds being represented. I’ve got a lot of amazing talent sending me music from across the board and haven’t even settled which tunes we’re releasing for 002 yet. All I can say is ‘expect quality music!’

I

s there anything else you would like to add about Machinist Music that we may have missed?

Shouts to my distributor, Keynote Music for keeping the label alive. A lot of dnb labels didn’t survive 2010. And Machinist Music was still in the incubator, and they’ve kept it alive. Big thanks!

Do you yourself have any other projects, with any other labels on the go, that we should all know about?

I’ve just released an EP with Order in Kaos, called ‘The Cronenberg EP’. Some very dark and heavy stuff. Probably as heavy as anything I’ve put out. I also completed a remix for Dub Chamber, which is a tricky amen bit. So there are some John Rolodex releases coming out elsewhere. I’m currently working on some remixes for other artists as well as some tunes from my back catalogue. Many of those should surface before autumn 2011.

Do you have any tips for the younger generation of Producers wanting to get their music heard by your good self?

Yeah a few that probably apply across the board: 1) please finish your tracks before you send ‘em out. Unless you someone has told you they want to hear your ideas and clips. 2) Put your contact info in the file name. 3) Unless someone’s AIM has been posted for demos, it’s a good idea to ask before you send tunes. 4) Don’t ask for feedback and get belligerent when you don’t like what you hear. 5) Don’t ever give up, ever!

Aside from the music on your label John, Is there any other music you are feeling out there at the moment? 

Yeah loads! DnB has never been stronger... all the styles. I’m a big fan of wobble... Just kidding. But seriously, loving a lot of artists at the moment; Mutt, Grimm, Outrage, Raiden, Fracture & Neptune, Skitty, Morphy, Rene LaVice, Spkrtm, Gremlinz, Soul Intent, Anile, Trex, Phase & Codex, to name a handful. 

What are your thoughts on the Digital/ Vinyl debate? We already know a lot of D.J's are switching across to Digital, do you have any thoughts on that?

I’ve played on Vinyl, dub plates, CDs, Serato and the occasional banjo. At the end of the day, it’s about music. I love vinyl but after many years, I think the post office has made more money on DnB vinyl than everyone else combined. We need to put music out in a way that makes sense to our audience. The numbers are obvious, our audience is voting for digital (mostly). That said, I’m thrilled to be doing vinyl and hope every person who reads this will go buy a copy of our record when it comes out in February. 

Do you have any gigs coming up and do you have any particular favourite club you like to perform at?

I’ve just moved back to my home town, Edmonton, Alberta and we had our label launch party at a small club here called Level2. I have to say they have the nicest DJ booth I’ve ever seen anywhere. Playing that night was a treat!

At the moment I’m getting settled, planning a short tour with Outrage late February, early April out here in Western Canada. I’m not planning a lot of touring this year, but time will tell.

Mac or PC?

Both.

Is there anybody you would like to shout out too?

My boy Sureshock and his family. They’re awesome people and they’ve done a lot for me lately. Also the DnB Lives Here crew in Edmonton. Nuff Respect!

Harry Bizzle is becoming hot property in the world of Drum and Bass with his relentless and unforgiving sets and energetic mixes. Having just been booked to play Innovation in the Sun 2011 and fresh from his performance at Breakin Science, we caught up with the man of the moment to find out a little bit more...

Example: So you’ve been establishing yourself as a jump up DJ to be reckoned with. How does it feel to be finally awarded success after so many years of grafting?

Harry Bizzle :It’s nice when you see your name on the flyer but at the same time it’s one of those things that I just take as it comes. I wouldn't say that what I’m doing has sunk in yet, or how other people perceive me.    

 

Example: How did your big break come about?

Harry Bizzle : When I got asked to join Flying Squad that was a big thing for me and provided me with main room bookings and big events like Muzik Hertz so big up Escape and Nutcracker for that! Things were going nicely with bookings coming in but I would say things have picked up a lot since I did the Unification radio show with Eksman and Skibba. Big up both of those for bringing me in.    

Example: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Harry Bizzle : I would it say it was either the Unification radio show or Nutcracka’s birthday 2011, with Nutcracka, Trigga, Herbzie and General C on the mic.    

Example: Who would you love to work with that you haven’t already?

Harry Bizzle : If you’re talking about MCs then I’m very happy with the selection I have worked with.

Example: What do you think about all of the technological advances in DJing – CDJs, MP3s etc. Some people say that vinyl is dead. What do you think about that?

Harry Bizzle : It is a shame and that’s from someone who has about 1000 vinyl in his room. But I think most people can see it all moving digital, I myself do mix with CDs.

 

Example: Which tunes are you really feeling at the moment that you absolutely must have in your bag when you play?

Harry Bizzle : Now there are tunes that I have that I’m feeling and there are tunes that I don't have that I’m feeling too. The tunes that I have that are my favourite at the moment are probably Pleasure and Origin - Hubba Bubba but there are loads that I’m feeling, there’s just too many to mention    

Example: If you could play at a rave anywhere in the world and with anyone on the line up (alive or dead), where would it be and with whom?

Harry Bizzle : I would love to play out in Oz but I would also be grateful for any booking abroad. I wouldn't say there is one artist in the scene that I would look to play with in particular.    

Example: Have you thought about moving towards producing?

Harry Bizzle : I have and am but I’m doing a lot of research and reading at the moment. Soon come people    

Example: What do you hope to achieve during your career?

Harry Bizzle : If you’re not aiming high there ain’t no point in aiming anywhere.    

Example: What’s in store for 2011?

Harry Bizzle : Bookings, producing and fun.

Example: Anything else you’d like to mention?

Harry Bizzle : Big up my boy Turno who is coming through nicely and he’s definitely a big producer to watch out for. Make sure you check out his beats.  Big up all the Flyin Squad and every other person who is helping me break into this scene.

Joanna Ranson

 

“Creativity shouldn't be following radio; it should be the other way around”

                                                                                                                             Herbie Hancock

       With a solid back catalogue and a fiercely independent ethos, over 15 years on and Justice and Metro’s pioneering MJazz label is still leading the war on unimaginative, disposable drum and bass. The label is currently preparing to unleash ‘The Modernists 2’, the second installment in it’s ltd CD LP series. The physical release is strictly limited to 100 copies, each one hand finished and uniquely numbered making them all the more attractive listeners and serious collectors alike.

     Musically, The Modernists 2 is a collection of tracks that showcases minimal, downbeat, halftime and experimental drum & bass and electronica, bringing together some of the today’s finest exponents of the sound.
The record opens purposefully with Cuelock’s ‘Lypes’, a techy, drumstep-esque offering that pulses angrily and over the course of the album explores a startling variety of timbres and rhythms whose only defining characteristic is their experimental nature. Some tracks display rich musicality and elements of traditional composition; others harness minimal dynamics or stuttering beats and complex evolving structures. Particular album highlights include Felix K’s moody roller Reklas, Diamond Eye’s reverb soaked Temple Dub

Example Mag caught up with label boss Tony Justice to find out more about MJazz and The Modernists 2

Example :For uninitiated, how did MJazz come about?

Justice : Initially the label was set up as an outlet for our more experimental offerings, I guess that was around 95-95, and also really as an imprint that could be built and molded into what it needed to be, somewhere for quality drum and bass/music to have an appropriate arena.

Example : What inspired The Modernists series?

Justice: Basically my right hand man Scott Metro, started to get together a few like minded individuals who are exponents of the MJAZZ sound as he felt, and started to hit them up for tracks to submit. He told them to do their thing, experiment a bit, push it out there, don't play it safe, so that started it running. It was a case really of gathering together some really good drum and bass and putting it together as a whole package.

Example : What about the exclusive and DIY nature of the release?

We had done the previous Modernists LP as a hand finished item also, so the whole ltd, hand finshed run has become what the Modernists series is all about. It's all about putting quality music and special/quality packaging together and giving something nice to music buyer.

Example : Jazz has long been an influence on drum & bass music but a lot of the tracks seem lack traditional jazz characteristics, was this an intentional move?

Justice: With the whole JAZZ thing, it's funny because when we started the label, there were a lot of "cod" d and b jazz numbers doing the rounds. Tracks that had some ripped off sax sample and it was "jungle jazz" or whatever. So really when the Modern Urban Jazz named came about it was more about music that was created in a freeform, expressionistic manner that was akin to jazz and operated in the same ways. It was also I guess a sly dig at all the shit that was professing to be jazzy.

Example : Where do you feel this output fits within dnb and perhaps the wider arena of electronic music?

Justice : I think MJAZZ kind of inhabits it own little place, its experimental , it puts out good music, it likes to give a platform to new artists/music and work with a core of artists, some well known others not. The point is the music and keeping the labels legacy going.
 

MJazz ‘The Modernists’ is out on Feb 14th  on strictly limited CD LP

You can pre order via: info@modernurbanjazz.com and at Redeye Records

For more info check out modernurbanjazz.com

 We have a new guy in town that goes by the name of Killa Hurtz. He is an up and coming Dubstep producer originating from Manchester. Starting his career of music whilst he was 11, Killa Hurtz is no stranger to a kick and a snare. He has a roster of EP’s and tracks, so we had a cheeky chat with him to see what he was all about.


Example: So what got you into the dubstep scene?

Killahurtz: I first heard dubstep when i left school at 16 and started at City College in Manchester doing production. The first tracks I heard were Bass-Weight from DMZ and all the usual culprits. But just as i got introduced to this i was introduced to drum n bass also, and that took most of my attention until i was 19 when i met Joe Synkro, he gave me some percussive stuff like Skull Disco and from then on i dug deeper into the genre and its past and i was just hooked on it from then on (about 2008).

Example: Did you or do you still have any major influences?

Killahurtz: Yeah definitely, band music is what got me interested when i was really young like 10 years old. So i'm still really influenced by a lot of my old favourites. Dillinger Escape Plan, Sepultura, The roots, mostly drum intensive stuff ! Drums were my first instrument and i still enjoy them.

Example: Who is your favourite Manchester based dubstep producer?

Killahurtz: Its hard to choose, because i love Synkro's music and also Indigos. They're both mates with each other and i've never met Liam Indigo, but from what i gather their sounds are something they both collectively collaborate and help each other with, which if you've ever heard, i'm sure you'll agree is a really interesting take on this whole Autonomic/IDM/Dub Techno sound emerging from the underground.

Example: Are there any specific genres of music that influence you?

Killahurtz: Right now I'm loving Dub Techno, Dub & Reggae and Bass-Weight Dubstep as well as all the bands i like/mentioned too. Sometimes its not even music that influences me, when i wrote snowflake i was looking out of my window as i got snowed in and the whole track was complete in the couple of hours it took to stop snowing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwLl8rOn_hA&feature=related

Example: Are there any other genres of music that you feel you are branching out to?

Killahurtz: Well since my first release "Root" my sounds just varied with regards to the genre. I feel it's just boring to keep churning out the same sounds. In every track i start, i never re-use a synth sound or drum sound. But what i will say is I'm branching out to include more live elements, percussion and drums in particular as well as vocals. My next Ep includes a future garage track and another catchy garage track with live drums, both are vocal and i cant wait to get them out. I'm just taking my time on getting the right label as this isn't one to rush out there. I'm in the process of signing a management deal so this will hopefully push things in the right direction !

Example: So what are you up to now? Any new projects?

Killahurtz:I've been really busy lately, I just produced and recorded a single with Virus Syndicate which we are looking to get out later in the year (possibly summer). I've been writing my new EP, and as i've mentioned its been a little more time consuming using live performances, but hopefully it will be the breath of fresh air bass music needs to branch out even more ! And I'm also arranging some DJ gigs and working on my live show which will include live drums ;)

Example: Describe yourself in three words.

Killahurtz: Eccentric sound manipulator.

Example: Tell us something about yourself that you haven’t told any one else in an interview...nothing explicit please!

Killahurtz: Ha ha ! Okay ermmmm … My next tattoo is gonna be the VU meter from the Universal Audio La2a which is like my most loved mixing habit ! If i could put it on toast I'd put it on toast and eat it, butsadly it will have to be a tattoo on my foot.

 

 

Manchester lyricist Skittles has a new single named “Tip-i-cal-ly” out on April 11th 2011. This track comes from his upcoming album “Poor with £100 Trainers”, set to be released later this year.  Skittles has previously collaborated with Virus Syndicate, and has often been compared to Mike Skinner, which understandably generates high expectations, however the track certainly delivers! Skittles’ flowing, intelligent wordplay features over lively reggae beats, making this an exciting, promising new single with remixes by Rowney & Propz, Chimpo, and Dom hz introduce jungle, bass and dubstep demonstrating the tracks flexibility in a variety of underground genres.

SKITTLES 2 MINUTE Q and A

Example : What is your favourite city and why?

Skittles : Thats a stupid question.  'manfuckinchester' coz I've been here forever an I fuckin love it, I love the people, the diversity and the music. There's not a lot of places like Manchester!

Example :  The Manchester music scene?

Skittles : if I'm honest, which I tend to be, there are a lot of problems up here. When you look at other cities we run a very sloppy operation. Don't get me wrong there is more than enough talent here to feed a very healthy scene. But work together???  We don't. people supporting people FULLY outside of their circle in order to build a "scene" unfortunately isnt somethin i see a lot of.

Example : What is your favourite tune ever?

Skittles: SKITTLES   -   TIP-I-CAL-LY

Example: first line of the first bar you ever wrote?

Skittles: "This is the first bar i've ever wrote

FOR MORE SKITTLES CHECK ...

WEBSITE

BLOG

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A Beginners’ Guide to Raving : How to survive

    With electronic music infiltrating the mainstream on a daily basis and hoards of young people embracing the rave scene as the new generation, I thought it was probably a good idea to give them a few tips and pointers to make sure their first rave is a success. We don’t want them to end up covered in their own piss and sick, tripping their little heads off. It looks bad for the clubs and definitely will kill your buzz if you see someone who is completely off their chops.
Pay attention and you’ll have a sick night (in the best possible way), don’t and well, you’ll find out that maybe raving isn’t for you.

QUEUING
Expect to deal with large queues. If you’re going to be a big night with established DJs and MCs on the line up then undoubtedly many other people will be too. There’s no point in complaining that you have to wait around for a large period of time whilst the bad tempered doormen check IDs and fanny around with tickets and such. Make sure you buy a ticket to avoid disappointment, yes; some people will be lucky and manage to buy them on the door. Chances are you won’t be one of those people. If you have a big problem with this, then it serves you right for not being important enough to be on the guest list.

THE LINE UP
Check the line up when you get to the club. You went to the rave for a reason and that is to see a DJ play; if you are one of the stupid people who say ‘Dubstep is my favourite band/DJ/ or whatever’, you deserve a kicking in. There is nothing more annoying than missing someone’s set who you specifically went to see or having them clash with someone else who you equally wouldn’t mind seeing. Make a choice and stick to it. If you want to see half of one set and half of another, it might not be a good idea and can result in ‘I wish I had stayed for all of blah blah’s set’. Try and pay attention because if you are not inclined to raving, you might think the same DJ has been on all night.

DRUGS
They’re not cool, big, or clever but they are bloody fun. Look at Charlie Sheen, he’s a messy druggie and lives with a porn star and a model. Not cool. Without sounding too much like the late Bill Hicks, you can possibly have some of the best times on drugs and also some of the worst times, but the less we talk about that, the better. We’re not condoning or promoting the use of drugs, but there’s a good chance that the music you will be listening to, will have been made under the influence of some kind of illegal substance. And if you too are under the influence, boy, can you have a fantastic night.  Remember to hide them well because you will get searched no matter how clean, tidy or prim you look. If you are a girl with big boobs, hide them there, if not, find a friend with big boobs and get them to hide your tings for you.

 In some clubs, people will try and sell you drugs. Be cautious, they can be shit or they can be amazing. It’s up to your discretion but be advised that desperation can lead to a lottery like scenario, it’s all pot luck when it comes to disco biscuits. You have been warned.

CHEWING GUM
Nothing but vital. If you are like the many people who partake in a little bit of dropping action, your jaw will try and leave your face and you will also try, unsuccessfully, to chew your eyebrows. This is not a sexy look by any means and will result in you looking like an absolute tit.
Other ravers will point, laugh and even go ‘mate you looked fucked’. Allow it, it’s all part of the fun. Remember to bring more than one packet of chewing gum, share with friends, random gurners, and also make sure to spit it out and take a new piece regularly. There is nothing worse than when chewing gum has been chewed too much and goes minging and super sticky.

 HYDRATION
Drinking plenty of water/alcohol is really important. It can get really hot in clubs and let’s face it, not all places have the amazing air conditioning unit that Fabric London does. The majority should be barely legal it gets so damn hot in there, so drink plenty of water. Some clubs can be arses and not let you keep the lids on your bottles of water. This is a pain but sometimes gentle nagging or a nice bar person will let you keep it. Sharing is caring too, if someone asks for a sip of water, don’t be mean and say no, this is general practice at a rave. Alcohol is another matter. You probably paid over the sensible price for that drink so don’t share it. Anyone who asks for some is taking the piss.

VASELINE/LIP BALM
To prevent your lips going all dry and nasty and to aid the inevitable gurning and lip licking, some form of lip balm is essential. Keeping it in a trouser pocket will result in melted gooey stuff, this isn’t the best option but you will find it a life saver. Share with your friends but not randoms. You don’t know where their hands have been and you don’t want a messy looking rude boy sticking his finger in your tub of Vaseline and spreading germs.

SUNGLASSES
No no no. This cannot be stressed enough. No. You will look like a tit, everyone knows you’re mash up, they are mash up too. Don’t bother trying to hide it either. Raves are dark enough anyways and combined with the slightly prohibited vision you will have from wearing the aforementioned sunglasses, you won’t be able to see much. Other morons will try and steal your sunglasses too. The only time they are permitted is when you are on the way home from the rave and it is day light outside. Through doing this, you can shield yourself from normal people who are going to work, the sunlight to which you have not adjusted your eyes yet and anyone else who stares at you weirdly whilst you start to come down and are visited by paranoia.

 THE SMOKING AREA
You will meet all sorts of people in the smoking areas of raves. They can range from absolute dickheads, dealers, awesome people, promoters, wannabe DJs and if you’re lucky, the DJs on the line up. If you are on drugs, do not speak to the DJs because they’ve probably had enough of mash up people coming to tell them they just played ‘a banging set’ / ‘absolutely smashed it’ etc Even if you are a music journalist, they will not believe you when your jaw is trying to escape and your eyes are rolling.
Talking through your clenched teeth is not a good look. Sometimes you may find yourself in the smoking area far more than in the rave itself. Do not allow this to happen, you will be kicking yourself for weeks afterwards that you missed Andy C ‘smashing it’ because you were chatting to some moderately attractive person in the smoking area who probably won’t get off with you no matter how hard you try.
Watch out for the bits of sick in the smoking area as people often use that as their choice of vomit spot after one too many jills.

LOSING YOUR FRIENDS
This is certain to happen. At smaller venues, it is much easier to find your friends again, at larger venues, not so. The music is often so loud you won’t be able to hear your phone and that is even if you get signal. Try your best not to panic though, just go with the flow, have a little rave up and then chances are your mates will have the same idea and meet you in the smoking area. However, good things can happen when you are separated from your crew of raving soldiers, I met DJ Hype once in the toilets in Fabric (they are some weird European style unisex toilet) and we had a little chat. Hurrah for losing all my friends!

CAMERAS/ RAVE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Pictures can never turn out well at raves and this is for the simple reason that even if you’re not fucked, you will look like a sweaty mess. Make up will run down your face akin to manner of Tim Burton film, your hair will be all crazy and sweaty and you will be extremely unattractive. Why would you want to capture that moment forever? You and your raving friends should all be in the right mind and not bring cameras with you.
Rave photographers on the other hand can be absolute fuckers. They even edit the photos and splash them all over the internet of you looking minging and a large amount of nagging and persuasion is needed to make them take the incriminating photos off of the internet. This is nothing personal, I am friends with many rave photographers, but fuck me if they think they’re getting any messy shot of my twisted mug.

DRESS PROPERLY
Nothing makes me laugh like a group of silly girls in really high heels. Yes, you may be able to walk in them and dance too but it hurts when you stand on our feet. How can you last all night in heels too, we’re talking like a good 7 or so hours throwing some serious shapes? Wear flats you fools or you’ll end up with some chav saying you stepped on their ‘crepes’. Trainers will always be the best choice of footwear. FACT.
As much as make –up fixes your face up beautifully, it will end up all down your face and you will go home looking like some sort of sex attack victim. Best to leave it natural ladies.
Comfortable doesn’t necessary mean not trendy. Wear something you can move in, I’ll be damned if I’m going to put up with bitching and moaning saying what you are wearing is uncomfortable.

AND FINALLY......COMEDOWNS
These are horrible and are inevitable. However, there are several ways in order to make them a little less horrible, the majority of which involves more drugs, which once again we are not condoning but we speak from experience.
There is nothing worse than coming home from a rave buzzing off your tits to find you lack many things in your house/choice of comedown location and are forced to go back outside in order to find the necessary supplies. It’s often best to plan what you need as you might be too messy to do anything other than roll a spliff when you come back.

Fags and tobacco – very important, you may find the need to chain smoke, many people do. This is why it is extremely important to have either or both. You will also share your fags and baccy with everyone. One rave, in the not too distant past, I bought 80 fags and probably only smoked about half of them. Generosity is key.

Rizla – big and small, never run out as there is nothing worse than wanting a spliff and not having papers. An assortment is not necessary but as they say, variety is the spice of life.

Spliff – helps you sleep, eleviates the pain of post rave aggro and generally is just awesome.

Alcohol – will help you through if you choose to stay awake until the next day. K cider is not recommended, but will do the trick at 99p a can and 8.4%.

Other Drugs – you might find that more drugs are a good idea, they really are not unless they’re going to help your comedown. Just because you have pills or something left doesn’t mean you have to bosh them when you get back. It can be super fun though. Valium, Ketamine and Skunk are all fabulous things on a come down and will make you feel lovely.

Fruit Juice – This is pretty nice you know, get the nice stuff though.

Blankets – for mega post rave cotching, blankets and soft things are the best. Cuddling up to people is good also but don’t think having sex on a comedown is a good idea. Just having someone hold you when you have the dreaded Rave AIDs is nice. Sometimes though, you don’t want anyone to even sit next to you as the thought makes you feel physically sick.
Also remember to keep yourself entertained, lack of music is dire to the situation and will make you become even more paranoid than you usually are. Mellow tunes are the best, as is finding stupid videos on Youtube. Don’t try and exert yourself too much, it will only result in disaster.
Do not, under any circumstances, wake your mate up if they have fallen asleep after a rave. If they have done drugs, it would have been really hard for them to get to sleep in the first place, and it’s like an unwritten golden rule. Unless you are a twat or your mate is one, then think of crazy comedown ideas to torment them.
MOST IMPORTANTLY
Have a wicked time, enjoy the music, make friends and even if you think you’ll never do it again, and have heard choruses of ‘That’s the last time I’m going raving mate, seriously need to grow up a bit and fix up’. It’s comedown talk, they’ll be back next week.

Joanna Ranson

Hot City bring us their new EP ‘Go Bang’, which is out April 4th on Moshi Moshi Records. Since their last release Hot City have been busy remixing a variety of tracks and DJing internationally, whilst producing this well worked EP, which introduces exciting new; house, 2step and UK funky tracks. The title track ‘Go Bang’ consists of upbeat house rhythms, while other tracks such as ‘Girl I Know’ bring in the punchy UK funky vibes. ‘Going Down’ is an exciting track along with ‘Work the Box’, with its enticing 2 step beats. All tracks prove perfect for the dance floor, particularly amongst house lovers!

Check it ...

Neosignal, simply put, has become the platform for a new breed of drum and bass that is taking the scene by storm. Created from the amalgamation of two of the most technically adept and dancefloor smashing artists – Phace and Misanthrop – the label’s very own ethos is to ignore trends and the constraints of genres, and produce music that is of “timeless characteristics and quality”. Not a bad mission to be fair.

This is something that both artists have been doing since way before their regular collaborations to the most reputable drum and bass labels, such as the ever-popular Subtitles and Noisia’s own Vision imprint. It is completely logical for them to create their own platform from which they can launch their assault on the world of music; allowing themselves complete creative freedom which in the hands of such talented musicians can only ever be a good thing.

And it has paid off. Current releases on the label have taken pride place in the record boxes of all of the top DJ’s; notably the obvious Andy C and BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Bailey.  People the world over are practically frothing at the mouth for vinyl cuts of these tunes, and with many more in the works – so far only making sly appearances in promotional mixes - this trend is set to continue.

It’s not only EP’s they are releasing either; the launch of the label was coupled with the release of the first collaborative LP under the Neosignal signature. Not only did this release garner a huge amount of attention for an already prominent collection of artists, but it also perfectly demonstrated their ability to do so much more than pump out ridiculous drum and bass.   

Not only is it apparent that the founding fathers of Neosignal are more than capable of crafting some of the finest music, but also of recognising similar talent. Their catalogue at current does only contain releases from themselves as well as three collaborations with their long time friends Noisia. However, as history shows, their ability to work with other artists and still allow their sound to shine through shows that when they do eventually release other artists’ tunes on their label, you can trust their creative direction to the end of the earth.

All I can say in summary is watch this space, because trust me it won’t be empty for long. Soon it will be filled with the sonic boom of one of the greatest labels on earth, and you will not miss it.

UPCOMING RELEASE (01/04/2011): NEOSIGNAL 007 – Misanthrop – Sidereal/Latitude. (Vid above)

PROMO MIX LINK:

When MischiefMaker arrives at annual Example Birthday Bash, held once again in dark & familiar cellar-club surroundings, the Roadhouse, our magazine editor Merny Werny has finished his warm-up DJ set and Hit-&-Runs’ resident MC Chunky is ripping into his DJ selection, doubling-up as his own MC! You know it’s a Family Affair already.

Big man with the biggest tunes takes over from Chunky. UKHH hero MC Fallacy turns up for his garage set with Chimpo. UKG classics roll out. I dip outside. When I come back Falz is holding it down, single-handedly selecting tunes, hyping them up, rewinding a fair few, MCing, DJing, madly flinging himself around, left to his own devices! Man was sweating up there! Props for steering a suddenly abandoned ship!

Since forming last year parkour crew ‘Storm Freerun’ have smashed onto the free-running scene; with a youtube video thats had more hits than Amy Winehouse and a clientele list boasting names such as Adidas, Sony and Red Bull there all set for a 2011 take over.

We caught up with London based crew member Jan Barcikowski to chat about the future of parkour, Storm Freerun Vol.1, and getting chased by the police...

Ex: Storm Freerun is now in its second year and has received both underground and commercial success, with a hugely popular youtube video and impressive clientele list I’m guessing the crew’s pretty hype for summer 2011?

Jan: Yeh man! Each time a new opportunity arrises I’m always surprised, I guess I’m still not used to being approached to do work. I think because each job is completely different its quite often new and exciting, obviously sometimes you get a really shit one but you just get on with it, but we always manage to have a laugh...  Also some dude in America got a tattoo of our logo on his leg; and that was only after we released the trailer. Madness!!

Ex: Your current Youtube video, Storm Freerun Vol. 1, has received an insane 1,517,129 hits. What was your reaction to the video’s success and when can we expect Storm Freerun Vol. 2?

Jan: We expected it to do pretty well after how much time and production value we put into it, and knowing that no one else in the parkour community had yet committed that much effort to one video we were pretty confident it’d be big. But yeh I’m still pretty blown away by the online recognition, pretty much any kid that does parkour these days has definitely seen it. So its always a nice feeling when you meet someone for the first time and they give you props for the vid.

Ex: With Storm you’ve had the chance to visit some iconic city circuits, if you were allowed one last run, any where in the world, where would you go?

Jan: Would have to be london man! It’s got a lot going on, estates like Vauxhall or Elephant and Castle are pretty monumental spots.

EX: Free runners are notoriously athletic! Does this mean endless hours at the gym or do you still manage to eat takeaway’s, get mashed and play unhealthy amounts of Playstation like the rest of us?

Ha. Yeh i definitely don't do enough conditioning, this is more of an issue for conserving joints in the long run, the stronger the muscles around your joints, tendons, etc... the least likely you are to have injuries. It’s a constant battle between nights out or going for a run and eating well.

Ex: What music are you and the Storm Crew listening to at the moment? Sticking with the Hip Hop classics or repping a new vibe?

Jan: I’ve got a few guilty pleasures that I am maxing out right now, such as Wiz Khalifa from Pittsburgh, along with Mac Miller, similar types of vibes about weed money and women. All time favourites are Hudson, Mohawke, Rusty, Jay Dee, 9th Wonder, Big L... too many to mention, most of us are quite passionate about music, mainly hip hop influenced sounds but we also like to mix it up with different flavors!

Ex: If your not free running what are you doing?

Jan: Going out, getting mashed, being a massive light weight, trying to do uni work... (motion graphics, a lot of hours in front of the mac)!

Ex: The internet is crawling with epic free running fails, broken legs, arms and neck’s seems common practice! Can you remember your worst bail? Anything life threatening?

Jan: The most current one always seems the worst, haven't done anything that epic, touch wood. Last month I was in Italy at this parkour park event and I fell off some scaffolding on the first day and landed on my shoulder; It’s still hurting now, so thats pissing me off a lot!

Ex: Being sick at Parkour would give you substantial advantage in any real life urban chase! Ever insult randoms to try out new moves?

Jan: When I was 16 I was on a roof of a school, training with a friend, apparently a load of computers had been robbed, weeks before, so someone saw us and got a full-blown police squad down, helicopter and all. We tried to run away using parkour to our advantage but this didn’t help, just made us look like some guilty wastemen on crime watch.

Ex: Storm Freerun is set for a 2011 parkour take-over but competition is standardly tough, are there any other Free Running groups we need to look out for?

Well anyone moaning about immigrants taking British jobs will be happy to know that Parkour is huge in Russia at the moment, meaning there’s more and more groups of 16 year olds with gymnastic backgrounds doing pretty horrific stuff, making them far too busy concentrating on free running to worry any nationalists.

As the summer fast approaches ‘Storm Freerun’ are preparing for a host of global parkour events, and will be competing in association with RedBull later this year, confirming there position as the UK’s biggest Free Running crew. Example will be following there progress and bringing you all the latest news from the Parkour scene.

For information about Storm Freerun follow the link posted below.

www.stormfreerun.com

Last time Pandemik came to Manchester was back in October. A trimmed down event from the one advertised. A few obligatory teething problems as with any new-born fledgling club-night and so it was with Pandemik. On the night though the crew responsible for the Noxious events up in Stalybridge put in a sterling effort, pulled together & made the event a real success.

A collective of like-minded out-of-town Drum’n’Bass soldiers includes DJs Tiptoe (deep DubStep), Stagger (Ragga), Epicentre (Jungle), Somnium, LFO and Trauma (dark & minimal D’n’B). All banded together in very complimentary company

They were done no favours on their debut by their venue of choice. Even though event organisers wisely killed off a second room & overspill bar beforehand, venue management needlessly decided to stick the boot in by insisting on charging for the hire of the original 3-room event, thereby making any profit impossible! Charging for use of empty & unused rooms, covering alleged overhead costs, before allowing a new night the chance to breathe, or to just break-even perhaps, but no: Instead a greedy old Innkeeper strangles the new-born Infant! BIG BOO! BIG HISS!

Second time around, (thankfully) tonight Pandemik has relocated to a different basement venue. Dry Bar Basement was originally a bit of an afterthought, a barely refurbished function room. In this fresh incarnation the room appears to have doubled in size, looks tidier, and has been fitted out with a sound-system that can finally do our music justice. Twice the venue for half the damage! Pandemik resident LFO agrees,

“Perfect for what we need. It’s got a real dingy atmosphere with great acoustics, low ceiling, basic-to-run vibes and big bass-lines. We hope we can settle down here & make it our permanent home”

DJ Trauma was already tearing up the room when I arrived. Before he handed over to LFO, event promoter (-& a recent back-room appearance at Hit-&-Run’s return to Mint Lounge-), I managed to grab a few words. I asked him about his simple but strong headline double-billing. Why these two in particular? 

Dubphizix, “a Manchester based artist who many people in Manchester know and know well. We feel that this artist needs as much exposure as he can get! He’s doing big, big things at the moment and I think 2011 will definitely be his year! I’m sure we will be seeing him take control of the wheels again at Pandemik in the near future”

“For our first event in 2011, and back in Manchester, we felt that somebody who has helped shape the style & scene of minimal, rolling drum-&-bass and who else better but ... Doc Scott!”

And your MC host tonight?

“For this event we have Logic. We felt that we needed a good solid host to hold it down, keep the vibes flowing and educate the masses. Logic is perfect for this, he knows how to let the music talk and can adapt very well. Next event we’ve brought in MC Fokus, recently vocalised the massive Skeptical track – Structure”

Dubphizix’s selection of speaker-shakers certainly tested the sub-bass capabilities of the new rig and wasn’t left wanting! The whole scaffold-skeleton stage vibrated. Out in the friendly, up-for-it crowd screwed-up bass-faces aplenty appreciated the rib-rattling frequencies. MC Logic certainly got down. Haven’t seen him dance like that since he was hosting Audiosalad down at Joshua Brooks some years ago!!

Straight up headliner Doc Scott is next, a producer whose pedigree is spelled out in seminal releases on Absolute 2, Reinforced, Metalheadz (he set up with Goldie), & his own imprint 31 Records. The crowd goes nuts; Doc Scott, 20-year veteran of the D’n’B scene, DJs with nonchalant ease.

When pressed afterward for his personal highlight LFO said “Without question, it’s gotta be the sound-system. Some of the best sound I’ve heard in Manchester for a while! Nice warm low-ends with crisp mids & highs. Big up the HERBAL SESSIONS Crew!”

Surprise of the Night! Highlight award, (apart from Epicentre’s industrial injury; one which might disable most aspiring DJs) for me, actually it has to go to MC Logic. His lyrics were certainly better composed than most host MCs, and he had a wealth of them! His flow was fairly impeccable, well suited to the tempo too. His timing was tasteful. Knowing when to go in & when to lay-off. So it’s not just his dance steps that have improved with age it seems! One to watch I reckon.

Somnium finished off the brain-cells of those few remaining, the very-last-tune vultures circling the floor at the end of a night. I made my way up & out onto a familiar wet Oldham St. in fine drizzle. DubPhizix was shouting “Yes! Yes! Rain! F**king love it!” It was that kind of night in Manchester. 

Pandemik seem to have got the components in correct measure, the right ingredients for a real toxic recipe, combined with a no-fuss attitude, which makes for a storming night out.

Next Pandemik event is happening on Saturday 19th March w/ NEED FOR MIRRORS (MOSUS & HLZ) 90MIN SET (V Recordings, Shogun Ltd) +  DBR UK (31 Records, Broken Audio) with Special Guest MC FOKUS !!!! @ Dry Bar, Oldham St. MCR All on the MIGHTY Herbal Sessions Sound-System!!! 

MischiefMaker February 2011

1.Falty DL - You Stand Uncertain LP (Planet Mu)

A second album from Falty DL on Planet Mu. Swing drenched excursions with undertones of 2step, house and broken beat. Opens with light and floating sun soaked vibes and slowly develops into heavier club friendly numbers and a few lounging rhythms for the smokers. Drafting in the soft and angelic voice of Anneka and the soulful tones of Lily McKenzie brings a personal touch to the project and I can see these vocalists popping up in many a beat to come. He pays of homage to the golden days with a few familiar sounds popping up in places and the many elements are fused together to please the senses. On the whole LP works nicely...good use of samples, nothing groundbreaking but a pleasant listen. Fans of Synkro, Zed Bias & El-B will find this a treat for the ears...

2.Tommy four Seven - Primate LP

An industrial journey through barren wastelands and forgotten industrial complexes...a sense of dread and paranoia, throwing distorted shapes at you with no sense of where they come from...

A very dark, infectious groove carries its way through the entire LP. Pumping bass that breathes and broken 4x4 kick drums that could rupture a few organs. Starting with a slow and steady pace, picking up the momentum as we crawl through each rhythm...eventually being sucked right into to the void by the last track, which is my favourite...minimal, raw techno in its prime. Very impressive.

3.Orphan 101 - Into you EP (Saigon)

Saigon 004 brings the skills of Orphan 101 back to the table...following on from his Applepips release, progressive sounds that could quite easily find their way into the boxes of psy-trance and hard house...

Evolving soundscapes and ethereal vocals carry the EP along fluently.

4.Sepalcure - Fleur EP (Hot Flush)

A well worked and put together showcase of the emerging duo. Very similar vibes and tones to certain artists in the forefront already...if your looking for fresh or groundbreaking you may be dissapointed but the sampling and rhythms gel together well and create an ethereal image of their world...fans of Synkro and Mount Kimbie will find this very appealing.

5.Kahn - Like we used to/helter skelter (Punch Drunk)

First impressions of this were...wow! pleasantly surprised with this debut offering from Punch Drunk, can see Kahn going a long way in the coming year and this is a great start which will surely attract a lot of attention from across the board. Swinging  rhythms, beautifully chopped up vocals...perfect selection of sounds.

Really strong, well produced grooves and synthesis, great vibes all round...one for the summer!

6. Brandt Brauer Frick - Corky EP (Tartelet)

'Corky' is the third EP from Brandt Brauer Frick on Tartelet Records and features a remix from Tartelet's own , James Braun. A constant progression through Berlin via Detroit tipping its hat towards Carl Craig, Stockhausen and John Cage. Be seduced by it's panoramic echoes and pumping bass drum. Nice work.

7. Akiko Kiyama - My Beer in the Shape of a Boy (Mean)

As Akiko puts it herself, "Deepness, depression, beauty, irony, fun -
these are keywords for my music also my life itself" you can definitely feel that there is much more thought put into these productions than just purely the need to move people on the dancefloor.

Infectious grooves and soundscapes. A progression through bizzare and ice cold sounds creating a well put together showcase from the Japanese, Berlin based producer.

8.Rick Wilhite - Analogue Aquarium (Still Music)

A long time member of the detroit music scene, Still music presents the debut album from legendary Detroit producer Rick 'the Godson' Wilhite.

Hot, jazzy vocals, warm chords, elements of disco and menacing synth bass are featured throughout the album and Rick explores outer and inner space with tripped out sci-fi effects without sacrificing the soul. A fitting full length for such a diverse musician.

9. Steffi - Yours &  mine (Ostgut Ton)

She shares with us her personal journey. A long period of intense experimentation and self-discovery led to this sensitive, instinctive and extremely insightful long-player.

Carefully mixing old and new, warm analog synth and drum textures flow in unison with modern studio finesse over nine tracks, each telling its own story. Ethereal, hypnotic passages and positive, uplifting messages to the dancefloor meet temperate, slowbuilding vibes and heart-wrenching moments. Often simplicity blurs into satisfying complexity. Moments of sheer joy arise against the backdrop of a rich and elegantly controlled exploration into her own sound.

Great work on the cusp of techno and deep house. 'You on my mind' is the one that stands out for me featuring the haunting vocal talents of Virginia...beautiful mood and delicate sounds that suit home listening as well as some strong club efforts.

10.Ramadanman/Pearson Sound - Fabriclive 56

Boasting a CV that would leave most aspiring artists weak at the knees, young North Londoner David Kennedy, who operates under several monikers including Pearson Sound and Ramadanman, has been steadily adding accomplishments
to his already substantial list since hitting the scene in 2006. Kennedy has dropped a slew of 12”s on game-changing bass music labels like Swamp ’81, Hemlock, Aus, Applepips and Soul Jazz, as well as on his very own Hessle Audio -
which he runs alongside friends Ben UFO and Pangaea. The small imprint, which has so far left a very big mark, was started in the Hyde Park area of Leeds and has released singles from the likes of Joe, James Blake and Untold, also hosting various radio shows and a residency at FABRICLIVE. His prolific remix rate and dizzying tour schedule leaves one wondering where he found the time to produce the 56th FABRICLIVE mix.

There is no surprise that he was drafted in for the latest installment...a beat driven, bass heavy excursion through the myriad of rhythms that make up his box. On point, solid mixing using vinyl only. A journey through many percussive styles gels together extremely well, shying away from a hyperactive nature and heading strictly for the groove. An essential purchase and insight into where this ultra talented artist is heading. The only way is up!

Reviews by Aiden Harper

Skeptical, real name Ashley Tindall is a 26 year old DJ and producer from Hertfordshire near London. Skeptical has played many gigs across the country in London, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester and is also spreading his sound across the world. With so much passion for Drum and Bass, Skeptical got on the production tip to take his musical pleasures to different heights. His tracks have landed in record bags of top DJ's such as dBridge, Alix Perez, Loxy, Doc Scott. He's also had signings from some of most respected labels in the scene such as Exit Records, Commercial Suicide, 31 Records, Dispatch, Ingredients, Inneractive Music, X-tinction Agenda, Broken Audio and has also been snapped up by Gram Agency for bookings too. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for this guy the future is shaping up to be a good one!
Following his back to back set with Dub Phizix at our second birthday party in February we thought we would have a word with Skeptical.


Example: What inspires your productions?

Skeptical : Music, films, Life in general. I find going out to clubs and hearing the music loud gives me good motivation to get in the studio and write something on that vibe you were

feeling.

Example: What have you got in store for the future in terms of releases and collabs?

Skeptical: I have various bits coming, I’m working closely with exit, dispatch, commercial suicide, 31 Records, inneractive music, and an E.P to watch for on ingredients.

I’m also working on a few projects with Dub Phizix at the moment, our style is quite similar and we get on well which is wicked. Ant at Dispatch has also signed up Silo/The Enemy which I think is due out in May. I’m also working closely with MC Fokus this year, we’ve got a tune out on dispatch Transit One Lp called Structure that has done well its now coming on a limited 10” vinyl with on of Ant’s tracks on the flip. We have various other bits in the pipeline too including a Structure VIP so keep an ear out. Future collabs also to come from DBR UK and pessimist.

Example: Is there anything in particular you use to make music with? And do you think it matters whether you use Logic, Reason, Cubase or any other DAW on the market?

Skeptical: It’s not the tools you have it’s the person that uses it. You need to uses your ears. Try not to get wrapped up on how things are done because you’ll lose the creative flow and to be honest there’s no set method. I started out on reason which was a good learning curve but wasn’t for me so switched to Cubase and never turned back. Main advice is not to over complicate everything. If it sounds good it is and use good sounds!



Example: What are your thoughts on the whole Digital/ Vinyl debate? Can you see vinyl lasting another 10 years?

Skeptical: Yeah vinyl will still be here I think. I’m a vinyl collector myself so I hope so!
I like what some of the label are doing to keep it going. Exit’s Mosaic, Break’s and calibre’s albums are all on sale as a package, when you buy the vinyl you get the cd too. I think this is a great idea even if you don’t have a vinyl deck to play it on because of the whole collectors thing.
As for the debate on what should be played in clubs it really doesn’t matter to me. In my own sets I like to use both formats. Vinyl always sounds best though.

Example: What do you listen to when your not listening to Drum and Bass?

Skeptical: Lots of stuff from Dub to hip hop to down tempo. One album that I've pulled back out the bag recently is fugees The Score. I loved that album when it first came out.

Example: X Factor or X Box Live?

 

Skeptical: X factor, I hate wasting my time on video games. Plus I don’t have an X- Box to play them on.

Example: Anybody you would like to shout out too?

Skeptical: Everyone that supports and buys my music, And Ex:ample Mag for getting me down to play at the 2nd birthday. Great night!

Big ups Skeptical.

To listen to Skeptical's releases check out these links:

http://www.soundcloud.co.uk/skeptical

http://www.discogs.com/artist/Skeptical+%282%29

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Skeptical/111463815588151?v=info

Booking Agent:www.gramagency.co.uk

TWITTER : http://twitter.com/#!/skepticaluk


ALSO CHECK OUT THE EXCLUSIVE SKEPTICAL MIX FOR EXAMPLE :

Forthcoming gigs.

25th March - Gram vs K Mag @ Cafe 1001, London

31st March Bristol

1st April - Prague, Czech Republic

8th April - Intent 2 Supply @ Rhythm Factory, London

23rd April - Renegade Hardware @ Area, London

29th April - Momentum @ The Wire, Leeds

30th April - Broken Audio @ The Hat Factory, Luton

7th May - Organic @ Gramophone, London

24th June - Abstractions @ Basement 45 , Bristol

25th June – Renegade Hardware @ Area, London

30th July – Furr Festival, Newnham, Hertfordshire

1st -

4th September - Outlook Festival, Croatia

Manchester Clubland, and the various styles of music it promotes, shifts and moves in cycles like an amorphous living thing. New nights are created, giving irregular rise to novelty and exceptional rare talent. Interest grows and wanes, excitement and anticipation builds, disappointment arrives like a badly-timed pregnancy. Sometimes Clubland needs a break from itself; a breath of fresh air in the form of original content. Sometimes it requires nothing short of revolution. A whole new generation needed to come along and usurp the established order. Occasionally though, just by looking back we can find new ways forward: which brings me nicely onto PutYourMusicWhereYourMouthIs:

The concept of the sound-clash comes (as does a lot of our modern musical heritage) from Jamaica. Originally different dances on the island would be run by established sound-systems, each with their own selecters, DJs & toasters (hype emcees). Men like Duke Reid, Prince Buster & Sir Coxone Dodd, who went on to build legendary Studio One, all fiercely keen to outdo their competition with exclusive imports from America. Homegrown talent was also recorded & promoted via these opposing sound-systems. Bluebeat, Ska & Rocksteady musicians battled it out during long hot summers, eventually giving birth to the genre we know as reggae music.

Ska was exported with the Windrush generation to Mother England, was adopted by remnants of Mod culture, the skinheads; Reggae was also played in ‘blues’ (clubs which were usually little more than a front room with no furniture or someone’s empty cellar) attended by people from immigrant communities who were often afraid or simply not allowed to enter city-centre premises.

DJ Kool Herc took the SoundClash ethos to America: Two turntables, one mixer & a microphone; Block Parties held in empty tenement flats, or outdoor basketball courts & car-parks. Free electricity jumped from streetlamps; and Hip-Hop was born. Open mic sessions & rap battle competitions are still held for up-and-coming emcees & rappers to test themselves & each other. Both the ITF and DMC world mixing championships have been established, celebrating the best of dexterous, international turntablism now for well over two decades.

In England we had Two-Tone from Coventry, the Specials & the Selecter, ska & punk energy fused together, UB40 & the Beat from Birmingham, and rival Roots, Reggae & Dancehall sound-systems, like Saxon Sound and Congo Natty. Up & down the UK, from Highfields in Leister, St. Pauls in Bristol, Moss Side Manchester, Brixton and the annual Notting Hill Carnival in London, these seperate sound-crews all evolved within the confines of fierce competition & rivalry.

Nowadays US Hip-Hop is mainstream, Reggae has gone commercial. You can still find underground versions of both, but since Rave music’s arrival (House, Jungle, Techno, Garage, Grime, Dubstep) the era of the DJ is most definitely here to stay. White labels, exclusive VIP mixes and deleted rarities. A DJs reputation can be made or broken on the strength of his/her selections. DJs know this. That’s why you’ll often find them digging in dusty crates looking for gems; Or sniffing out promo copies & ‘dub’ exclusives from sources other than their competition; Getting exclusive versions from label-mates; or cutting ‘specials’ where an MC or singer makes a version of a well-known track but with modified lyrics, usually celebrating the prowess of their DJ. Sir David Rodigan has dozens of them: All weapons in the DJs arsenal.

More recent DJ pairings have simply been put together by promoters, back-to-back sets bringing together two mighty scene builders, or two-for-one DJ booking agency deals, but on the whole a mainly mutual affair. So Manchester welcomes back the concept of the combative SoundClash!

Held every month in the dark cellar of the Roadhouse, Mikey D.O.N (whose credentials stretch back to North-West hip-hop heroes Krispy 3 and forward to Thursday nights ‘Rap-&-Ragga Show’ on Unity Radio) invites you to join him as he invites all manner of Manchester music selectors to ‘Put Your Music Where your Mouth Is...’

Launched back in September with Mikey D.O.N himself going up against old Friends-&-Family cohort Crowhead (Atic Records), with impartial refereeing from Kwasi Asante, and diplomatically declared a draw on the night, PYMWYMI puts reputation & rivalry back on the menu! An end of October event was the first sniff of any real rivalry when my monies-on man Dom Sotigu (Blood&Fire) went against Irish Moss (Hot Milk) to compete for a very special cup (which fell apart once handled!). This was a proper reggae sound-clash, each DJ playing twenty minute sets which were then judged by the assembled audience. Each round having a winner declared until a final tune-for-tune decider round, then an overall winner emerges triumphant. Which in this case was Bobby Irish, who flung a real pair of Clarks desert boots onto the decks when airing a particular dancehall favourite, becoming the champion who relegates through to the far-off Final in June

I missed SoundClash November as I spent the whole night elsewhere (Soul:ution) but another switch in genres saw two rival Manchester promoters going head-to-head; Rich Reason (Hit-&-Run) against Ryan Hunn (Hoya:Hoya) with the man they also call Illumsphere winning the heat!

Put Your Music Where your Mouth Is returned last month to see two very-heavy-weights of the Manchester D’n’B scene go up against each other. DJ Pale (sky-blue City boy, cool graphic designer), versus DJ Prophecy (staunch die-hard Red, head of the mighty Metropolis beast), in what was billed as a ‘Clash of the Titans’. If the audience expected some heavy back-to-back drum’n’bass business they were in for a surprise, as each DJ took the opportunity to play a whole host of tracks (in genres) that wouldn’t normally fit into their more regular sets. DJ Prophecy opened with LL Cool J’s ‘Mamma Said Knock You Out’, and the bout was on! A second Manchester Derby Day! And a fair few hip-hop classics rolled out before veering into old school reggae, the man they also call ‘Uncle Wilf’ doing his very best Rodigan impersonation! Hyping up his vital selection! Educating the entire nation! Cold Red Stripe is the only Libation! Emancipation from Dehydration! (You know, that kind of thing).

Despite being heckled throughout by a lone woman chanting “Ci – Teh! Ci-Teh! Ci-Teh!” Prophecy soldiered on and finished his set off with (an inspired choice) Procul Harum’s psychedelic  1967 hit, and early-hours anthem , ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’. DJ Pale responded with some timeless Hacienda tunes (Rob Base & DJ E-Z ‘It Takes Two’, Guy Called Gerald ‘Voodoo Ray’ and CeeCee Penniston ‘Finally’). I went nuts. Dunno about anyone else!

It was clear from the outset that Prophecy’s historical education tour was never going to garner as many supportive raised voices as DJ Pale’s party classics. Even Prophecy, (head honcho at event behemoth Metropolis) graciously admitted defeat saying, “If you played like that all the time, I’d have booked you more often!”

Paley let his music do the talking, and even kept a couple of MC ‘specials’ in the drawer. He hadn’t needed them! He kissed his trophy (the ONLY cup anyone in a sky-blue City shirt will raise this year I reckon!) and joins Ryan Hunn and Irish Moss in exalted company.

This months’ SoundClash Friday (Friday March 4^th @ the Roadhouse!) warms-up with AManLikeSam, following in the footsteps of Da Wiz, Samrai & Aza Bombaza who have played the cellar club before the Main Event. Bout #5; Your host Mikey D.O.N. invites Mr. Scratch (Underground Roots) and Dub Smugglers’ Ed Speed to “come down to the Roadhouse with your records and your reputations and Put Your Music Where Your Mouth Is...”

 MischiefMaker March 2011

Over the past few years, Callide has become a main player in the world of Drum and Bass with his bass heavy floor smashers. We caught up with the Gloucester based DJ to chat about his label, System Shock Records, Portugal and testing prostitutes.....

So 2010 was a pretty big year for you, how do you feel about the success that you’ve achieved with Supreme? Especially making the top 100 DNB tracks for 2010 on Drum & Bass Arena.

The success the track received was excellent and seeing it do the rounds across UK and abroad was inspiring. It seemed like every other day I'd get sent a link to a Youtube video of it getting reloaded, and watch as the dance floor would then erupt in to some sort of full on mad skank out session. I think it set the tone nicely of things to come, as this year for me is going to be most interesting. I like to think of Supreme as the catalyst of things to come.

RAM is pretty much like the Mecca of DNB labels, run by demi God Andy C, how did the release come about? Do you have anything else lined up with RAM?

It was as simple as sent the track over to Andy and then it got signed. There were a handful of phone conversations along the way and more Youtube videos, but before I knew it, it had become an anthem; that’s the power of Andy. With regards to future stuff on Ram, yes I'd like some more tracks on there and my aim is to start to get more tracks ready as soon as possible. Most recently I've been focusing on the re launch of my label 'System Shock' which has some big things in store!

You’ve definitely established yourself as royalty in the world of jump up. What do you say about this and how do you feel?
Royalty, that’s a good one. I just want to bring to the table those type of tunes that get dance floors erupting.

What did you want to be when you were little? Do you think you would be doing that if you weren’t producing and DJing?
When I was really little I wanted to be an artist, then at school a graphic designer and then at college an artist. Somehow I ended up becoming a Technical Designer, then Transport Engineer, and then until recently as Road Safety Manager. I quit my job in the summer of last year after 13 years working for the Council and to be honest I haven't looked back.

Have you ever thought about MCing? I’m sure Impact would lend you a New Era and help you write some bars!
No chance, I'll leave that one alone!

How did you come up with your name Callide; was it a reflection of the kind of hard hitting tunes you make? (by the way my mate Calum was most annoyed because he wanted to be called DJ Callide and then I told him about you, but he did buy Supreme on vinyl so he can’t be too mad)
Nice one Calum! The name Callide has nothing to do with collide or collision: it’s Latin. When I was deciding on a name all those years ago, I wanted it to encapsulate everything I wanted be about. After hours of analysing a Latin dictionary I shortlisted about five words and Callide was the word I was drawn to most of all. And 8 years later I still like it. Its Latin meaning is subtle, skilful, sly, cunning and clever. So you can tell Calum he can be DJ Collide if he wants.

You get to travel the world and play your own tunes, that seems like one of the best jobs in the world. There’s got to be a downside somewhere right?
I just did a search in Google for best jobs in the world and DJ isn't on there, but here's a few that are: Paradise Island Caretaker, Luxury Bed Tester, Professional Prostitute Tester, and World of Warcraft Tester. I've just decided I'm changing my job to a Professional Prostitute tester who works on a luxury bed on a paradise island, but not with the nerdy World of Warcraft thing.

 In all seriousness, taking a brand new tune I've made in to a club for its first time play and watching it go off is easily the best feeling you can get. Yeah there's always down sides for example, like hours and hours and hours of travelling, children on planes, lack of sleep and most recently the snow really fucked things up. When I compare DJing with what I used to do, then yes, it is one of the best jobs in the world and I'd recommend any one to go for it.

Originating from and currently residing in Gloucester, has there ever been any plans to move to London or closer, Bristol, where the scene has a massive following? What’s so good about Gloucester that keeps you there?
Gloucester's pretty central to the main places I need to get to. It’s two hours from London, an hour from Birmingham, and forty five minutes from Bristol, so for location it ain't that bad. Although the scene isn't that big here, there's a wealth of local talent and we have some crazy house parties! I'd consider moving back to London in the future or also Reading as I plan on doing a lot of work at the Keynote Studios in the coming years.

You've just hosted an EP launch party in Portugal. It must be such a hard life! Tell us a little bit about that...
The Parties with Zona 6 in Porto are incredible. The professionalism of their promotion and event organising is some of the best I've worked with, and for me playing for Zona 6 is easily one of my favourite events. Last week they hosted the System Shock Party Part 2, Launch of the Transformations EP. This is my new 6 track 2 part EP coming out as we speak. There will be two vinyl releases and two digital tracks which have been getting some massive support. Two of the tracks, Callide No More and 88 Track, have featured on Radio 1 for about three months now. The EP features many different styles but is all aimed at the dance floor.

Who would be your ideal artist to collaborate with? Will you make this happen?
To collaborate with Dillinja one day would be big, also Adam F and Fresh I’m rating. I've got some wicked projects lined up with Vapour and Jungle Drummer which I know are going to be dangerous! I have a bunch of other collabs on their way soon too, and I find it really interesting seeing how two different styles can come together. Some of the work I have recently done with Intraspekt will really turn some heads.

What’s happening with your label System Shock at the moment?
System Shock has finally re launched after a year or more laying low. It’s the label I started up in 2006 and which has pretty much got me where I am today. I've toured many different countries with the label, and its identity seems to be pretty well known. My distributor, Keynote Studios have some big plans for the label and I really enjoy doing business with them.

2011 seems like it’s going to be a big year for many artists within the DNB industry, what are your plans and how do you intend on staying a cut above the rest?
I haven't a clue! Nah, To be honest I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing, making big dance floor beats, with crazy bass lines. I learn a lot from what works on the dance floor when DJing, and I have a few tricks up my sleeve for the coming year. I personally think it’s about a few simple things, the element of surprise and keeping the dance floor on its toes.

Anything else you’d like to mention?
Some great questions, Big up for this interview!
Big up to everyone in Gloucester, Cheltenham and the surrounding areas, it’s good to see so much talent coming through. Big up to Bassix, Bigga Spittaz, Quality Controlled, Need-All Records, OTB Radio, GFM, SA Management (Shakira), Keynote Studios, and the party people in Spain and Portugal!