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!