Friday, February 26, 2010

KNOWLEDGE MAG INTERVIEWS ZERO TOLERANCE + MIX



"Zero T started out back in 1998 as a fresh faced youngster at Dublin's now legendary Bassbin night. In late '99, just as his vinyl debut was dropping on the Bassbin imprint, 4hero signed some tracks that he and Beta 2 had made for Reinforced.

By 2001 releases were coming thick and fast on labels like Subtitles, Commercial Suicide, Function, Signature and Advanced and he was collaborating with producers such as Calibre, Alix Perez, Icicle, Bailey and vocalists like MC Conrad, Riya and Steo. Zero T moved to London in 2007 and released his debut album, Cheap Shots, on Total Science's CIA imprint in 2008.

After touring extensively right through to early 2009, Zero is now plotting his next steps. This includes releases on Subtitles, Shogun Audio, Good Looking, Liquid V and Integral, remixes of Slam's '93 techno classic Positive Education and up-and-coming bands One eskimO and All Thieves and launching his own label, Footprints. We spoke to Zero T to get the latest...

You're starting your own label Footprints, why now?
Probably the fact that I'm 30 this year! It was like a goal in life in general. Whatever I was doing, I wanted to be my own man by the time I'm 30.

Also, I love the fact that I can now sign anything I want and put it out. I just want to build up trust and make it a 'buy-on-sight' label as soon as possible. I want Footprints to cement my position in the drum & bass landscape as I still love the music so much.

Tell us more about the format of the "split" 12"s...
The format will generally be me on one side and someone else on the other. It means I only have to make one track per release and then I've got options for all sorts of tracks, from either well established friends or new producers, I really don't care.

I'll be trying to hit as many different levels with each 12". I want them to be balanced. I want one side to be what I consider something that's going to hurt a club and the flip might do the same or it could be just a piece of music I think is good that you may not even be able to play in a club. I hate all the sub categories in drum & bass but it's a natural inclination to group stuff together.

I used to love the whole 'anything goes' attitude in drum & bass in the 90s and I want to do my bit to get it back. I think electronic music in general is reverting back to the late 80s / early 90s unity when it was just viewed as dance music. The whole cross pollination with dubstep and the fact you have dubstep guys playing and making stuff at 170bpm and vice versa is great.

The more it all becomes blurred, undefinable UK bass music the better. People are now making music that you can't even say what it is any more but it doesn't matter because it's just a good tune. It's really exciting at the moment.


Why the name Footprints?
I was racking my brain for a long time for a good label name and it's hard. You need to be sure that it's a word, concept and identity that you're comfortable with when you're 50. I've already got a name I picked when I was 15 that's slightly embarrassing!

With Footprints though, I was coming back from the shops with Jubei and it had been snowing. I looked down and saw a footprint and that was it. I did the logo in my house with a bucket of black paint, a volunteer's foot and a piece of paper.

Tell us more about your forthcoming releases on other labels...
I have 12"s with Need For Mirrors coming on Liqweed Ganja and Shogun Ltd, Tilt and Vanity respectively. There's going to be a remix 12" on CIA from my album which has my remix of Walk Away and an Ulterior Motive remix of Robots, the tune I did with Bailey. However my main release is the All Good Things EP on Subtitles.

Apart from establishing Footprints my main goal for 2010 is to change people's perceptions of me being a just liquid DJ / producer. Subtitles is a label I had releases on ages ago and I wanted to return because it's got such a good reputation. People associate whatever TeeBee puts out with a certain sound and it definitely isn't liquid. I really want people to know that if you're booking Zero T or buying a Zero T track don't always expect it to be liquid.

Not that there's anything wrong with that style of course, it's just that I've done it to death and I've had enough of it for now. I just feel a bit saturated with that sound. My attitude now is I want to rock dancefloors as much as possible and not compromise my musical integrity.

What else do you have planned for the rest of 2010?
I've just signed on to do mix for a very big compilation series, can't reveal too much just yet but I'm very excited about it.

Apart from that I'm using this year to teach myself how to produce music other than drum & bass because it takes a lot of trial and error to get good at anything. I'm working on a bunch of projects of all different kinds of music and tempos with different artists and vocalists, live stuff as well. It feels a bit like starting all over again.

Tell us about the mix you've done for us...
It's a Footprints showcase so I've put on as much music that's coming on Footprints as possible but it's a fairly accurate representation of me playing a drum & bass set. I tried putting as much fresh material on there but that's not always my approach when I play out.

For instance, the first two tunes are from the 90s and I love dipping back into that era and picking out tunes. Recently I've been playing Grooverider's remix of Share The Fall and more than once some young guy has told me it's amazing and wanted to know what it is. I don't buy into the whole drum & bass thing of you have to play the freshest stuff all the time and I think that is dying out a bit as well.

Doing these type of mixes is quite difficult as you have to put on certain tracks because you want to promote your brand. I never have a plan when I'm DJing live, what I do is practice a few good intros to draw people in and then I just freestyle it and see what happens.

The first 12" on Footprints, Zero T + Bailey - Wasp Factory / Calibre + ST Files - Devil Inside, is out on March 8th with the second, Zero T + Mosus - Shallow Grave / Beta 2 - Cabin Phever, following two weeks after. "


ZERO TOLERANCE
presents:
FOOTPRINTS MIX
DOWNLOAD HERE


1.Everything But The Girl ft. J Majik - Blame [Virgin]
2.Doc Scott - Swarm [Metalheadz]
3.Breakage ft. Kemo - Tempa [Digital Soundboy Dubplate]
4.Zero T + FD - After All [Subtitles All Good Things EP]
5.Ulterior Motive, FD + Keza - Sticky Tape [Dubplate]
6.Calibre + St:Files - Devil Inside [Footprints 001]
7.A.I. ft. dBridge - Three's A Crowd [V Recordings Dubplate]
8.Break - Late Drop [Critical]
9.All Thieves - Stars (Zero T Remix) [Dubplate]
10.Ulterior Motive - 2098 [Subtitles Dubplate]
11.Slam - Positive Education (Zero T Remix) [Dubplate]
12.Digital - Logged In [Dubplate]
13.Zero T + Bailey - Robots (Ulterior Motive Remix) [CIA Dubplate]
14.FD + Script - White Horse [CIA Dk Dubplate]
15.Original Sin - Kiss [Playaz]
16.Dakuan - Chronic Break [Footprints Dubplate]
17.Ed Rush + Optical - Void [Virus]
18.Zero T + Bailey - Wasp Factory [Footprints 001]
19.Ulterior Motive - Featherweight [Subtitles Dubplate]
20.Beta 2 - Cabin Phever [Footprints 002]
21.Zero T + Need For Mirrors - Charlatan [Footprints Dubplate]
22.Zero T + Ulterior Motive - Breach [Subtitles All Good Things EP]
23.Need For Mirrors - Sick In The Head [Footprints Dubplate]
24.Zero T + Mosus - Shallow Grave [Footprints 002]
25.Dwele - I Think I Love You (Remix) [Dubplate]


-Knowledge Magazine

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

"10 QUESTIONS w/ DSTAR"

No introduction need be given to today's "10 Questions w/" artist. DStar is the man, period. Tunes are killer, he's been runnin Philly w/ his squad for way over 10 years, he's released on mad impri.. Just read below.

1) Favorite gig of the year so far?
DS: We started the new years off right in D.C. at a 3D/ Steez Promo party w/ Dieselboy , myself, Mason, Armanni & Sharpness ....and I’d have to say the Down Jones record release party in Philly last weekend was absolutely poppin’!

2) Favorite tune of the year so far?
DS: Favorite DNB tune(s) this year so far- Mix Master Doc- "Still Here", Reactiv-"the Watcher", and Dstar -"40k (Dstar & mason remix)! For dubstep I’d have to say Dr. P- "Sweetshop", the Angel "Kush (down jones rmx), and J.Rabbit "I’m so happy" on Reid speeds Play me label. .....But also, the secret weapon of Philly and Down Jones tag team partner End Boss.......big tingz coming on p5 Records out of Philly from him.

3) One piece of software you can't do without:
DS: Logic, Exs24, multi press....Es1.

4) Will you be attending WMC?
DS:Yes! I will be attending the WMC! What’s up with some fishing and some yucca fries again!? oh...I’ll be performing at 'witness the sickness' 3/24, World of DnB-3/25 and Metalheadz / Bassdrive party 3/27......as of now ! Look me up for DNB sushi 2010!

5) What events are you most looking forward too at WMC?
DS: Always honored to play the headz party, always love bringing a demanding philly presence to the WODNB room and looking forward to Witness the Sickness as its Down Jones album release party and switch hats to Dstar vs Mason! i'll be tagging dubstep with End Boss that evening tho....don't miss his rare appearance!

6) What projects do you have lined up this year?
DS: GASM- Adversary series- consists of a 12" feat. Dstar long awaited '40k' b/w Perpetuum long awaited 'Fate of a Legend' ...siiiick! available also on digital download with the following series of releases by Mason feat. Mental Sharp, Noah D., Chino, Djunya & Neglect, new kid FRESH to death from Miami 14 years old Pytchlocka coming strong on Gasm with the flip being a Dylan rmx of his smasher 'March of the Mutilated"....not to be slept on...

Also launching a label with collective hosting dubstep / 4/4 / and soulful 12" and exclusive downloads from End Boss, Down Jones, Beastmode, Strange and more! high quality biddness for the masses... Also huge remix's for The Angel from l.a. .. "Ultralight" (Dstar & Mason rmx) available now on Supacrucial Records (supacrucial.com) and upcoming The Angel's tune "Kush" with the long awaited smash up rmx anthem from Down Jones... and big right now is DOWN JONES "DUMB IT DOWN" on Foul Play records full length album April 2010,,,12" available now of "Do it To it" (6blocc rmx) and "foul Play rep. feat. Mad Cobra" ,,,upcoming 12" "Dumb it Down/ b/w the Chase feat. Armanni Reign" .. www.foulplayrecords.com



7) What producers are you rating atm?
DS: There are so many new amazing producers i hear every day sometimes its hard to remember! As I stated I’m honored to present to the world the next DNB prodigy Pytchlocka. I’ve always been a huge fan of Gremlinz, really feeling the soulful side from Jayrome, Sol.ID, Dave Shickman, Original Ninja, Kuru, and of course Mr. Atlantic Connection himself...on the harder tip all kinds of material from youngins to o.g.'s....Gridlocks album had some “killz” on it, Tech Itch always twists one to knock you over!

8) Where can we hear more about you?
DS: You can hear more about me on www.gasmrecordings.com, www.myspace.com/thedstar, www.myspace.com/djdownjones,www.p5records.com ALL of which are recieving some the serious needed makeovers needed...

9) Whats your non dnb top ten?
DS:
Down Jones - 'Do it To it ' 6blocc Remix
J.Rabbit - 'I’m So Happy' Play me records
End Boss- "Mudd"- p5 records
Dr. P- "Sweetshop"
DmnDays- "rape escape"
Bar 9 - 'the Beginning'
Craze - "Drop to the Flo" -
Reso- "Rumble feat. Vent"
Noah D. - 'that hardcore tune'
Valta & Minikin- "B.Fed Up" !!!!!


10) whats your dnb top ten?
DS:
Pytchlocka - "March of the Mutilated"- Gasm
Mix Master Doc- "Still Here"- Driven Am
DJunya & Neglect - "Nohmads"- Gasm
Kuru - "howard"-
Morphy & 9Tails Fox- " Disco 3"
Dstar- "40 K (Dstar & Mason rmx)- Gasm
Atlantic Connection- "soul Musiq (Gremlinz rmx)
Sol.ID & Dave Shichman - "Breaking the HAbit"
Original Ninja & NRanges- "Temple"
Morphy & Edward Oberon- "voodoo Stew
"

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

SMOG vs. BASSHEAD - WMC 2010 - MIAMI

Each week leading up to conference we're gonna post a party we think you should attend.

Below is Smog vs. Basshead on March 25th. I really don't need to say much more about this event, check the lineup....big up my LA fam.

For More Info check out.....
www.SMOGLA.com / www.BASSHEADMUSIC.com

Monday, February 22, 2010

"10 QUESTIONS w/ WILL MILES"




Floridian based producer Will Miles drops by WB Blogs to answer 10 burning questions....

1) Favorite gig of the year so far?
WM: NYE in Raleigh, NC


2) Favorite tune of the year so far?
WM: Kjell - Andersonian

3) One piece of software you can't do without:
WM: FL Studio 9 XXL (extended memory)

4) Will you be attending WMC?
WM: YES YES!

5) What events are you most looking forward too at WMC?
WM:Definetly looking forward to the Stank Love party @ Jazid on the 24th. The monthly dnb event will see its first WMC appearance in 2010. A killer dnb, as well as dubstep line-up will please all who attend. The Bassdrive Showcase with support from the Metalheadz camp is going to again be a must for all the DNB headz and music lovers in general. I'll unfortunately miss Friday night because I'm traveling to Philly to play Droppin' Science @ The Arts Garage. If there are any other shows anyone thinks I should attend, hit me up!

6) What projects do you have lined up this year?
WM:This year's main focus will be on web releases; through the launch of a new website called, "Digital Aspirin" with Eduardo Rodriguez, and my own label "Miles A. Head". I'm also working on an EP with Stereotype. We recently made some noise (literally) with Random Movement who is on tour. I've recently been back to teaching guitar and music theory, privately.

7) What producers are you rating atm?
WM: So many to list...Kjell, D Bridge, Serum, Random Movement, Stereotype, Vapour, Bladerunner, Ed Oberon, Big Bud, Atlantic Connection, Martyn, Breakage, S.P.Y., Flaco, Spectra Soul, Dave Owen, Sabre, Bal, and I do unfortunately rate my own tracks, but not because I think I'm the shit, but because I enjoy the end product of self expression. (The list of producers goes on and on btw).

8) Where can we hear more about you?
WM: Honestly, I am no good at getting the word out there about what it is I'm up to. Thankfully West Bay has an outlet for me to get the written word out there. I'll be blogging on "Digital Aspirin" and you can hit me on AIM-milesadread and I'll give you the skinny. Also facebook and www.myspace.com/milesahead.

9) What's your non-dnb top ten?
WM:
Isley Brothers-Voyage to Atlantis
Busta Rhymes & J Dilla-Takin' What's Mine
Joao Gilberto-Sampa
Guilherme Arantes-Choro Molequinho
Clyde Alexander & Sanction-Got to Get Your Love(Special Kenny Dope Edit)
12th Planet-Control(Skream Remix)
Jakes-3KOut
Stacy Kidd-Let Love Enter
SpongeBob SquarePants intro
Symphony # 9, third movment by Beethoven

10) What's your dnb top ten?

WM:
Ray Keith-Round 2
Kjell-Grand Groove
Will Miles-Die 4 It
Random Movement-A Good Start Say No
A Sides-Rebel Rouser
Bladerunner-Mercenary Dub
Kjell-Andersonian
Will Miles-Milers
Serum & Bladerunner-Chalice
Will Miles & Stereotype-I Know Not Why




Friday, February 19, 2010

MARKY + FRIENDS - AT FABRIC / LONDON

Marky & Friends from Fabric London on Vimeo.

REVIEW: ASIDES & MAKOTO “HOT ROCK” !

Makoto & Asides are creating a swift buzz with a new track currently doing the rounds called “Hot Rock”. Taken from Makoto’s next release on his digital only imprint Human Elements, “Hot Rock” is a wide-open groove, opening up with steady Rhodes chords and jazzy hats that seamlessly roll into live-influenced drum riffs. Asides brings signature to the track dropping a monster bassline which jacks the tune up from martini to scotch creating a perfect edginess for DJs to transition with from smooth to tough from liquid to ruff. Get this.

Out March 15th on Human Elements Digital


Thursday, February 18, 2010

WESTBAY DIGITAL PRESENT... RISE AMERICAS EP volume one


WESTBAY DIGITAL present
THE RISE AMERICAS EP
volume one


Westbay Music Group’s digital imprint makes its 2010 debut w/ Rise Americas EP. A 3 part EP project, Rise Americas Volume One puts the scope on North & South Americas rising drum and bass talent, showcasing a variety of grooves and moods fitting for any preferable aesthetic.

Kicking off the EP is the massive “Cold Sweat” by Brandon Miles & Tricky Pat, a devastatingly dangerous track, “Cold Sweat” rolls in with solid staggered beats and I-rie pads that build and build until the tune unleashes a dramatically big bassline that’s tearing floors apart from LA to New York.

Floridian based artists Will Miles & Stereotype take things a bit smokier with the vocal laden groove “I Know Not Why”. A subtle and sublime roller, “I Know Not Why” screams jazz bar with signature sex-chords & subby-punch bass guaranteed to get the martinis poured & the lights dimmed.

Another Florida favorite, Flaco rolls it out LUSH-like with “Untouchables”. A Fabio BBC Radio One favorite, Flaco delivers big with this track, taking things to higher dimensions with ROLLLED out beats, absolutely lush pads, vocal compliments and a thick bassline! This ones for the dancers inside!

Closing out volume one of The Rise Americas EP is a sensational riff by Divine Elements’ NC producer Doppler. Titled “Landskron Dreams” Doppler creates a canvas of moving piano’s and liquid beats tied together by songstress Jett who elevates this tune with her catchy vocals and angelic voice.

You’re gonna’ love this EP.
Available in March 2010 via iTunes on Westbay Digital by Westbay Music Group

BRANDON MILES + TRICKY PAT "COLD SWEAT"





WILL MILES + STEREOTYPE "I KNOW NOT WHY"






FLACO "UNTOUCHABLES"






DOPPLER "LANDSKRON DREAMS" ft. JETT