01 December, 2004

My first interview - for the Ukrainian DJ Roodbwoy

What have you heard about Ukraine & Ukrainian drum&bass scene?

To be honest not much despite it's neighbouring Hungary. I've heard good things about producers like Sunchase, Cyb Orc, Kind of Zero (who has also signed stuff for US label Cymbalism just like me) and Purple Unit. This year from central and eastern Europe some great talent have attracted attention internationally. So I guess Ukraine must have a solid scene just like his big brother Russia (not to be sounding political). Also I've heard about DJ Tapolsky and the world-famous ukrainian Vodka from a friend over there (Cheers Lindus! ;)

What about drum&bass scene in Hungary? What are the most famous DJs, producers, MCs, promoters?

The first jungle party was held in 1996 but it blew up in 1999 really, thanks to promoters like Tilos Radio, Bladerunnaz and Nowsound. For now there are big name dnb and breakbeat DJs flying in to play the capital Budapest on an almost weekly basis. Internet helped a lot too. I established the country's first online magazine (impulsecreator.hu) dedicated to urban music and after 5 years I can say we did a lot for the local scene, in addition with co-organizing parties lately, guesting DJs from the UK too. As for producers I have to start the list with Tactile group consisting SKC, Chris.SU, the DJ-duo Airbag (Longman and Bratwa) and Safair, also Mindscape who are currently in the limelight. Newcomers Matt-U, Jade, Soulproof, Snatch and Cord also worth to mention and also I hope we can hear about Anorganik and Nightshift again - extremely underrated. As for DJs Palotai is the godfather of not just d&b but all kind of breaks, also Bal from Bladerunnaz and Midlow from Nowsound. Theres no MC I could mention really.

What DJs, producers, and labels do you co-operate with?

I have recorded for labels Breakbeat Science, Orgone, Basswerk, Nerve, Good Looking, Offshore, Cymbalism, Testflight and Covert Operations. As for producers I often co-operate with local producers Matt-U of Soulproof and SDD with whom I have a tune forthcoming on Cymbalism and another one on such a BIG label but its not confirmed yet. Also I did a remix for ASC in return of the Offshore release and I hope to have a remix from Resound too.

Please, tell us about your first musical experience. What was first: DJ-ing or making music?

Actually I never wanted to be a DJ, I'm too unsocialized for this type of entertaining haha. First musical experience? When I was a kid I used to listen all kind of dance music so far as we could get from MTV and stuff. I was introduced to d&b thru a german satellite radio called Evo-Sonic. That was off the hook, I still have some tapes recorded. Then I was inspired to start messing around samples and trackers, so you know the rest.

Describe your sound in three words.

Thats a hard one. I'd rather pick up three words that people use to say about my tunes and I'm very proud of that: original, deep and has sense of musicality.

Are you a DJ? What kind of drum&bass do you play? What are your favorite drum&bass labels, producers?

Not DJing. There's a lot good music out there (and as much bad too) so its hard to narrow it down to a few labels and producers but here are some from the top of my head: Klute, Matrix, TGM, High Contrast, MIST, Calibre, Paradox, Pieter K, Teebee, Polar, Sonic, D-Kay & Lee, Sci-Clone, Dom, Technical Itch... Labels: Commercial Suicide, Space, Metalheadz, Soul:R, Hospital, Inperspective, Violence...

What music do you like to listen at home?

Besides drum & bass I like listening everything not just electronic dance music but a lot of hip hop, jazz, even some metal stuff (like Deftones) or good pop music. I think if you are open-minded and can see music not segmented in genres you can find good music from every style, its just matter of taste. Though its more and more hard to find quality off the bullshit.

What do you think of modern drum&bass sound such as Mindscape, Noisia, Tactile, Pacific? (People in the central & eastern Ukraine like this sound very much. By the way I'm from south Ukraine & people in south & western Ukraine like more pumping sound such as High Contrast, Hold Tight, J Majik, Origin Unknown & heavy;))

First of all I wouldn't call it modern. Drum and bass is a cyclic thing with styles coming full circle again and again. The techy/technoid/new neurofunk or whatever we call it is not my cup of tea however I admit they work on the floor and have a vibe but I can hardly find off them that catches my ear.
Although I dont really like to listen and judge music that is being categorized before. Commonly I like the music I can get the essence of it, something that you can relate to, something deepness and original. But of course I understand people want anthems and jump up too. At the end of the day there's always good d&b and bad d&b in every subgenres.

How will drum&bass change its sound in few years in your opinion?

Hard to predict it. I think nobody could see the blew up of latin, brazil flavoured dnb, the disco influenced stuff, or the revival of the edits scene. I dont think if there would remain so much unexplored territory but I think as it became wordwide now, there will be always some producer who can come up with something original and inspiring. We don't know what the future holds and that's how it can be exciting. Also a lot of things has to be changed over the next years as we already see some bad things too, distributors going down, labels cant find platforms to release their music, sales are also on a low level. And its all going to take effect on the sound too.

Please, tell us about the most interesting & exciting drum&bass events you took part in.

I've been involved in d&b for more than 5 years but haven't been to a single event yet. Hard to explain why but I think this is the most interesting but not as much exciting thing about me :)

In what countries would you like to play in nearest future?

As I'm not DJing (and I guess I never will) I would not have the opportunity to play anywhere but if I were I'd visit Japan and New Zealand for sure.

Who would you like to co-operate with?

Essentially I like to make music on my own, that's how you can express yourself mostly. Of course working with others can be very useful too, can guide you to different directions. I only co-operated on tunes sending over tracks via CDs and Internet so I definitely would like to do something realtime with Matt-U and SDD. As for a dream-collabo I wouln't name anybody as I think I don't deserve it yet :)

What are your plans for the future?

To find a job and a girlfriend haha. No, seriously. More than two release a year going up exponetially. Oh yes, and hope I can buy monitor speakers next year. I have to hear my poor subs to make me laugh on myself :)

Some words for the farewell.

Thanks for the opportunity for the first interview I did on the answering side. Look out for the forthcoming Offshore 12" and Progression Sessions 10. You can reach me at www.drumandbass.hu/icr! Peace to Ukraine!

Progression Sessions 10


artist: V.A.
title: Progression Sessions 10. - LTJ Bukem feat. MC Conrad Germany Live 2004
label: Good Looking
catalogue: GLRPS010X
format: 2CD
date: 12/2004
country: UK

info:
Good Looking's prestigous mix series back with the tenth session, recorded live in Germany. Tracks from the liquid cream de la cream: Greg Packer, Makoto, Stress Level & TC1, Basic Operations, Ill Logic & Raf, Mathematics vs Tactile to name but a few. ICR featured with track entitled Splashdown.
Recorded live on the Progressive Sessions Germany tour 2004 at Muffathalle, Munich.

tracklist:

01. Greg Packer - Organ Tune
02. Makoto & DJ Inza - Eastern Dub
03. MC Conrad & Makoto - Golden Girl
04. Kymera - This Soul Is Mine
05. Stress Level & TC1 - No Way Back
06. Catch 22 - Burning Up
07. Basic Operations - Erasoul
08. Ill Logic & Raf - Shootout
09. Mathematics & Tactile - Rub-A-Dub
10. Makoto - Promise
11. ICR - Splashdown
12. Catch 22 - Survival
13. Catch 22 - Brotherhood
14. Makoto - Let Me Love You


With Conrad & Makoto's fantastic 'Golden Girl' currently riding high in junglist's hearts, the label that helped to take jungle to the masses is currently on the rise again, following a few years during which that trademark Good Looking sound appeared lose relevance somewhat. This two CD set takes in one of Bukem & Conrad's ever-tight live sets, and also a pristine studio mix of deep and dreamy Good Looking beats. It's that latter that works best, particularly when the baritone-voiced Conrad launches into a rendition of the aforementioned 'Golden Girl'. Bright and breezy. ~ Knowledge

LTJ Bukem and MC Conrad have touched every corner of the globe and provide a sound that people from all walks of life can relate to and enjoy. You even find people that don�t normally like drum and bass at the famous Logical Progression sessions enjoying the music as much as any die hard D&B head. No wonder the Progression Sessions series on CD has done so well, and no doubt this next instalment of the legendary duo, live in Munich, will be another huge success in giving us all the listening pleasure of their live experience. As well as a very limited DVD release of the gig you can expect 2 CD�s, the first being the live mix featuring the smooth vocals of Conrad and the second as an exclusive studio mix from the main man. This release includes plenty of the latest releases from Good Looking such as the massive anthem �Golden Girl� from Makoto (featuring the sweet vocals of Conrad) as well as fresh bits from CIA, 31 records and Social Studies. Other artists also included are Greg Packer with �Organ Tune�, Stress Level & TC-1�s �No Way Back�, Catch 22, Basic Intentions and Ill Logic & Raff�s �Shootout� to name a few. Just like with all the Progression Session live series, this release is truly one not to be missed. Treat yourself to some quality music! 10/10 ~ DOA