You have been involved in the Atlanta DNB scene for a long time now. How did you first get into Drum & Bass? What were some of the first DNB shows you went to?
I actually happened upon drum and bass by chance really. I had been learning to spin house from a good friend Chris Meadows, went to some shows at The Church and The Globe and by exploring other rooms found I liked the darker/heavier beats (I was into Metal and Punk and it just seemed natural progression.) The first time it REALLY hit me hard was the release of Pish Posh's "Indoor Storm" The mixture of incredible drum and bass and blazing lyrics from Posi-D, I was hooked. That cd stayed in my car permanently. Most of my first dnb was local djs at the time, like Organik, Weatherman, D:RC, Evol Intent, Mayhem etc. Who have all gone off to do huge things with their careers. Couldn't have a better list of local influence. (all locals, not just the ones mentioned.)
I know you enjoy dj'ing and producing music. Do you go through periods of time enjoying one more than the other? How do you use each one to get better at the other? Definitely. I've been on a huge vinyl buying kick lately of a lot of the dnb that we all got into 15 years ago etc, influential tunes that really brought the scene into what it is today. I go back and forth djaying and producing a lot actually. With finally having a nice spot to be able to get loud and all new gear djaying has become fun again. However, I do find myself getting inspired during those times and having to jump in the studio right away. I hear a lot of people say they get influence for dnb outside of the genre but I get a lot from it too. Especially lately. Some of my new tunes have that "older school" vibe for sure. Staying on top of both is my best way to get better from each. I find myself taking shorter production sessions and spending more time djaying lately, but that's the new gear i think. I still spend about 5 hrs a day or more in the studio though. What are some of your favorite sub-genres of DNB? I've always been a fan of techy/neuro dnb but I also love a lot of jump up and ragga jungle type stuff as well. Realistically I like it all. Drum and Bass has something for every mood. Literally. In this day and age, sorting music for DJ gigs can be done many different ways. What is your current “plan of attack” for this staying organized? Rekordbox. BIG TIME. In the land of flashdrives it has become my saving grace. Being able to run things through mixed in key and then imputing that info into my set lists metadata has been amazing. You couldn't see it during the cd era so I was forever scribbling keys next to the tracks. Hahahaha. I would like to know more about NoisyMusic. The history, your involvement, day to day operations and big picture plans as well. Ah. This one could get lengthy, and should really. This all started with a friend introducing me to Jason Shatta (My business partner) to release my first dubstep release on NoisyDubs (the beginning of NoisyMusic). I had been experimenting with that sound at the time and I decided to try and get some signed. The rest is as they say, history. hahahaha. We started talking about music and really found we had a keen interest in the same ideals and styles. Shatta had started on some new projects and delving into production and the NoisyDrums expansion was happening with Danny ShyGuy (NCDNB) and I stepped up to help with day to day things for the dubstep label. As time turns and life gets busy ShyGuy had to take on daily life head on so there was Jason and I with the labels and we decided to focus our efforts to the 2 / start building the noisymusic brand. NoisyMUSIC, LLC is the company name and is the parent of NoisyDrums / NoisyDubs. We at first were tackling each label separately(ish) but in the end decided to Partner up and run things full time. Now we have a new A&R for NoisyDubs, Matt Spade aka MASSACREX who has been really pulling the weight for the dubstep stuff leaving time for Jason and I to focus on getting the drum and bass label on point as well as launching our event series. The $8 Holla. A drum and bass focused event bringing headliners all for the price of $8 everytime. Our first 2 events (Danny The Wildchild / Jade, respectfully) were an absolute success and we have a really big one in store for February. Which you might already know a thing or two about, hahaha.
We have to have a gear question, lol. Dj wise, what do you like to play on? Any features you use a lot or like? On the production side, what sort of equipment, DAW, etc?
Djaying I'm pioneer hands down. CDJs/Mixer/Turntables. Since Pioneer got the plans for Techs and updated some key features I'm sticking with them for vinyl. My DAW of choice is Ableton Suite 9 matched up with Serum & Massive as synths. I use a lot of ableton's stock effects and tools as they are all really great and straight forward for ease of use. I really enjoyed seeing Jade this year. Thanks for bringing him. How did that show come about? Stu from Cybergroove. hahaha. He hit me up and told me Jade was touring and I was like. Uh. when, where do i sign and lets do this. HAHAHA. Jade is probably one of my biggest influences in production / label management and I jumped on the chance. Even if it had to be a Wednesday but the vibes were amazing and he said it was his favorite stop! All the Eatbrain attire and DIEHARD fans here in Atlanta really warmed his heart. This was one for the heads. I didn't care if I had to loose out or not. He was here as appreciation to the dedicated drum and bass heads in our city. One big shout I have to make is to Michael Metapattern. He was a huge help with the show. What are your plans for 2017 in regards to dj’ing, the label, production and promotion? BIIIIIIG plans. We have been stacking up some really big signings for both labels and with the team ever growing it's making things a lot easier. Just picked up a release from Danny the Wildchild for NoisyDrums as well as a few others we can't quite talk about, but the future for both labels are very bright. As far as Production, I've sorta focused all my efforts back into drum and bass full time. I have a blast making it and its always been in my soul. I still do plan to release some bass music (outside of dnb) sometimes. I have some really killer projects in the works right now for Schedule One some tunes for Patrol the Skies,a few tunes with Pish Posh (How I got so lucky, no clue) as well as a slew of releases for Vorheez, Jae Lion and Zero Chill (my 3 musical projects.) I’d like a full list of your alias and the ideas behind them. :) Well there isVorheez. My main alias. My main focus. Predominately Drum & Bass/ Multi Genre Bass Music, I release most of my music through here.
Jae Lion: Well, This is my reggae / ragga project. Not too sure how many have caught on yet, but I've quite converted to Ras Tafarian lifestyles and this is my spiritual outlet for that. JAH!
Zero Chill is a project with my partner Jason Shatta and our NoisyDrums Resident Matastrophe. Focused on Heavy Neuro/Dancefloor DNB. Biiiig tunes coming from this camp too!!
Any shouts or info you would like us to share? Links, etc
I want to shout out all the #NoisyFAM out there that support the movement and what we do. All of the local promoters who keep our scene alive and all the fans who support, without you guys making a career in this industry would be impossible. My Partner Jason Shatta/ Matt Matastrophe/Matt Spade and all my hardworking team behind NoisyMusic. Of course the most important shout goes to my wonderful other half Melissa who supports, pushes and puts up with my loud ass everyday. HAHA
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Atlanta Drum & Bass since 2003 Archives
February 2020
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