Vanadis Interview (aka Luca & Nightshade) circa May 2007

Firstly, how did the two of you link up?

Kristin (Woosh) was running SBK here in Dunedin and held an annual production competition a few years back. When I moved down here I entered a tune of mine into the competition and we basically meet through that. Later on we decided to make a tune. We found that we worked very well together so we decided to continue working together.

How does it work in the studio, do you each bring different skills to the table?

Yeah definitely, and I think that’s important. One of us will come up with an idea, such as an 8 bar loop, and then we will show each other and go from there. It’s great because both of us always seem to bring different ideas to the tune.

What effect, if any, has Dunedin had on your sound? Are you worried if you move, you'll lose that

I can’t say that Dunedin has had any impact on our sound. I think if we were to move it still wouldn’t change anything.

Congratulations on the news of your EP, what provoked the concept for that?

Well we had a bunch of tunes just sitting on my laptop. Kristin just mentioned the idea to me one day and we decided to go ahead and give it a shot. We thought our deeper tunes were our best so decided to keep this the focus of the EP. We also wanted to get our music out to a wider audience and thought that a CD would be the best way to do this.

What music, in or outside of dnb, inspires you?

Both of us are really into the Cinematic Orchestra, DJ Shadow, RJD2 etc. The way these guys use samples is pretty inspiring to us. In dnb we’re both really feeling Alex Perez, Sabre, Klute, Break, and Survival. All the New Zealand artists are also a big inspiration to us. Concord Dawn, Bulletproof, State Of Mind, Trei, Dose, CERN, Antiform, and Teknik, all showing that its possible to do big things from here in New Zealand.

Do you ever make non-dnb music?

Yeah at the moment I’m making a few hip-hop beats for a local MC. Kristin also writes hip-hop tunes at various tempos. I’m pretty keen to give dub-step a crack too, maybe even some house-wobble :D

What comes first for you: beats, a melody, a sample you want to work with?

I always start by cutting up a break and getting the tempo set. After that I’ll go look through samples or load up a VST and mess around on the keyboard. I always try and create the main melody or idea of the tune and then just add certain elements to it from there. More breaks, single drum hits, percussion, bass etc.

What does the rest of 2007 hold for Vanadis?

Now that the EP’s set we’re both taking a small break. We’re both however very keen to continue writing tunes and to play more gigs in Dunedin and around the country.

How about a May top 10 to finish things off?

1. Agent Alvin – Inside Out - ???
2. Klute – Property Is Theft – Commercial Suicide
3. Tiki – Tangaroa (Sambora Remix) - ???
4. Submorphics – Stray Bullets – Future Retro
5. The Funktastics – Lies & Paradise – Spin Recordings
6. Antiform – Crash feat. MC Twincam - ???
7. Klute – Never Never – Commercial Suicide
8. Commix – Be True – Metalheadz
9. Break – Enigma – Quarantine
10. Jazz Thieves – We Keep The Funk – Pushin Wax

Dose Interview, May 2007

Another interview from NZ Music Month, 2007, this time with Christchurch's Dose.

What inspired you to start producing drum & bass?

Well after DJing for a few years I felt, and I think any DJ would start to feel, a bit limited by having to choose what tunes they can play off a release sheet. So being able to play my own ideas was one of the main reasons I began looking into producing. Another of the most driving motivations comes from seeing other NZ artists doing so well.

Something that also inspired me to keep writing tunes was getting feedback from the likes of Concord Dawn, The Upbeats & State of Mind. It means a lot and is a good confidence booster when established artists compliment and encourage you.

Your first vinyl offer came from DJ Optiv (C4C) & Red light rec. What was your first reaction when you heard Optiv he was interested in ‘Derailed?

It was surreal! Like I'd been sending The Upbeats, State of Mind, Bulletproof & Concord Dawn my tunes for a while hoping that they’d get the tunes out there to labels and DJs. Then I think a couple of weeks after sending Derailed out I came home one weeknight to find a message from Optiv asking about signing that tune. I honestly couldn’t believe it, from having no label interest at all ever to having one of the scene’s most respected artists wanting to sign my tune was a huge change in circumstance. In my opinion Optiv signing two of my tunes and giving me a 12” release to Red Light has really opened a lot of doors for me. I mean with him being so well respected I think a lot of labels might have looked at that signage like a quality control approval on me as a producer.

It did put me in the deep end a bit as I think being signed to Red Light has put the pressure on me to produce tunes to an certain standard which is hard considering this time last year I had no tunes signed at all! But the pressure has been good and given me a good kick to get a bit more serious about writing tunes and to put in a lot more effort!

Many artists dream of signing a tune to a quality label like Klute's Commercial Suicide. What was your first reaction when you heard he was interested in 'Valium Express'?

I think all 3 of us, Trei, Menace and myself, were all well surprised to find that the likes of Ed Rush and Optical, Klute and BSE were all well into the tune! But when Klute mentioned he definitely wanted it for his label we were all basically on the phone to each other straight away, all excited and euphoric like we'd just won the lottery or something!! All 3 of us were buzzing and still are. I don’t think any of us thought when working on that tune that it would have got as much support as it has been getting, let alone be signed by a label like Commercial Suicide.

What's your approach to starting a tune?

I don’t really have any set approach to making a tune; sometimes I'll have an idea and try work from that. Other times I might stumble across a great sample or synth that is just bursting with potential. I think I struggle the most when trying to force an idea though.

What's in your studio?

Well over the last few years I've slowly and frustratingly got a version of PC Logic running that runs almost perfect. It still has the odd crash and glitch but the amount of stuffing around installing and reinstalling I, and others for that matter, have been through over the last few years trying to get things running right has been paid off as now as I can use the VSTs I want to in the sequencer I want to.

Aside from my PC I've just recently upgraded monitors from the Behringer truths to the Mackie 824s. I did have my doubts at first about spending so much money on speakers but with lots of recommendations I went for it and since the purchase I haven’t looked back, the difference is phenomenal.

I've also got a Joe Meek compressor, which I use occasionally, & more recently I purchased a Joe Meek Exciter, which sounds promising.

Apart from those I have a small Evolution keyboard, a Mackie 1202-vlzpro mixer, a couple of custom-made speaker stands and a bit of foam in the corners all in a reasonably small room.

You've supported a number of big DJs over the past few years, do you have any rituals to prepare before a big gig?

Well I'm only just getting over the nerves. Of course practicing, as I don’t play out all that much yet. But apart from that I just try and make sure my records and CDs are organized and I have a good knowledge of what tunes are in my bag.

I find it a bit harder with CDs to do that. As with records when looking through your crate you can remember a tune, well hopefully, by just seeing the record sleeve, but with CDs looking at all these titles of tunes is lot different so knowing your tunes well by name is important to me.

Do you see your long-term future being in New Zealand?

Yes I think so. I haven’t really thought of moving elsewhere at all. I'm pretty happy just doing what I'm doing at the moment if that changes then I guess I'll look for change.

For its size, New Zealand produces a reasonably large number of successful musicians (especially in more 'alternative' music forms), what do you think is the reason Kiwis punch above their weight?

Well there’s lots of support for musicians here from grants to the PACE benefit which help if you can manage to get them. Not to mention the loads of gigs & festivals there are around the country every year supporting NZ musicians.

You're playing with the CERN crew in Auckland this weekend (19th May @ FU), have you played much outside of Christchurch and how do the crowds compare?

Yes a big thanks to Cern who are bringing me up this Saturday for a gig at FU Bar. I haven’t been to Auckland city before so I’m really looking forward to it and to finally seeing FU.

I've played a few times out of Christchurch, Drop from Dunedin organized a Queenstown and Dunedin gig for me in March this year and in the past I've also played in Nelson, Wellington, Oamaru and a couple of the outdoor NYE events. Well it's hard for me to compare crowds fairly as I've been playing in Christchurch for years whereas I've only played a few gigs out of town, but each town seems to have its own good uniqueness.

You've already had a couple of releases this year, what else is in store for punters?

Yes my first 2 releases had promo release in April & will both be on full release by the end of May.

Im not entirely sure in what order these next tunes will come out as things always seem to change but here’s a rough idea of what’s scheduled for the future.

My first 12” ; Derailed / Stone Cold - Red light 013 – Release set for June 07 – which will include Ltd Edition Poster inserts of the crazy artwork!
Syndrome Down EP - Syndrome Audio - Promos June 07 -- // Bulletproof - 1000ft & Rising // Dose - Eye to Eye // Catacomb - Foul matter // Psidream - Evil Genius //
Bulletproof & Teknik feat Dose - Thaw - Cyanide (12" Armour EP 002) - Release mid-late 07
Dose / Catacomb - Anoxia / Out Alive - Aesthetics -Release late 07

Dose, Trei & Menace - Valium Express - Commercial Suicide - Release ???

Also a collab with Psidream, Teknik, Menace & myself that I think will come out on a new label called Nightfall.

& Another collab with Bulletproof & Psidream feat Dose which I’mm not sure what’s happening with yet as it still needs a bit of work.

And also a Dose 12” For a New label a new Kiwi D&B focused label called Souvenir Music, which will do both vinyl releases & a mix cd series.

Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?

Shouts to Bassdrop, you Matt for sorting this interview and all the readers! And also to everyone else out there who’s helped /supported me in one way or another.

Cern Interview circa May 2007

This is the first of a series of interviews I did with NZ producers/DJs for NZ Music Month 2007.

Who are CERN and how did you all link up?
J: Drum & Bass producers from AK republic

Have you had any international interest in your tunes?
J: We're just trying to get some really solid material together. We have had interest, definitely, but can't say too much at the moment.

Have any (or all) of you looked into working on music outside of drum and bass?
J: Power ballads!!!!! They are very emotive, complex songs that sing to the heart and rock like a panther in mating season, and a few downbeat bits.
O: We've spent a little time on Dubstep lately - really looking forward to doing some more with that.

You’ve been involved with promoting a number of parties in Auckland now, how did you get into that side of things?
O: Primarily for us promoting is about wanting to see our favorite producers perform live, as a lot of them had never really come down (or up) this way. Only until recently have we been seeing artists like Mayhem, Psidream and Break gain enough popularity to play gigs through New Zealand, which is fucking sweet!!
Our South In Session parties more recently have definitely proved to be really popular - it's great to meet other like-minded fools from other parts of the country, and the progress we have made from collaborating in the studio with Teknik, Menace and Dose has taken our tunes to a new level.

What fills your time outside of music?
J: Just the usual stuff. Food and girl
O: My Girl. Work. Uni. Eating.

What role do you think online networking (forums, Myspace etc) have to play in the future of drum and bass?
J: A huge role. Myspace, forums etc has opened up the communication lines in a phenomenal way. It’s easy for everybody to be in contact with their favorite labels/producers and get your tunes heard.

What would the line-up at your dream gig be?
J: Hmmm... Sabre, Mayhem, PHACE, Fierce & Break, D Bridge & Christchurch posse (Teknik, Menace & Dose).
O: I would say Konflict, Noisia & Mayhem w/MC Verse, Phace, Fierce & Break, and D-Bridge.

What's your honest opinion of New Zealand Music Month? Is it really necessary?
J: Well, what could really be wrong with pushing all of NZ’s music for a month? I think it’s a real positive step for getting new artists heard and a good chance for people to hear more of what NZ’s established and lesser known artists have to offer! Cheers!

Our mystery writer wants to know: why do you find Chad so handsome?
CHAD: Well, basically. I have spent years honing my extremely good looking skills so that I become irresistible to just about anything, even small animals. I spend countless hours in front of my vintage $50.000 mahogany framed mirror making sure I look more perfecter than perfect, so you know I’m good.

Who's the one to watch from Auckland?
J: Us I hope, ha! Flirt w/ Dirt and Bugsy I suppose. Ha!!!

A current top ten and any shout outs to close?

Flirt with Dirt - Zanzibar
Teknik & The Upbeats - Poison
Dose & Cern - Jackblack
The Chad - Love is a Force to be Reckoned With
Vanadis - The Angels Share
Teknik & Cern - Untitled
Mayhem - Lebanon
Phace, Bulletproof & Teknik - Hypersleep
Bulletproof & Teknik - Smash Palace
Psidream, Dose, Teknik & Menace - Untitled

Shouts to Jay, Charlie B, Bugsy, Matt & Evan, Pat & Stu, Vanadis, Teknik, Dose, Menace and Package & Nato.

D Bridge interview pre-Phat 07

This was the first article or interview I'd ever written, was really stoked with how it turned out!

What is it about New Zealand that makes you call it your "second home"?

Ever since I first came to NZ as a part of Future Forces Inc back in 97 I’ve been in love with the place, from the moment that first Flat White passed my lips I was hooked. The one thing that I value most about NZ is its people, who really know how to have a good time and value their friendships with great loyalty, this is a rare trait over here in the UK and one I find admirable. I have made some lifelong friends here and have been fortunate enough to find my future wife too, so NZ will hopefully soon be my first and permanent home.

You've been known to play sets from Swerve to Metalheadz, do you work hard to avoid being pigeon-holed as a dj?

Categories are a fact of life; we all follow a belief or belong to some kind of tribe. As soon as anyone comes up with what may be seen to be original, people will follow and a name needs to be attributed to it. I just consider myself fortunate that I’ve been able to straddle that line between the many genres within Drum & bass.

What are your thoughts on the so-called "digital revolution" and have you considered offering Exit releases via MP3?

I’m still undecided on this. I know it’s something I need to consider but I can’t get past some things. I was talking with a friend about this not too long ago and the one thing we both agreed on is that it seems like people are paying for nothing, because there’s nothing physical to own. In ten years time an MP3 is just going to be some data on a redundant hard drive you’ve forgotten about. The record collector in me can’t get my head round that, it just seems that the music loses its value to an extent when it’s formatted that way.

What inspired you to start the Aptitude Series (limited edition 10" releases with unique artwork) and is there something special about a tune which you'd sign for this purpose?

I was always unsure as to if I should release other people music on Exit outside of Exit Versus. To be honest I didn’t want the headache. But occasionally I heard tunes that if I did have a label I would have liked to put out. The Key was one such track, I’d been given it some time before it was finally released, I instantly feel in love with it but always had trouble playing it out, because it didn’t fit into the traditional role of a club track, but I felt it needed to be heard. What cinched it was when I was working with Fierce one day, he asked me about a Calibre track I’d always played and loved, he was curious as to why I hadn’t asked to put it out. In fact Calibre had offered it to me already and I’d said no. He thought I was a bit daft (he was right). It all seemed to come together quite quickly once I decided to do it. I’d had a an idea in the back of my head for a limited series on Exit for some time it was secretly fuelled by my need to see my records in Japan again. You seem to be able to find everything cool and collectable but not Drum & Bass anymore in shops over there. Once my partner had come up with the name, more and more pieces fell into place. The Aptitude Series is now a chance for me to release music and artwork (which I regard as equally important) by people whose work I admire and love and hopefully produce something that will stand the test of time.

Do you have any plans to make more non-drum & bass music in the vein of "The Hills" on your brother's album?

Making different forms of music has always been something I love to do, working on The Hills and the previous album on K7! (Vintage Hi-Tech) is something I needed to do for my own headspace and direction. I find when I work on music like that I’m able to bring something back into my work in Drum & bass. I’ve produced downbeat tunes for other producers and it’s something I want to continue to do as long as possible. I’ve got plans to work with some Kiwi artists while I’m over this year too- although I can’t name any names yet- watch this space.

What do you look for in a tune to play in a set?

It’s hard to pin point what it is, I know I’m drawn towards certain producers but my main focus is on music that has depth and soul, I’m definitely into my rollers. You probably won’t hear too many smash and grab anthems in my set.

Over the last couple of years you've released a number of collaborative tunes. How does the writing of these differ from your solo efforts?

I enjoy working on collabs as it gives me the chance to work with producers whose music I admire, it also gives me an opportunity to learn from them too. It’s nice to be able to apply some of what you do to another producer’s way of working and vice versa. Working with someone else is all about vibe and compromise. You have to be able to say no to each other with some of the things you both do and not be offended but trust that through these compromises the end result will hopefully bear something great.

When doing a remix, do you keep the original tune (melody, bass line etc) in mind or just start from scratch using the same samples?

For me when I approach a remix I don’t pay too much attention to the original. I take the sample I’m given and see how I’d used them if I’d found them myself, sometimes not to many of the original samples make it but I try to keep something at least one thing from the original so that it can still be recognized as a remix (hopefully!).

In the studio do you value songwriting over engineering or is it an equal combination of both that makes a quality drum & bass tune?

Personally I think songwriting is most important, if you’re not very good at engineering you can always call on someone who is.

What music in and outside of drum & bass excites you at the moment?

My Brother’s music excites me the most; I’m always surprised at what he comes up with. I’m feeling a guy called Burial at the moment; he’s a part of the emerging Dub step scene, even though I wouldn’t class his music as strictly dub step. I’m also a fan of bands like Interpol, Arctic Monkeys, and of course Fat Freddy’s Drop. In Drum & bass I’m feeling Steve Survival and more recently Instra:mental

A lot of "big names" in drum & bass have been accused of selling out or releasing lowest-common-denominator records recently. You've been in the scene as long as, or longer than, them; what sets you apart and keeps you interested?

I must admit I have a love-hate relationship with Drum & bass, for a while I didn’t know where I stood within the scene. It seemed like there wasn’t a place for my music in the ever-popular emergence of L-C-D Drum & bass. But I always knew I wasn’t alone in my train of thought. I knew my brother was going through the same thing and other producers I looked up had to deal with the same problems in their respective scenes. For me I believe that Drum & bass is capable of producing great music as well as shite. As in any genre of music you’ve got chart topping L-C-D crap hip-hop and underground integrity filled hip-hop. I think that L-C-D Drum & bass is just an indication of its popularity and age. I recently listened to Grooverider on Radio 1 and he played one of my tunes in a new section looking at Leftfield Drum & bass, I think he described it as “Tunes which don’t necessarily go off or get played on the dance floor but are good all the same” I wasn’t sure what to make of that at first but I think I quite like the idea of being left of centre. I look up to artists and labels who don’t conform to what’s expected, I can only hope to emulate that for myself and my label and it’s what keeps me interested.

Phat 07 has one of the best line-ups ever seen at a single event in NZ, who would be on the bill for your ideal festival and where would it be?

Jimi Hendrix, J, Dilla, Stevie Wonder, Lalo Schiffren, Spacek, The Doors and myself, I’d have it in my old home town of Malvern.

What can the crowd expect from you at Phat 07 and would an outdoor set be any different from a club set, selection wise?

I’m never sure of what I’m going to play until I get there. I like to get to event before my set so I can get an idea of what the crowd is like and what they want to hear, these kind of events differ somewhat, in the sense that in a club I can take my time, be selfish and build up my set as I see fit. Whereas at an event like this people have paid good money to be entertained and I’m getting paid to entertain them, so I’ll do my best to do that in the short time I have.

Finally, what is in store for us from D Bridge and Exit Records in 2007.

Not only have I come over to NZ for this event but I’m also here to write my solo album, I’ve been crate digging like a freak looking for samples and preparing everything so that I can spend the 2 months I’m staying writing my album. I intend to spend some time in Sydney with my brother to write some music together with him as well. I’m also releasing some of my brother’s music on Exit. The next release to come will be a project entitled ‘Steve Spacek Presents The Black Pocket Series’, which will highlight my Brothers music and be released alongside Drum & bass mixes featuring my brother on the B-Sides. These will lead up to a Black Pocket album in the New Year. Aptitude has some cool releases coming up. I’ve signed a Break and Survival tune called “Cronk” which is getting a lot of love. I want Aptitude to be a label that people want to release on and I’ve asked some producers whose work I love to do something for me. I recently got a call from Goldie saying he’d finished his track for me, so that’ll be coming soon too.

My new blog.

Welcome to it.

Here I intend to post rambling thoughts about life, music, food etc as well as any writing I do and funny shit that I like.

Hopefully some people will read it one day.