It's a Big Man ting...

Yo!

A big heads up for you today with a new track and a top mix for the weekend from London based DJ & Producer Last Japan, who's been consistently smashing it on the scene for the last 18 months. He's remixed everyone from Diplo & Laidback Luke to Mumdance & Brodinski... and he's also signed to Fatboy Slim's Southern Fried Records with his second EP on the label imminient. His awesome remix of Crystal Fighters was featured on a Skins episode earlier this year.



He's just teamed up with London grime/funky duo 321 for a new track titled Big Man, which will soon be dropping who turned heads last year with their top remake of Ill Blu's remix of Shystie's Pull It. They also made a lot of noise with this tune... bigness!



Last Japan knocked up a wee studio blog recently whilst tidying up the tune with 321 as they try and explain the meaning behind the tune and how they came about hooking up for this awesome collaboration. An amalgamation of sounds that really is the story of 2010. Fidget-House, UK Funky, Dubstep, Grime, UK Bass, Garage... it's all there in a big representation of UK music right now.

I'll definitely be rinsing this in my sets @ Mashed Up and UTR for months to come... badman tune!


321 & Last Japan - Big Man - Video biog from GoMusicPromo on Vimeo.

Last Japan was also recently featured by the Truancy mix series, heading up a an hour mix of the biggest tunes in the Bass/Funky/Electro scenes at the moment as well as some classic bangers! I urge you to check it out. You can stream the mix from Mixcloud or download it from Mediafire below. Big things coming from Last Japan this year... watch this space!

Truancy Volume 8 - Last Japan

Truancy Volume 8: Last Japan by The Truancy Mixtapes on Mixcloud

Jan Driver - Rat Alert
Rusko - Cockney Thug
Zombies For Money - Numbra One (Foamo Bass Remix)
The Brockout - Shake Down (Brockout Dub Plate)
Supa Fly - Fugative (A1 Bassline Remix)
The Squatters - On Fire
Jack Beats - Get Down (VIP)
Proxy - Raven (Crookers Remix)
Laidback Luke & Diplo - Hey! (Last Japan Remix)
Last Japan - Rocstarr (The Bounce)
Say Wut - Go (Foamo Refix)
Redlight - Stupid ft. Roses Gabor
Roska - Squark
French Fries - Senta
Zombie Nation - Seas Of Grease (Harvard Bass Remix)
Last Japan - Big Man ft. 321 & Gstar
Congorock - Babylon
Lee Mortimer & Foamo - It's Going Down
Marco Del Horno - Ho!
A1 Bassline & Kavs Rave - Lucky Charms
Warrior One - Bad Like Jimmy Cliff
Kid Sister - Daydreaming (Redlight Remix)
Foamo - Centavo
Foamo - Rockerman
Last Japan - Just Kill A Man
MJ Cole - AO ft. Serocee (MJ's Open Your Gob Dubb)
Last Japan - NEOFRO
Last Japan - Jungle Warrior
The Streets - Blinded By The Lights (Nero Remix)
Doctor P - Badman Sound
Last Japan - I Feel For You ft. Ajapai

Kano... get's Wild!

It's been a little while since Kano last appeared on our Radar with his own solo material... sure he featured on Chase & Status' album last year, but 2010 is definitely a return to the Kano we know and love.

Since the release of his third album 140 Grime Street in 2008, the London based rapper appears hungrier than ever to stamp his authority on the grime and dubstep scenes once more. You may have seen Kano at our last party @ Ministry of Sound last month as part of The Grime Allstars, repping his new sound.

In anticipation for his eagerly awaited fourth studio album Method to the Maadness dropping later this summer, Kano has teamed up with and unlikely producer in what is set to be anthem of the summer.
Recruiting the talents of one of the Electro/Techno scenes biggest names in Boys Noize, Kano has dived into some unfamiliar territory for his latest single.

I imagine many of you will be unfamiliar with Boys Noize's work, the techno kid grown up who exploded on the dance music scene back in 2007 with his debut album Oi Oi Oi. An entire new approach to producing, which incorporated all the elements that brought about the rise of Daft Punk and Justice during the Noughties. Yet it was the way he was able to fuse Detroit Techno and Kraut Rock into his productions that was seen by many as as innovative as Daft Punk themselves.



Boys Noize is all about that big room electro party vibe... twisted sounds, deep basslines and warping synths all mashed together into one sonic entity. What is perhaps most striking at the moment, is how he has managed to tame his own talents and merge them with Kano's more brash outlook on music.
You can see Kano is trying to push boundaries with his new direction and be taken seriously as not just some other UK rapper. Fusing element of UK Funky, Bmore, French House and British whit, you can't ignore it... absolute banger!

Featuring the talents of Jamaican musician Aidonia (who along with Vbyz Kartel, who you may know as vocalist from Pon De Floor, founded the J.O.P collective) and mammoth UK Grime legend Wiley. Kano's new single Get Wild is certain to ruffle up a few feathers, for it's experimental nature, but it certainly grows on you.



You can grab this fantastic single over at Kano's site for 79p... Bargain!

Starkey - Ear Drums and Black Holes

Back again with a top review involving one of the world's most in demand producers, UTR Blogger Jamie Doherty fills us in with some gorgeous music.

Hailing from Philly in the United States PJ Geissenger aka Starkey blends Hip-Hop, Electro and Grime elements into his eclectic dubstep production. He returns in 2010 with his second album Ear Drums and Black Holes, a title which isn't the first to roll off the tongues of the uninitiated; Rusko this is certainly not... Yet if you’ve dug deep enough into the dubstep genre in the past, or know your stuff pretty well already, then you’ll have quickly realised that this is a true gem.

The album isn't your typical dubstep. As mentioned above he likes to blend different elements of genres into his music, and on this album he's collaborated with the likes of Texan hip hop artist Cerebal Vortex and rising UK grime artist P-Money. The album opens with the glorious OK Luv, a throwback to the old-skool and slightly reminiscent in places of Joker and Ginz's Purple City, with it’s laid-back melody and clever cuts.
Third track 11th Hour, again has a old-skool feel, with a rolling 8-bit style backbone and stabby retro synths. Numb with P-Money demonstrates the album’s immense versatility, as does the ambient almost trip-hop Stars featuring Anneka... a typical and mellow Sunday morning track.



One of my favourite tracks without a doubt is Spacecraft, reverberating snares and trippy vocals at the intro, with some truly great synthesis production on the drop. It’s probably as near to conventional dubstep as the album gets.

Another favourite of mine is Fourth Dimenison, a high-energy 8 bit wurlitzer of a track that yearns for your ears again and again. Alienstyles features Starkey’s own vocoded poetic musings, whilst Japanese vocalist Kiki Hitomi features on another chillout tip, New Cities.

It’s hard to categorise this album as it doesn't truly represent itself as a single dubstep entity, blending so many elements effortlessly within. The Hip-Hop elements of the album you could almost say is Starkey's attempt to carve a small niche into the wider dubstep genre, creating a rather nu-wave styled hip hop; I made comparisons to Joker in the opening paragraph and some tracks have that same unique sound.

If you're interested in where dubstep is really heading in 2010 and beyond and are keen on engaging with a new sound, then look no further. This is literally and metaphorically the sound of the future in my opinion, and it’s out now to buy on Planet Mu Records... so get your filthy mitts on it!

You can also grab this fantastic album from Amazon or iTunes.

All I can say is... I'm so heavy!

Words are not necessary... all you need for this are your ears and a comfortable chair.

Mindflow... Switching it up.

Got a top new track for you all... top weekend listening from a Dubstep/Drum n Bass outfit from Norway call Mindflow, which you may have heard Mistajam rising to death in the past few weeks on his 1Xtra show.
Now first things first, there are no huge drops to send your brain into complete meltdown or any catchy hooks that will inevitably get boring after being played too often.

However, what this track does do is stand up as a kind of social statement for what the current state of dance music is right now. I mean without sounding too elitist and underground... and instead, speaking for the majority of people's taste in today's dance scene. We've had the wobbles, they're about as cool in 2010 as crocks have ever been, and now we're going through a sprouting of 'funky' drum patterns and more hypnotic basslines. Tunes that kind of hard back to the early days of Techno, rather than the heights of Acid-House, which were more prevalent in tunes during 2008 and 2009.

I've been known so far this year to begin to get fed up with the almost over-used piano melodies of this new decade (we can thank Doctor P for that)... whatever this decade is going to be called... the Teens?
Yet, I've become rather fond of this track over the past 24 hours. It's straight up, no strings attached, summer fun, and for that reason I had to give you a heads up. Come the middle of the summer I might be so sick of pianos that I'll be ready to drop them all on a Morris Morinas in a fit a rage... But for the time being, lets all go out and buy a boombox, pop a few cans, go down the park and have a good old knees up... anyone with me?



With heavy support from the likes of Annie Mac Mistajam, Caspa, Kissy Sell Out, Rattus Rattus, Flux Pavillion, Starkey, AC Slater and rather surprisingly Oneman... Switched be will released along with remixes from DC Breaks and Cutline on We Will Never Say Die. You can grab it on 7th June on Wax and 14th June Digitally... booya!

Also, here's a FREE 320 of a Mindflow remix which the kind man himself recently gave away via his myspace... enjoy!

Bop - Enjoy The Moment (Mindflow Remix)

The Feeling Inside...

Evening UTR massive!

Couldn't resist posting this absolute tune for you... via a new project from AC Slater and Udachi, called 92 Eternal. They've come up with a fantastic tune, titled The Feeling, and they handed it over to their good friend B.Rich, and under his new Kastle alias, he came up with this nugget of absolute gold.

Listen and relax, this will make you smile.

UTR Summer Break 2010

Check the wicked video put together by UTR Camera man Naked Jake.

This Festival is going to be VIBES, and we are extremely proud of the line-up we've put together. Check HERE for all the relevant information...

Major Lazer "Zumbie" ft. Andy Milonakis

Check out their new single

Introducing... Melé

Afternoon the UTR massive! Short introduction, I'm Lee and I'll be posting on the blog fairly regularly, "keeping you up to speed with hardcore music", as it were.

I'm also a resident DJ for UTR and Mashed Up, going under the name of Vesper, so if you see me on the set times board or listing for any future nights, come and say hi!

So... "don't wanna make too many speeches, cos it's all about the music"... and with that mini introduction over I will now introduce you to a fantastic up and coming producer and DJ I've been keeping tabs on over the past 6 months or so, going by the name of Melé. He's been producing for something like the last 5 years, and has been getting support right across the board from Tomb Crew to Toddla T and Jaymo & Andy George to Sinden... who recently signed him to his new label.

One of my favourite tunes I've been rising since the turn of the year is a wee UK Funky remake of the classic No Scrubs by TLC... called Digits. Very vivid memories of my early teens and the mainstream Garage crossover I grew up listening to on a daily basis. He was kind enough to give the tune away for free on his Soundcloud a few months ago, I suggest you check it out, sharpish!

Melé - Digits by Mele

I've recently been getting up to speed on some of his earlier releases, most notably his remix of Ruffcut's Hustler after hearing Nick from Tomb Crew playing it Kissy Sell Out's recent all day party at Vibe Bar.

Something a little different from the man, a lot of energy, but a whole lot of fun. I really recommend that remix, which you can catch on Juno here and preview below.

Shab Ruffcut - Hustler (Melé Remix) by Mele

He was also kindly asked by one of my favourite bands New Young Pony Club, to remix their new single Chaos at the turn of the new year, and he laced his 2-step/Garage/Funky stamp all over it to dazzling effect. He really worked Tahita Bulmer's vocals into his mix very well and created something of dazzling beauty but also colourful and uplifting.

This week saw the release of his new EP titled Bombay out this week on Mixpat... featuring new tunes Bombay, Flexi & And of the Sun with remixes from Heavyfeet, Nadastrom and French Fries.

Epic funky business. Bombay is definitely my favourite tune, featuring a sample also found in Will Bailey's Hustlin n' Scratchin. Flexi takes on a more Garage influenced vibe with some awesome warped bass and top vocal samples, while And of the Sun takes on a more 2-Steppy-Soca trip, the sort of thing you'd expect to hear on an Ace Ventura soundtrack. Maybe. Good vibes and a great breakdown half way through. Your pick of the remixes comes from French Fries... simply put, pure Saturday night party music.

Melé - Bombay EP by Mixpak

You can preview the EP above and grab it from Juno here. It's a great EP, so please support Melé in the best way possible if you're feeling his work.

Melé recently did a guest mix for Sinden's Kiss 100 show, which you can check out and download below courtesy of the Mad Decent blog, a great tracklisting and featuring Melé's up and coming release Mugged... one of my picks of the whole year that one... and my all time favourite M.I.A track XR2.

Sinden Kiss 100 - Melé Guest Mix

Melé // Bombay (Nadastrom Remix)
Roska // Squark
Jeremih // Birthday Sex (Martelo B-More Funky Remix)
Dubbel Dutch // Deep Underground
Doc Daneeka // Bumblebee Riddim
Mia // Xr2
Melé // Mugged
Seiji // Yesman
Deadboy // If U Want Me
Geeneus // Congo
Jammin // Kinda Funky
Redlight Ft Roses Gabor // Stupid
Ku Bo // Sumanita (Daniel Haaksman Remix)
Terror Danjah // Air Bubbles (Brey Remix)

The Count & Sinden - Strange Things (Melé Remix)

He recently did a great remix of The Count & Sinden's jungle epic Strange Things, which you can grab courtesy of The Fader... bigups!

Also, finally a heads up on one more Melé tune, which was recently released as part of the second edition of Hervé's Ghetto Bass series. Grab that from Play.com here Another great tune from the man, featuring a top vocal sample, which sounds somewhat like the lead singer from Crystal Fighters... I'll try and chase him up about that. Anyway, happy listening, and keep a tabs on this man, he's heading for an immense second half to 2010.

Dancer - Melé by Mele

Reso... takes on The Qemists.

UTR Blogger... Jamie Doherty, reports again from the frontline of Dubstep.

They're are perhaps best known for their collaboration with Wiley... Dem Na Like Me, but The Qemists are turning a whole host of new heads with their latest track, Your Revolution. However, stealing the limelight on this release is one of the Dubstep scene's biggest talents Reso, who smothers his foul beats all over this remix of epic proportions. With such hits as Technetium and the ominously titled Smash Yer Face In already under their belt, Reso give this track a more jumped-up feel then the original.

There’s no messing about with fancy intros on this track. It gets up and at you straight away with sharp vocals and a bare-back synths straight out of heavy rock….then the drums kick in and there’s no doubt that this is going to be an all out drum and bass assault of unworldly sounds. It reminds me of certain Pendulum tracks, with the same mean driving bassline, but with a more progressive and tripping lead over the top... letting the pace flow along nicely.

There’s some decent glitch work on the bass and dark atmospherics/effects, which have always been the best components of Reso’s dubstep tracks. The heavy drums are powerful, but pleasing for the ear and really compliment the warped bassline, although the question still remains, is there anything Reso can’t do? What with a long list of dubstep hits already to his name, this first foray into drum and bass is a fine attempt. It’s out now and definitely worth a blast... I’m sure you’ll be hearing it at future UTR nights.

You can grab the release as MP3 from Play or on Wax from Chemical Records.

The Sound of Dubstep

UTR Blogger, Jamie Doherty takes us through the new compilation that is sure to be the Dubstep soundtrack of the summer!

It’s official, Dubstep has truly hit the big time. The Sound of Dubstep, a 44 track compilation of some the rawest, bass-driven nuggets you could ever hope to lay your filthy mitts on, has just been released by our good friends over at Ministry of Sound.

With some heavyweight remixes recognised tracks as well as originals by artists of the calibre of Caspa, Joker, Skream and Doorly (almost household names on the club scene these days), it’s enough to wet your appetite just reading the track-listing.

Opening on one of my old favourites, Caspa’s makeover of TC’s Where’s My Money, pretty standard fare for a dubstep album you would have thought. Then, propping up a couple of tracks later, Nero’s take on MJ Cole’s the classic garage anthem Sincere; mesmerising female vocals, and bass to make your heart throb, this requires your immediate attention.

Also making an appearance is a tune I have been rinsing for a while now, Doorly’s remix of Basement Jaxx’s Raindrops… with a chilled out beat, glorious synths, and great vocals to compliment, it’s definitely one to listen to in the summertime.

However, the pick of the tunes off CD 1 for me, is Tek One’s Broken Strings. One of the skankiest drops I’ve ever had the pleasure (or displeasure, as it were!) of hearing. This is Dubstep in it’s rawest form, and it’s what I think sets the genre apart from the likes of say Electro and Drum and Bass, although these do also have their considerable pros also; but they can’t boast basslines like that, and it’s what the cool kids flock to hear these days.

The second disc starts as the first one finishes, with the hugely popular, but if now a little overplayed, Acid-House/Dubstep hybrid Sweet Shop by man of the moment Doctor P. Other bangers from the likes of Mala, Skream (not In for the Kill, surprisingly), and Sukh Knight (originally titled Diesel Not Petrol).
One of the best tracks off the second disc though, has to be Breakage’s sub-bass heavy remix of ‘that track’ (you know the one by now, and if you don’t, shame on you)… it’s Riverside by Sidney Sampson.

Moving deeper into the latter stages of the album and next pops up a track I never knew existed before flicking through. An older remix from Mercury Prize nominated, Hyperdub prodigy Burial, of indie-band Bloc Party, which is absolutely fantastic. It captures for me, the essence of what early Dubstep was all about… the vibe.
Dubstep and Bloc Party is always a novel combo for me, and this doesn’t fail to deliver. Also harking back to the good old days days of Dub, the reggae vibes on 16Bit’s Jump.

What I feel is refreshing about this album, is that despite the fact that it’s aimed at a more commercial Dubstep crowd… Tit comprises a few lesser known elements, which helps to retain that underground vibe, which Dubstep will continue to thrive on. Red by Artwork, and Dreamcatcher, from Ministry of Sound’s newest signing Unicorn Kid, give the album a good balance of popular artists and rare hidden gems. It’s definitely an essential purchase for any self respecting dubstep fan, which is due for release on May 3rd.

The Sound of Dubstep, to be released 3rd May on Ministry of Sound.
Pre-Order… HERE!

Catch Caspa, showcasing his Dub Police label at our next event…
@ Ministry of Sound… on May 31st… Grab your tickets HERE!

Men in Masks: The Rise of the Disguised DJ part 1

Over the last few years, a noticeable trend has developed amongst a small section of the music community, that of the disguised DJ. Its growing in popularity and increasingly affecting dance-floor fashion, with numerous ravers spotted wearing ‘V for Vendetta’ style face-masks and other wacky accessories at UTR’s gone by.

Interestingly, this new trend spans several genres, instead of being pigeon-holed to the activities of a few weirdo’s from the middle of nowhere making ‘experimental’ music together (Slipknot, for example). And perhaps even more surprisingly, these DJ’s aren’t derided or sniggered at for their dedication to the mask. In fact most of the DJ’s featured in this article have packed schedules filled with bookings around the UK and Europe. Can this gimmick, in actual fact, help to make an average DJ stand out amongst the crowd? Is it all a bit of marketing genius?

Whatever the case, UTR has compiled its top 5 DJ’s in disguise. See what you think, and by all means let us know if there’s someone we’ve missed out! To help distinguish between the DJ’s and masks in question, we’ve come up with a handy scoring ratio to find the King of the Masks. The scoring comes in four categories: Design/Reliance on the Mask/ Cool Factor/Scare factor. Let us know if you disagree…

5. SBTRKT

London based 2-step/Dubstep producer SBTRKT (pronounced subtract) favours a highly alarming looking African voodoo mask, much like something you might see in an early Scooby Doo Cartoon. At first we thought that the mask was merely for the press shots to accompany SBTRKT’s new single release, but no! The unsuspecting clubber is poised for a shock after glancing at the decks when SBTRKT is in the house, and I can’t help thinking that it looks like the straw beard would really get in the way. What’s interesting is that SBTRKT belongs to the achingly hip group of post dubstep/garage/funky producers operating out of London, where the desire for anonymity is rare to say the least. Still, it means he’s definitely dedicated to the mask!

Design: 4/5

Reliance on the Mask: 1/5

Cool Factor: 3/5

Scare Factor: 3/5

Website: www.myspace.com/subtractone

4. FUNTCASE

A key member of Circus Records, the tear-out Dubstep collective, Funtcase seems determined to confuse ravers with his baffling name and baffling facial get-up. It appears to be a mix between a gimp mask and the Cyberman from Doctor Who.

Design: 1/5

Reliance on the Mask: 3/5

Cool Factor: 1/5

Scare Factor: 4/5

Website: www.myspace.com/funtcase

Men in Masks: The Rise of the Disguised DJ part 2

3. MEN IN MASKS

As their name suggests, Men in Masks heavily rely on the DJ’s in disguise theme. In demand on the London party circuit, Men in Masks are also fairly accomplished remixers, and have provided several re-edits of tracks by Example, New young Pony Club and other Electro pop artists. Further marks also must go to the Mexican wrestler style masks they sport.

Design: 3/5

Reliance on the Mask: 5/5

Cool Factor: 2/5

Scare Factor: 1/5

Website: www.myspace.com/meninmasks

2. STENCHMAN

Stenchman’s brilliantly grotesque mask is far and away the most infamous of all the disguises in Dubstep, and the Dover based producer has become something of an icon in his field. The comparisons with Slipknot go deeper than first thought, as Stenchman actually travelled to America to get his new version made by the same designers who kitted out Corey Taylor and his Slipknot brethren. That’s dedication to the mask!

People who saw Stenchman perform on one of the Boat Parties at Outlook Festival last year claimed that the contrast between the beautiful Croatian surroundings and the mask leering at them behind the decks created a kind of sensory overload. You certainly wouldn’t want to run into him in the toilets at 3am…

Design: 5/5

Reliance on the Mask: 4/5

Cool Factor: 2/5

Scare Factor: 5/5

Website: www.myspace.com/stenchmandubstep

See exclusive footage of Stenchman unmasked in this old Dubstep Documentary HERE

1. DEADMAU5

As if there could be any other artist to top this poll. Deadmau5 has enjoyed an alarmingly successful couple of years, having grown from shady Canadian producer to perhaps the biggest artist in House Music. Deadmau5’s (annoyingly spelt) stage name and headgear are now so famous that his logo is instantly identifiable around the world. On his last tour, the head gear (apparently worth over £200,000) featured L.E.D lights in the eyes and could change colour. But what next? Will the House supremo have to keep re-inventing his Mouse Head until it resembles a kind of giant Mouse disco ball? Will his loyal fans shun him once the gimmick wears off? Does the mask actually control him? This can often be the problem with the decision to create a “character” through masks and costumes. Once the jokes becomes old, you’ve got nowhere else to go…

Design: 5/5

Reliance on the Mask: 5/5

Cool Factor: 3/5

Scare Factor: 2/5

www.myspace.com/deadmau5

NERO: Act Like You Know....what their on about

Here’s the UTR Blog’s revealing interview with Joe, one half of producers of the moment Nero. We talk about software techniques, being the premier artists on Chase and Status’s new label and wrestling Andy C off the decks…

Your new single “Innocence” is to be released as the premier cut off Chase and Status’s new label MTA Records. That’s quite a compliment!

Well there was actually another single release before this one, but this is Nero’s first release on MTA, and the first single that’s had a press campaign and a video and stuff like that. Its really exciting.Obviously the label wants to start life with a bang and we’re delighted that Innocence is going to be the first high profile release.

Are you now signed exclusively to MTA? Or will you still be releasing on Breakbeat Kaos and other labels?

No, we’re now signed exclusively to MTA! Our album is going to be released in October hopefully.

Whats it like having Chase and Status as label bosses?

Their brilliant! Both Will and Saul are incredibly enthusiastic about our music and how it can be developed and brought forward. What was enticing about the MTA offer was that they are keen to experiment with the sound and integrate new ideas as often as possible. You get more room to breathe on an independent label which is nice as well, basically our artistic vision remains unclouded. We’re just very happy that Chase and Status are putting their faith and their money into this project!

Do Nero consider themselves full time Dubstep producers now, or do you still dabble in DnB and other genres? Do you think it’s important to keep your genres broad? One of the advantages of having Nero on a line-up is that it often appeals to differing demographics.

Yeah we’re certainly still making drum and bass tunes, some of it half-timed and theres going to be some House flavoured tempo’s on the album aswell. Our approach to making music is to let the tempo of the track work itself out organically. If a certain riff feels better at 170bpm then thats wha t we’ll go with.We defintiely wouldn’t want to alienate those that have been following us since we were exclusively a DnB act, and we’re still very much immersed in that scene

I suppose Chase and Status are the perfect Label bosses in that respect, as “More than a Lot” also contained a myriad number of genre’s and textures. Will your album be in a similar vein?

Yes, we’re definitely not keen on making an album exclusively built around one sound, thats never been our way. However, the only similarity between “More than alot” and our album will be the breadth of genres spanned. Although we’re on their label, our sound is very different.

You played our final set at UTR at Ministry of Sound. How did you find the crowd at that time in the morning?

It was superb, as UTR always is. When I got to the club and realised we were doing 4 til 5am I thought it was going to be a graveyard by the time we came on but if anything, it was more packed in the main room then it had been all night. The crowd’s energy was amazing, and there wasn’t even any any booze! It always seems like the sets are really anticipated and enjoyed which obviously makes it so much more fun.

Also, how difficult was it getting Andy C off the decks?

Haha going on after Andy C is tough at the best of times as he’s probably the most accomplished DJ about. His three deck mixes are something to behold and every other DJ is in awe of his abilities really.

We’ve just confirmed you for UTR Summer Break, our festival in Newquay this summer which we’re all very excited about. Do you enjoy playing to festival crowds? It seems to be the favourite part of the annual circuit for most DJ’s.

To be honest this is going to be our first summer we’ll be touring extensively on the festival circuit, we’re new to the scene. This year we’re doing the big UK festivals like Glastonbury and we’ve ben booked for Pukkelpop Festival in Belgium so its going to be fantastic. We’re looking forward to the UTR Summer Break, the line-up looks hard! I went to Newquay when I was a teenager and it was total carnage…

Your “Blinded by the Lights” remix is credited as being the track that brought Nero to a larger audience and gave you nationwide recognition as it was being rinsed by N-type, Skream, Plastician and pretty much every other key player in the scene. Do you agree, or did your stock slowly rise over time through your other releases and DJ work?

It was probably the turning point that meant corridors began to open for us. It wasn’t just the big DJ’s that were rinsing the tune, Annie Mac and sveral other presenters were battering it on the radio aswell. I think to an extent every producer needs one big track to break through. Skream was a huge star in his own niche genre, but it took the success of the “In for the Kill” remix to make him a national star. We had an established fan base from our releases on Breakbeat Kaos, after the Streets remix we started with a new agent and began taking on a load more bookings.

A lot of UTR’s regular clubbers are also beginning to produce music themselves, and they are always to keen to gain an insight into how the top artists make their music. What programs do you use, and do you have any tips?

Yeah we get asked this a lot, and my main tip for someone keen to get involved in prodiction is to keep things simple at first. Get to know one production base very well and keep learning from it. We use only a handful of synths that we know very well so we feel confident with the tools at our disposal. We use q-base with a few trusty plugins, and I really recommend Fruity Loops as the program to jot down initial ideas on. Fruity Loops can be used like a first draft where you can play about with an idea and see how it goes.

The video for ‘Innocence’ focuses on Anime animation. Is there a story behind that? It seems like a homage to the Daft Punk video narratives from a few years back. Do you like to keep a hold of all creative control or where you happy to let someone run with this idea?

Yeah me and Dan actually played quite a big part in the production of the video. We didn’t have much time to get a promo together, but we have always been interested in this type of music video, and yes it is sort of a homage to the type of Manga narritive employed by Daft Punk, although I doubt the UTR crowd will remember those videos as they were about 10 years ago! It’s really just an attempt to come up with something a bit different and we thought the fans would respond to it positively. All the content then got handed to a very talented guy called James May (not the Top Gear presenter thankfully…) who knocked it together and created the individualistic touches, like when it says “Innocence” on the computer screen. We’re really happy with it.

Are there other producers working within UK Music that you admire?

Obviously there are countless producers which we admire, the electronic music being produced in the UK at the moment is out of this world. But at them moment the stand out artists for me at the moment is Subfocus, and the one that Nero are perhaps most closely alligned with. His willingness to push the boundaries of genres and experiment is an inspiration.

Some DnB diehards were put off by his recent smash hit “Could this be real” as it was essentially an electro house track.

Yeah I’ve got no time for people like that, one of the main reasons we love Subfocus is his ability to creat massive bangers in whatever musical field he’s working in. It keeps things interesting and allows for far greater experimentation. Thats one message I’d be keen to impress that on the teenagers out there, that you can experiment with the boundaries of dubstep, DnB, whatever your working in.

What about the artists and DJ’s that inspired you to make music in the first place with?

Shy Fx and Dillinja. Those are the two that stand out in my mind. The were definitely the DJ’s I’d go to raves to watch specifically, and its a dream to play alongside legends like Shy at raves nowadays, like at UTR. Its mad how Shy Fx is still relevant, because I was jumping about to his sets when I was a teenager!

So the album has been slated for an October release. Is it going to be brand new material or will the club hits from last summer be on it, such as “Act like you know”?

No, it’s going to be brand new material. “Innocence” is the first single from it, and you wont have heard any of the stuff. We’re keeping it tightly under wraps, because I’m sure people are going to be surprised by some of the new content.

Finally…Starbucks or Cafe Nero?

Hah, I’m going to be controversial and say Starbucks.

Winegums or Fruit Pastilles?

Winegums any day.

‘Innocence/Electron’ is released on Monday 26th April on MTA Records. You can order it HERE

Grab your tickets to see Nero at UTR Summer Break HERE

TRON FINALLY DROPS + LIMITED EDITION LASER ETCHED VINYLS

So unless you have been living under a sound-proof rock for the last six months you would have definitely caught Joker's Tron being selected by dubstep royalty as the un-released banger of choice to get the crowds skankin' out!

Last week finally saw the 12" release on Joker's very own Kapsize Recording with a super fresh laser etching on the flip side. The digital release comes with the VIP mix on, which may be a bit more useful - but the laser etched disc looks alot sicker! To be honest we aren't really feeling the VIP mix anyway, the original is set to become a dubstep classic (if it isn't already) and there is no need to start playing around with such a heavy tune. So UTR reckon go for the 12" option - even if the laser etching is ripped straight from the cult classic film's original artwork!




Laser etched vinyl



Tron (Kapsize 005) is available from all good record shops now, digital release is available alongside the VIP mix.

p.s.
If your partial to a little bit of a slower bpm and some swooning synths, then why not check out one of the most interesting up-and-coming artists from the mutant dubstep-house scene: Deadboy. His latest release on Glasgow's might Numbers imprint also features a heavy little piece of laser etching. New trend in vinyl production maybe? Duck out of a B-side in favour of some jazzy etching??



Either way we are loving it, this tune is out now. His debut 12" U Cheated got a release a little while back and became a regular tune on DJ Oneman's Rinse FM show - go check it out.

http://www.myspace.com/thejokerproductions
http://www.myspace.com/deadboysoundboy

MAGNETIC MAN (SKREAM, BENGA & ARTWORK) HIT THE COVER OF NME

Its a big look for the scene to get dubstep's top boys Skream, Benga and one of dubstep's original pinoeers, Artwork, on the cover of NME. Collectively the artist produce under the guise 'Magnetic Man'. We at UTR were lucky enough to catch them at Matter for Rinse FM's 15th Birthday, we have included a video above to make you lot jealous. Trust us, they smashed it and we are super excited to hear their album which should be dropping this year!
Anyways the cover is deffinately a much better look than having that bird from the Gossip taking up all the room on the front page!



or



We thought you would agree!

Get a taster here: http://www.myspace.com/magneticman

PIXEL TAKEOVER

What with old school computer game samples constantly being dropped into all kinds of electronic music, especially by the likes of the latest No Hats No Hoods' signing Royal T (check out the 1Up or Shatap EP!), we saw this short film (posted up by our mates at freshoutofdeath.com) and just had to share it with the UTR extend family! Enjoy, its alot.

D1: Jus Business/Pitcher

With the UTR Dub Police Collaboration Special at Ministry of Sound coming up on the 31st May, UTR blogger Jamie Everall gives his verdict on the newest Dub Police release by Dubstep heavyweight D1...

D1 bounces his way back into the limelight with a fantastic new release on the Dub Police label. Laying low since the seminal 'V3' album back in '08, D1 has clearly been spending the time well, perfecting his unique sound and churning out two amazing tracks.

With everything from dark euphoric chords to junglistic percussion, D1 brings together the best elements of rave and throws them all into a smashing sub-lead roller, locked in at 140, keeping the dubstep feel. 'Jus Business' is guarenteed to get the dancehall fired up with its dark stabs and pounding bassline.

On the other side, things get a lot lighter with the energetic 'Pitcher'. Its essentially a funky melody, combined with a bouncing bassline and several interesting chord progressions throughout. While its a clear contrast to the flip side, it still keeps that trademark D1 sound, providing everything needed for a great party tune. So if your out clubbing, or taking it easy in your nans arm chair, 'Pitcher' will have you performing some very wonky movements! With this release, D1 confirms his status as one of Dubstep's most innovative and experimental producers.

Jamie Everall

You can buy Jus Business/Pitcher by D1 HERE

Grab your tickets for the UTR x Dub Police Special at Minsitry of Sound on 31st may HERE

UTR NETSKY INTERVIEW

NETSKY INTERVIEW

UTR NETSKY INTERVIEW

Here’s UTR’s exclusive interview with the Belgian wunderkind Netsky. Enjoy!

How did you first get into producing music?

I think my first memory of wanting to produce seriously came about four years ago after hearing High Contrast’s remix of Kanye West’s ‘Gold-digger’. It was such a crazy and fun song, and I saw the reaction it got from the crowd I was in. It made me want to move people in the same way!

I started producing on a free demo copy of fruity loops, really just messing about. I worked hard at learning the basics of the program, but it wasn’t in the hope of becoming a big producer or anything.

Were you inspired by any Belgian artists or scenes that existed whilst you were growing up? Is DnB still a big genre in the country?

There isn’t really a big national scene, its more localised to the bigger cities. I live quite close to Antwerp, and there is a small community growing around DnB, its pretty good nowadays. It’s still pretty underground though and everyone knows everyone. It’s very communal!

Your profile is steadily rising across Europe. How do your find it when you travel to the UK for shows? Do you enjoy coming over here?

I only came to England for the first time in December, it’s all starting now! My first time was in Birmingham, at a rave where all the DJ’s were playing fast paced, jump up DnB. I wasn’t sure why I’d been booked but I was put as headliner! I was a little unsure but the crowd liked what I was playing. They were probably relieved to hear something different after listening to hours of raw jump up!

You’re signed to Hospital Records, home to some of the biggest and most successful DnB producers in the world. Are there any particular artists on the label that you admire, or who produces music that you identify with?

Obviously High Contrast is the biggest inspiration for me; he’s one of the main reasons as to why I got into production in the first place! Its great to be part of such a talented collective and I still find it strange that I’m on the same label as the guy that inspired me to get into making music in the first place. I have also always admired the production of Logistics and Nu:Tone, both really explore the deeper and more subtle sides of the genre. It’s the best label out there for progressive DnB definitely.

Under The Radar specialises in huge raves for college students and teenagers who are really into their music. We have had a great response from getting you on the line-up, have you had any experience of these kinds of parties before? Was there anything like this in Belgium when you were growing up?

It’s quite different in Belgium, almost every club allows in under 18’s! Everything is 16+ so the teenagers can get into clubs a lot more easily. However, there really isn’t many big clubs or places for the teenagers to go outside of the cities like Brussels and Antwerp. It’s so much better in England! If there was something like Under the Radar in Belgium then it would definitely do very well, because it would give the youth a chance to see all these great artists.

It’s funny, because teen drinking is much worse in England then it is in Belgium! Everything is harder here; you drink harder and party harder!

What are your next releases on Hospital? Is there an album in the works?

Yeah, just finished my album this week. It’s going to be released in the UK on Hospital Records on June 14^th. I can’t wait! I’m very nervous to see how people will respond to it, but I’m really excited as well because I think it’s great. Hopefully people will be pleasantly surprised by it!

Have you been to Ministry of Sound before? How did you find the UTR Easter Rave?

No, I’ve never been. But when I was growing up I heard loads of stories about clubs like Ministry of Sound and Fabric, and how great the nights were. Its surreal that now I’m booked for these clubs that I used to dream about going to!

UTR was incredible, I couldn’t believe how hyper the crowd were! I was told by Hospital that it would be a great show but I wasn’t ready for that. A lot of the crowd seemed to respond to my new material aswell which is great to see. I cant wait to come back and play again.

What advice would you give to young music producers who are trying to get ahead in the industry? What’s the best piece of advice you were given when starting out?

The best advice I can give is to take time and find your own sound. When you first start out its tempting to try and copy your heroes as much as possible, like for instance when I was first producing people would say “Try and make your snare just like High Contrast” or “try and replicate that sound”, and it doesn’t work. It’s much better to take your time and allow yourself to find your own sense of rhythm and space within the confines of the music you are trying to make. Don’t worry about keeping up with the latest trends and what you think people want to hear make music for yourself and hopefully people will see the sincerity behind it.

You’ve just compiled the second edition of the UTR mixtape. These are eagerly anticipated and yours will no doubt go down a storm. Is there any track’s or mixes that you’d like people to listen out for? Do you enjoy making mixtapes?

I’m really excited for everyone to hear this mix, it’s the first one I’ve been asked to do in England! I hope that the UTR crowd will enjoy it, and I’ve put in a few of my favourite tracks such as ‘Secret Agent’ and ‘Iron-heart’. Look out for those!

DOWNLOAD Netsky’s Exclusive Mix for UTR HERE

Netsky’s next release is “Memory Lane”, the B side to “Sick Music “”. Buy it now HERE