Jazz is really about the human experience. It’s about the ability of human beings to take the worst of circumstances and struggles and turn it into something creative and constructive. That’s something that’s built into the fiber of every human being. And I think that’s why people can respond to it. They feel the freedom in it. And the attributes of jazz are also admirable. It’s about dialogue. It’s about sharing. And teamwork. It’s in the moment, and its nonjudgmental, at its best.”Herbie Hancock.
We are delighted this month to welcome Glasgow’s own Craig Morrison (Silicone Soul) to take us on a journey through his record collection. We want to allow DJ’s, perhaps better known for their talents within electronic music, to come and play records they might not always get the chance to play, with no boundaries or judgement, being absolutely free to play anything that they feel they want to share.
Having spent some time with Craig, inviting him to play Modal made absolute sense. The records in the back room of his house are varied and wonderful, and having heard him play, we are excited to hear some hidden gems from the depths of his collection.
(Craig Morrison (Silicone Soul) Cali, Columbia.
Music really is a privilege, and we are delighted to be able to share some special bits from our collections with you. This promo mix recorded by Craig and our resident Rebecca Vasmant especially for Modal! should give you some idea of what to expect this Thursday.
We have Glasgow’s connoisseur and an avid part of the city’s Jazz scene, Mark Robb playing
Mark Robb, Glasgow Jazz Festival 2014
Chris Grieve of The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra will be playing live alongside Rebecca Vasmant on the night.
Tickets are available from Resident Advisorand more on the door from 11pm.
The Sub Club SoundSystem rolls in to Glasgow’s East End this weekend. Ahead of this long awaited event, we sat down with some of the artists to chat about previous festival experiences, gifts, expectations and what they’re looking forward to most.
1) Prior to attending festivals as an artist, were you one for attending as a punter? Are there festival memories from your youth, or recent past, that you’d like to share?
Domenic: Never went to a festival until I DJ’d at one… Harri: Me too.
Krysko: No. The first festival I ever went to was when we did the Radio 1 stage at Glastonbury in 2002 as Tribal Gathering presents… Before that I’d never been to one. It was like an old Radio 1 Roadshow, but much, much more ‘intoxicated’ shall we say. We drove down in a Winnebago van and they parked us behind the Radio 1 stage. At some point on the Saturday (I think) we drove the van out onto site,managed to get quite far actually, we drove past the opera stage with the music blaring out, and then crashed it into a tree. We got to a gate with stewards, being told we’d be kicked out if we didn’t return immediately to our area. A lot has changed in 13 years.And I’d like to say there will be no crashing of camper vans this weekend. I promise.
Kappa: Ha, well the first festival I went to was Bloodstock, Derby, in 2005. I was a big rock fan and went with a few pals. We slept in our leather jackets by a canal as we hadn’t booked a hotel and by day roamed the streets of the city drinking a famous Spanish lager and swinging plastic Viking swords to the annoyance of the locals.I got a photo with Alexi Laiho from Children of Bodom which takes pride of place in a drawer (somewhere). Played at Rockness a couple times and TITP, they were both actually really fun.
Denis:Yes, most definitely. I’ve been to a few, most recently Bloc. at Minehead which I thought was pretty weird. I like big festivals. Seeing guys like Robert Hood and Jeff Mills on such a huge scale is absolutely phenomenal, it’s not something you can see at home.They both played the closing day of Dekmantel last year and it was scandalous!
Spittal: Rockness in 2009 was special for loads of reasons, still one of the best weekends of my life. It’s a hard one to narrow down, as it wasn’t anything in particular, it was just the whole experience was bang on.Was always a dream to play up there because of that weekend, but it wasn’t destined to be.
Nowicki: I almost got robbed in Gnaoua Music Festival in Essaouira, Morocco. A free festival located on the coast of Morocco with all sorts of mad DJs and bands. There was a group of young boys who managed to nick a camera from one of the guys staying in the hostel. It was attached to his wrist and they swiped the strap with a knife and ran away with it. Later on they formed a human pyramidand one of the kids climbed to the top, backflipped onto the sand in celebration of his new gadget.
2) What’s your top 5 festival tunes?
Domenic:I have no idea what a festival tune is. Harri:Me neither. Krysko:It’s a tough one that, as they’re so varied nowadays, you could be in a muddy field in Scotland playing to 8,000 nutters or in the sun to 500 music aficionados in an open air club in Croatia the next. Off the top of my head, for the muddy field of nutters I’d say –
Kappa: Backups of records across audio formats in case of emergency obvz! Sennheiser HD 25s, comfy shoes, tonto in water bottle and Rennies. Spittal: Just take your good spirit and you’ll be all good. Nowicki: 2 x technics 1210’s, a good mixer, cold beer and a buzzing atmosphere filled with sound people.
4) How is the summer shaping up for you, have you got any European gigs or festival appearances you’re looking forward to?
Domenic: Looking forward to Electric Elephant and Zoo Project. Harri: Couldnae make this up… same.
Krysko: It’s looking life changing actually. Our first baby is due at the end of May, so we got the timing right on that one! Firstly it’s Parklife where I’ll be doing back-to-back with Paul Woolford… and some idiot called Greg Lord. Following that is Electric Elephant in Croatia which is one of my favourites. Then Beatherder, where it’ll be my 10th year there. And finally Secret Solstice in Iceland.
Kappa: Not famous enough to have any big international gigs to be honest!
5) With not long to go, can you let the Subculture faithful in on a wee secret. What can they expect from your set?
Domenic: Polite trance and speed dubstep. Harri: And a bit of psychobilly 3 step. Krysko: I think I’ll leave my options open, but a block party is a block party, and it’s the perfect opportunity to play stuff you wouldn’t normally get the chance to in a club. Kappa: A mix of old and new but my tip is my cohort’s new tune, Beta – “Endless Plains” which has an otherworldly level of synth pads and percussion. Also this has to be in: Ata Kak – Obaa Sima
Denis: No tricks, No secrets. Disco heat start to finish. Can’t wait. Spittal: Sunshine disco music. Nowicki: I never really plan my sets, just see what I feel like playing on the day and pack 100 or so records.
6) If one of our SoundSystem attendees were to present you with anything, gift-wise, to remember the festival by… what would you like?
Domenic: Monica Bellucci’s phone number.
Harri: No idea who she is, but I like the sound of her. Krysko: A road map of Scotland please. As I’ll be driving over with Derrick Carter to a gig miles away later in the evening!
Kappa: A wee photo with the DJs and organisers would be very nice to remember it by. Spittal: A hand shake and a fan boy picture with Derrick Carter would be a cool present. Nowicki: A voucher for a record store so I can fund this vinyl addiction..
7) Will you have time to stick around and catch anyone else on the line up? Anyone in particular on your rave radar? Who are looking forward to hearing?
Domenic: Gerd Janson, Krysko and Derrick. Harri: It all looks good to me. Krysko: It sounds like such a cop out, but everyone. Seriously though the line up is brilliant. From Derrick, to Bicep, Gerd, Leon, the Dixon Avenue boys, and all the residents. Not just great DJs, but all very sound people. It’ll be good to catch up with them all. Maybe catch a bit of the newcomers, Harri & Dom – I’ve heard they’re alright! Kappa: Del Carter and our own Hector aka Denis Sulta will be a treat. Also these troops called J.E.S.U.S… Denis: Oh absolutely. Very keen to see Gerd Janson on the wheels of steel on Saturday. And If I make through till the Sunday, I’ll be dancing up the front to J.E.S.U.S like a schoolgirl at a 1D show. Spittal: Bicep have a track out on my label this summer, and having only spoken to the lads online it’ll be cool to finally have a chat after a few years of contact in the cyberworld.Gerd Janson has also had a bit of input on a Move D track on the same release, so I’ll be buying him a beer or two as a thank you. Krysko is as sound as they come, so it’ll be cool to see him again too. Nowicki: I’m a big fan of Gerd Janson’s Running Back record label but haven’t had the chance to see him DJ yet so I’m looking forward to that.
https://soundcloud.com/timsweeney/gerdjanson/sets
8) What’s your expectations of playing at Sub ClubSoundSystem? (Our brand new festival, 5 mins away from your second home.)
Domenic: Carnage. Harri: Yep. Krysko: Nothing but high expectations. In all seriousness, there’s few places in the world that have such a respected musical heritage in this scene.From the club and all the grade A fantastic people that run it, the residents and guys that run the various nights there, and to the heart and soul of the place – Harri & Dom.It just feels like going home for me.
Kappa: High because it’s Subbie! Good sound, nice crowd, underground tunes with a healthy dose of sunshine – here’s hoping!
Denis: I think it’s going to be class. These bigger events in Glasgow create a great buzz in the city. I’m a big fan of the recent Sub Hub pop up, it was something new and cool. Glasgow needs shit like that. I’ve never been to the festival site before and I’m dead excited. Lets just hope the weather’s good.
Nowicki: This will be my first ever festival to play at so I’m absolutely buzzin for it. The line up has a good variety of local and international DJ’s too. I can’t wait.
9) You have the chance to programme any line up of bands and DJ’s you want at an all day music festival…bands or DJ’s can be past and present (dead or alive) in any location you wish. Where would this be? Who would the artists or DJ’s be and what would be the running order on the day?
Domenic: Live running order; Steve Reich, Voices From the Lake, Can, Tangerine Dream, Lalo Schifrin, John Martyn, Sonny Boy Williamson, St. Germain, The Meters, D’angelo, Chaka Khan, Maurizio, Larry Heard, Floorplan/ Rob Hood, Underground Resistance, Model 500, James Brown, Luther Vandross, Prince, Marvin Gaye…. DJ-wise too many to mention.And the venue would be Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria.
Harri: Tooks the words lot oot ma mooth.
Kappa: Abida Parveen,Arthur Lee, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Max Roach, Paul Chambers, Daphni b2b Moodyman, Dom Cappello b2b Carl Craig, Donna Summer & Moroder, The Elgins, Groove Chronicles, Harri + Desmond Dekker + Lee Perry, Larry Levan b2b Thomas Bangalter, Lord Kitchener, Kate Bush, Neil Young, Notorious B.I.G., Optimo + Divine (Live), Ramones, Prince b2b Nile Rodgers, Yello, Theo Parrish b2b Sylvester, Tom Waits b2b Beefheart (Funk Jam), Underground Resistance FULL band and Zappa + Vangelis.
Nowicki: I really like the idea of discovering a remote island somewhere and setting up a wee festival. It would probably be somewhere in Indonesia and would have a comedy/woodstock style theme during the day (George Carlin and Robin Williams whippin out the patter and Jimi Hendrix and Richie Havens on the guitar licks).After dark Tangerine Dream, Funkadelic and Ron Hardy would perform. The capacity would be no bigger than Rockness. Hippy vibes yo.
10) What’s been your favourite Sub Club experience?
Krysko: There’s one clear winner, when we did the Sub Culture V WHP night, me & Greg with Harri & Dom. In 15 years, it’s my favourite ever time playing in a club. The other time was when 20 of us from Manchester came up for a lads weekend at the DJ Harvey night… now that was a strong few days.
Kappa: Henrik Schwarz… nuff said!
Denis: Crowd surfing on my birthday at Subculture this year was pretty good fun but playing at the Dixon Avenue Basement Jams takeover with Marquis Hawkes, Dan Monox and The Wasp was certainly my most memorable moment hands down.
Nowicki: Every experience is different and it’s always seems to be getting better but Mr Ties playing for Big Foots was amazing. He doesn’t give a fuck; the mixing wasn’t great at points but the selection and general party atmosphere he created was a boldyin. I love his spontaneous approach, it’s definitely influenced me.
11) If there was an afters lined up with the full crew, would you have any party tricks to showcase ;) ?
Domenic: None. Harri:Me Neither Krysko:My mum always told me never to go anywhere with strange men! Kappa:I can touch my toes on a good day and maybe sing them a song or two if I’m very, very drunk. Spittal:I don’t know about my own party tricks, but Harri had some party tricks in Aberdeen a couple weeks back haha. And Dom has seen all my party tricks before.
Heads Up! 200 Saturday tickets remain for our Sub Club SoundSystem Bank Holiday Weekender. There will be no tickets available on the door so if you don’t wanna miss out on a 10 hour Courtyard & Block Party Subbie style then just click HERE or RESIDENT ADVISOR.
Full Line Up: DERRICK CARTER DOES DISCO // BICEP // GERD JANSON // LEON VYNEHALL // HARRI & DOMENIC // AUNTIE FLO // KRYSKO // DIXON AVENUE BASEMENT JAMS // TELFORD // HAMMER & JUBE // DENIS SULTA.
Sub Grub also on offer from DEVILS DELI.
Heads Up! Less than 200 Saturday tickets remain for our Sub Club SoundSystem Bank Holiday Weekender. There will be no tickets available on the door so if you don’t wanna miss out on a 10 hour Courtyard & Block Party Subbie style then just click HERE or RESIDENT ADVISOR.
The Black Madonna says she is living the dream. With killer mixes on Beats In Space, LWE, Dekmantel and Honey Soundsystem going hand in hand with her own productions on The Nite Owl, Argot and Stripped & Chewed, it’s easy to see why Marea Stamper is in such high demand across the globe right now. She also happens to be one of the most modest and thoughtful DJs currently on the go, while as boss of Chicago’s Smart Bar she is becoming one of the most influential figures in America.
https://soundcloud.com/timsweeney/theblackmadonna
Bigfoot’s caught this interview with her ahead of her first show in Scotland, which is this Friday at the Sub Club…
This is your first time in Scotland, right? So let’s pretend we’ve just met for the first time – who are you and where do you come from?
I am Marea and I am from a small town in Kentucky in an area with a lot of coal mining called Jackson. I then went on to grow up in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky. I love UK basketball and dancing …
Where are you now?
Chicago!
What made you decide on “The Black Madonna”?
She’s a figure that my mother was very close to. The name isn’t so much a name as it is a dedication to this version of Mary and of course it’s as Pedro Almodovar said, “All About My Mother.”
We saw you play your first gig at Panorama Bar and the place was going wild, (even more so than usual), tell us a little about how the last 12 months have been for you?
I keep thinking I am going to wake up and have to give this new life back. When I got that gig, I didn’t even have a passport. But this is the new normal. I love packing and traveling and meeting new people. I get homesick too, but it makes coming home to my husband and dog even sweeter.
You are often described as a “rave girl”, having been out partying as young as 14. What is a Kentucky rave like for a 14 year old? What is a Kentucky rave like for a 28 year old?
Believe it or not, Kentucky was an absolutely essential piece of the North American rave scene. I was lucky enough to be a small piece of that. Largely my safety and sanity is due to a man named JJ who was a kind of rave parent to me, I guess you’d say. By the time I was 28, raves had changed dramatically and for the worse in Kentucky and most of the rest of America. It’s sad. It was shining moment in time. We were young and crazy, but I think the scene also had a lot of bsionaries. Lots of those people are still around in techno. Our lives are different but that spirit is still there. I remember taking flyers from our rave in KY to Jason Clark who now does Paxahau in 1994. A lot of us turned raving into a job.
Are there any DJs in particular that you looked up to around that time?
Terry Mullan, Jajo, Hyperactive, Traxx. Those were my absolute favourites.
Where did you go to college? A lot of people involved in music say they look back on their college years as the time that shaped them more as a person, rather than put them on a ladder to a job or career – is this true for you? Were you involved in music during your college years?
If it wasn’t for college and an empty, barely legal student radio station in the student activities centre, I wouldn’t have made the leap to DJing. I had the keys and I locked myself in there. When I started school, I thought I would be a lawyer. By the time I was done, I knew that was not going to happen. Too far gone, no way back. I moved to Chicago shortly after graduation and lived in the converted tool closet of the owner of Dust Traxx. My room was about as big as my bed is now. So that’s where college got me. It was perfect actually.
When did you start to become fascinated with Chicago? Were you always drawn to move there one day? What did you do when you first arrived in Chi town?
If you love house music, Chicago enters through your imagination before you visit. It’s more or less like I imagined, but maybe colder. I never thought I would live here though. I never thought I would leave Kentucky and in many ways I resisted it. I remember thinking, “Chicago is cool to visit but I could never live there. Everyone is in a hurry and it’s expensive.” I was so afraid of the idea, but I have learned since that time that usually being terrified and yet fascinated by the idea of doing something means I should do it as soon as possible.
When did you start making music and what was your first ever studio set up like? How has it developed over the years?
I’ve always had a garbage studio basically put together from stuff people gave me or left at my house. It’s still that way. I think if people saw what I worked with, they’d be very surprised. I find myself often disappointing people who want to talk shop with me about gear, because I have virtually nothing and I don’t really want a lot. I work with Logic and a lot of plug ins. I have a Kurzweil k2000 that doesn’t work right and I use it as a midi controller. I have an old M-audio soundcard and a mini Mac. My monitors are shit. My amp has a terrible buzzing sound. I haven’t been able to pay my bills until about 6 months ago, so this is what I have. Maybe if they let me keep touring, I will buy some real shit.
I read an interview with Gilles Peterson and Motor City Drum Ensemble recently where they said they felt music had lost it’s political edge – that no one on the dance floor seems to want to engage in issues surrounding them. Would you agree?
I would, but I would add that this seems to be changing as we speak. I’m starting to be contacted by other DJs who are activists or who have strong ideas that they don’t want to be quiet about anymore. That goes double for women. I think people are becoming aware that we’re all capable of having a party without checking out of earth completely. Thinking and trying to be of some use to other people or standing up for our own rights and safety doesn’t mean we can’t lose ourselves on the dance floor.
You are well known for bringing a straight up party vibe to the dance floor, but also as a person who holds strong and thoughtful personal views – what is the relationship between your music and your life outside of the clubs?
Parties come from struggle. Look at the historical origins of house and disco. It’s not 40 year old white guys with 401ks. Dance music comes from oppressed people. The dance floor is a place to bring your trouble and do something with it. As far as having strong personal beliefs, I guess maybe I think of those more as just empathy that has been thought out. I care about other people. It seems like that should be the baseline requirement to work in dance music. I want to hear their stories and I want to help because I am able to. What that ends up looking like is a set of strongly held beliefs, but the same thing that makes me want to create unity on the dance floor though music at work. I reject this notion that caring about ideas somehow diminishes the vibe. The very existence of a disco in the early 80’s was a political act. It can be again!
First I was the assistant to Nate Seider and then I became the buyer when he left. I was also a resident first.
Outside of the Smart Bar – how would you describe the current state of play in Chicago, both musically and socially?
Fighting the good fight.
Lot’s of people look up to you at the moment, how does that feel?
It’s unimaginably strange to even read that sentence. I got a lot of letters from strangers all of a sudden. People send stuff to Smart Bar or hit me up on Facebook. They tell me their stories and often it’s really personal stuff. It’s a surreal and incredibly sweet thing. For what it is worth, it has meant so much to me to be a part of your lives over the last year of touring. I am extremely grateful to know you all.
The Black Madonna – Stay (Nite Owl Diner 2014)
The Black Madonna – Exodus (Stripped & Chewed 2014)
This podcast from an outstanding set at Dekmantel should get you in the mood for Friday…
Ahead of the second turnout from Jamaica streets finest reggae collective, we sat down with two of their top boys and had a chat. First up we chilled with Subculture stalwart Harri who, despite what you’re used to hearing him play, has a penchant for reggae beats. Next up it was local selector and musical library Greenman, who forms the second half of the young team. JSRF are coming to Sub Rosa on Wednesday the 22nd for a night of proper jerk vibes…
First up, Harri, we hope you’re well. It might comes as a bit of a surprise to people who know you from your Subculture residency with Domenic that you’re into far reggae beats and even fatter spliffs. So, what does reggae culture mean to you?
Harri: TBH…I’m not that clued up on modern reggae, it was something I got into in the late 70s early 80s, then it was about a reggae club in East Kilbride run by a friend, marijuana, blues nights in Notting Hill, Dub Vendor record store and proper Rastafarians. Nowadays Mungos Hi Fi, Walk ‘n’ Skank and a few others are still flying the flag.
Is it a genre of music that’s always been a part of you’re life?
Harri: The first few reggae records I heard that really blew me away were Dave and Ansell Collins Double Barrel and Monkey Spanner and later Rupie Edwards Ire Feelings; I’ve been hooked ever since.
As you have to be on point, every single week. You must spend forever trawling through rowdy tunes that most people will only pop on when they’re a few beers down. Does it come as a nice escape from hunting for pumping Saturday night tunes?
Harri: Reggae has always been my default music of choice, I probably listen to a lot more reggae at home and when travelling than I do house music…I think there are loads of similarities between reggae and house.
As I said earlier, I got into reggae early 70s onwards… firstly from the few tunes that broke the UK charts and latterly from the John Peel show.
Is it good to have a chance to play reggae in a club?
I enjoy playing reggae in clubs, but probably enjoying playing house a lot more, as I keep up to date with house music. Maybe just me, but I’m not hearing much innovative reggae these days, seems to be recycling of old riddims….anyone out there that can turn me onto new exciting reggae, feel free to get in touch!
Can you leave us with a tune that might make an appearance on the night?
I’m never really sure what I might play on a night, it usually depends on what is played before I go on, pretty sure I will play some sleng teng stuff…
Danny Greenman – Stay Fresh
Greenman is a well-known face around the Glasgow club scene and can put his hand to just about any genre of music. For those who don’t know you, do you fancy letting them in on who you are and what you’ve been doing?
I’m moving flats at the moment, trying to find a good place with a studio/office space to focus more on music production and promotion. I play with Stay Fresh; we are in our 4th year now. I also hold down residencies every Thursday in Edinburgh with i-AM and the 1st Saturday of the month in Flat 0/1.
Do you usually get the chance to play out reggae?
Not as often as I used to but that’s more a reflection of where I’m going with my music these days. When I play bar sets I usually slip in a wee reggae section, even at weddings. Nowadays it’s faster paced dancehall and steppers records I’m playing.
Last time round you were showing Harri a thing or two with your reggae knowledge, have you still been keeping up with it?
I was showing just a knowledge of another direction of reggae in dub and steppers. Recently I have not been focusing on dub music, but instead keeping up with the grime and garage scene. I still listen to new mixes and reggae radios shows but I’ve not been buying much, however I’ll be stocking up at the Scotch Bonnet record store day event on Saturday.
You seem to be a bit more connected to what’s going on with the Glasgow reggae scene at the moment… For those who don’t usually frequent those kind of nights can you give us a brief outline of its health right now?
Glasgow has an increasingly vibrant reggae scene in which there is as much camaraderie as there is competition. Alongside well-established systems like Bass Warrior and Argonauts, there are younger newcomers from further afield such as CC Sound and Crutial Roots. I have recently started a new venture with James from Mungos and Jerome, owner of Mungo’s little brother Bass Alliance Sound System. ‘Levels’ focuses on the deeper end of bass music and vinyl culture from the past 10 years and into the future, and will take place in Stereo bi-monthly.
Can you leave us with a couple of tunes you’ll be playing on the night?
Sub Rosa’s recipe of the week: No-Fuss Jerk Chicken
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons allspice berries
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 Scotch bonnet or habanero chilies, halved, stems removed
• 6 scallions, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 2-inch piece ginger, thickly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce, optional
• Juice of 2 large limes (about 4 tablespoons)
6 large chicken legs, leg and thigh attached
Prep:
1. Put allspice, thyme, garlic, chiles, scallions, peppercorns, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, soy sauce and lime juice in a blender or food processor and grind to a rough paste.
2. Put chicken in a baking dish, add seasoning paste and coat chicken well, using a spoon. Cover and marinate, refrigerated, for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Heat oven to 350 degrees and bring chicken to room temperature. Turn chicken once more in marinade to coat well, then put baking dish in the oven, uncovered. Bake for 1 hour or until well browned and juices run clear when probed with a paring knife. Put dish under the broiler for a minute or so to char chicken slightly. Remove and serve with coconut rice, if desired.
Sub Rosa welcome back the Jamaica Street Reggae Fleet this this Wednedsay. Limited Guestlist available HERE on the day, or £5 on the door.
The erratic trio that go by the name of Pilot Episode are coming back for a third instalment at Sub Rosa this Wednesday. This time they’ve brought pals from Craigie Cartel. In true Pilot Episode style, here’s their early noughties RnB to get to know…
A thousand welcomes to their friends Pilot Episode and Craigie Cartel, streaming from a live skype feed, we have finally managed to get a strong signal and are catching up. We say friends, however it’s a bond, which is more similar to a family friend, whereby you refer to your mum’s best friend as ‘auntie’ and thus her son/daughter becomes your ‘cousin’, which can often come in handy, especially if they happen to be tough as nails.
So Pilot Episode and Craigie Cartel, here is your…50 Cent 21 – Questions
1. Simpsons or South Park? South Park.
2. Brown or red sauce? Red.
3. Black football boots or fancy ones? Blackout football boots.
4. Tonic or voddy? Tonic.
5. Sash or chicane? Chicane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBIfp2Z9TZ8
6. House or garage? House.
7. Favourite gift ever received? 6 Double vodka red bulls that Callum Asher offered to pay for, ordered, then forgot he had no money. I ended up paying. It’s the thought that counts.
8. Idea hangover cure? Sesh up, sesh on.
9. Favourite club and why? Sub club. No club holds energy or is as intense as a packed SubClub in full flow.
10. Do you have any tattoos? Yes. A portrait of Daryl Hall and John Oates and I have Groovement on my toes. One letter per toe along with some other tattoos.
11. Favourite Christmas song? Anything from Daniel O’donnell is a winner for us.
12. Who’s the hardest DJ on the circuit? Neville Watson looks like he could handle himself.
13. Favourite telly programme? Still Game.
14. One album you couldn’t live without? Gorillaz first album.
15. One track you wish you produced? Norm Talley – Travlin
16. Harri or Domenic? . That’s like picking between your maw or da.
17. Is there anywhere we can see you geezers play regularly? We both play separately but together we have residencies at Groovement Perth and MVMNT Aberdeen.
18. What’s on your rider? A bottle of tonic and a bottle of rum.
19. What came first the Chicken or the Roland 808? I believe the 808.
20. You wear Burberry surgeon masks to play, why? It’s just daft and people take themselves too serious nowadays.
21. You play all vinyl, what’s one waxy number you never leave home without? Boo Williams – Moving rivers EP.
Tip top, we have milked all we can off you for just now, now all we can do is countdown until this Wednesday. God speed and good luck my groovy amigos. Finish it off with a handful of tunes that sum up Pilot Episode..
Jamiroquai – Space Cowboy (Classic Radio mix) Remix – David Morales
Moon Runner – Cultural Track One
Sam-Jam – Dance And Chant
Cath Caroll – Moves Like You
Red 7 – I Lost My Shoes On Acid
Cool McCool – World Turns Around
https://youtu.be/PjNra7GB4jI
Catch Pilot Episode feat. Craigie Cartel this Wednesday at Sub Rosa. Free entry before 11:30 or £4 after guestlist available HERE on the day of the event.
On Friday 27th of March to kickstart their 2015 calendar Sensu’s Junior & Barry Price will be sharing the bill with two of their favourite DJ’s who also happen to be two of their favourite producers, running some of our favourite labels. Ahead of the event Sensu caught up with Oskar Offermann and Edward and chatted over architecture, artwork and escalators…
Glasgow and Berlin both have the great tradition of amazing architecture, both modern and old. It is often said when in Glasgow you should always look up when walking through the city centre to truly take in this aspect. Is there a specific place or building that you like for its design and architecture and why?
Edward: Paris Charles de Gaulles Airport. Walking through this airport is like living history. You feel what the future was looking like to the people from the seventies. Riding to this absolutely absurd escalator system makes you feel like you jumped into a Moinseur Hulot Film. Especially when you get there right after your gig; maybe a little soundtrack in your ear…It’s like traveling back to the future. Really intense!
Oskar: Yeah, for me it actually feels like going to the future in the 70s. So it still feels retro in a way. That makes it even more special. Very Tati like indeed or kinda like watching a Utopian Kubrick…
Is there anywhere you love going back to play? Whenever you look at your calendar and see it and get excited and what is it about that place that you love?
Edward: Japan is always a great highlight to us. Not because of a specific party but the crowd. Its nowhere else that people push you so much to bring on something really special. There are no such trax as sure shots when it comes to Japanese crowds. That makes it always really challenging and we mostly end up playing really weird sets…
Oskar: Japan is very special, because the appreciation for music is so different. But we also get very excited about Oma in Hong Kong, Output/Panther Room in NY, Robert Johnson and Panorama Bar in Germany.
Obviously each person starts in a different place musically from where they end up and everything in between is a journey. Where did you start?
Oskar: We both have different backgrounds. Mine was mainly hip hop. Gilles (Edward) was more eclectic. I got sucked in to electronic music for the first time when I was 22 and I just moved to Berlin. I went to a party called “get perlonized” at a place called Ostgut. That was in 2001. And after that I probably went there quiet frequently, but I don’t remember...
Do you still listen to a certain style of music other than the electronic stuff you play when touring?
Oskar: Oh yes, I actually don’t listen to much techno & house music at all at home. Just for preparing a set or when I am record shopping. I prefer oldies. and lately I’ve been into old ambient stuff and new agey stuff.
Edward: I listen to a lot of folk such as experimental stuff from various genres. But I also enjoy to listen to some good podcasts of contemporary club music. Listen HERE to Edward’s new RA podcast. This is a trippy more ambient mix, way beyond the dance floor.
Every artist has one (or 10) records at hand that can totally change a dance floor. Whether it is for completely lifting the mood or absolutely making a statement of intent. What is yours?
Oskar: Basically you can do that with every record depending on what you played before, or how. But for me that would be a record by Marco Zenker called twenty three on Ilian tape.
With that in mind, do you have anything in your bag at the moment that not a lot of other people do? Whether it be something new or indeed old?
Edward: When we get into more monotonic sections of our sets I always try to lay some ambient kraut sounds over which I edit at home. We also play a lot of our unreleased tracks which obviously not so many people have.
Oskar: Yes many many edits from ourselves, but also from good friends.
What do you enjoy more, running the label, being in the studio or playing out?
Edward: For me it’s definitely the combination of playing at the night and producing straight afterwards. I have so many ideas when I’m coming out of a club.
Oskar: I am pretty much the same. But I mostly produce early in the morning after I slept. I don’t fancy label work at all, but that is the reason why we have a label manager now.
We can’t wait for this specific show and hope you are the same. What expectations do you have of Glasgow?
Oskar: We haven’t been to Scotland before, so we are very curious for the the new impression of course. Sadly we won’t have much time to check out some nature, because that is mostly what I prefer doing besides the gigs these days. Checking out the surrounding nature. And I am crazy for modern foods… people who can do alchemy on a plate. And record shops of course. Scotland has quiet a big history in techno and house culture from what I know.
It’s a shame you’re not here for longer guys, as Scotland’s scenery,wildlife and nature are second-to-none! Maybe next time…
Here at Sensu, we like to try very hard when it come to the design. Is there any specific record or record sleeve that comes to mind which you like for it’s design?
Oskar: The first thing which came to my mind without even finishing to read the question, is Output. Even though Trevor Jackson discontinued it years ago, I still think artwork wise it was so above everything else.
As well as being crazy about music, we all love seeing great films and obviously a big part of this is the soundtrack and score. This can enhance the film tenfold if done correctly. If you could score any film past, present or future, what would it be? Are there any soundtracks that you feel are completely perfect the way they are?
Edward: I love the Soundtrack of “There will be Blood” done by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood. Its really special because he use typical orchestral instrumentation but he creates totally unexpected moods for these really calm pictures of the film. To me its a really outstanding masterpiece. I would also love to make a soundtrack but I would hate the fact that theres already a musical work done for this film, so I guess I wouldn’t choose any old film.. But as I already brought it up making a soundtrack for a Paul Thomas Anderson epos would be really great.
Oskar: Koyaanisquasi and Blade Runner for me. And Lost Highway maybe. And of course Clint Mansell stuff is also a winner. As for compilations I really like the Wes Anderson soundtracks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-t8w08QNJM
The quality of Oskar & Edward’s output and creativity is second to none. We’re sure you’ll agree, this is one not to be missed…
£8 tickets on sale HERE, then more on the door from 11pm.
Andy C is a DJ legend in every sense of the word. A selecta well deserving of all recognition he receives. Well known internationally as a leader in the Drum & Bass scene and the figurehead of RAM Records. This is a true dub don who is always ahead of the game.
This Thursday Andy is bringing his thunder sound to the Sub Club for the first time ever! As you can imagine there is already a massive buzz around town for this one, and everyone here at Sub Club is equally as excited to hear him showcasing his wizardry behind the decks!
Ahead of the event, we had the pleasure of a very rare interview with Andy. We chatted over semi-legal rave barns, pirate radio stations, and 24 hour charity sets..
Your love for Drum & Bass music was fed back in the early days. What did you find in the clubs there in the small hours? Was it your first proper clubbing experience?
My first experience with dance music was when my sister snuck me into a local rave in a barn near where we live when I was 13! from that my love for the music just grew and then a couple of years later at a semi-legal rave, shall we say, I saw a DJ called Just Jones drop a tune called The Beast… hearing this was the experience that triggered my DJ career.
Tell us more about back then and how you got involved in DJ’n?
I would do whatever I could to be involved in the scene… I would give out flyers, play for free, do sets on pirate radio, sell tickets, what ever needed to happen to get me in front of people, I would just do.
https://soundcloud.com/uncledugs/andyckoolfm1996
You’ve got a reputation as one of the most significant British artists in global dance music. After all this time in the industry, are you still as keen? Do you still love going to your work?
Trust me, there’s still loads I want to achieve. I love this music and this life and I’m very lucky to be living it, especially for this long, so I make the most of every opportunity and make sure I give everything no less than 100%.
How big an influence was pirate radio for you and everyone else involved in the scene? Do you have memories about some pretty random, cool pop up style studio spaces?
It was very influential for everyone. That was where you would hear the newest tunes, know what was going on with the events, and was a great outlet to show people this new and exciting sound. It was also a great shop window for promoters to see how DJ’s could perform. Studio spaces would vary massively, from containers like you’d get in a ship-yard, to the back of a shop, a shed in a garden, to someone’s flat. Where ever you could set a set of decks up and play music 24 hours basically.
Guys like Goldie and Ronnie Size, are often said to be responsible for assisting the crossover from the underground in the late 90s. Was this a big turning point for the music?
Indeed. Roni Size actually made it into the Guiness World Records for most Drum & Bass / Jungle albums sold at one point. Goldie took things to a new level with his career and opened doors so people got a glimpse of what was going on. The Metal Headz show’s at Blue Note were seminal also, that was a Golden era that really helped shape the movement.
As well as your own production and remixing, how did your own Imprint Ram Records come about?
I was 16 and just left school and didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do for a job, let alone a career. I enjoyed making music and had made a couple of tunes with Ant Miles so decided to investigate how to press up records. My sister drew the original logo which I got printed up on to some labels. With a small loan from a family member I pressed up the first release, and Ram was up & running.
Are you still actively involved in A & R for the label. How did you come across the high calibre and marketable Chase and Status? Do you guys still hang out?
Yes most definitely. It’s what I do the most. I’m constantly going through all the artists tunes and giving them feedback where needed. The Chase & Status connection came about after Scott(RAM Records) and I was discussing how we wanted to look for an artist that we could really get behind and try something different with. We made the call, had a meeting, done the deal, and released some records with a clear plan of what we’d all like to achieve. Yes I still see the guys at events etc, and chat to them all time.
(Andy chatted to MTV about Chase & Status as part of his RAM family…Read more HERE.)
What are your biggest frustrations within the music industry right now?
I cant say I have too many to be honest. It’s constantly changing so keeps you on your toes and it feels as if you can do what ever you want at the moment and that’s exciting.
Andy C Alive, a whole now digital concept came to light in 2012. What was it like testing the water with this at the likes of Brixton Academy and SXSW? Where you confident all would go to plan?
As confident as I could be. It was definitely a massive learning curve for the good as I got to learn a lot about technology and also what it takes to take something like that on the road. I do sit there and think about it sometimes and what we achieved, and the new friendships that were formed from it with the guys we worked with… good times ☺
Were you always very forward thinking by embracing technology? Did you remember the transition from vinyl to CDs…
I’m vinyl through and through… I do remember everyone moving over to CD’s and there was a point where I think there was just me and maybe 1 or 2 others who still used vinyl. I moved over to Traktor a few years ago just because the sound quality between dubplates and digital files was immense and no where was geared up for DJ’s to play vinyl. Using time coded vinyl, I still get the feel of playing plates/vinyl which I’m comfortable with.
Do you ever DJ without that famous hat?
Yeah of course, not often but I do. In fact it’s only been a feature since around 2010 I think but it’s crazy the reaction I get when I don’t wear it.
The last few years has seen you playing at the main stages of EDC and Global Gathering, lauded performances at Radio 1’s Hackney weekend, playing to 85,000 people at Glastonbury. How do these stadium style gigs differ musically from a Hackney Warehouse?
I guess it’s the them smaller gig’s and what and how you play at them that helps you get on to these bigger stages. My set selection may change slightly depending on where I am or what the crowd may be in to but one thing is for sure, it’s the best feeling in the world seeing people going nuts to DnB in any size venue.
What are your expectations of returning to Glasgow? This is a Subbie debut, has it been on your radar for a while?
Yes it has but just been hard to make work. I’ve been discussing it with my agent for a few years now so am really happy to be doing it, especially as part of the All Night tour.
You’re playing for most of the night on Thursday but hypothetically speaking, do you reckon you could play straight through for 12, 18 or 24 hours?
I love DJ’ing. I will play for as long as I can. In one of my 6/7 hour sets I will go through about 300-350 or so tracks and at the last Brixton Academy show I prepared to play about 700, so I think 12 hours would be easy. To be honest it’s not the amount of tunes needed to play, it’s the amount of energy needed to do the performance… I like to jump about and get involved so not sure how I’d have the stamina for that side of it. Who know’s tho, maybe I’ll do a 24 hour charity gig some day!
Andy recorded this mix ahead of the All Night Tour which stops off in Glasgow in a few days time. Featuring the biggest cuts from across the genre, including some of the heaviest releases from RAM’s discography, it’s the perfect starter for your week. And the only way to get ready for an All Night spectacular this Thursday at Sub Club…
Andy C is a DJ legend in every sense of the word. A selecta well deserving of all recognition he receives. Well known internationally as a leader in the Drum & Bass scene and the figurehead of RAM Records. This is a true dub don who is always ahead of the game.
From the main stages of EDC to Global Gathering, lauded performances at Radio 1’s Hackney weekend, playing to 85,000 people at Glastonbury, selling out London’s Brixton Academy and Electric Brixton…it’s clear Andy C has a reputation to be revered.
This Thursday Andy is bringing his thunder sound to the Sub Club for the first time ever! As you can imagine there is already a massive buzz around town for this one, and everyone here at Sub Club is equally as excited to hear him showcasing his wizardry behind the decks!
As the night approaches and for anyone who doesn’t know and wants to, we thought we’d get to grips with some selected musical highlights from his career, and treat you to some of the best interviews, mixes and live sessions from his world on the web…
To kick things off check this chat which DJ Mag had with Andy C ahead of his 2013 appearance at Global Gathering.
Back in 2005 Andy stepped up to the hallowed turntables of BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix and laid down a classic mix still revered to this day, a decade on! Listen Up…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHeNJBxZM9M
Get your ears round this RAM Records Warehouse Mix – 32 mins of the best blistering D&B and jungle to come hurtling from the dubbed out vaults:
Andy C recently remixed one of his favourite bands from the past few years, London Grammar, and their latest single, Sights. Andy has taken a different approach on this remix and we think you’ll all agree it really is a great piece of music. Exclusively aired on Radio 1 by Zane Low. You can check it out here…
Taking the sure fire UK Bass hype across the pond, check out this live recording of his set from Miami WMC’s Ultra festival from March 2014:
Two decades ago DnB was an underground world of illegal warehouse raves, pirate radio stations and cassette pack mix tapes. Now, thanks to bass heavyweights such as Andy C and co. the likes of Chase & Status, DJ Fresh and Sub Focus have been fore fronting the bass scene, topping the charts and selling out shows worldwide in more recent years.
BBC Radio 1’s Mistajam went out to Essex to catch up with globally recognised king of DnB, Andy C at RAM Records HQ to chat about where and how it all began. Check out the recording of what went down East of London town…
To finish things up, Andy recorded this mix ahead of the All Night Tour which stops off in Glasgow in a few days time. Featuring the biggest cuts from across the genre, including some of the heaviest releases from RAM’s discography, it’s the perfect starter for your week. And the only way to get ready for an All Night spectacular this Thursday at Sub Club.
Germany is home to a whole host of excellent record labels, many of which happen to be favourites for the Sensu collective. Two in particular – Giegling and White – which have been flashing on the Sensu mystical sound radar for a while.
March’s Sensu guests Oskar Offermann and Edward also happen to be two of the most prominent artists that work within these labels. Oskar has been running White Records since it began back in 2007 and he’s been working very closely with Edward on production, label output and club show projects.
Profiling and overemphasis of biographies is often unnecessary, making it hard to write about certain artists. In many cases this is a good thing, and for Oskar and Edward, we can just let the music do the talking.
As the night approaches and for anyone who doesn’t know and wants to, we thought we’d get to grips with some selected musical highlights from this duo’s career, and treat you to some of the best mixes and live sessions from the archives…
Oskar Offermann stepped up with this summery collab. with Moomin back in 2010…
Around the same time we came across this beautiful slow building melody “The fog burns off ” – A gem of track. One of our picks of 2010…
At the end of November 2012 Oskar release his debut album on White Records, nicely titled – ‘Do Pilots Still Dream of Flying?’ Pilots is his biggest and most accomplished work yet.“Accordingly, it will also prove to be one of this year’s most well-rounded and distinctive house albums.” Check out what else Little White Earbuds had to say about the LP HERE.
Here at Sensu HQ we’re always keen to see what our favourite artists are into. We came across Oskar’s own blog aptly titled Friends & Values, where he uploads his online world in to categories: Family, Gearest, Moments, Recovery, Confessions, Objects and Artworks. Check it out!
Just the other day Edward dropped this RA Podcast.This is a trippy more ambient mix, way beyond the dance floor. Ideally Sunday evening listening vibes.
We had a feeling the future would be looking prosperous for Edward off the back of heavyweight support and critics acclaim for his 2014 album, aptly titled ‘In to a Better Future.’ This mix found it’s self in the the RA top 20 albums of 2014. With his unique musical skills set Edwards infused a modern house sound with a history of spaced out music and ended up with something pretty special and different.
Despite a close association, large individual discographies, and frequent pairings behind the decks, Oskar and Edward haven’t had countless collaboration records between, These two are worth a listen though…
As a duo they often play together and always bring a melancholic but disturbed take on darker style of house music. A style of electronic music often more cinematic than strictly ‘deep…’
Here are some selected session highlights from their own world on the web. These two take us on journey casually floating between drifting groove fuelled house and mystical yet chugging melodic techno vibes…
As we know here at the Subbie, there is nothing quite like a good old Boiler Room session to showcase your shit to tastemakers and party people who don’t live just up the road…
This ‘In Session’ mix from Oskar and Edward was labeled by Mixmag as “the most inventive hours we’ve ever received.” Tracks by the illusive Prince of Denmark, DJ Qu and of course some off-kilter cuts will delve you deep into the pair’s vision. Exceptional stuff…
For their second visit, last year they were inside Tim Sweeney’s Beats in Space for a radio session, broadcast live on WNYU 89.1FM in New York City on October 7th, 2014…
https://soundcloud.com/timsweeney/oskarandedward
Listen up to their back to back set at Berlin’s Panorama Bar, 1 hour and 5 seconds showcasing exactly why these two aresimply an out and out pair of experts when it comes to playing House & Techno records…
To finish things off, Oskar offered up some remix duties for another Sensu & Subbie luminary, the one and only John Talabot. Just the other week this track was premiered on the Boiler Room, and since then we’ve been listening to it on a daily basis at Sub Club HQ…
On Friday 27th of March to kick start their 2015 calendar Sensu’s Junior & Barry Price will be sharing the bill with two of their favourite DJ’s who also happen to be two of their favourite producers, running some of our favourite labels. As you can see from the focus above the output quality is second to none.
We’re sure you’ll agree, this is one not to be missed.
£8 tickets on sale HERE, then more on the door from 11pm.
Sub Rosa’s long-time pal Ben Pearce dropped by for a blether with Sub Rosa. Ben’s played up here on three occasions and heralds the Sub Club in very high esteem. This time round he’s championing a new project… ‘The Sex Tape Series’ – where he move away from his usual sounds and plans to take you on an aphrodisiac filled sensual journey! Here’s what he had to say about the whole sordid affair…
We’ve had a wee chat with you and know what ‘The Sex-Tape Series’ is all about, but for those not in-the-know – give us the low down?
It started life as a few podcasts that everyone seemed to like. The nights generally meander through disco, soul, funk & whatever else takes mine or the residents fancy. It’s a toe dipped in sleazy but loads of fun, a night to leave inhibitions about what’s cool at the door and throw hands in the air.
Does this mean you are going to be making some music along the same vein?
I’ve always had an affinity for disco, I’ve done mostly edits in the past but yes I do have some music coming along that vein. It’s not quite finished yet but should be soon, I’m stupidly excited about it.
We noticed you’ve just landed a RINSE FM show, on rotation with our boy Jasper James, that’s gonna be one we’re going to make sure to tune in to. What else have you got lined-up for us?
Jasper’s a legend; he’s killing it at the moment! I’m playing with him the Saturday after I’m with you guys actually. I’ve finally got music finished now after a long while of having a block. I’ve been playing it out and it’s getting great reactions, looking forward to putting that out and carry on playing these amazing gigs.
If we’ve not managed to spell it out enough, give us five songs that show us what this venture is all about?
Oh wow, it’s hard to put it down to 5. I’ll give it a go, there’s a lot of obscure disco records that get played but the highlights are always the classics.
Evelyn Champagne King – Love Comedown
Twisted Soul Collective – Shake & Blow
Dimitri From Brooklyn – Into The Groove
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q8wav164EU&spfreload=10
Gaznevada – Sex Sister
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxg-OLgNMkE&spfreload=10
Faith Evans – Love Like This
We have seen some of the stuff you cook up on instagram and Facebook, and it looks incredible. Are there any plans to hang up the headphones and start a doing something involving cooking?
No plans at all for that, I think eventually I’d like to combine the two somehow. Open a bar serving good food with good music or something. There’s some ideas floating around to get involved with some cooking outside of music but tied in, it’s all exciting but it’s just a hobby for me at the moment. I’m trying to learn as much as I can.
We will give you a chance to show off your knowledge here… can you give us a couple of your favourite recipes? Perhaps one for the less advanced chefs and one for the next Ainsley Harriott?
Maybe a bit tricky to write down an entire recipe (I did that for fabric once and it was like 3 pages of text). One of my favourite dishes to cook that’s pretty easy is Fillet of Beef, Shallot Puree, Confit Shallot. The puree you just sweat shallots down until they’re really soft & add them to a blender with some cream, salt and pepper. Confiting shallots is pretty easy to, heat some duck or goose fat in a pan (enough to cover a few shallots), then place them in. The fat should just be bubbling but the bubbles shouldn’t be breaking on the surface. They’ll be soft and brownish when they’re done, you can finish them off by frying them in a pan for a bit of caramelisation. Fillet of beef again simple, searing hot pan to colour it then I usually transfer the pan to the oven for a few minutes. Once it’s out, leave it to rest… obviously cooking time depends on how you like it cooked but if you like it well-done you may as well not bother ;) Can serve this with potatoes, veg or even just on it’s own if it’s part of a bigger meal. It’s divine!
Ben brings his ‘Sex-Tape’ party to Sub Club this Wednesday, leave all inhibitions at the door and prepare to groove. Very limited tickets are left. Grab yours HERE.
