Trap Magazine 008

APRIL | MAY 2012

08

E V E RY B A S S C O V E R E D

FREE

M U S I C I FA S H I O N I A R T

I A L S P E C

+

FRICTION TELL S ALL ON TH E UND E RGROUN D’S HOTTEST M OV E M E N T

ZEDBIAS PINCH FALTYDL MICKEYPEARCE ASHES57 F EATURING

PREDITAH KASRA 2012 FESTIVAL GUIDE FASHION RECORDS FASHION REVIEWS CLUB LISTINGS WWW.TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

08

Photo: ASHES57

BANK HOLIDAY SUNDAY 6TH MAY 8.30PM - 6AM ROCK CITY, STEALTH, RESCUE ROOMS & THE FORUM. NOTTINGHAM

INDOOR

FESTIVAL

2012

16BIT /ALIX PEREZ /AKKORD / ANDY C /ARP 101 /BENGA / BEN UFO / BLAWAN /CALYX & TEEBEE / CAMO & KROOKED /CONGO NATTY / DADDY FREDDY /DAVID RODIGAN (MBE) / DEADBOY /DJ MADD /DUB PHIZIX / DYNAMITE MC /ENEI (FIRST UK TOUR) / EXODUS /FLUX PAVILION / FOREIGN CONCEPT /GANG COLOURS / GEMINI /HIGHNESS SOUNDSYSTEM / JAGGA (LIVE) /JEHST (LIVE) /JON PHONICS / KASRA /KIDKANEVIL /KILL THE NOISE / KOAN SOUND /LENZMAN /LOWQUI / LX ONE /MALA - DIGITAL MYSTIKZ / MESSY MC /METSKE /MUNGOS HI FI / NERO /NETSKY /OM UNIT /PMONEY / PEDESTRIAN /PHACE & MISANTHROP / PLASTICIAN /REDLIGHT / RENEGADE BRASS BAND /ROYAL T / RUDE KID /S.P.Y /SCUBA /SKREAM /SP:MC / SYNKRO /TRANSIT MAFIA / WE ARE AVENGERS /WILKINSON / YOUNGMAN /ZED BIAS /ZINC + loads more TBA TICKETS: WWW.DETONATE1.CO.UK | WWW.DETONATEFESTIVAL.COM

THE DROP

APRIL | MAY 2012

08

FREE

E V E RY B A S S C O V E R E D M U S I C I FA S H I O N I A R T

I A L S P E C

+

FRICTION

PREDITAH

TE LLS A LL ON TH E UN D E RGRO UN D’S H OT T E S T M OVE M EN T

ZEDBIAS PINCH FALTYDL MICKEYPEARCE ASHES57 FEATURING

KASRA 2012 FESTIVAL GUIDE FASHION RECORDS FASHION REVIEWS CLUB LISTINGS WWW.TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

08

TRAP MAGAZINE a p r i l / M Ay 2 0 1 2 WWW.TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

REGULARS

FEATURES

HYPE THINGS WORTH GETTING EXCITED ABOUT

06

RISE UP WOZ / COMPA

24

MONKI

09

FESTIVAL GUIDE

26

URBAN NERDS

11

PREDITAH

33

SURUS

13

FASHION RECORDS

34

TRAP FASHION

14

KASRA

37

TRAP X THE DAILY STREET

19

LONGFOX

38

FIFTY FIFTY

20

SWAMP 81 / LOEFAH

42

BOSS SELECTIONS DJ’S TOP TENS PLUS IN-DEPTH CHARTS

22

FASHION INTO THE ZONE

48

REVIEWS THE LATEST MUSIC & GAMES

57

BASSPOINTS THE HOTTEST EVENTS ON PLANET BASS

64

24

33

37

38

42

FACEBOOK: Search ‘Trap Magazine’ TWITTER: @trapmagazine EMAIL: info@trapmagazine.co.uk

EDITOR: Jon Cook CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DESIGN: Andy Hayes FASHION EDITOR: Kasha Malyckyj SALES & ADVERTISING: Iain Blackburn MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION: Justin Iriajen SOCIAL NETWORKING: Amy Stiff WEB: Daddison.

COVER: Loefah by Ashes57.

PICTURES: Elise Rose, ASHES57, Loefah, Spencer Murphy, Shifteye.

WORDS: Jon Cook, Kasha Malyckyj, Jason Gardener, Sam Bates, Belinda Rowse, Sean Kelly, Sam Collenette, Jeryl Wilton, Amy Stiff, bassmusicblog.com, Sophie Thomas, Oli Grant, Tim Rayner, Adam Scotland, Geoff Wright, Joanna Ranson.

THANK YOU: Dane @ Two Plates, Adam @ Backdrop, Ben @ Run, Rob, Tom & Ollie @ The Blast, Leo @ Darling, Johnny @ Outlook, Danna @ Takkako, Scott @ Fabric, Andy @ The Bank, Steve @ Cooshti, Louis, Rich & Syd @50/50, Cheba & Sam @ WOC, Johnny & Ben @ Outpost, Steve & Diccon @ Chemical, Chris @ Cable, Chris @ Idle Hands, Danny Keston, Jo Williams, Charlotte James.

006

HYPE

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

08

BASS GENERATION On 2 April, Radio One launched a brandnew dance music DJ roster, giving five of bass music’s new generation of stars their own permanent shows.

Some of the station’s daytime presenters might make you want to pull your eyes out and vow never to listen to commercial radio again, but come nightfall, Radio One transforms into one of the greatest underground music platforms anywhere in the world. The new additions to the roster will make sure this tradition continues.

And while we lament the loss of Giles Peterson and Fabio & Grooverider’s long running, legendary shows, the likes of Toddla T, Friction, Charlie Sloth and Skream & Benga will breathe fresh, bass-heavy life into one of our most treasured musical institutions.

SHOWTIMES...

TRAP WEBSITE (FINALLY) LAUNCHES

FRICTION MONDAY 2-4AM

CHARLIE SLOTH TUESDAY 2-4AM

TODDLA T FRIDAY 2-4AM

SCREAM & BENGA FRIDAY 11PM-1AM

We’re pleased to announce that we’ll be launching a brand-new Trap website on 20 April.

We’re opting for the ‘less is more’ approach to start with, selecting the best content from the printed mag and combining it with some choice online-only features.

You’ll be able to download the latest mixes in our new ‘Rise Up’ series (see page 24), read all our issues old and new and find out where to grab your next paper copy of the mag from.

Make sure you check it once it’s live.

www.trapmagazine.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/playlist

DOLLOP LONDON

BENGA ALBUM

CARHARTT E1

It’s set to be a big year for

Nottingham, the guys behind Dollop

dubstep superstar Benga, who

opened a brand new store in East

readying themselves for the release

have been making waves in London

drops his second album ‘Chapter 2’

London in March. Joining the two

of their debut LP in the autumn.

with their bang-on line-ups. After

in August. The album will be

Covent Garden stores, the new

The first single is out now, featuring

March’s warehouse party at Netil

released through major label

shop can be found on Shoreditch

the incredible ‘Light In The Dark’

House, 20 April sees an Eglo

Columbia, and the debut single ‘I

Highstreet and will carry all the

with Terri Walker and the rugged

takeover at Corsica Studios,

Will Never Change’ is out now.

latest Carhartt WIP products and

‘Shackles’ with vocalist Fox,

future collabs.

suggesting massive things for the

carhartt-wip.co.uk

album. shogunaudio.co.uk

warming up for Garden Festival.

dollopdollop.com

benga.co.uk

Utility streetwear dons Carhartt

SPECTRASOUL HYPE

Originally promoting parties in

Shogun Audio’s Spectrasoul are

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

0 07

WIN

ETS VIP TICK

CABLE A few years back, as venues closed across the capital, it looked briefly like the London club scene was set on a course of terminal decline. However, in a city with music and raving in its blood, the closure of some of London’s most revered night spots was never going to leave a permanent scar.

TRAP LINKS WITH STB FOR SUMMER SPECIAL We’re massively hyped to bring you news of the massive STB Summer Special taking place at Bristol’s Motion this June, and offer you a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets for the night!

STB is known for bringing massive line-ups from across all genres of bass-driven music to Motion’s multiple rooms, but June’s extra-large edition adds a whole other enormous warehouse to proceedings. And we’re proud to announce that warehouse will be hosted by your very own Trap Magazine.

We’ll have EZ, Mosca and more in our space, while in the Tunnel Room you’ll find a Calibre-headlined Exit Records showcase, and in the massive main room there’s Skream, Loadstar, Plastician, P Money and loads, loads more.

We have a pair of VIP tickets to give away, just email competitions@trapmagazine.co.uk with your name, DoB and post code before 1 June for your chance to win.

Since then, new or revitalised venues have flourished – and none more so than Cable. Home to some of the best brands and labels in underground music, the London Bridge club can now quite rightly claim to be one of the capital’s most important venues. Shogun Audio, SubDub, Renegade Hardware and Get Darker are just some of the stellar brands currently calling Cable home, while the recent opening of the more intimate Relay sub-venue upstairs has added another dimension to the club’s impressive roster of events.to w

in.

www.cable-london.com

www.motionbristol.com

IT’S A SECRET

NIKE BOXPARK

RUMOUR CLUB

PHOTEK KICKS

We couldn’t really find any space for it in our festival guide, such is its idiosyncrasy, but we thought we should make some room for Secret Garden Party, which this year takes place on 19-22 July. Tickets are selling fast so get yours now! secretgardenparty.com

With Nike’s spot in Shoreditch’s Boxpark now finally open, April sees the launch of a special NIKE ID exhibition at the unique East London retail complex. Nike have commissioned 11 artists for the show, so if you’re nearby, it should be worth checking. boxpark.co.uk

Rumours abound of a new club opening soon in Bristol, promising to fill the current void for a decent mid-size venue. With the team behind one of the city’s most successful venues apparently behind it, and some of London’s sickest nights on-board, keep your eyes peeled for news.

Photek has again been making his mark on the dance music world over the last 18 months, releasing EPs, collaborating with Pinch and DJing worldwide. He’s just added his name to the awesome list of names to have provided a mix for K7’s DJ Kicks series. dj-kicks.com

008

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BANK OF STOKES CROFT To many outside the city, Bristol’s Stokes Croft area has recently built a reputation as some sort of creative utopia, thriving with quirky independent shops and bijou cafes and home to freethinkers and radicals. And while some of that’s true, in reality, it’s a bit of a shit hole, most of the shops are boarded up and the crackheads that populate the pavements are only marginally more repulsive than the be-dreaded home-workers sipping lattes over their MacBooks.

Despite all this, there are a few shining lights for the people that actually live and work round Stokes Croft, instead of flying in to feel ‘edgy’ for the day. Just across the road from Trap’s new offices, we thought we should show some love for The Bank of Stokes Croft.

Open until 4am at weekends, and with some of Bristol’s best DJs regular popping by, we love The Bank. So much so, it’s where we hold our regular issue launch parties, with the next one lined up for this very issue on 20 April.

Black Butter’s Woz is joined by Durkle Disco’s Superisk for what’s set to be a heavy party. If you’re in Bristol, come down!

www.th eban kofstokescro ft.com

HQ MUZIK NEW STORE These days, any news regarding a record shop is nearly always bad. With so many victims of the download revolution, it’s rare to read of a record store not shutting down, but thriving and growing. That’s exactly what’s happening up in Brum, where HQ Muzik has just relocated to a bigger premises in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

Much more than just a shop, with weekly in-store DJs, a studio out the back that anyone can hire to record their mixes, MP3 download points and loads more, HQ Muzik has quickly become what all the great record shops of yesteryear were – a real hub for their city’s music scene. Check the website and, if you live in the Midlands, make sure you support.

www.h qm uzi k.co.u k

BOOMTOWN

TRAPSTAR DROP

DRS READIES LP

VANS X KENZO

Another festival we couldn’t squeeze into our guide, Boomtown returns this year on 9-12 August, in an undisclosed southern England location. With a worldclass reggae line-up and a massive bill of premium bassmusic names, plus a full Arcadia show, Boomtown looks strong. www.hqmuzik.co.uk

London independent streetwear brand Trapstar drop their new collection online on 16 April. Entitled the ‘World Is Yours’, expect fresh tees, caps and signature pieces from a brand that keeps on doing its own thing.. iamatrapstar.com

Manchester’s MC DRS has been in the game for time, renowned for his refined D&B hosting for the likes of Bukem and Soul:R, and as part of hip-hop act Broke’N’ English. Now he’s finished his debut album, and it’s set to be immense. Roll on autumn... soulr.co.uk

Iconic French fashion label Kenzo (if you don’t know the name, you’ll remember the sweaters when you see them) are linking up with Vans for a collaborative set of shoes.

Featuring some sick all-over prints, these will be causing some stir when released in the summer. vans.com

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

009

FM’s Monki drops the hottest, hypest happenings in her world right now…

CATCH ME AT:

NIGHTS

14 APRIL - ANNIE MAC PRESENTS

DIRTYBIRD WAREHOUSE PARTY

I've played a few AMPs over the last year, but I'm especially looking forward to this one at London’s Koko. The line-up is huuuge…

Joker, Jessie Ware, Annie, my little self and Mike Skinner (DJ Set).

Mike Skinner DJ set?! Oh goshhh.

His debut gig as a DJ; apparently, he's a big fan of Moombahton so it’ll be interesting to see what he plays.

As part of the Dirtybird tour, Claude VonStroke and friends hit London on 7 April. With 15 hours of music and 11 headline acts, including Julio Bashmore, French Fries, Eats Everything, Von the don himself and loads more. If you’re into your house music, this is a must. Held in an East London warehouse, this is set be extra special, as Dirtybird will be celebrating 10 years in the game.

I LOVE… Hudson Mohawke & Lunice ‘Bugg’n’

I first heard this on HudMo’s Essential Mix and then down at Deviation – it went down a bloody treat! HudMo teams up with Lunice for another great Lucky Me release. Joining forces under the name TGNHT expect an EP on Warp from them later this year.

ONE TO WATCH NYTA

GRIZZLY TOUR 21 APRIL - SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO I'm not playing this one, but think I’ll have to go down and check it out. I’ve always been a fan of Simian Mobile Disco, but haven't seen them since Bestival two years ago. Their new album 'Unpatterns' will be released on 14 May and if you can't catch them on this date, don't worry - they'll be jetsetting around the world as per usual, with 15 dates in May alone! Also, their new single features samples from Cilla Black, so what's not to like!

London/LA based Sinden will be jetting back to the UK for a three-week UK & European tour over April and May alongside fellow Grizzly heads Melé and Krystal Klear. Dates include London, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Norway, Aberdeen and France. Grizzly had a huge 2011 and this year will be no different - with Sinden working with rappers such as Riff Raff and stars such as Andy Milonakis, Essex is taking over Hollywood!

New York Transit Authority - you may already know him as Mensah, who needs no introduction, but he's now releasing music under a new alias. The first tune I heard from NYTA was ‘Off The Traxx’, which was released on Redlight’s Lobster Boy label. Expect much, much more from his new project and catch NYTA playing up and down the country

&6301& 4 #*((&45"$5*0/ 410354 .64*$ '&45*7" 5) +6-: r #"5) 8&45 4)08(306/%

$)*%%: #"/( r .0%&45&1 r '3*$5*0/ r -0"%45"3 r %+ ;*/$ 5*11" r %36.406/% #"44-*/& 4.*5)

16--&% "1"35 #: )034&4 r #&//: #"/,4 r -08&3 5)"/ "5-"/5*4 r 4*(." .$ $"3"4&- r 8*-,*/40/ r (&.*/* r ,0"/ 406/% r #*( ,*%4 '3&% 7 (3"'*9 r " . $ r $65-*/& r $3*44: $3*44 r 46#4$"1& r '3&&3"/(& %+4 r .3 /*$& r ,-*."9 r %"3,0 r %*(*5:- r 1"-.

13&.*4& r 4/"5$) 5)& 8"9 r +&--0 r 3& %&'&"5 r #&//: .$ r (36%(& r $3*4*4 .$ r +0)//: (

803-% $61 4,"5& */5&3/"5*0/"- #.9 $0.1&5*5*0/4 b , 1634& r 3&-&/5-&44 &/&3(: %3*/, 453&&5 41054 r 130 1"3, 16#-*$ 1"3, .*/* 3".14 r %*35 $0634&

#6: 5*$,&54 /08 "5

888 /"44'&45*7"- $0.

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

011

Our bass-music buddies over at Urban Nerds drop the latest instalment of their regular page for Trap...

www.urban-nerds.com

Everything’s moving nicely in the Urban Nerds camp for 2012, with a host of exciting events in the pipeline! To keep you in the loop, we’re here with the top-five places to catch the crew over the coming months.

Nerds recently launched in Brighton, teaming up with Supercharged to present the new live show from Jack Beats.

The next city in our sites is Bristol on Friday 1 June, where we’re joining forces with legendary Bristol promoters The Blast for a very special Ram Jam showcase from Sir David Rodigan!

29 Apri l - 25 H ou r Party Peo ple, Swed en

RATTUS RATTUS HOT 5IVE FIVE TRACKS THE NERDS RESIDENT IS BATTERING RIGHT NOW...

1. REDLIGHT MOSQUITO (LOBSTER BOY) Basically, if you haven’t heard this I don’t know where you’ve been but you should probably go back there hanging your head in shame!

2. PUSHERMAN STILL FEEL (DENCH!) The follow-up to their ‘Shake It Off’ EP. The Pusherman lads don’t disappoint, bringing yet more dancefloor-friendly goodness.

25hourpeople.com

3. TESSELA DARLENE (2ND DROP)

5 May - U rban N erds at Cam d en Crawl, Lo n do n

A real roller of a track with a sick garage twist. The bassline’s a killer!

thecamdencrawl.com

6 May - U rban N erds at StreetFest, Lo n do n streetfest.net

26 May - U rban N erds 5th Bi rth day at Scala, Lo n do n urban-nerds.com

1 Ju n e - U rban N erds & Th e B last present Rod i gan’s Ram Jam, Bristo l urban-nerds.com

4. OBJEKT THE GOOSE THAT GOT AWAY (DUB) More of a garage soulful vibe to this track; It’s a real sonic delight and is definitely on very loud daily at my house!

5. NIMMO & THE GUANTLETTS DEALING DESIRE (RATTUS RATTUS & L MAJOR RMX) (DUB) Erm, yes this is by me and L Major. A garage inspired, bass-heavy affair, it’s been lighting up the dance floors where people have been playing it. Check out the band Nimmo And The Guantletts ones to watch for 2012.

POWERING THE DIRECT-TO-FAN STORES OF THE BEST ELECTRONIC MUSIC RECORD LABELS

SURUS.CO.UK

FACEBOOK.COM/SURUSLTD

TWITTER.COM/SURUSLTD

PEARSON SOUND LAUNCHES STORE

If you’re a fan of cutting edge, quality electronic music, you’ll no doubt already be well aware of Surus. The online destination of choice for those looking to pick up the latest, freshest and most exclusive offerings from electronic music’s premier labels and brands, Surus is much more than just a stand-alone store.

Offering artists and record labels a direct-to-fan platform to reach and interact with their audience, and providing fans complete access to their favourite labels, Surus provides a truly unique way to buy and sell music. With exclusive stores from only the finest labels across the full breadth of electronic music, whether you’re a serious collector or occasional mp3 purchaser, you need to make sure you check Surus.

Trap are proud to link up with Surus and provide them with their very own page to make sure you lot know all about the latest releases and store openings.

David Kennedy, the man once known as Ramadanman and now plying his trade under the Pearson Sound moniker launched his own store on Surus in March.

Coinciding with the release of the debut single on his brand-new eponymous label, Pearson Sound is another exciting addition to the Surus ranks.

That debut release is available to buy now through the store, both on vinyl and mp3 formats and features the ‘Untitled’ track that the likes of Ben UFO, Loefah and Jamie XX have all been giving some serious love.

“I felt that lots of people wanted to see 'Untitled' get a release, and I didn't want to put it out on any other label,” the man himself tells us.

However, with Kennedy a well-know vinyl evangelist, the flipside ‘Footloose’ is not available in mp3 format, and is reserved exclusively for those buying the 12, who also receive a free mp3 of ‘Untitled’ with their vinyl.

“With a release like this,” Kennedy explains, “I just wanted to put it straight out there, and avoid pre-sales and any promo campaign behind it. Surus as a platform allows me to do that.”

www.surus.co.uk

‘Untitled’ / ‘Footloose’ is available now in the Pearson Sound store.

LABEL FOCUS EXIT RECORDS

LABEL FOCUS CHESTPLATE

One of the most respected labels in electronic music, Exit reflects the tastes of D&B legend and label boss dBridge with consistent artistic verve.

DJ Distance’s Chestplate Recordings is one of dubstep’s longest running and most highly regarded imprints, with a strong focus on developing new talent.

“Exit is an outlet for myself and like-minded people to produce emotive music,” dBridge explains.

“I need to connect with the music I sign, honesty is important in that respect. The label mandate has and always will be ‘true to the craft’.”

“Chestplate is dedicated to the deeper, darker sounds of dubstep, and new artists who are pushing the scene in fresh directions,” says Distance. “My goal for Chestplate has always been to create a crew of producers and help them develop.”

RECENT RELEASES:

RECENT RELEASES:

Consequence ‘Test Dream’ LP Dub Phizix & Skeptical ft Strategy ‘Marka’

Tunnidge– ‘Aftershock’ / ‘Blame’ Sleeper & District – ‘Terraformed’ / ‘Zeroday’

FORTHCOMING:

FORTHCOMING:

Dan Habarnam ‘From The Known’ LP Amit ft Rani ‘Amit’ EP

Razor Rekta – ‘Loko Motive’ / ‘Development’ Cyrus – ‘Nostalgia’ / ‘Rupture’

INCA

FA S H I O Wor ds :

&

Kash a M alyc kyj Jaso n Ga rd en er

N

08

I t ca n be ha rd fi ndi ng go od vinta ge on the internet wi thout havi ng to s cour eBa y or hea d over to the America n s ites a nd pa rt wi th extra P for pos ta ge. Few UK reta ile rs ha ve ma na ged to ma tch the US bi g guns a nd enca ps ula te tha t per fect combi na ti on of wel l b ought, one-off trea s ures with a commercia l eye.

Wi th tha t in mind, we were del i ghted at the l a unch of Inca, a new online fa s hion emporium tha t does a ll of the a bove.

Offeri ng a n impres s i ve collecti on of cutti ng edge, but tr en d hugging vi nta ge pi eces , a s well a s ne w styles , Inca a ls o ha s a ‘Bouti qu e’ section tha t fea tures ta s ty des i gner trea ts from the lik es of Ver s a ce, Cha nel , Mos chi no a nd YSL. The s ite i s upda ted week l y s o book ma rk tha t pa ge AS AP!

HOUSE OF BILLIAM X DOVER STREET MARKET London label House of Billiam has created an exclusive eight-piece collection of reversible varsity jackets to celebrate its addition to the prestigious Dover Street Market roster. Available at both the London and Tokyo stores, the capsule emulates everything the fledgling, bespoke brand is known for; classic streetwear cuts combined with finely sourced fabrics.

STÜSSY WOMENSWEAR SS12 Ladies, look to Stüssy this season f or all your summer staples. The br and pays dues to its or igins as a sur f wear company by combining classic logo placements with a laid-back beach vibe, We’r e par ticular ly f eeling the swimwear, which off er s some nicely cut swimsuits and pr inted bikinis.

QUINTIN CO Check out the newest drop from LA brand Quintin. The range features over 15 pieces of new headwear, including 5-panel caps and fitted snap-backs, in an array of colour- ways and materials.

Noticeably branching out with its clothing range, Quintin is bringing some serious heat to the streetwear game. Trap favourites include the checked pastel 5-panels, and the short sleeve buttoned-up shirt; perfect summer garms.

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

015

F A S H I O 0N8 b a c k pa

c ks

Trap selected some of our favourite bags to carry you through this season…

BARBOUR CARAMEL CANVAS BACKPACK £159.99

CARHARTT PARCEL BACKPACK £110.00

CARHARTT TRAMP BACKPACK £80.99

ENCLAVE APPAREL VOID PACK £65.00

HERSCHEL POP QUIZ BACKPACK £65.00

BAGGU NEON BACKPACK £40.00

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

017

‘Spring 2012

Air Max 1 Cyber Yellow

With spring well and truly underway, and summer just around the corner, we take a look at some of the best choices for the warmer weather.

For more, head over to www.thedailystreet.co.uk

The Air Max 1 has been a little mistreated of late, with so many make-ups falling short of the mark, due to poor materials and sub-standard colourways. This spring, Nike look set to right the wrongs, as this ‘Cyber Yellow’ canvas Air Max 1 suggests. It might be a tough pill to swallow at first, but bosh a pair of white laces in these and you’re set to break necks all summer long.

Nods to Airwalk’s Jim Sneaker and Alife’s ‘Tennis Ball’ Reebok Pump are certainly there - this could be one of 2012’s finest Air Max releases. www.hanon-shop.com

B-Side by Walé Custom Varsity Jacket

INDCSN Spring 2012

B-Side, by acclaimed British designer Walé Adeyemi, has produced some excellent products for this year and this custom satin varsity jacket is a particular highlight for us.

Simple in design, but carrying huge impact, this jacket represents the perfect lightweight outerwear option this summer. It’s big a statement maker that will probably leave you looking a little Ferris Bueller – but that's definitely no bad thing. Move quick; these won’t be around long. www.b-sidebywale.com

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

UK brand indcsn has been a favourite of ours since first appearing in the summer of 2010. With a background that mixes hardcore punk, skateboarding and streetwear, indscn has produced some of the most unique and exciting releases to come from the UK over the past couple of years. The brand’s spring collection drops shortly and, from the teasers released so far, looks set to be one of the best yet - we’re particularly excited to get a closer look at the button-up shirts. www.indcsn.com

0 19

Well, we seem to have made through the winter moths relatively easily. There’s been plenty of surprisingly mild and dry weather that’s been greatly appreciated by the fifty fifty familia, with loads of footage getting racked up for a few projects we’re working on and plenty of outdoor skating getting done by all.

Here’s what to watch out for from us in the next couple of months, and a look at five of our favourite independent brands out there…

WWW.5050STORE.COM

dates for your diary So, we have the first jam of the year lined up at Dean Lane, Bristol, which will be part of a series of jams sponsored by Relentless on 9 June.

There will be contests for sponsored and unsponsored skaters, with a £500 cash purse and a bunch of products up for grabs. If you’re in the area, make sure you pop along.

We’re also getting involved with an urban sports exhibition in the gallery space of the M-Shed on Bristol’s Waterfront, which opens 22 May and will run until 9 September. The skate side of the show will see some of our backlog of boards on display alongside other goodies from the fifty fifty vaults.

To coincide with the exhibition, there will be a mini-ramp outside the M-Shed and on 16/17 June riders from the team will be doing demos and helping out with a mini-ramp jam. The show is free to enter and open daily, so make sure you come down and check this out.

independent love

SKATEBOARD CAFÉ

STATECIDE

Skateboard Café has gained a great rep here in Bristol, as well as other cities in the UK, with some of the finer skate stores getting behind it. The spring drop sees a re-up on the popular Starf*cks tee and a new charcoal crew sweat and mug. There are also two different pocket tees, which include a nice cut-and-sew piece with allover polka detailing, and a classic logo hood and pocket tee. We know this is only the tip of the iceberg for these guys.

Another homegrown brand that’s rising fast with some super good graphic tees. This season sees a rerun of the popular ‘No TV’ graphic, as well as other new designs and colours. There’s also a fresh colourway of the roll beanie and the guys have come up with an ingenious skate lanyard aimed at all those who cycle around cities searching for spots - the lanyard comes complete with a leather pouch that’s pretty small and fits in your pocket. Who needs a backpack?!

WWW.SKATEBOARDCAFE.COM

WWW.STATECIDE.BLOGSPOT.COM

RIP N DIP

HELAS

CVLT NATION

Rip N Dip is another relatively new brand that chooses to focus heavily on 5-panel caps using a wide array of fabrics and prints.

Some of this season’s highlights include the all-over Nermal and Wolf printed caps, and the liberal use of microsuede. Also included in the drop are 3-cut and sew-pocket tees, with pockets to match the caps! All the garments are made to a really high spec in LA and are available in very limited quantities.

Helas is a new French brand manufacturing quality headwear, and is the brainchild of one of the country’s finest exports, pro-skater Lucas Puig .With a large list of heavy hitting riders representing the brand (including plenty of UK skaters), we expect Helas to be getting a lot of love this year.

This second collection sees six new 5-panel caps in assorted materials and interesting size adjusters. All the caps have a pinstripe lining and nice embroidered detailing.

Cvlt Nation is an online magazine focusing on the darker side of life, covering art, fashion and music that relates to metal and punk sub cultures. This carries through into the brand’s apparel line, using a wide array of illustrations from artists from all over the globe. All the garments are manufactured in the States and the printing of the shirts is second to none. Contributing artists include Alexander Brown and Halseycaust. A brand doing its own thing.

WWW.RIPNDIPCLOTHING.COM

WWW.5050STORE.COM

WWW.CVLTNATION.COM

Here at fifty fifty, we pride ourselves on the fact we’ve supported many independent brands over the past 14 years. With the increasingly wide availability of the larger street and skatewear brands, we’ve decided to use this space to show some love for the up-and-coming independents!

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

0 21

The Shogun Audio boss and legendary DJ shares the ten tracks that he’ll love forever...

GOING IN DEEP

FRICTION BOBBY CALDWELL – ‘OPEN YOUR EYES’ This takes me back to when I was very, very young and is probably the first real music I came into contact with. My dad used to listen to a lot of soul, people like Alexander O’Neal, Sylvia Striplin.

This track is always in my head. One of those tunes where you hit play and it’s just instant.

SNOOP DOGG – ‘GIN & JUICE’ Going a few more years down the line when I’m a little older, my favourite film is Boyz N Da Hood and G-funk era has taken over. Many, many big tunes from that era, but this is my favourite.

Summertime vibe.

NEW ORDER – ‘BLUE MONDAY’ Easily one of the most classic, iconic UK tunes of the last 30 years and in my opinion probably one of the original ‘dance’ tunes spawned from the 80s electronic scene.

JAMES BROWN – ‘FUNKY DRUMMER’ Probably nothing that I can say about this man that hasn’t been said already, this tune just epitomises how much soul the man had. Wonder how many tunes have used that classic break since then!

NIRVANA – ‘LITHIUM’ When I was an angsty teenager, I went through a big indie/grunge thing.

Listening to bands like Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins and Sound Garden. The dons of that era were Nirvana and it would be so easy just to pick ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’. In fact, I could have gone with any track from ‘Nevermind’; one of the best albums ever.

KROME & TIME – ‘THIS SOUND IS FOR THE UNDERGROUND’ Through the Prodigy and some of the other early dance acts I got into the

rave scene at a fairly young age, although couldn’t get in anywhere that wasn’t an under-18 event, due to the fact I looked about 11! What I love about this and so many others like it was the way tunes were made, with no preconceived ideas and just a vibe.

Still listen to a lot of these tracks from that era for inspiration.

GOLDIE – ‘INNER CITY LIFE’ It’s 1994, rave has turned into hardcore and hardcore has turned into jungle. It was the time when jungle was exploding all over the UK and it was also a time when a man from Wolverhampton was taking things forward in his own unmistakeable way.

Beautiful strings and spine-tingling vocals make this one of my all-time classics.

MASSIVE ATTACK – ‘UNFINISHED SYMPATHY’ I wanted to try and cover all bases with these ten tunes, and this is just an amazing piece of music that’s stood the test of time for years.

‘Blue Lines’ has to go down as one of the best albums ever made, too.

PRODIGY – ‘POISON’ One of the most inspirational production outfits in my, and probably many other people’s, careers. After being part of the whole rave explosion, what always amazed me was how Liam Howlett and crew managed to re-invent themselves after each album. This track was taken from their second LP and was just totally different to anything else out there at the time.

GANGSTARR – ‘FULL CLIP’ Gonna finish off with another bit of hip-hop, though heading over to the East Coast this time. The unbeatable dream-team combo of DJ Premier and Guru couldn’t be tested in the mid90s and probably still can’t be today.

RIP Guru.

DJ MADD BLACK BOX 1. DJ MADD FT REBEL MC – ‘NO TOMORROW’ 2. VICIOUS CIRCLE – ‘NOT AFRAID’ 3. TMSV – ‘STRESS’ 4. PHAELEH – ‘LOW’ VIP 5. J KENZO – ‘INVADERZ’ 6. BENNY PAGE & ZERO G FT TENOR FLY – ‘RAGGAMUFFIN’ 7. TUNNIDGE & DISTANCE – ‘BLAME’ 8. DJ MADD – ‘RIGINAL’ 9. CYRUS – ‘RUPTURE’ 10. CONGO NATTY – ‘GET READY’

N-TYPE WHEEL & DEAL

ARP101 EGLO

1. LAXX & WALSH – ‘LATEST TECHNOLOGY’ 2. N-TYPE & SURGE FT PYXIS ‘SEPTEMBER SUN’ 3. LAXX & FARKUS – ‘ARCADE’ 4. CRUSHINGTON – ‘CHUG’ 5. ROSSI B & LUCA FT FLOWDAN - ‘BUN DAT’ 6. LX ONE - ‘ON MY OWN’ 7. NORTHBASE - ‘RUFFNECK’ 8. BIG BLACK DELTA - ‘I FLY’ (N-TYPE & SURGE RMX) 9. ARC88 - ‘POWWA MOVES’ 10. JOKER FT NEWHAM GENERALS - ‘YOU SHOULD KNOW’

1. KODIAK – ‘SPREO SUPERBUS’ (ACTRESS URAEUS MIX) 2. KROMESTAR – ‘OUTER LIMIT’ VIP 3. JAI PAUL – ‘JASMINE’ 4. DARKHOUSE FAMILY – ‘SNAGGLETOOTH’ 5. GHOST MUTT – ‘DREAMS OF’ 6. METRONOMY – ‘‘THE LOOK’ (TIP SHOOK SHOOK RMX) 7. SLUGABED – ‘MOUNTAINS COME OUT OF THE SKY’ (ARP 101 RMX) 8. ACTION BRONSON X RIFF RAFF – ‘BIRD ON A WIRE’) 9. LUNICE & HUDSON MOHAWKE (TNGHT) – ‘UNTITLED’ 10. JIMMY EDGAR – ‘THIS ONE'S FOR THE CHILDREN’

(SUKH KNIGHT RMX)

SPOOKY GHOST HOUSE 1. SPOOKY – ‘PULSE 007’ 2. SPOOKY – ‘CIRCLES RIP’ 3. SPOOKY – ‘DRAGON VILLAGE’ 4. DISCARDA & MIK – ‘LORD OF THE HYPES’ 5. SIR PIXALOT – ‘GRIMEHOT’ VIP 6. J BEATZ – ‘SARGENT’ 7. NEON BEATS – ‘ATTACK’ VIP 8. DARQ E FREAKER – ‘YELLOW DIAMONDS’ 9. SOFIA MARIA – ‘SWAGGER’ (AVERY CAINES 2011 RMX) 10. ROSSI B & LUCA – ‘MIND THE GAP’ (SPOOKY RMX)

DUB PHIZIX EXIT / CRITICAL 1. MARCUS INTALEX, TYLER DALY & DRS – ‘IT’S NOT EASY’ 2. FRACTURE – ‘GET BUSY’ 3. SKITTLES – ‘BLUSE’ 4. BURAKA SOM SISTEMA – ‘ESKELETO’’ 5. TERRY CALLIER – ‘LOVE THEME FROM SPARTICUS’ 6. DUB PHIZIX & FOX – ‘NEVER BEEN’ 7. THE EYES – ‘TROUBLE COME CALLING’ 8. PEDESTRIAN – ‘HEI POA’ (FREDERIC ROBINSON RMX) 9. FOREIGN CONCEPT – ‘MOB JUSTICE’ (ENEI RMX) 10. SKEPTICAL – ‘TUNDRA’

ADDISON GROOVE 50 WEAPONS 1. ALEX COULTEN – ‘CANDY FLIP’ 2. MAETRIK – ‘THE REASON’ 3. ADDISON GROOVE – ‘I GO BOOM’ 4. RADIOACTIVE MAN – ‘KNOWS UP MR BROWN’ 5. 214 – ‘ANTARTICA’ 6. LANDO KAL – ‘RHYTHM SEKTION’ 7. UNTOLD – ‘MOTION THE DANCE’ 8. ADDISON GROOVE – ‘ACID BLOW’ 9. JOHN CONVEX – ‘BUBBLEGUM’ RMX SLICK SHOOTA – ‘LOVE YOU YOU YOU’

01

MY NAME IS...

WOZ YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW ME FOR...

The two EPs of mine that Black Butter have released, called 'Seen' and 'Oakay', plus various remixes that I’ve done for the likes of Rack N Ruin, Marco Del Horno & Swerve, Nero, Rudimental, C4 and Preditah.

I’D DESCRIBE THE MUSIC I MAKE AS...

Fun. I always make my music with the dancefloor in mind. I wanna make people go mad to something that sounds new, but is instantly recognisable. I don't want my music to be taken too seriously; I don't try to create a masterpiece when I sit down to write a beat.

I just try to create a vibe and see where it goes from there.

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, YOU’LL FIND ME...

Either at the gym, with friends or out in Bristol or London.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I DREAMED OF BEING...

To be honest, whatever I was into at the time... footballer, skater... I never had a fixed aspiration from a young age. I found music properly when I was 16 and haven't looked back since! I'm so thankful it's what I do for a living.

We’re massively proud to present the first two instalments in Trap’s new regular mix series, ‘Rise Up’, available exclusively from www.trapmagazine.co.uk.

Focusing on the very hottest producers and DJs out there, each month we’ll be bringing you a mix from a different burgeoning bass-music talent, offering them the chance to show us all what they’re about.

The series will cover all styles and sounds, and, for April and May, we kick off with two of the most exciting new names around. Up first is Bristolian rave-razer Woz, whose remixes and Black Butter releases over the last year have made an instant and notable impact, while May’s mix comes from the North-West’s Compa, whose ultra-deep, rootsrespecting take on the dubstep genre belies his young years.

Check the Trap website for their respective mixes, and read on for your introduction to two names we’re backing for big things...

IF I WASN’T DOING MUSIC, I’D...

Haha, I really don't know... I don't think I’d be doing anything creative or artistic; music seems to be the only thing that draws that side out of me, or at least a side that I have confidence and belief in.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD TO ME IS...

Family, friends and not wasting the opportunity I've created for myself over the past year.

YOU MAY BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT...

I was the ‘Amateur British Inline Vert Champion’ at one point, haha...

THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER HAD IS...

“If it sounds good, it is good.”

IN 12 MONTH’S TIME...

I wanna be DJing, making music, in the studio and travelling constantly.

THE THREE WORDS I’D USE TO DESCRIBE MY MIX ARE...

DOUBLEU OHH ZEEE!

MY NAME IS...

COMPA

02

YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW ME FOR...

My debut 12" on Boka Records, my remix of Mavado's 'Dem A Talk' that I released on my own limited white label series WX/WL, or for running the club night, mix series and vinylonly label WR/WX (We Are Wax).

I’D DESCRIBE THE MUSIC I MAKE AS...

Dark, low-end meditation music. Music built for sound systems.

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, YOU’LL FIND ME...

Spending time listening to, building, mixing or reading about music. If not that, at university, where I study sound engineering, out drinking with friends, or at home watching Peep Show in-between mixdowns.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I DREAMED OF BEING...

A professional skateboarder for many years, until I was introduced to DJing at 13, that changed everything for me. Music got inside me and changed my life.

IF I WASN’T DOING MUSIC, I’D...

Be in trouble, serious trouble.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD TO ME IS...

Family, friends and respect.

YOU MAY BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT...

I've been producing music for just over two years, and I’ve only ever played vinyl and cut dubplates (I've been DJing since age 13, nearly nine years now).

THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER HAD IS... ”Chase your dreams and never look back” Mary Anne Hobbs.

IN 12 MONTH’S TIME...

I’d like to be sustaining a career as a respected music producer, and beginning to prepare my debut album; something I’ve been thinking a lot about recently. I'd like to release a special limited-edition vinyl-only album.

Three plates, nine tracks.Take people on a journey and go in deep.

THE THREE WORDS I’D USE TO DESCRIBE MY MIX ARE...

Dark, meditation, acetate.

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

0 25

BLOC THE LONDON PLEASURE GARDENS 6 & 7 JULY Tickets: £99 After initial outcry from Bloc aficionados at the festival’s relocation from its long-running Butlins home to East London, it’s now clear that this year’s Bloc is going to be something incredibly special.

GHLIGHTS. ..

HI G G , RI CH IE SN O O P D O AM P8 1 VS SW , N TI H AW , FO U R TE T, N U M B3 RS M IE YS TI KZ , JA M AL IT IG Y, D SC A, D U SK JO N ES , M O LI AM S. IL W H YP E

Happening on the first weekend of July, Bloc 2012 will take as its home the hugely exciting new London Pleasure Gardens; a huge industrial space that’s been transformed by the team behind Glastonbury’s infamous Shangri-La. Promising beautiful gardens, waterside bars and huge music venues, the Pleasure Gardens should provide the perfect home for Bloc’s impeccably curated roster of electronic music demi-gods. The line-up needs to be seen to be believed.

WWW.BLOCWEEKENDER.COM

SIMPLE THINGS BRISTOL 6 MAY Tickets: £30 + BF

There’s no need to spend the weekend exposed to the great British weather and dealing with thousands of crusties just to get your festival kicks this summer. Here’s Trap’s pick of where to find amazing vibes There’s no need to spend the the and brilliant music - without weekend to thetogreat shame ofexposed being forced rock British dealing welliesweather - at oneand of the many with thousands of crusties just city-based ‘festivals’ popping tooffget your festival kicks this this summer... summer. Here’s Trap’s pick of where to find amazing vibes and brilliant music - without the shame of being forced to rock wellies - at one of the many city-based ‘festivals’ popping off this summer...

026

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Another one-day festival hitting Bristol this summer, Simple Things brings an achingly hip blend of cutting-edge music and art to existing and specially opened venues across the city centre. Following the success of last year’s inaugural edition, for 2012 Simple Things is drawing seriously deep, bringing a host of the most exciting acts in electronic music to the West Country for a unique Bank Holiday party.

Squarepusher, Caribou and Hudson Mohawke are tantalising headliners on a line-up that includes a full Numb3rs records showcase, bringing a little piece of Glasgow to Bristol for the day. Let’s just hope they leave the weather north of the Border...

HIGHLIGHTS...

WWW.SIMPLETHINGSFESTIVAL.CO.UK

SQUAREPUSHER , GHOSTPOET CARIBOU, HUD MO, GRIMES, RUSTIE, ZINC, SMD, LUNICE, LONE, NATHAN FAKE, B+S, DEADBOY.

LOVE SAVES THE DAY CASTLE PARK, BRISTOL 3 JUNE Tickets: £25/£29.50 + BF Whatever your views on the Royal Family (Prince Harry aside), thanks to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations this June, we all get an extra Bank Holiday. Boom. There are parties all over the UK taking advantage of the extra day off work and down in Trap’s home city of Bristol, Love Saves The Day promises an all-day rave in a city-centre park jam-packed with a massive line-up of DJs. The brainchild of Team Love, the guys behind Glastonbury’s WOW Stage (and who are also one half of the group behind the city’s annual In:Motion series), this is one inaugural festival you know definitely won’t flop.

HIGHLIG

HTS. ..

D AV ID RO D C O N G O N IG A N M BE , AT TY, A N DY PL AS TI C IA C, N N ER O , SC U , A LI X PE RE Z, BA , RE D LI G H T, O M U N IT, M AL A.

EASTERN ELECTRICS FESTIVAL CENTRAL LONDON 4 AUGUST TICKETS: £40 London’s EE present an all-day outdoor party featuring the cream of house, techno and beyond, including Jamie Jones, Kerri Chandler, Joy Orbison, Julio Bashmore, Maceo Plex, Tensnake and more.

WWW.EASTERNELECTRICSFESTIVAL.COM

HIGHLIGHTS ...

, JO KER , MAYA JAN E CO LES EIG N JAM IE JO NE S, FOR S BEG GA RS, TEE D, EAT T, EVE RYT HIN G, SO OM JOY O & PEA RSO N SO UN D, DU B BOY.

3 MORE TO CHECK...

WWW.LOVESAVESTHEDAY.ORG

DETONATE INDOOR FESTIVAL NOTTINGHAM 6 MAY Tickets: £30 + BF Nottingham’s Detonate roll out their annual ‘Indoor Festival’ on May Bank Holiday Sunday. Packing 60 artists into eight arenas at four different venues city wide, this year’s festival is the biggest yet.

Taking place at Nottingham’s Rock City, The Forum, Stealth and Rescue Rooms, Detonate are teaming up with Outlook Festival, Critical Music, BassLaced, Mimm and your very own Trap to deliver a massive line-up of bass music superstars. With unrestricted Funktion One sound throughout all night long and no chance of getting your trainers caked in mud, this is a festival to suit the most stubborn city dwellers.

WWW.DETONATEFESTIVAL.COM

PARKLIFE PLATTS FIELD MANCHESTER 9-10 JUNE TICKETS: £67.50 An incredible line-up of the biggest names in dance music, with everyone from major stars such as Azealia Banks and Dizzee Rascal to underground heroes like Rodigan, Zinc and BenUFO dropping by.

WWW.PARKLIFE.UK.COM

LOVEBOX VICTORIA PARK LONDON 4 AUGUST TICKETS: £29 - £99 Celebrating its tenth birthday, Lovebox brings three days of music to East London’s Victoria Park, with arenas from RinseFM, Hospitality, DSB and Horsemeat Disco backing the huge headliners.

WWW.LOVEBOX.NET

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

027

OUTLOOK 30 AUGUST – 2 SEPTEMBER Tickets: £135 + BF Trap’s favourite festival anywhere in the world, returning for its fifth instalment this year, Outlook can now be quite rightly considered the king of Croatian festivals.

A true celebration of bass-music culture in all its forms, from reggae to hip-hop, dubstep, D&B and beyond, Outlook’s mission is to give attendees the weekend of their life while educating them in the history and context of the music at the festival’s heart. With a world-class main stage, sublime boat parties and unbeatable soundsystems in every nook and cranny of the sprawling ruined fort that houses the festival, Outlook sets the standard for others to follow.

HIGHLIGHT

WWW.OUTLOOKFESTIVAL.COM

S. ..

FAT FR ED DY SK RE AM , JA ’S D RO P, H SH AK A, AN DY C, TH E BE AT N U TS , ZI N C, M U N G O ’S H IFI , SO U LS O F M IS CH IE F, PE AR SO N SO U N D, LO EFAH, D BR ID G E.

HIDEOUT 29 JUNE – 1 JULY Tickets: £99 After the success of last year’s debut festival, Hideout returns to Croatia, bringing a unique mix of dance music superstars and underground heroes along for the ride.

With amazing weather, cheap booze and none of the sound restrictions that come with EU membership, Croatia has established itself as the spot of choice for more than a few UK-run festivals. Here’s where you’ll find the Trap fam going wild this summer...

Combining the cream of house and techno with bass-music’s biggest names, Hideout fills its niche nicely, with Villalobos and Seth Troxler sat next to Chase & Status and Skrillex on an eye-popping line-up. Calling the idyllic sandy shores and four nightclubs of Zrce Beach home for four days and nights, and with boat and pool parties hosted by premier labels and club brands such as Hot Creations, Metropolis and Mulletover, Hideout is this summer’s ultimate beach holiday.

LIGHTS ...

WWW.HIDEOUTFESTIVAL.COM

0 28

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

HIGH BO S, V ILLA LO RI C A RD O AT U S, SE T H ST & , C H AS E , SK RI LLEX TR O XLER BE N G A , & SK RE A M Y FX , FO U R T, SH CK RE D LI G H IB O U , JA TE T & C AR RU ST IE .

BE AT S,

SOUNDWAVE 19 -23 JULY Tickets: £105 + BF

HIGHLIGHTS ...

TIO N DE LA SO UL , SUB MO OR CH EST RA, FIN K, EG LO GH OS TP OE T, PLA ID, , REC OR DS, ELI PH INO O, OM UN IT, DJ KEN TAR TEE BS.

If you’re looking for a more chilled Croatian festival, that’s as much about stunning location and like-minded people as it is fantastic music, then Soundwave is for you.

With a capacity of just 3,000, and a thoughtfully gathered line-up of bands and DJs playing music that mirrors the beautiful surroundings of the Dalmatian Coast, Soundwave offers a completely different experience to the other festivals featured here. With main stages, boat parties, an onsite nightclub and a boutique campsite, you’ll come home from Soundwave inspired and alive, rather than beaten to a pulp and in need of another holiday!

3 MORE TO CHECK...

ECHO FESTIVAL MAKARSKA 22 – 24 JUNE TICKETS: £35 A tiny festival we know nothing about other than that it’s stupid cheap and the line-up is great.

Koreless, Spectrasoul, Hackman, Midland, Deadboy, Lenzman, Pariah, Midland, Bailey and more.

WWW.ECHOFESTIVAL.COM

WWW.SOUNDWAVECROATIA.COM

GARDEN FESTIVAL TISNO 4 – 11 JUNE TICKETS: ££90 DIMENSIONS 6 – 9 SEPTEMBER Tickets: £120

Finishing the summer in style, the team behind Outlook launch a brand-new festival this year, aimed at the deeper end of the electronic music spectrum.

HIGHLIGHTS.

..

M O O DY M AN , LI TT LE DR AG O N, DE TT M AN M AR CE L , SC U BA , BE KLO CK , TH N EO PA M AL A, BL AW RR IS H, AN , M AC H IN E DR U M , FLO AT IN G PO IN TS .

Taking place on the weekend after Outlook, Dimensions is far smaller than its celebrated big brother, and offers you the chance to spend four days with the finest artists from electronic music’s cutting edge, all doing their thing in the intimate, evocative space of the ruined Fort Punta Christo. Expect techno, house, electronica and the deeper side of D&B and dubstep playing on shockingly good soundsystems in a unique, vibe-packed setting.

WWW.DIMENSIONSFESTIVAL.COM

The original festival in this much used location, with a strong house and electronica slant. Eglo Live, Nicolas Jaar, Behling & Simpson, Ben UFO, Appleblim, FunkinEven, Eats Everything, Kenny Dope WWW.THEGARDENFESTIVAL.EU

EXIT NOVI SAD, SERBIA 12 – 15 JULY TICKETS: £95 In neighbouring Serbia, EXIT is the original fort party, with a massive line-up of acts from punk metal to house and techno. Richie Hawtin, Baraka Som Sistema, R&S Records, Plan B and many more.

WWW.EXITFEST.ORG

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

02 9

GLADE HOUGHTON HALL, NORFOLK 14 – 17 JUNE Tickets: £135 + BF After returning in style last year, Glade is back again for 2012 with one of the biggest and best line-ups of electronic music you’ll find anywhere in the world.

From its roots as a renegade sound system at Glastonbury, Glade’s story as a stand-alone festival is an interesting one, surviving biblical floods, hideous noise restrictions and multiple locations over the years, before making a glorious return to the festival circuit in 2011 at a new site. Not used for any other festival, the open parks and woodland of Houghton Hall provide the perfect permanent home for Glade’s 14 stages and four days of madness.

And while in past years, Glade’s focus on the most impenetrable of underground sounds and heavy leaning towards psy-trance may have put all but the most determined and alternative of electronic music fans slightly off the festival, this year Glade’s line-up is packed with major stars like Rusko, Toddla T and Sven Vath, as well as ultra-hip underground darlings such as Jimmy Edgar, Mosca and Addison Groove.

With the team behind the untouchably brilliant Secret Garden Party, who are known for their astonishingly high production ethos, now in charge of Glade and bringing new life to the festival without betraying its psychedelic roots, we can’t wait to check out this year’s edition. We’ll see you down there; just make sure you keep that UV paint away from us!

WWW.GLADEFESTIVAL.COM

03 0

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

HI

SV EN VATHGHL IGHTS.. . , AN DY C, RU SKO , TO DD LA H YP ER CO T, VI TA LI C, LO UR RE CO PI N CH, AD RD S, DI BL AC K BU SO N GR O O VE , TT RA SH AD , SL ER RE CO RD S, 2, BO DD IK A, FO RE IG N BE GG AR S + M AN Y M O RE .

RELENTLESS NASS FESTIVAL THE ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOWGROUND, SHEPTON MALLET 6 – 8 JULY Tickets: £15 - £79 + BF There really is nothing else quite like NASS festival. Bringing together the biggest names in extreme action sports and dance music for a unique three-day party, NASS give you the chance to watch the world’s best skaters and BMX riders by day, while raving to the biggest names in bass-heavy music by night.

Taking place at the Royal Bath & West Showground (which once regularly plaid host to legendary raves such as Dreamscape), about an hour outside of Bristol and perfectly located for the extreme-sports obsessed south-west corner of the UK, NASS 2012 promises to be the biggest and best edition yet.

With a main stage hosting bands and the more commercial side of bass-music (DJ Fresh, we’re looking at you), it’s the tantalising prospect of the DNBA vs Get Darker and UKF stages that’s getting us excited. Andy C, Friction, Loadstar, Roni Size, Sigma and more will be smashing up the former, while Zinc, Doctor P Datsik, Drumsound & Bassline Smith and Trap’s very own Cutline will be keeping things mental on the UKF stage.

Bigger and better than ever before, 2012’s NASS promises increased prize money and new courses to ensure the best skaters and riders are in attendance and us spectators get the best show possible. With full camping and all the other festival attractions on hand, NASS really is the only place you can spend the weekend not just raving, but skating and riding, deep in the English country side!

WWW.GLADEFESTIVAL.COM

HIGHL

DJ FR ES H, IGHTS.. .

ZI NC , AN DY RO NI SI ZE C, , DO DATS IK , LO CT O R P, AD ST AR FR IC TI O N, , & M C CA RA SE L, W ILKI NS O GE M IN I, CU N, SI GM A, SO UN D, AM TL IN E, KO AN C, SU + M UC H M BS CA PE O RE .

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

0 31

WO R DS

Fire Man Sam

KILLER INSTINCT There’s something stirring in that often musically maligned part of the UK known as The Midlands. With a stream of grime talent from the region making serious noise over the last 18 months, the area is becoming, in hip-hop terms at least, the ‘West Coast’ to London’s ‘East’ (without the ridiculous beef, of course).

Grime has always been present in the region, particularly Birmingham, but has rarely made an impact on a very Londoncentric scene. In 2012, however, the Second City is keeping the spirit of grime alive, with multiple weekly pirate radio sets, regular live clashes in front of hundreds of fans and, most importantly, originality and talent.

And it’s not just MCs such as Lady Leshurr, Sox and C4 making a noise on a national level – there’s a growing cohort of Brummie producers turning out some of the sickest instrumentals in grime right now.

Among those, Preditah is currently king. The last six months have seen the 23 year old work with all of grime’s biggest MCs and his tracks have been spun by the most essential DJs in bass-music.

With a style that has the energy and syncopation of early grime productions from the likes of Terror Danjah and Alias, plus the swing of old school garage, touches of Joker-esque synth lushness and enough bass to rattle anyone’s chest, Preditah’s productions are among the very hottest out there. Trap tracked grime’s producer of the moment down to find out more…

TRAP_Yes Preditah. How would you describe the music you make to someone who has never heard it?

I would describe my music to a stranger as ‘refreshingly original and catchy’.

TRAP_What influenced and inspired you to make the music you do?

2-step and garage songs, instrumentals and dubs influenced me to make the music I do today. Also, you may be surprised to know that gospel music has strongly influenced my sound.

TRAP_Coming from outside of the capital, how difficult was it to gain recognition within the notoriously London centred grime scene?

It wasn't difficult because it was never an aim (if that makes sense). I've just always composed music for the pure love of it, not for the recognition.

TRAP_Dot Rotten recently sparked a debate on Twitter with yourself and others, where he distanced himself from grime

P R E D I TA H and advised you not to pursue your association with a scene he believes has bad connotations and is ‘dead’ - what are your thoughts on his comments?

I think his comments were coming from his own experience and he used that experience to advise me. The only issue is that I didn't ask for any advice in regards to what to do with my music career. I 100% still respect him either way for reaching out to me TRAP_The Birmingham grime scene seems to be making a much bigger impact nationally recently, why do you think this is?

I wouldn't personally say 'The Birmingham grime scene' because there isn't a grime scene up here. I'd say 'Birmingham based musicians and individuals', but I don't know. I do know, on my behalf, that a lot of people were surprised I was from Birmingham and not London at one stage. I do love the fact that the scene is more open for people from other parts of the UK not to feel like outsiders any longer.

TRAP_Who is your favourite MC in Birmingham?

I don't have a favourite MC in Birmingham, but I'd say C4. Even though he’s my brother, he surprises and excites me as if he wasn't my brother.

I'm not being biased, just honest.

TRAP_You have recently collaborated with C4 on a track called ‘Off Track’, which has had a strong reception. Should we expect any more projects from you two The response has been crazy because we both didn't expect so many people to love such a different grime track and for it to do so well.

Naturally we will always do music together anyway so, yes, there are allot more projects coming in the near future.

TRAP_What can we expect from you from here? Do you plan to try and take authentic grime mainstream? Or will we see you follow the path of so many from grime and make a different form of watered down music to chart?

Well I'm sitting on a lot of music with various artists at the moment, so hopefully they will all do well in their own ways, like ‘Off Track’ has.

However, I am very open minded when it comes to music, so I'll be composing whatever I feel is right for me to compose in due time. I do have a BIG dream of pushing grime to the mainstream. I know I will do it.

I have to…

TRAP_Finally, what should we watch out for from Preditah in 2012?

My next EP will be entitled the 'Red Bull EP' because it has a very energetic sound and has my own grime formula. Follow me on twitter for all my bookings and regular updates from myself. @preditah

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

033

FA S H I O N RECORDS

Here at Trap, we feel a duty to ensure that we always make some room in our pages for the roots of our scene – the reggae music and soundsystem culture to which all forms of today’s bass-driven music are forever indebted.

Over the first few months of 2012, Fashion Records, one of the most important UK-based reggae labels of the 80s and 90s, will be releasing its entire back catalogue digitally for the very first time.

Fashion Records began in 1980, founded by reggae obsessed Chris Lane and John MacGillivray, and was a natural evolution from MacGillivray’s famous Dub Vendor record shop in Clapham, South London.

Indiscriminate in its embrace of all forms of reggae, Fashion happily flitted between dancehall, lovers, dub and even, later on, jungle. The likes of Smiley Culture, General Levy and Top Cat all first made their names through Fashion releases, and the label provided a home to music from Jamaican reggae legends such as Johnny Clarke, Horace Andy and Alton Ellis.

Here, we present a selection of images taken over the years at the label’s recording studio in the Dub Vendor basement and the shop itself. The first volume of greatest hits, ‘Fashion: In Fine Style’, is out now in download stores - grab yourself a copy and get educated on the very first chapters of UK bass culture.

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

0 35

THINKING

KASRA WO R D S

As the driving force behind one of drum & bass’s most respected brands, Kasra Mowlavi has dedicated the last decade to pushing the music he believes in, regardless of passing trends or fads.

His Critical Music imprint was launched in 2002 and has provided seminal releases from groundbreaking artists such as Rockwell, Break, S.P.Y. and Marcus Intalex to name but a few.

Much more than just a faceless label boss, Kasra has also spent the last decade building a reputation as one of D&B’s most interesting selectors, utilising his first name for his DJ moniker to play out worldwide and at his regular residency at London’s legendary Fabric.

Priding himself on supporting underground artists and nurturing new talent, Kasra remains one of the most inspirational figures for drum & bass’s younger generation. And with Critical Music celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, slowing down doesn’t seem to be on the London based DJ’s agenda.

Trap caught up with Kasra to discuss his new FABRICLIVE mix, which dropped in March and has been receiving critical acclaim from artists and fans alike.

TRAP_You’ve been involved within drum & bass for a number of years now, what was the crucial point where you thought, ‘I’ve actually made it’?

I have to say I’ve never thought “I've made it” this all feels like the beginning!

TRAP_Critical Music is highly regarded for releasing tracks by producers who may not be that widely known. What’s the best thing about discovering and nurturing new talent?

For me, outside of DJing, working with new producers and helping them develop is the exciting part of what I do. Helping new artists achieve some of their dreams is really inspiring, you can help someone who’s never released a record before, or played music in a club, go on to have their tunes in the sets of the great and the good and then play alongside their favourite artists.

TRAP_Where are you hoping to take the label in terms of

Joanna Ranson

expansion and development?

I’m definitely looking to release more artist albums and build a camp of musicians who release on the label regularly; it would be nice to be more self sufficient. I’m also looking to experiment with some other tempos.

TRAP_Tell us a little more about the FABRICLIVE mix, why was the time right for you to do it?

When I was offered the opportunity it just seemed perfect. The profile of the label is building nicely, I’m working with some incredible producers and the residency at Fabric has been going from strength to strength. I have to be honest, though, I had nothing to do with the timing. Fabric asked me, I bit their arm off.

TRAP_You recorded the mix live and you’ve said that the imperfections add personality to it. Why did you choose to record it this way, with so many other options available these days?

I wanted it to feel like a Kasra set from Fabric on a Friday night.

To be honest, it’s probably more to make me feel better as most people won’t notice! When you mix live, you do things you can’t do with a computer; it feels a lot more natural. I hope that comes across.

TRAP_How did you go about selecting the tracks for FABRICLIVE? What was the process like?

I sat down and wrote a list of tracks I knew I had to include, then went about speaking to friends and other producers about unreleased bits or forthcoming tracks. I think the list ran to about 55-60 tunes. I then had to work out which I felt would go best with which and whittle it down to 70 minutes of music. Some tracks that I wanted, we couldn't get, because of licensing issues, but we got some amazing music and I love every tune on there.

TRAP_What’s next for Kasra and Critical Music?

More label work, more DJ work and hopefully some solo music will come out. I’ve been threatening to release music of my own for a long time. It feels like the time is right now...

FA B R I C L I V E 5 2 M I X E D BY KAS R A I S O U T N OW www.c r i t i ca l m u s i c.c o m @kas r a c r i t i ca l

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

0 37

LONGFOX

03 8

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

l o n g fox .t u m b l r .c o m

Lon g Fo x is th e me e tin g o f th r e e ve r y cr e a ti ve min d s . U n ite d ju s t a few mo n th s a go b y a pas s io n fo r “ re frige ra te d j e l l y b e a n s a n d f o xe s tha t h a ve b e e n s tu ffe d w i th p l a n k s ”, th e tr i o o f Ba rb ie Lo w e n b e rg, I a in Se l l a r a n d Z o e Ve n e s s de s crib e th e e th o s b e h i n d Lo n g Fo x a s “Th r e e goo d b lo k e s d ra w in g, l i s te n i n g to Cl u tch a n d lungin g to An d re w WK.”

Ta k i n g o b vi ous inspir ation f r om tr aditional tattoo a r t a n d r o ck imager y, the Long Fox tr io have b e e n d a u b ing their incr edibly detailed ar twor ks o ve r e ve r ything f r om tee-shir ts to pub walls over r e ce n t mo nths, r apidly making a name f or th e ms e l ve s in their home city of Br istol’s vibr ant a r t s ce n e . H er e’s a look at just some of what th e y ge t u p – check their tumblr f or mor e.

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

039

04 0

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

0 41

S P E C I A L

L O E F A H everything for a reason WORDS:

Jon Cook

t’s winter 2009 and a cold, miserable night in the rain-hammered city of Bristol. Seminal dubstep night Subloaded is celebrating its tenth edition at the infamous Black Swan and an expectant crowd pack the main room awaiting a set from one of the sound’s most important figures.

That figure is Loefah, founding member of dubstepdefining record label and dance DMZ, and a man who at this point, has been suspiciously quiet for the last year or so. Stepping out from the backstage shadows, Loefah places the first acetate on the decks and begins his set.

Reaching for the classic sub-driven half-step with which he and his contemporaries had wowed the world only a few years before, it’s clear from the look on his face and the music he’s playing that this is a man uninspired by and detached from what he is doing...

Fast forward just a couple of years and it’s now March 2012. Loefah is back in Bristol, headlining ultra-hip house/ garage weekly 51.27 and he’s an hour late to come on stage. Eventually, grinning from ear to ear, the Londoner appears, plugs in his laptop and unleashes two hours of pure vibes on a rapturous, bouncing crowd.

Playing everything from classic 80s house and techno, to garage and even pitched-down dubstep, around a solid core of indefinable, bass-driven and often exclusive dance music, this is a man clearly loving what he’s doing, and pouring passion into his performance. In stark contrast to that Subloaded set a few years before, this is the sound of Loefah in 2012, and this is Swamp 81...

Without any doubt the most exciting movement in electronic music right now, Swamp 81 is much more than just another record label. Through a combination of years of astute planning, careful team building and unshakable belief, Loefah has developed Swamp 81 from another dubstep record label into a musically ambiguous artistic movement, providing a secure home and creative playground for an expertly headhunted band of musical veterans, rookies, geniuses and eccentrics.

The first few months of 2012 have seen Swamp firing out groundbreaking vinyl-only tracks one after another, helping define the post-dubstep world, and fostering the redirected talents of some of dance music’s most original thinkers.

From bass music royalty such as Zed Bias and Pinch, to new alter egos such as Boddika, Trusta and Mickey Pearce, the fresh talent of Chunky and the experimentalism of Falty

PHOTOS: Ashes57

DL, the Swamp 81 team draw deep in terms of geography, history and influence. And with the frighteningly talented ASHES57 onboard taking care of the label’s visual side and ensuring every release is stunningly presented, it’s easy to see why Swamp is making such a noise right now, and why we at Trap were so keen to secure the first ever feature with the full Swamp family.

It’s a bleary eyed, slightly dishevelled Loefah that we meet stood finishing a spliff outside Bristol’s Donuts store, the morning after his set at 51.27. Obviously tired, but buzzing with activity in preparation for his flight to Amsterdam for that evening’s DMZ party, we eventually wonder across the road to a sun-soaked cafe, and over several coffees, innumerable cigarettes and a good couple of hours, set about getting to the bottom of Swamp 81.

“I was lost personally for a while. That’s why I started Swamp,” Loefah begins after we’ve remarked on the comparison between his set the previous night and that we saw at Subloaded in 2009. “My agent talks about it as my ‘watching period’. I hadn’t released anything in a while; I was watching. I wasn’t playing out much and when I was, I was playing what Skream, Mala, Coki or Distance had given me that week. And I didn’t like all the tracks, I was playing them for a reaction; I was ultimately playing music I didn’t feel anymore, to crowds who I didn’t associate with anymore. I felt like a fraud.

“I didn’t get in this to be on my own and play to crowds; I like working with people and creating things, being with a team. Doing something for a reason, you know, having a real purpose; not just writing a beat, copying what someone else has done, sell a few, make some money and be OK. That’s bullshit. So I thought, ‘Right, I’m gonna start Swamp.’

“I started the label doing the more traditional half-step, subbed-out stuff. The first single was by Kryptic Minds, and we did their album too. And then I thought, ‘This isn’t doing anything new, it’s not pushing things. So I was getting a bit unsure; I was still playing the dubstep raves, but sets I felt were more credible, but the vibe that was there in the beginning was completely gone.

“And then, around this time, ‘Footcrab’ by Addison Groove fell in my lap. And I was like ‘What the fuck? This is amazing!’ I got that feeling from it, And I thought, ‘Wow, why haven’t I been doing this?’”

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

0 43

Addison Groove’s ‘Footcrab’, a pounding slice of juke inspired, genre-defying bass music made entirely with an 808 drum machine was unlike anything else that had gone before it. One of the first to see its potential and immediately snapping it up for Swamp, the track was exactly what a very bored Loefah had been looking for...

“That track was a big turning point. I’d forgotten what I liked and that reminded me. What I like isn’t necessarily just droning subs and half-step beats – I like drum machine shit! In my heart is this drum machine shit, I love it, I love that sound; raw drum machines, samples, subs, grooving. I thought, let’s do it, let’s switch it up; now Swamp has no genre, it’s just electronic music that I pick.”

“So I pressed it and I was getting really confused reactions when I started playing ‘Footcrab’. But the thing is, when we first did dubstep, people just stood and stared at us. I’ve got experience of playing shit that people didn’t like and standing there saying ‘No, you will like this, give it a minute.’

So I thought, fuck it let’s do it. I was prepared to leave the whole dubstep thing and thought I was gonna have to get a day job.

I really thought it was just gonna be a labour of love, two releases a year, 500 press, whatever.”

Really? You’d have preferred to work a day job and push the music you love, rather than keep getting paid hundreds of pounds a set to play dubstep?

“Yes. 100%. I would have preferred to get a day job and do this, rather than feel like a fraud. I love this shit, it’s what I love. I had to get out of dubstep. Everyone was recreating 2006 and I just thought ‘Why can’t you let it be that you were a part of that? You had that and no one can take that away from you, stop moaning.’

There was a lot of moaning going on. And I was doing a lot myself.

But I thought, ‘Fuck it, don’t be bitter, be better.’

“Just before I released ‘Footcrab’, when I was waiting for the stock to come back, that’s when Ramadanman sent me ‘Work Dem’. I thought, ‘Wow, it’s taking it a stage further!’ It had a break in it; for me as an old hardcore head, that worked. Things were taking shape. And at that time, I’d met Instra:Mental. Me and Al Boddika had met at an afterparty after FWD>> one night and really hit it off. Three days later, I’m on the phone to him geeking out about drum machines. I went round his studio, and Al’s partner in Instra:Mental, Damon was off touring Australia, leaving Al in the studio alone. And this Boddika thing just appeared. We sat down, hatched a loose plan and went for it.

“At this point, it hit. I was like, ‘OK, I know where Swamp’s at now.’ It started to make sense, it had a purpose, and I thought ‘We can do something, we can contribute to this dance scene.’

There’s so much that’s rinsed out. The majors get hold of things and rinse them. I feel like music has to be honest, or it has to bring something new.”

But do you feel like, with the embrace of acid, house and garage over the last couple of years, that there is anything new going on?

A track like Boddika’s ‘Basement’ is pure nostalgia, surely?

“Yeah, I think there is something new. When things start getting confused, you return to the source, don’t you? When the 4/4 beat came around, it was weird. I thought, ‘Am I really gonna do this?

Am I, with my history, essentially gonna go out and play house music?’ And I thought, ‘I think I am.’ It made sense because everything got fucked up in my head, so you return to the source.

Having that 4/4 beat there, it’s just like a blank piece of people, I can go anywhere now. Right now, I can play so broad in my sets. Last night, I played an old New Jersey house track, old Strictly Rhythm tracks, old dubstep tracks; I play Benga ‘Metro’ all the time at -6. It goes off. It’s great to not just draw from the classics, but not from your own scene but from your own history.

I love doing that. So yeah, the music we at Swamp and others are doing, it is something new. Future retro, innit? That’s not a new genre name by the way!”

Recalling how he accidently coined the term ‘post dubstep’ in an interview with a Japanese magazine, and his distaste at the zeal of the music press for labelling and categorising new sounds, Loefah makes it clear that genre names are not something he’s interested in. And he’s not alone. Not since ‘dubstep’ has there been a go-to

K A T I E L A B E L

M A N A G E R

We all know that when it comes to paying bills, keeping appointments and filling in forms, creative types aren’t the most reliable people. As you’d expect, this is the case with Loefah, who by his admission says he’s “useless” at such things. Running the label with years of experience behind her working for D&B power-brands Movement, V Recordings, BBK and Bad Company, Katie Thiebaud is the one who keeps the hidden inner workings of Swamp moving...

Loefah on Katie: “Katie is someone I’ve known for years; she used to work for Bad Company and all that. And then at the time I needed a label manager, I was having a joint birthday party with Benny Ill and I was chatting to her pissed out of my mind, and was like ‘Yeah, let’s do it. You’re working for me.’ She’s brought it all together and the label wouldn’t run without her.”

Katie on Swamp 81: “I've known Loe for a good seven years now. We work well together and I like his vision for the label. Swamp 81 reminds me of the early days of running jungle labels when there was a natural buzz around the music and scene.

“Swamp 81 is a collective of creative people, who all share the same vision but each brings something unique. I'm really looking forward to developing album projects with some of our artists on the label and getting the creative agency off the ground working with ASHES57.”

P I N C H

“

I’ve got experience of

p l ay i n g s h i t t h at p e o p l e

I A L S P E C

d i d n ’ t l i k e a n d s ta n d i n g

t h e r e s ay i n g ‘ N o , y o u w i l l

like this, give it a minute.

A friend of Loefah’s since the beginnings of dubstep, Pinch has provided two 12s for Swamp, showing a different side to his productions, with the brilliantly named ‘Croydon House’ helping set the pace for the label early on.

Loefah on Pinch: “He’s a lynch pin, He’s been my confidant for years. When I started Swamp, he’d just got a new mixing desk so I bullied him into writing some stuff at 128bpm. He eventually did it, and it was perfect. He’s our guy we take it to Berlin with. He sells Berlin.”

Pinch on Swamp 81: “Loefah was one of the first people I brought up to play in Bristol from London, and I’ve known him since the early part of 2004, he’s a good friend. He was talking about Swamp for a good few years, it’s an idea he’s had in his head.

“But the vibe of the label has found itself organically – you can’t start with a Kryptic Minds release and then go into groundbreaking 130bpm territories all pre-planned from the offset. It’s become a really strong label, but I always expected it to be. The prints, the artwork; it’s all done to an impeccable standard. I’m very happy to be a part of it and to continue releasing things that I might not necessarily get to put out on Tectonic.”

B O D D I K A

Swamp’s most prolific producer to date, with a trio of 12s and an EP already behind him, Boddika has played a pivotal role in the label’s development. Moving on from his history in experimental D&B duo Instra:mental, Boddika’s records are the sound of an artist cut loose creatively and doing what he loves.

Recent single ‘Acid Jackson’ / ‘Basement’ demonstrated the man’s obsession and skill with classic hardware and even more classic sounds, while the gargantuan collaboration with Joy Orbison on ‘Swims’ took the Boddika name to everybody’s lips.

Loefah on Boddika “Boddika has done some amazing stuff for the label so far. I really connect with the guy and he’s so good at what he does.

We’ve got a Boddika album due at the end of the year – it’s gonna be huge, he’s working so hard on it.”

Boddika on Swamp 81: “When I heard ‘Footcrab’ by Addison Groove; that was really exciting to me, I’m such a big lover of vintage drum machines. Loe gave me the tunes and I started playing them in our Instra sets. There was a big turning point for me around that time.”--

L O E FA H

term to describe the electronic musical landscape of the last couple of the years. ‘Bass music’ seemed to work for a while, but the current house imbibed sound has made even that broadest of terms inaccurate. Everybody seems happy to do away with genre names and parameters for now, which has no doubt helped produced the increasingly cross-pollinated and vibrant sounds of recent times. So what does Loefah think of the genre shirking nature of the sounds he’s pushing through Swamp?

“That’s good! It’s on purpose! It’s not about genres anymore, it’s about sound now. There’s a sound to Swamp and that’s what’s important. It’s just good music, and I represent a certain portion of music through my label. Just good, honest creativity is what I like.”

Creativity is a word that comes up a lot talking to Loefah, and goes far beyond just music for the Londoner. With a life-long passion for graphics and design, and a Fine Art degree under his belt, when Loefah finally got round to starting the label he’d dreamed of since leaving school, it was always going to distinguish itself as much through visual identity as it did musical output. And that’s exactly what Swamp has done.

“Yeah, my three things are graphics, DJing and A&R, and actual music production. Having the label enables me to have a focus and when I get bored I can switch from one thing to the other.

That’s what Swamp is; a creative outlet. That’s what a record label should be. Like I said, everything has to have a reason. It doesn’t necessarily have to have an over politicised manifesto, but it does need a reason. And just putting it out for people to buy isn’t reason enough for me. So yeah, we’re making a statement; we’re saying here’s a sound, and here’s a graphic look. I get involved in the graphic design, I’m the art director. Delphine called me that the other day and I was so proud. I sit over her shoulder and say I want this here, there. I’ve done a couple of the sleeves myself; I did the Ramadanman one, the ‘Swims’ one...”

And so to the final essential piece of the Swamp jigsaw – Delphine, or she’s better known in the worlds of graffiti, art and music, ASHES57. Responsible for overseeing the visual direction of the label, in between her role as curator of London’s LAVA gallery, she’s a figure that Loefah holds in high regard.

“Delphine’s my teacher. She’s taught me loads, and I’m still learning from her. I love it. She’s excellent, on point, so creative; she’s an integral part of Swamp. Swamp is the artists, me, Delphine and Katie, the label manager. That’s the team. And it is a team now; I’m not signing anyone else. Everyone brings something so different, and we’re all on this mission together.

“It’s like we did a Swamp night in Manchester the other week. It was completely sold out, the vibes were unreal. On a Monday night. And the thing was; everyone in there, they were all dancing.

Dancing. Not moshing, not posing; dancing. The kids are learning how to get down to groove-based music again, rather than drop-based music. We’re educating them how.

“There was about 15 or 20 of us on stage, we were all dancing, not nodding our heads, actually busting a couple of steps in the groove. I caught everyone at it, and I’m guilty as well. People are dancing again. I couldn’t be happier to be playing the music that makes people do that.”

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

04 5

“

It’s not about genres anymore,

F A L T Y

D L

it’s about sound now.

L O E FA H

S P E C I A L

New York’s Falty DL adds another fascinating facet to the Swamp prism, with his second instalment in the ‘Mean Streets’ project for the label due out now. Limited to just 500 copies and beautifully presented, the EPs sound unlike anything else on Swamp.

A S H E S 5 7

Loefah on Falty DL: “He’s a fucking genius. The final third ‘Mean Streets’ EP will be at the end of the year. NY has been a bit stale for a while, like London, and they both seem to have got energy again. He’s gonna run a label for me out there; a proper sister to Swamp, graphically and everything. The New York Swamp.”

Falty DL on Swamp 81: Photo by Loefah

Ashes57 is the French-born illustrator, photographer and artist responsible for Swamp’s all-important visual dimension. Having lived all over the world, Ashes moved to London a few years ago after working as renowned street artist Shepard Fairey’s assistant in LA, and quickly set about immersing herself in the music world she found in the British capital.

Illustrating record sleeves, documenting the Swamp parties through her camera and creating the enormous illustrations that adorn their walls, Ashes is a prominent and vital part of the Swamp team with plenty of exciting projects ahead of her...

Loefah on Ashes57:

“I don’t have quite the freedom the others do, as Loefah has a very specific idea in mind with the Meant Streets project. He’s explained to me the whole vision for it, which nobody really knows apart from us; at the end it will be incredibly worth it.

“All the ‘Mean Streets’ tracks have been very Afrobeat influenced. Also, in my mind, I had a picture of the Scorsese film ‘Mean Streets’ – a badass landscape, a guy strolling along, a little bit cruel; a vibe. And the photography and artwork from Ashes, the way it’s presented on 180gm limited vinyl; the whole thing is just bad ass.

“I think the stuff I’ve done for Swamp, it’s less English sounding to me than my other releases. They’re more influenced by soul and living here in New York. I can’t be so bold to say that in America, we’re taking it back, but NY is starting to bubble up, and Chicago and Detroit are kicking so much ass right now.”

“Delphine is essential to Swamp. She’s briiliant. We share a passion for mad typographical graphic shit. It’s what goes on in her head; she’s a completely mental French artist. But perfect. I love her; she’s a dream to work with.”

Ashes57 on Swamp 81: “I am the in-house designer for Swamp 81. I design the record covers, do the layouts; sometimes we have other artists, sometime me and Loefah work together. I remember I was at a festival a few years ago, and Loefah was talking to me about this project he was going to start. He knew I was a designer so asked me to do him a logo. Six months later he got in touch. He liked my designs and he was someone I was very interested in working with.”

“I work with a lot of different people but, for me, Loefah is someone who knows exactly what he likes, which is important with design. Also, he’s open-minded and willing to talk about things in an interesting way. He has an eye for design; he used to do the DMZ flyers. For him, I think it’s another way to be creative.”

“I used to be a 100% designer a few years ago, but now it’s a third designing, a third creating artworks and a third is photography. I’m trying to document not just the Swamp nights, but all the music I like; I’m trying to see different sides of underground music. When I go out, I like to take photos.

“I’ve always thought music and art were connected. In Swamp there’s a lot of inspiration around me, musicians are very inspiring. It’s good to be able to feed the inspiration in to everything. Now the label is growing and I’m growing as an artist, my art is going in different directions, we’ve just decided to start some sort of creative section to Swamp, focusing on the visual side, where I can be heavily involved.”

M I C K E Y

P E A R C E

Another new name for an established artist, Mickey Pearce has been releasing difficult-to-define bass centred music under the name Shortstuff since 2008. However, after his game-changing debut for Swamp, ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Get’, you get the feeling his best is yet to come...

Loefah on Mickey Pearce: “He’s gonna have such a good year, you watch. He’s such a talent; he’s got his own sound, unlike anyone else.”

Mickey Pearce on Swamp 81: “Creatively, I’ve never been happier. The people I’m working with, it’s never been better. ‘DADG’ was a one-off; the next 12, ‘Take Your Socks Off’, is very different.

“Loefah gives an impression of being very laid back, but he’s deceptively on it. The artist he’s got on the label are miles apart; I think he picks up on individuality, a lot of people replicate that but fall short.”

C H U N K Y

Z E D

Swamp’s inimitable MC, Chunky injects personality into everything he does. Well loved for his ego-free hosting alongside Loefah and at the Swamp nights, the 23 year old Mancunian is tipped for massive things as a producer too. With an EP forthcoming, Chunky is Swamp’s secret weapon.

One of the most important figures in British dance music over the last decade and a half, Zed Bias is a bass-music demigod. With a hand in the evolution and progression of everything from UK garage to dubstep, and regularly remixing major acts, the Manchester producer is renowned for his versatility, as he proved with last year’s ‘Stubborn Phase’ double-pack for Swamp.

Loefah on Chunky: “As an MC, he’s just got the vibe. And he’s making tunes that I’m playing every set and are going off. Chunky’s got this mad sound; I’m a bit jealous of it if I’m honest. Swamp 23 will be a double pack from him.”

Chunky on Swamp 81: “We were introduced by a friend when Loefah was still doing dubstep. Then the next few times I saw him play, at first I didn’t understand what was going on. He was playing all this music, some of it was old, some of it was new; it was confusing but really exciting.

“After a bit he said ‘I’ve got some things lined up for you.’ The last year’s been crazy. I’ve been learning a lot from everyone on the firm.

They’re all Gs; super dons! It’s mad for me.

“Loefah shocked me. I’d made a tune, ‘Deckard’; Zed Bias had helped me finish it. Loe said he wanted it and would give me a 12. I was like ‘No!’ I thought he was doing it for me just ‘cause I was his MC. And then at EXIT festival, he played it and it was banging. After that I’ve been more comfortable, finishing grooves and everything’s fallen into place. Everyone’s really encouraging; I’m in a fortunate position.

T R U S T A

Trusta is a name that will be unknown to most. In fact, the producer behind the enormous ‘Feels So’ and ‘Hypnotic’ is long-serving Finnish dubstep producer Tes La Rok, who adds another international edge to the Swamp team.

Loefah on Trusta: “He’s a great guy that, obviously, I know from the dubstep years.

He had these sick beats that were perfect; a cross between the 2006 style and what we’re doing now. He loves his shit; buying new equipment every day.”

B I A S

Loefah on Zed Bias: “Zed Bias is a King. He’s a complete genius. If there was a British equivalent to Larry Levan, I believe it would be Zed Bias. He’s been involved in so much behind the scenes.

He’s done everything. I think he’s been misrepresented over the years and I want to represent him how he should be.

The double pack he’s just done for us, I think it’s some of the best music I’ve ever heard.”

Zed Bias on Swamp 81: “Me and Loefah met on tour in Australia. We were on a layover in Harry’s Bar in Singapore Airport on the way out, and got talking over a drink and realised that both our real musical passions lay in US house and bits and pieces of classic techno. We had very similar music tastes and that brought us together. That was it really; we started a conversation in 2009, and we’re still having it now!

“Swamp is a safe haven for me, I haven’t gotta worry about how many units I’m gonna sell or what DJ is playing it. It’s just straight up; if I like it and Loe likes it, then it’s job done. It’s just really nice to have a place where I don’t think on a commercial level and go a little bit deeper than I usually can.

“I don’t think Loefah could have predicted the EP I delivered, but looking back at our conversations you can see that’s where I got a lot of my direction from. I had an idea of carving out a new sound but with a heavy influence from the likes of Kenny Dope, Nuyorican Soul and the Detroit techno scene of past, but then also adding a big hit of what I do – I’m known for basslines and quite hard beats; things that work on a club level. So it was my intention to mix all of that together in a big pot and see what come out; and this is what’s come out!

“It’s just the start of what we’ve got planned. At some stage I’m gonna be doing a long-player for Swamp and I have an EP out towards the end of the year. Swamp; I can’t describe it, but it’s something that keeps me grounded. It’s a musical process, not a hype thing.”

Trusta on Swamp 81: “When I finished my Tes La Rok album about 18 months ago, I got into this weird state of mind, where I couldn’t finish any dubstep tunes. All my life, I’d been producing music using computers, but about two years ago, I started buying hardware and I knew ‘This is what I’ve gotta do.’

“Trusta is about using hardware and doing raw music like the guys did 20 years ago. Going back in time in a good way, bringing my own angle and approach.

“With Tes La Rok , I was locked to dubstep, people expected that from me. But with Swamp, I can do whatever I want. Being part of Swamp 81 is massive for me; so many guys I’ve looked up to; it’s amazing to be part of such a talented, wise group.

But sometimes good things just happen.”

WWW.SWAMP81.COM WWW.ASHES57.COM TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

0 47

CANDY SHOP

STEP INTO SUMMER WITH THIS SEASON’S SWEETEST PALETTE… Photography Elise Rose

Styled by Kasha Malyckyj

ASSISTED BY Charlotte James

Hair and Make Up JO WILLIAMS

MODELS Dayana @ Leni’s models and Daniel @ Gingersnap

OPPOSITE PAGE Daniel wears:

Parka Norse Projects @Donuts £180.00 Hat QUIET LIFE @Donuts £45.00

Dayana wears:

Sweatshirt Shirt Tales

Pleated trousers Zara £39.99

www.zara.com

OPPOSITE PAGE

Dayana wears:

Shirt American Apparel £51.00

Trousers American Apparel £35.00

www.americanapparel.com Shoes Office £25.00

www.office.co.uk Daniel wears:

Hat Norse Projects @Donuts £40.00

www.donutsthestore.co.uk Sweatshirt Shirt Tales

Dayana wears:

Top Customised and tie dyed by Stylist

Leggings River Island £20

www.riverisland.com Shoes New Look £20

Dayana wears:

Jumper American Apparel £52.00

Shorts Topshop £34.00

Dayana wears:

Top Topshop £26.00

Jeans Topshop £38.00

www.topshop.com

Daniel wears:

Shirt Norse Projects @Donuts £90.00

Jeans Cheap Monday @Urban Outfitters £49.00

www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Hat Norse Projects @Donuts £45.00

RAM RECORDS PRESENT

DC BREAKS FIREZ EP OUT 7TH MAY 2012

Available on 2x12” Vinyl and all Digital Formats.

HAMILTON DEEP IN MY HEART//RICH KIDS OUT NOW Available on 12” Vinyl and all Digital Formats.

OPTIV & BTK ZERO HOUR// BESERKER OUT NOW

Available on 12” Vinyl and all Digital Formats.

Ram Records LTD, PO Box 70, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 3NR. T: +44(0)1708 445851/227753 F: +44(0)1708 223558 E: info@ramrecords.com

M U S I C R EV I EWS REVIEWED BY: BASSMUSIC BLOG, SAM COLLENETTE, DUB BOY, GEOFF WRIGHT, JON CARTER, SEAN KELLY, OLI MARLOW, DAVE COTGRAVE, JERYL WILTON, FIREMAN SAM, JUSTIN IRIAJEN, NICK HILLS, OLI GRANT, BELINDA ROWSE.

ADDISON GROOVE ‘Transistor Rhythm’ (50 Weapons)

LOGISTICS ‘Fear Not’ (Hospital Records)

As the h a r dwa r e resurge nce conti nues , the sound o f the 808 ha s become common pl a ce within th e wor l d of ba s s music. H owever, the l ong awaited debut a l bum f r om Addison Gr oove pr oves that when i t comes to banging the box, he remains untoucha bl e a nd an artis t very much a t the top of h i s ga me.

'Transistor Rhythm' showcases hi s tr us ty dr um machine i n a l l i ts diverse gl or y, exper tl y crafted dr um tr a ck s mer ge with clipped voca l edi ts ,juked-out tom l i nes , wa r m analogue ba s s a nd the occasiona l cr i s py cowbel l , to create a s ound tha t i s truly his own. Whether i t be mid tempo cr eeper s l i k e 'Savage H enry' or peak-time wor k outs s uch as 'Beeps ' f ea tur i ng Spa nk Rock, the r el ea s e a s a whole n ever l os es s i ght of the dan ce f l oor. Whi l e the skitterin g j a zz i ns pi r ed drums of ‘Rudeboy’ a nd post jungl i s t s tyl i ngs of 'Entropy' s how tha t the Bristol-ba s ed pr oducer isn’t afr a i d to ventur e i nto wilder mor e exper i menta l territory.

Th e ma n re s p o n s i b l e fo r l a tte r-d a y d ru m & b a s s a n th e ms s u ch a s ‘To g e th e r’ , ‘Th e Tri p ’ a n d ‘Re l e a s e Th e P re s s u re ’ re tu rn s w i th h i s fo u rth a rti s t a l b u m fo r l o n g-ti me h o me H o s p i ta l Re co rd s .

E xp e ct th e u n e xp e cte d w i th ‘Fe a r No t’, a s th e a l b u m co ve rs a va ri e ty o f te mp o s a n d s tyl e s a cro s s i ts 15-tra ck d u ra ti o n , a l l fi rml y s ta mp e d w i th Lo gi s ti cs ’ u n i q u e i d e n ti ty.

P a rti cu l a r h i gh l i gh ts i n cl u d e u n a n i mo u s Tra p fa vo u ri te ‘2999 (Wh e re ve r Yo u G o )’, w h i ch ch a l l e n ge p re co n ce p ti o n s w i th cl i ck i n g d ru ms te p b e a ts a n d u d d e ri n g s u b s o n i c w a rp s .

Al s o w o rth a s h o u t i s re ce n tl y re l e a s e d s i n gl e ‘We Are On e ’ w i th i ts cl a s s i c ra ve s o u n d s a n d ca tch y vo ca l h o o k , a s w e l l a s th e s u p e rb fu tu re j u n gl e o f ‘E a rl y Aga i n ’.

An o th e r s tro n g co l l e cti o n o f to p -n o tch cu ts fro m o u r ma n i n Ca mb ri d ge , a n d w i th SP Y’s d e b u t a l b u m fo r H o s p i ta l n o t fa r a w a y, th e b e gi n n i n g o f w h a t l o o k s l i k e a ve ry cre d i b l e re ma i n d e r o f 2012 fo r th e l a b e l .

T R ATPRM GA C EO. .CUOK. U K0 5 70 5 7 AA PM A ZGIANZEI.N

M U S I C R E V I E W S 08

058

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

DATA ‘Making Simple Things Complex’ (Black Box)

JIMMY EDGAR ‘Majenta’ (Hotflush) ‘Majenta ’ i s Detr oi t pr odu ce r J immy E dga r ’s debut f or Hotflus h, a nd nea tl y f ol l o w s label bos s Scuba ’s ‘Per s o n ality’ LP with i ts gl i s teni ng 1980s syntheti c s heen a nd gl or io u sly electro ni c ta k e on hous e an d electro . Pos s i bl y one of th e sleazies t r ecor ds we’ve e ve r heard, ‘Ma j enta ’ oozes s e xu al energy, choos i ng to ei the r explici t expr es s i ts f i l thy min d o n tracks s uch a s ‘Ta k e Me On A Sex Dr i ve’, or do s o mor e su b tly and so ni ca l l y thr ough s l ow future R&B gr ooves s uch as ‘Attempt To Ma k e I t La s t’ or th e Prince-i ns pi r ed el ectr o satisfacti on of ‘I Need Yo u r Contro l ’. Unl i k e a ny other r e co r d in these pa ges , i f you’r e a gu y who’s conf i dent i n your sexuali ty, gi ve thi s a l i s te n . I f not, it mi ght f r ea k you ou t a b it, so you’r e pr oba bl y bes t stickin g to your br os tep.

TEDDY MUSIC ‘Hoods Up’ (Teddy Music) Lil Jon sampling, uncompromisingly heavy grime from one of the genre’s most consistent and enterprising producers. Featuring a slew of the top MCs riding an infectious beat, with talents as diverse as Ghetts, Lady Leshurr and Canada’s TreMission, this is a lyrical rally. The beat hints at inspiration from other genres, but maintains its grime feel and the production more than matches the calibre of MCs involved.

Acco mp lish e d D& B p ro d u ce r Data le n d s h is f in e ly h o n e d s k i l l s to th e f ir st o f tw o 140b p m E P s o n Black Bo x, p acki n g fo u r tr acks w ith so me o f th e mo s t r id icu lo u sly cr isp p r o d u cti o n yo u ’ll h e ar th is ye ar. H e fl e xe s h is mu sicality o n ‘La i d Ba re ’ a n d th e b e au tif u lly p e n si ve s te p p e r ‘Th e Fall Of P h ae to n ’, w i th a p air o f to u gh , te ch y s u b -h e a vy r o lle r s o n p late tw o b a l a n ci n g th e E P p e r f e ctly. E s s e n ti a l p u r ch ase mate r ial.

RUSKO ‘Songs’ (Mad Decent) Sometimes an album comes along that totally switches up your perception of an artist, maybe starts to you even make hear their past output in a fresh light.

Unfortunately, that’s not what we’ve got here, as Rusko seems happy to churn out the template dubstep and flick through the same sounds he’s always used. Everson Allen of original badman jungle/hardcore outfit Ratpack makes a welcome appearance on a remix of DJ Hype's classic 'Roll The Beats', and it’s Rusko’s obvious love of the dub and jungle roots of the music that provides the necessary depth to ‘Songs’. A man of undeniable talents and vision, it’s a shame he couldn't bring something more original to the table, not that the kids in the Rusko tee-shirts will care...

VARIOUS ARTISTS

‘SUB 150’ (Hospital Records) With this latest offering, Hospital leave their comfort zone to explore the 'sub 150' bpm side of bass-driven music. This 20-track album contains down-tempo pieces from label heavyweights such as Netsky and Logistics, with other major contributions drawing from experimental sister label Med School’s clutch of producers and a host of other guests. The most interesting of all is the broken beat influenced 'Three Blue Note' by early dubstep pioneer Darqwan (aka Oris Jay). Other highlights include Submerses' garage infused 'This Time You're Not Wrong' and dancefloor stepper 'Snakes' from N3gus and MC Carasel. If you’re D&B fanatic looking to reach out and find other interesting forms of bass music, then this is a good starting point. A refreshing, unexpected step by Hospital.

STYLO G FT WARNING ‘More Ganga’ (Oliver Twist Yard Rmx) (Warning Records) U K b a s h me n t’s b ri gh te s t s ta r d e l i ve rs a n e xp l o s i ve ga n j a tra ck h e re , w i th Ol i ve r Tw i s t p ro vi d i n g a d u tty h o u s e ri d d i m fo r Styl o G a n d Wa rn i n g ri d e w i th a p l o mb .

Th e re s u l ts a re s u p e rb . Fu n k y b a s h me n t h a s b e e n a l i ttl e s l o w o ve r th e l a s t ye a r, s o th i s b ri l l i a n t tra ck i s a ti me l y re mi n d e r o f th e h e i gh ts th a t th i s d i s ti n ctl y U K ge n re ca n re a ch w h e n d o n e ri gh t. Th i s o n e ’s a n a n th e m i n th e ma k i n g.

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

M U S I C R E V I E W S 08

0 59

SFR ‘Vha Venda’ / ‘Nci Nci’ (Wheel & Deal)

DISTAL

‘Civilization’ (Tectonic) ATL meets Bristol, as one of electronic music’s most unique talents lays down his wildly eclectic debut album for Pinch’s bass institution Tectonic Recordings. Distal flagrantly disregards any predefined notions of genre boundaries, marrying together elements of dubstep with juke, techno and hip-hop flavours in an effortless manner that works so fluidly over the LP format.

‘Civilization’ is flooded with engaging poly-rhythms, manic vocal loops and vividly colourful synth soundscapes, all delivered around 130bpm with the familiar guttural low end so apparent in Distal’s previous releases.

Highlights include the mesmerising slow lean and buzz of ‘Feed Me’, the dark stabs of ‘Venom’ and the rude dread bass of ‘Rattlesnake’ in what is a startlingly fresh body of work, and among the most exciting and relevant releases of 2012 so far.

So u th Af r ican b ass ve te ra n SFR b r in gs th e h e at to Wh e e l & De a l , p r o vid in g kille r h igh o cta n e d an ce -f lo o r ammu n iti o n fo r th e r avin g massive . ‘V h a Ve n d a ’ man ip u late s a tr ib al vo ca l , co u p lin g it w ith min ima l d r u m-w o r k to r e ve al a mo n u me n tal b ass th u mp a n d th e f lip ‘Nci Nci’ co n tin u e s i n th e same ve in , catalo gu i n g a caco p h o n y o f b le e p s a n d vo ca l sn ip p e ts again st e n e rgi s e d r h yth mic p atte r n s. E xci ti n g b e a ts to r o ck clu b s d o w n to th e i r fo u n d atio n s.

JUBEI FT FLOWDAN ‘Say Nothing’ / ‘Accidental Note’ (ft Consequence) (Metalheadz) Since its inception, drum & bass has remained fresh and relevant thanks largely to its ability to draw influence from other genres.

Metalheadz has always been at the forefront, challenging perceptions and this latest release from stable producer Jubei is no different. 'Say Nothing' infuses elements of grime, raga and dubstep with incredible vocals from The Bug collaborator and Roll Deep veteran Flowdan – if you liked ‘Marka’, check this.

WALTON ‘All Night’ (Hyperdub)

CHAMPION ‘Crazy’ EP (Formula)

Hyperdub continues to pick up the pace for 2012 with the return of Manchester-based producer Walton for a second EP of fluoro synths and hyperactive drum work. ‘All Night’ picks up where the last EP left off, with spiralling arpeggios, cascading rhythms and grimey bass tones, ‘Mallet’ works a nifty UK Funky rhythm around the central hook while the appropriately titled ‘Kush’ explores late night g-funk synths over crackling drums.

UK Funky may not be at its creative peak in 2012, but Champion is leading the way among the producers who’ve stuck by the genre. ‘Crazy’ is a typical hard percussive and bass strewn Champion production, with the added touch of one of the genre’s leading vocalists, Princess Nyah. Backed with an instrumental version and a Terror Danjah mix that takes the original to a whole next grimey level.

VARIOUS ARTISTS ‘Fashion In Fine Style’ (Fashion) Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Fashion Records built up a formidable reputation as the U K’s top reggae label, releasing a huge amount of seminal tunes and breaking artists such as Top Cat and General Levy. After a lengthy hiatus, the imprint is returning to release its back catalogue in digital to remind us of the great body of w ork the label has amassed. ‘I n Fine Style’ collects a selection of hits from Fashion’s illustrious history, including massive tunes from Cutty Ranks, Tippa I rie, Daddy Freddy, Frankie Paul and Alton Ellis. All these serve to expertly show case the variety of Fashion’s output, from dancehall, to lovers rock, to roots and heavy dub. A must of all fans of U K reggae, this is a piece of history!

DAVE KELLY ‘Tun Up Tun Up Riddim’ (First Name Music) Le ge n d a ry d a n ce h a l l p ro d u ce r Da ve K e l l y co me s th ro u gh w i th h i s b ra n d n e w p ro d u cti o n a n d , a s a l w a ys , i t d o e s n ’t d i s a p p o i n t.

Stri p p e d d o w n to d e s tro y, ‘Tu n U p Tu n U p ’ i s a mi n i ma l , p u l s a ti n g b e a s t o f a ri d d i m, gi vi n g a rti s ts i n cl u d i n g Ch a m, Age n t Sa s co a n d Sp i ce th e s p a ce to w a x l yri ca l o n a p re tty l e w d s e l e cti o n o f to p i cs . Ru ff a n d ru gge d , th i s i s h a rd co re b a s h me n t th a t’s n o t fo r th e fa i n t h e a rte d .

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

M U S I C R E V I E W S 08

0 61

RAZOR REKTA ‘Loko Motive’ / ‘Development’ (Chestplate) The latest addition to the Chestplate team is the Anti-Social affiliated Razor Rekta, debuting on Distance’s imprint in fine fashion with two lethal cuts of crushing bass pressure.

Check the thunderous snare crashes and vicious, snarling whips of midrange alternating with passages of vivid pipe backdrops in ‘Development’, and the supremely dark industrial aesthetics dominating ‘Loko Motiv’. A pair of dank and commanding riddims from Mr Rekta.

C4 (Adamantium Music)

LAST JAPAN ‘Ambush’ / ‘Tactics’ (Lo Note)

Bir min gh am’s C4 lin k s u p w i th h is p r o d u ce r b r o th e r P re d i a th to d e live r a tr ack th at d e mo n s tra te s r e al p o p se n sib ilitie s , w h i l e main tain in g th e r aw n e s s a n d i n n o vatio n asso ciate d w i th gr ime . P r e d itah ’s la vi s h ye t su b tle p r o d u ctio n al l o w s C4s b ar s an d h o o ks to s h i n e , a n d th e E P co me s p acke d w i th re mi xe s f r o m BBK an d Wo z, w h o s e exce lle n t U K f u n ky / Ma j o r Laze r-style r e mix sta n d s o u t a mile .

Following hot on the heels of their top-notch inaugural release from Pusherman, Lo Note ramp things up with their second instalment, courtesy of young and prodigiously talented Londoner Last Japan.

‘Ambush’ is a deadly slab of sparse beats and low-slung bass that tears through the speakers with venom, while on the flip ‘Tactics’ rewires jungle breaks through the tribal rhythm over diving bass tones to powerful effect.

‘Off Track’ EP

TOTAL SCIENCE & S.P.Y FT. RIYA AND DAM FUNK ‘Piano Funk’ (Toolroom Records) As if to signal the arrival of warmer weather, 'Piano Funk' sees prolific production duo Total Science collaborate once again with supertalented new Hospital signing S.P.Y to produce a melodic, sun-drenched gem.

‘Piano Funk’ is a classic liquid roller, enhanced by the dreamy vocals of Riya and lifting keys of boogie-funk legend Dam Funk. The perfect summer drum & bass anthem.

XXXY ‘Everything’ (Well Rounded) Well Rounded’s run of warm and uplifting contributions to the UK bass scene continues with the latest from XXXY, a producer already renowned for fusions of bass-driven dance floor energy with melodic synths and vocal edits. ‘Everything’ continues true to form with an instantly catchy hook. On the flip ‘I Know This Can’t Be Love’ brings a more melancholy edge, while vinyl heads are treated to bonus ‘I Can’t Stop’.

MUNGOS HI-FI ‘Dutty Diseases Riddim’ (Scotch Bonnet)

ROSKA ‘Roska’ 2 (Rinse) One of the original and foremost exponents of UK funky, Roska, returns with his second full-length solo album of productions. After making his name pushing the nascent sounds of funky through club sets and his show on RinseFM, Roska achieved widespread underground fame in 2010 with the release of his much-acclaimed eponymous debut.

Following up that project, this latest long-player sees the London-based producer draw from styles beyond the confines of funky, while keeping his signature sound in place. Jamie George is back on ‘Do You Like This’ and Mz Bratt and Sweetie Irie provide vocals two of the LP’s most memorable moments. ‘Roska 2’ lacks the hype-driven zing that its predecessor enjoyed, but this is undoubtedly a broader sounding record from an important artist.

Glaswegian soundsystem champions, Mungos Hi-Fi come correct with their latest dancehall release. Re-licking the classic ‘Golden Hen’ riddim, Mungos bring their trademark heavy production to the table, creating a set of wicked cuts ready to mash up any soundsystem! Standout tracks include YT’s ‘World News’ and Mr Williamz’s ‘Computer Age’, but all the cuts will nice up any dance.

Highly recommended.

SLUGABED ‘Sex’ (Ninja Tune) With the announcement of Slugabed’s debut album for Ninja tune comes the release of the first single to be taken from it, ‘Sex’. The title track ties Slugabed’s hyperactive arrangements and funk-fuelled foundations to a smoother work flow nicely, while ‘Molecules’ warps this template into something more abstract but no less endearing. Daedelus and Groundislava rework ‘Sex’ into sultry electronica and taut 8-bit funk respectively.

+ GAMES

R E V I E W S 08

0 62

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

GAMES REVIEWS WITH CUTLINE

When recent Speakerbox signings Cutline aren’t mashing up raves or turning out bass-heavy anthems, you’ll usually find them sat around in their pants, playing computer games. And that’s not just when they’re at home. With that in mind, and because we couldn’t think of anyone better, we thought we’d get them to review some computer games for us...

RESIDENT EVIL: OPERATION RACOON CITY CAPCOM / SLANT SIX GAMES (PS3, XBOX360, PC) OUT NOW

PROTOTYPE 2

With over 47 million units sold worldwide, Resident Evil is one of the most successful games series ever.

The original survival horror, RE has become iconic, moving through five terror-inducing instalments with a sixth planned for the end of the year.

packed with action and intense gun battles. The zombies and Bio-Organic Weapons add an extra dimension to the fight between the Umbrella Security Service and US Spec Ops who are battling for control of the now infamous T-Virus outbreak.

Operation Racoon City takes that iconic series and turns the gameplay on its head. While fans of RE’s lonely, tense style may find themselves baffled at the fast-paced ‘team shooter’ action of Operation Racoon City, this isn’t a standard RE game, setting out to be

Approach Resident Evil: Operation Racoon City with the right attitude and you’ll find the one-player campaign and online eight-player team versus battles to be huge amounts of fun. This is balls-tothe-wall gunplay with a survival horror backdrop and we love it!

MASS EFFECT 3

DEVIL MAY CRY

Activision (PS3, Xbox360, PC) Out 24 April

EA (PS3, Xbox360, PC) Out Now

Capcom (PS3, Xbox360) Out 4 April

Set 14 months after the original Prototype, Prototype 2 sees new protagonist Sgt James Heller set out to eliminate Mercer, who he blames for the death of his family. Heller can shapeshift, assume other people's identities and memories, and use various tendrils to cause untold havoc upon New York City. Promising wave upon wave of shoot ‘em up action, Prototype 2 looks set to be a worthy addition to the series.

We’re huge fans of the Mass Effect series, and EA’s final instalment doesn’t pull any punches. Finally, Commander Shepard fulfils his destiny by uniting the galaxy to fight an epic war against the Reapers. Plot driven, but with more than enough action to satisfy the most hardcore gamer, Mass Effect 3 straddles the line between an incredibly involving story with optional RPG elements and balls-out blast ‘em up fun.

There’s currently a fashion for taking old games, giving them a lick of paint and throwing them back into the marketplace. Fans of the series and newcomers alike can now get their hands on the Devil May Cry HD Collection, which brings the first three original Devil May Cry titles together in one high-definition package for the first time; all the iconic fun of the DMC series with stunning HD graphics.

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

+ GAMES

0 63

R E V I E W S 08

STILL

HOT

PS VITA ROAD TEST As most of you will know PlayStation’s new handheld marvel, the Vita, landed in stores at the end of February promising home console-quality gaming to everyone on the move. The technical specs of the Vita are hugely impressive, featuring a beautiful five-inch touchscreen, dual analogue thumbsticks, two quad-core processors and games the PS3 would be proud of. We got the chance to road test the Vita, to see not only what it’s capable of, but how it would fit into our everyday lives. So how does it fare?

ASURA’S WRATH Capcom (PS3, Xbox360, PC)

MORTAL KOMBAT Warner Bros (PSV, PS3, Xbox360) Out 4 May

Well, seeing as we travel thousands of miles on a regular basis and spend a lot of time sat around airports and hotels, we can tell you the Vita looks to be one of the most involving options for handheld gaming to date. No longer will your iPhone or Blackberry be the only choice when it comes to devices to glue to your grubby mitts on trains and planes.

Between Wipeout 2048, Uncharted: The Golden Abyss, ModNation Racers:Roadtrip and Little Deviants we had plenty of great games to test out and while some may feel that the PS Vita’s learning curve or the sometimes highly-involved games are a little too much for casual on-the-move entertainment, anyone who wants to pack the challenge and power of home consoles into their pocket should look no further.

Amazingly over the top Manga style nonsense that’s tons of fun. Now with added DLC.

STILL

NOT Destined to be possibly the greatest Mortal Kombat game ever, the original developers have re-worked their masterpiece for a new generation of fans. Going back to its roots, the new MK invites you to participate in the most brutal tournament yet, all in 2D scrolling format complete with glorious 2012 graphics and 1990s nostalgia. Whether you were there when it made its debut, or you’ve become a fan along the way, don’t miss this!

UFC UNDISPUTED 3 THQ (PS3, Xbox360) We’re sure this would be great if you didn’t have to spend 3 weeks learning all the controls!

BASSPO I NTS

08

CLUB LISTINGS

0 64

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

APRIL 2012 FRIDAY 20 APRIL DUB POLICE @ FABRIC, LONDON Cas p a, E mal k a y, Youngsta b2b J :K enzo, Res o, Gro o ve ri d e r, E d Rush, Dusk & Blackdown, Jubei b2b Do c Sco tt , DJ Die, LH F + mor e.

VA LV E

F R I D AY 2 7 A P R I L MOTION, BRISTOL

TRAP #008 LAUNCH PARTY @ THE BANK, BRISTOL Wo z, Su p e ri sk , Koa st, Dubious + more.

DOLLOP @ CORSICA STUDIOS, LONDON E gl o Li ve Ba nd f t Fa tima & Oliver Day Soul, plus Fu n ki n E ve n , Alexa nder Nut, Br a dle y Z ero + more.

SUBDUB PRESENTS DANCEHALL SCIENCE @ THE WIRE, LEEDS So o m T, Di gita l Dubs, I r a tion Steppas + more.

NU MOTION @ CAFE 1001, LONDON An d y Mys ti c, Thir st, J NR, Ma ntmas t + more

UKF THIRD BIRTHDAY @ PROUD2, LONDON Kn i fe P arty, Fr iction, ShyFX, Mistajam, Breakage, 16b i t, K o an Sound, Sigma , Mensah, Cyantific, Stamina, Me s s y + mo re..

LIMINAL SOUNDS @ RHYTHM FACTORY, LONDON Sl i mze e (gri me to jungle set) , You ngs tar, Slackk, Pe d ro 123 & MI K, E lsew her e + mo re.

Di l l i n j a an d Le mo n D’s l e ge n d ary (an d we d o n ’t u s e th at w o rd l i gh tl y) s o u n d s ys te m make s a l o n g-awai te d re tu rn to Bri s to l o n 27 Ap ri l , p acki n g o u t th e e n o rmo u s mai n ro o m at Mo ti o n wi th a l i n e -u p th at re ach e s far b e yo n d th e d ru m & b as s th ro u gh wh i ch Val ve mad e i ts n ame .

Re fl e cti n g th e l ab e l ’s re ce n t e mb race o f o th e r b as s -mu s i c ge n re s b e yo n d 174b p m, D& B l e ge n d s s u ch as H yp e an d Swi ft ru b s h o u l d e rs wi th d u b s te p d o n s Cas p a an d Vo n D, a n d th e re ’s p l e n ty o f l o cal fre s h b l o o d o n th e mas s i ve lin e -u p to o , wi th I n te rface , Su p e ri s k, Sti n kah b e l l an d Ru n Ti n gz Cru al l d ro p p i n g b y. w ww. mo ti o n br i s tol .c o m

S TA U N C H

F R I D AY 2 7 A P R I L CORSICA STUDIOS, LONDON

SATURDAY 21 APRIL SHOGUN AUDIO @ CABLE, LONDON Fri cti o n , P e n dulum ( DJ set, tha nk god), Icicle, Alix P e re z, Ro ck w ell, Ba iley, Br inga , K ito, SP, Vers e, Man tma s t + mor e.

FRIDAY 27 APRIL JACKMASTER & ONEMAN @ THE NEST, LONDON J a ckmas te r, Onema n, TOY C, Kodiak, One Bandit So u n d s ys te m + mor e.

STEALTH 8TH BIRTHDAY @ STEALTH, NOTTINGHAM Ru s ti e , Wa i fs & Str a ys + much more TBA.

SATURDAY 28 APRIL STRICTLY WAX

Th e co mb i n e d b rai n ch i l d o f th i s i s s u e ’s co ve r s tar, Lo e fah , an d Jan fro m i n famo u s Lo n d o n graffi ti /mu s i c/arts co l l e cti ve ATG, Stau n ch o ffe rs u p i ts s e co n d i n s tal me n t o f cu tti n g e d ge cl u b mu s i c o n 28 Ap ri l at Lo n d o n ’s Co rs i ca Stu d i o s .

Afte r th e s u cce s s o f th e i n au gu ral Stau n ch i n Fe b ru ary, Ap ri l ’s e d i ti o n d e l i ve rs an o th e r fas ci n ati n g l i n e -u p , co mb i n i n g h e ad l i n e r Do gmati k’s Al e x Arn o u t wi th Bl ack Bu tte r’s Ru d i me n tal an d gri me l e ge n d Te rro r Dan j ah , as we l l as th e mi gh ty Mi d l an d an d s tar re s i d e n ts Du s ky an d K l o s e On e . Ge t d o wn an d s e e wh at th e h yp e i s al l ab o u t.

@ DRY LIVE, MANCHESTER V.I .V.E .K ., Compa , Lea dbelly, Tomfoolery + more.

www. s tau n chl o n d o n .c o m

TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BASS PO I NTS

065

08

CLUB LISTINGS

MAY 2012

SUBLOADED F R I D AY 1 3 A P R I L

B L A C K S WA N , B R I S T O L

SUNDAY 6 MAY GRIZZLY PARTY @ NEST, LONDON Si n d e n , Me l e , K rys tal K l e ar, Bre n mar, Aru b a Re d (l i ve ).

FASTER BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL @ CABLE, LONDON Wi l ki n s o n , S.P.Y, Le n zman , Do m & Ro l an d , Marcu s Intalex, Break, Doc Scott, Anile.

FRIDAY 11 MAY TRIX @ HIDDEN, LONDON Cl o n e Re co rd s P re s e n ts : Bas e me n t Se ri e s X Ro yal Oak. One of the ORI GI NAL dubs tep ins titutions returns to its s pir itua l home on 13 April, bringing to Bris tol’s Black Swan a sa liva tor y line-up of artis ts renowned for pus hing only the most f or w a r d think ing bas s -driven mus ic.

SATURDAY 12 MAY REGGAE ROAST @ PLAN B, LONDON

Subloa ded hea d honch o Pinch joins forces with Dis tance for th e debut per f or ma nce of the duo’s new Deleted Scenes p r oject, ba ck ed by Dee p Medi s cribbler Tunnidge and local h er oes Guido, Dub Boy and Neek. What s ets this dance apa r t though is the pr es ence of Addis on Groove and Appleblim, w ho’ve now both moved far beyond their dubs tep o r igins, giving this Sub loaded an intriguing twis t. w ww. subloa d e d .c o. uk

I rati o n Ste p p as , So l o Ban to n , Du b kas m, Man as s e h , Mo o d i e , Ramo n Ju d ay, Dad d y Natu re + mo re .

FRIDAY 18 MAY SMD / TECTONIC @ FABRIC, LONDON SMD, Objekt, P inch, K od e 9, Distal, Youngsta, Tu n n i d ge , Ch u n ky, Two I n ch P un ch , XI + mo re .

BREAKTHRU PRESENTS: B.I.G.

S AT U R D AY 2 8 A P R I L HMV INSTITUTE, BIRMINGHAM

BASSLACED 4TH BIRTHDAY @ XOYO, LONDON Tro l l e y Sn atch a b 2b Th e Oth e rs , P l as ti ci an & D Do u b l e E, Fred V & Grafix, Dream, Jack Swift, Inja MC.

SATURDAY 19 MAY RENEGADE HARDWARE @CABLE, LONDON Ink, Loxy b2b Skeptical, Tech Itch, Optiv b2b B2K , Fi e rce b 2b Trace , Stap l e to n , K -E ye +mo re .

FRIDAY 25 MAY TROUBLE VISION @ CORSICA STUDIOS, LONDON Te n s n ake , Jo h n Ta l ab o t, Wai fs & Strays, Be h l i n g & Si mp s o n , Fu tu re b o o gi e , Mr So l i d Go l d + mo re .

P r oving ther e’s much more to Birmingham’s bas s mus ic s cene tha n jump-up drum & bas s and thous ands of s houting MCs, long-r unning Midlands promoters Break Thru are h osting one of the best parties you’ll find anywhere in the UK a t the end of Apr il.

The Ba ss I ndoor Ga thering is a full s cale celebration of b a ss music in a ll f or ms – with a s atis fyingly broad line-up th a t f ea tur es the ver y bes t from the worlds of reggae, d ubstep, D&B a nd more, coming together in Birmingham’s HMV I nstitute f or a very s pecial party. Rodigan, Shy FX, Loef a h, Br ea k a ge a nd MJ Cole are jus t s ome of the n a mes to expect. w ww. fa c e b ook.c o m /breakthr upage

RUN 15 @ MOTION, BRISTOL Su b Fo cu s , E d Ru s h b 2b Bre ak, 16b i t, De l ta H e vay, Di e , D*Mi n d s , Jake s , Ge mi n i , Ne e d Fo r Mi rro rs + mo re .

SATURDAY 26 MAY WFS PRESENTS: BLUEPRINT @CABLE, LONDON Jame s Ru s ki n , Su rge o n , Si l e n t Se rvan t, Si gh a.

GET TRAP DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YO U R D O O R!

APRIL | MAY 2012

08

FREE

E V E RY B A S S C O V E R E D M U S I C I FA S H I O N I A R T

I A L S P E C

+

FRICTION

PREDITAH

T E LL S A LL O N T H E UN D E RGRO UN D’S H OT T E S T M OV E M E N T

KASRA 2012 FESTIVAL GUIDE

ZEDBIAS PINCH FALTYDL MICKEYPEARCE ASHES57 FEATURING

FASHION RECORDS FASHION REVIEWS CLUB LISTINGS WWW.TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

*£20 FOR 6 ISSUES *UK PRICE ONLY

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

COST

MISSED OUT?

and receive a free limited edition

A six issue subscription will cost

Back issues are subject to

white ‘I Love Bass’ tee and an

only £20.00 in the UK & £25 for

availability at £1 + P&P each.

assorted ‘It’s A Trap’ Sticker pack.

the rest of Europe (EU).

Check the website for details.

WWW.TRAPMAGAZINE.CO.UK/SUBSCRIBE

FABRICLIVE COMING SOON 2 INCH PUNCH ANDY C B TRAITS BAILEY BEN UFO BLAWAN BRAIDEN BREAKAGE BRODINSKI BUSY P CASPA D BRIDGE DANIEL AVERY DISTAL DJ DIE DJ HYPE DUB PHIZIX DUSK & BLACKDOWN ED RUSH EMALKAY ENEI EWAN PEARSON FILTHY DUKES GINGY & BORDELLO GOLDIE

GROOVERIDER HAZARD IKONIKA ILLUM SPHERE B2B MOXIE JACKMASTER JOHNNY DUB JON K JUBEI JUNE MILLER KASRA KODE 9 KUTMAH LHF LIVITY SOUND (LIVE) LOGOS LTJ BUKEM & MC CONRAD LV MLR

OBJEKT PANGAEA PASCAL PEARSON SOUND PICTURE HOUSE PINCH REDINHO (LIVE) RITON SHY FX SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO SPACE DIMENSION CONTROLLER SPECTRASOUL STRAY B2B HALOGENIX SULLY TUNNINDGE UNTOLD VIBEZIN WEST NORWOOD CASSETTE LIBRARY XI YOUNGSTA DOC SCOTT XXXY

OUT NOW: FABRICLIVE 62 - KASRA FORTHCOMING IN THE SERIES: DIGITAL SOUNDBOY SOUNDSYSTEM, ONEMAN