Blame - Drum and Bass Producer Interview
May 2003
Interview with Blame, drum and bass producer and 720° label manager.
Blame
How old are you?
I have just turned 30!
How did you get into the drum and bass scene?
I used to go out and listen to Fabio and Grooverider when I was about 17, before drum and bass had invented itself. The sound was so fresh and new and a lot of like minded people were moving in the same direction musically. My sound seemed to grow as drum and bass was growing.
What did you do before you started djing/producing music?
I was basically producing as soon as I left school, but I worked as a graphic designer to pay the bills.
How long have you been producing music?
About 13 years.
Having been in the scene since the early days with tracks like "Music Takes You" what are your views on how the scene has progressed since the hardcore days?
The sound has moved so far, and so fast. For example in 91-92 it was still rave music, but by 96 a lot of the tracks sounded like live jazz! The journey between the two points was incredible. I am still really excited by the beats I'm hearing nowadays… but for me at the moment I'm trying to get back to my roots and the core of what drum and bass is all about for me.
In reference once again to "Music Takes You", how did it feel to achieve UK chart success so early on in your career?
It was great fun, but I wasted a lot of time by "pissing it up the wall!!!". I just used to go out partying and drinking, spending all my royalties and not getting back in the studio to follow it up. Things have changed now! I don't regret the good times though.
As drum and bass has evolved over the years and created different genres, was it a conscious decision on you behalf to follow the path of the "intelligent" style or did the media seem to pigeon hole you there?
I used to love going to hear Fabio at Speed between 95 to 98. I guess I used to produce music so it could be played in that environment… and the media just label you. I love music and beats, I just make the tracks and others make the labels!
720° started as an offshoot of Good Looking Records, how did you meet LTJ Bukem and are the two of you still in touch?
720° was my own label, and I commissioned Good Looking to manufacture and distribute the music on my behalf. Things were cool at first but it has always been my dream to run a record label myself so in 2000 I decided to regain total control. I don't really see Bukem thesedays.
If memory serves correct you were in the Horizons documentary about LTJ Bukem which saw you and others from the Good Looking Records camp on tour in Japan and the States, was that good fun to make?
We were basically just touring and the cameras were rolling, so it was business as usual! But it was definitely crazy watching it all back on TV…
What are your musical influences?
I grew up listening to electro and hip-hop, but I guess the main influence for me was hearing the explosion of a brand new sound in the UK, soon to be drum and bass.
I grew up listening to electro and hip-hop, but I guess the main influence for me was hearing the explosion of a brand new sound in the UK, soon to be drum and bass.
Blame
What software / equipment do you use to produce your music?
- PC running Logic Audio
- Emu Sampler
- Korg / Roland / Novation Synths
- Yamaha 02R desk, but it's mainly all in the sampler these days
How long do you spend in the studio a week (on average)?
I try and get in the studio 7 days a week, but sometimes even that is not enough!!!
Do you currently produce any other music except for drum and bass?
Sometimes I experiment with downtempo, or electro but nothing feels as right for me in the studio as drum and bass.
Your next EP on 720° hits the streets this month but up until now you haven't released anything for quite some time, what have you been up to?
I have been really focussing on building the label, and producing some new artists like Plex and Dragonsword, as well as working with Seba. I have also spent a lot of time touring and spreading the sound.
Can you tell us a little bit about the "Blame EP"?
It's a pretty diverse collection of tracks, "Asylum" is a heavier techno number, while "The Phoenix" is a deeper electro style track. "Amazon Girl" is a latin summer vibe and "Bakura" is some dark orchestral business. You can check out the soundclips at www.720-degrees.com
What recent releases on the drum and bass scene are you rating at the moment?
I'm feeling the new Photek tracks, and the new Klute business is wicked.
Which other producers / artists would you most like to work with?
I'm planning to work with Deep Blue, and possibly Klute in the near future.
Do you have a favourite tune of all time?
I have too many favourite tunes to mention!!!!!
Do you have a record which you always take when you head out to do a set?
Total Science's "Squash" is something I cant seem to stop playing, it reminds me of why I got into making this music in the first place.
Is there any one tune you would really like to remix?
No, because all my favourite tracks don't need remixing!
How often do you get out clubbing?
I try and get out to hear the beats every week or so if im not djing, I'm a drum and bass fan as well as producer.
Do you have a favourite event or club night?
I like to check out Technicality and Prototype at Herbal, Swerve at The End and Metalheadz has just started up again every Sunday which is great for the scene.
It's Sunday afternoon and you are chilling out at home, what is on the stereo?
Probably the latest track I'm working on!
Do you have any other interests or pastimes outside the music scene?
I like to get some Kung Fu training in to totally break off from the music, it helps me to keep a healthy body and mind to sustain the production.
What are your plans for the future and what can we expect to see forthcoming from 720°?
Loads of great music and some Albums and CD's later this year!
For further information about Blame and 720° please visit:
