DJ Friction - Drum and Bass Producer Interview

August 2002

Interview with drum and bass producer DJ Friction.

How old are you?

25

How did you get into the drum and bass Scene?

I live in Brighton and there was crew down here. Stakka, K-Tee, Skynet, Skinny (aka Nu Balance), we were always hanging out, djing together and going out to parties. They are actually the ones that got me into the production side of things.

How often do you go out clubbing?

I don't get too much time these days so I use the opportunity when I am playing out to take in the club scene. I try and get there early and then hang around for a bit after my set to hear other dj's and check out the vibe.

What is your favourite club or event?

Renegade Hardware at The End, its a wicked club and there is always jumping vibe.

What did you do before you started djing/producing music?

I was a car salesmen for a bit. I started up a magazine called "Informer", it profiled the local scene and opened up opportunities and contacts in drum & bass.

I started up a magazine called "Informer", it profiled the local scene and opened up opportunities and contacts in drum & bass.

DJ Friction

How did you become involved with Charge Recordings?

I met Swift when I was running Informer. He was invited as guest reviewer and we became mates. He was a good inspiration for my djing and producing. He liked and played out my stuff which lead to this years release, "The Power EP", on his label.

What equipment/software do you use to make your music?

I have always used Akai S3000XL sampler. This is a personal choice, though. The edge for Akai, I think, is that the beats sound harder and I just get a vibe with this sampler. This is just my opinion, I have always been an Akai man. I know there are a lot of different filters in the Emu, I am just learning it at the moment; trying to get my head around it. In some ways I think it is easier and in other ways I think it is harder.

I have always used a Mackie Mixing Desk. A PC or a Mac too. The sequencer: Cubase. The only time I use Logic is with other people. For bass sounds I have a good internal soft-synth, a good Roland and a good Trinity. When making music, most of the time I work with samples. I sample bits and pieces from old records as seems to be the trend right now.

How much time do you spend a week in your studio (on average)?

About 3-4 days.

What are your musical influences?

Early Andy C and Metalheadz stuff. I listen to hip-hop: Dre, DMX, Mobb Deep and I also take in some R&B.

Do you have a favourite tune of all time?

Yes… It has to be Unfinished Sympathy - Massive Attack. Its a tune!!!

Which artist would you most like to work with?

Optical! I have massive respect for him as a producer. I can imagine that half a day in the studio with him would double my knowledge.

Which tune would you most like remix?

Omni Trio - Renegade Snares

Can you tell us anything about any of your forthcoming releases?

I have just done a tune with Nu Balance called "Burn Down" which is getting played out at the moment. That's going to go out on Charge Recordings 12". I am still working on the flip side.

"Autopsy" by me and Concorde Dawn will be on the Fire EP - Renegade Hardware, I have also done a solo, yet to be titled 12" for Advanced.

There will be an Underfire release from me, Stakka and Skinny in September also me and Dylan have a 12" lined up for October for Outbreak.

That's all I can say for definite at the moment but there is lots more in the pipeline.

What other producer do you rate at the moment?

I am really feeling Bad Company right now!

What does the future hold for yourself?

There are a number of collaborative projects in the pipeline as well as solo stuff which I am focusing on.

I am also working my own imprint as well, Transparent Recordings. I will not be putting out my own stuff on it, it's about providing an opportunity for some good up and coming artists to get out there. I have released two 12" so far from Killer Instinct & Fissiom and August sees the release of "Cenobyte" from Raiden, he is showing massive potential as an artist. The Transparent stuff is getting a good airing by Trace, Dom, Kemal, Cause4Concern and Stakka & Skynet.

Its very busy times at the moment but all is good!