Drumsound - Drum and Bass Producers Interview

December 2002

Interview with Drumsound, UK drum and bass producers and Technique Recordings label managers.

Drumsound consists of two people doesn't it? How old are you both and how did you meet?

Ben: Andy is 26 and I'm 23. We met at our local drum and bass and Breaks night which we were both residents at back in '98.

Where did the name Drumsound come from?

Andy: There where a few reasons really but the one I remember distinctly was that we wanted a name that would roll off an MC's tongue so we just went with a word which they used frequently. It's quite lucky really because when we linked up with Simon, Drumsound / Bassline worked really well!

What did you do before you started DJ'ing/producing music?

Andy: I did a Studio Skills course at Square centre studios in Nottingham and then moved onto Derby University.

Ben: I went to college before taking a year out to save for studio equipment, which is when I met Andy. I continued at University for another 2 years and now just work part-time when I'm not in the studio or at the office.

How often do you go out clubbing?

We used to be out all the time but since we've been DJ'ing quite a bit so we just hang around before or after we've played to catch the club vibe and enjoy ourselves. Simon plays out regular as well so we tend go on the road with him if we aren't busy.

What is your favourite club or event?

That's hard to say! we've been to so many wicked parties over the years its hard to narrow a particular favourite down although our 'Technique Recordings Presents' nights in Derby are always good because we don't have far to travel and the crowd are always well up for a party…

How often do you DJ at clubs and do you play separately or as a duo?

We play as a duo when DJ'ing, but if we're double booked we're flexible which is an advantage. Every year our bookings schedule gets busier and busier as our profile increases. This year has been our busiest yet as we've played all over Europe and the UK which has been wicked. It's nice to travel but we always try to make sure we don't loose sight of the studio for too long…

We play as a duo when DJ'ing, but if we're double booked we're flexible which is an advantage.

Drumsound

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

Ben: Andy spends 90% of his entire life in there. I spend as much time possible, after all the every day tasks of the label are complete.

What are your musical influences?

Ben: I've always listened to early rave and hardcore dance music, as well as hip-hop, trip hop breaks and beats, and reggae. Now I listen to a lot of chilled music like Cinematic Orchestra and Royksopp etc…

Andy: I like anything that catches my ear / my heart or my soul.

Do you make any other forms of music other than drum and bass?

Andy: It's good to do different stuff. As a producer it often takes you in unknown directions which can lead to fresh ideas and inspiration as well as opening the door to new samples which you usually wouldn't be into.

Can you tell us about your forthcoming release on V Recordings and how it all came about?

We have been sending Bryan G stuff over the last couple of years which he's cut but unfortunately for us nothing was quite right for the infamous V. So over summer we all sat down and did "Freestyle Mambo". As soon as the intro was done Simon knew that Bryan would be into it.

Do you have anymore releases on V in the pipeline?

We've just finished a V.I.P. of "Freestyle Mambo" but we've been really busy promoting "The Planets E.P." etc. so we've hadn't had that much time to consider doing other tunes for other labels for the time being.

Do you have any plans to set up your own label?

A lot of people sometimes get confused thinking that Technique Recordings is Simon's label. Technique was started by Andy Drumsound and Simon in 1999 as a vehicle to sell the vast majority of Drumsound / Bassline releases but due to Simon's experience with regards to running successful labels in the past (Absolute and Absolute 2), he has been the leading figure in it's rise from obscurity. Now Technique is quickly becoming well established globally for its sound and presence. Now we intend to start a sister label for Technique in 2003 called Worldwide Audio Recordings.

Which artist/tune would you most like remix?

Andy: Peshay - "Predator" [Metalheadz]

Ben: Origin Unknown - "Cause n Effect" [Ram]

What is next years aim for Drumsound and what sort of flavas can we be expecting in 2003?

To keep doing what we believe in. We've always aimed at producing good music for the dance floor. At sometime possibly do a full Drumsound release, and to get more recognition as DJ's and producers in our own right. 2003 flavas… Just expect more dancefloor mayhem!!!

For further information about Drumsound please visit:

Drumsound Profile

Drumsound MySpace Page

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