Technicality Allnighter Pics

Room is on fire
Originally uploaded by soul snatcha.

Now online..

Soulsnatcha >>

i heart croydon

Spring has sprung and for the past few weeks, there has been a real and genuine feeling that the world has woken up. It started at March's Forward>> which everyone seemed to enjoy and continued with DMZ, Root's Manuva, the Inperspective Allnighter, right through to this Easter weekend which launched with Metalheadz on Friday. It was my first visit to Metalheadz at Herbal and despite reports that it wasn't as good as usual, I had a pretty good time. The vibes were nice as was the company (big up Skopes, SE25 crew, Chris Inp, Ciara, Breakage, Equinox, Senses, Forrester) and the music pretty good. Marly Marl was a disappointment after what was a wicked Spirit set; unfortunately there's something about very fast DnB that turns me into a bit of a grumpy old lady.

Flight alongside Phats were good but quite a mad contrast in sound and vibes after Marly Marl. That said, seeing Singing Fats live was a wicked experience and something that I've wanted to see for ages. He really is about as liquid chocolate as they get and as cheesy as he is, I'd defy anyone to say he doesn't melt the soul.

Saturday I hit the Black Sheep Bar for some Jazz, Hip-Hop, Funk, Rock, Latin, fuck it, I don't know what it is from a new band called Size 9. Unfortunately I missed the gig by the skin of my teeth, despite promising their manager that I would take some photos (sorry Dave!!). I have however been listening to their EP which with it's slightly etheral vocals from a young lady called Breezy has sounded perfect against the sunny days of late. So watch out for Size 9, who I will be photographing very soon (I promise) and who I feel have got more than enough sunshine and energy to transport them out of bars and into big venues.

Sunday with familiarity I was back at the Sheep to experience another Spectrum to remember in what truly is Croydon's only venue away from the monster that is RnB. It was indeed another wicked one, with residents, Mek, Skope, Logik, Krystal, Mako and of course the one and only MC Sgt Pokes (we salute you sar!), alongside the mighty Randall. Randall was a bit inconsistent with the vibes, playing a lot of boing-boing which the very heady crowd seemed to like and then hitting with some heavy weight Dilly stuff from a few years back. Skopes and the Sarg' (the real reason the place was packed) were on point as usual, with Skopes mixing it up the likes of Breakage's beautiful So Mars/So Vain before hitting the crowd with some really 'heavy shit' which he reports he questioned for a second before deciding 'yeah, fuck it.' Immediate therapy after Skopey's set came in the form of DJ Krystal. Louis Krystal's been part of the Spectrum family for some time now, but this was by far the best set he'd ever played, mixing up Amen classics, with Roni Size and the Halo theme tune which appeared to have a more astounding effect on the blokes on the dancefloor than any Amen choppin' track could ever have. Believe me, I've got the pics as proof.


On a dub tip, I've been listening to Joe Nice's mix a lot. Really enjoying the new Skreamz and Loefah stuff, particularly 808 Love/808 Bass/'I' (it's getting called all sorts of things) and Monsoon Remix which has been sounding good this time of year and at the same time been taking me back to the Spring of last year when I first heard the original. I remember thinking that the compilation that it featured on 'Dubstep Allstars' was one of the most beautiful and different things I'd ever heard and couldn't possibly imagine that tracks such as Monsoon and the incredible Highland Spring had come out of dusty ol' Croydon. A year later, there's no way I will ever doubt the musical might of the place again.

The Scream

scream
Originally uploaded by infinite.

Some friends and I spotted this on our way home from the Technicality Allnighter. Thanks to the wonder of Mobile Phones, we have this photo which shows in detail how the image was constructed. This part of East London is always rich in Street Art, but this Screaming face is by far one of the most inventive pieces I've seen round there. Not sure who the piece is by, so if anyone knows, please send the info my way!

photo copyright Michael Rea 2005

Doctor Woo

How good was that?!

www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho

Know your cats

DMZ Allnighter Pictures:

Finally after a long wait (and quite a few requests to see them), the DMZ Allnighter pics are here! Although they couldn't possibly do the night true justice, they at least show nearly all of the people who made it the truly historic night that it was. Presenting you lot in all of your technicoloured (and mono) glory...

Enter the chamber of the Soul Snatcha... >>

Panther watch day 2

Residents of South East London are still on high alert after yesterday's Big Cat attack . However, we can rest safe in the knowledge that Uncle Lowfie has set up big cat traps and Joe Nice has our back all the way from Baltimore.

The word from Joe: " can you imagine...you're walking around and a cat jumps on you? how bizarre is that?  and...it's a wild cat!!! it's not like it got out of a zoo or something.  i mean...i've been in an accident where the driver hit a deer....i've been in some close calls also, but i couldnt dream of a panther (in south london) attacking someone...this isnt Africa. some safari business. wow....

[and the best bit:]

stay in the house...i dont want to hear that you've been the cat's meow. "

Subloaded Dubstep Allnighter: April 15

Plasticman
Digital Mystikz B2B Loefah feat. Sgt Pokes
Vex'd
Cyrus (Random Trio)
DJ Pinch B2B Blakey
October B2B Thinking

Attack of the Yanks

We've waited quite a long time for a new uniquely British sound (it's debatable but I guess the last one was Garage propa?) and as soon as we get one, the Yanks grab it from right under our noses and run with it. Jokes aside (I really am jokin' so no hatemail please!) Grime and Dubstep and the associated genres- Eski, Sub-Low, 8-Bar etc has kicked off in The USA, most obvious within the blogging community. The spreading of the Grime and Dubstep viruses appears to be mostly brought about by excellent and well distributed releases such as Rephlex's Grime compilations, Run The Road DJ's such as Joe Nice, courtesy of Gourmet Beats Radio and of course good old word o' mouth.

Lastest addition to the word of mouth world is Canadian based Riddim.Ca which defines itself as being 'North America's first web portal and online community dedicated to Grime, Dubstep and related sounds.' The site features a forum, links, downloads and interviews including one with the South London Jock Kode9.

Other State side lovers include the New Yorker's Sasha Frere Jones who's written a great article called 'True Grime' in which he explains and dissects the genre to the relatively unaware residents of Big Apple. Can't forgot our homie DQ who has also interviewed Kode9 and keeps us updated on Stateside Grime and Dubstep manuva's. Westside we have Kid Kameleon who could be considred as San Fran's answer to The Bug, mixing up Ragga, Dancehall, Breakbeat, Grime and generally keeping the bass rumbling West-side alongside his partner in Grime, the talented Ms Ripley (pictured above).


For printed literature, the beautiful XL8R magazine was one of the first to pick up 'pon the Dubstep phenomenon, hitting in 2002 with an issue dedicated to the sound. 'Feel the power it's Dubstep' featured interviews and profiles on some of the forefounders, including: Horsepower, Ammunition and Ghost Records. Quite shameful that a U.S magazine showcased the sound 3 years ago whilst we're still waiting around for UK magazines to really go for it.


Stateside Homies:

www.djripley.blogspot.com
www.dubquixote.com
www.gourmetbeats.com
www.joenice.blogspot.com
www.kidkameleon.blogspot.com
www.riddim.ca
www.sashafrerejones.com
www.xlr8r.com

Ambassador, with this mix you are really spoiling us

teamniceb
Originally uploaded by infinite.

Joe Nice, Gourmet Beats Radio March 2005 >>

The U.S ambassador of Dubstep Mr Joe Nice has again hit us with another mix, this time featuring loads of fresh dubs that he picked up on his recent visit to Blighty. I haven't listened to it yet but with a tracklisting that includes Skream's amazing 808 Love which is one of my favourite tunes of the moment (see 808 Bass post), 28 Grams, Monsoon Remix and Neverland (still not bored of that one), it's bound to be a hot one...

TRACKLISTING
Intro - MD Pacesetters SteelDrum Orchestra - Sexual Healing
Skream - 808 Love
Plasticman - Skint / Rockahz Remix
Loefah v Skream - 28 Grams
NType - RastaFari
Loefah - KrackBong Remix
Digital Mystikz - Neverland
Plasticman - The Mammoth Remix
Loefah - Monsoon Remix
Digital Mystikz - Conference
Skream - Shallow Grave
D1 - Violent UTurn
Oris Jay - Salute
S & D - Vulcan Grip

www.gourmetbeats.com
www.joenice.blogspot.com

I want one of these

Unfortunately my Nan hasn't got this one

Blues and No Saul

You may of noticed that although I was quick with the local news today ('Sydenham Psycho Cat'/'Feline Friends' story) I held off mentioning the incident at last night's Nas gig at Brixton Academy (which I nearly went to but didn't). This was partly due to waiting to hear a trustworthy account- I used to work for local newspapers so I know how stories about shootings can get twisted in favour of 'London Gun Crime' hype. Thanks to some fine tuned Fiddy sense, I can report that Blues and Soul Magazine writer Hattie Collins has written a personal account of the night.

http://hattiecollins.blogspot.com/2005/03/nas-get-down.html


Speaking of Blues and Soul Magazine- I wandered into Brikky's WHSmith's* this lunch time to check the magazine selection. Picked up this month's issue which said 'Saul Williams' on the front, only to find that there was no Saul to be found. Anyone who knows me, know's that I'm a HUGE fan of Mr Williams *understatement* so I was kinda disappointed...alright, heartbroken by his lack of presence. If anyone else has got the issue, please confirm that the article's not in there. It really could just be that I wasn't looking properly. Either that or they confused Saul for Ludacris (doubtful). Despite B&S's mischief, it rectified the situation by featuring a hefty interview with one of the nicest blokes in Grime, Plasticman in which he talks about everything from wanting to give 'the whole scene something to be proud of' in the form of his.... (you'll have to read the article to find out) as well as his own definition of the difference between Grime and Dubstep, part of the continuing name debate that keeps on cropping up.


There are also some good bits and pieces of news and reviews in the mag including a review of Blak Twang's latest album 'The Rotten Club' plus a small piece announcing the publication of RZA's Wu-Tang Manual which is bound to be an interesting read. Before I forget, Saul Williams is touring the UK this year including a stint at The Scala on May 3. If you haven't heard any of his stuff- check Coded Language (Amethyst Rock Star LP/Krust-Coded Language LP) which has got to be one of the most powerful Drum n Bass tracks ever produced and the somewhat Ragga bass infused 'African Student Movement' (last years self-titled album).


* WHSmith's in Brixton has a shabby magazine selection but it never lacks Blues and Soul

Sydenham Psycho Cat- (Is this better?)

Just received a complaint from a certain South East London dweller and Dubsteppa regarding the 'Sydenham's Feline Friends' post below . Not wanting to 'publicly cuss' me, he's refrained from leaving a comment on the site but advised me to:

a) Link to the BBC London site (done)

b) "change the photo of the cat to a proper Puma/Panther because the pic of the 'domestic' house cat is shit and not at all scary or accurate" (or something along those lines).

To the fussy so-and-so in question, hope the above picture of this bossed-eyed beauty satisfies (nearly as psychologically scarring as your tunes).

Sydenham's Feline Friends

Warning all S.E Londoners, there's a wild animal loose in Sydenham... (and I aint talking outside Twilights on a Saturday night)


"Police are looking into a reported sighting of a big cat after a man was attacked in his back garden."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4370893.stm


hmmmmm...

Technicality Summer Allnighter

Brrrrap! The date of the Summer Technicality Allnighter has just been confirmed as Friday 29th July. Should be nice and sweaty!

You can listen to mixes of last week's Allnighter on the Inperspective site 'mixes' page!

I'll have some pics online very soon y'all!

Get heard online

Found this article about getting your music online- how and where to upload files, get heard etc...

Another Guardian article >>

"..Ever wanted to be a famous DJ but sucked scratching?"

Air scratching anyone? We've all done it at some point, but now there's an actual competition for it! I wonder if actual DJ's are allowed to enter?


Guardian article>>

http://www.air-scratch.com
http://www.scratchophonic.com

Get Lost...

...around town and make some music out of the journey.


www.breakintheroad.com is an incredible website by designer Luke Whittaker. The site allows you to wander around the Urban landscape (including a Hogshead pub!) recording sounds which you can then go back and mixdown. It takes a few seconds to load up but once you're there, it's truly mindblowing and ridiculously addictive.

Whilst I'm on the subject of sites, the LINX page has been updated.

ITAL BEATZ BLOG

www.italbeatz.blogspot.com New Dubsteppin label ITAL are the latest to join the blogging community- catch all the info on their first release which features Skreamz storming 'Anger' and 'Traitor' plus an amusing photo of the man in action.

Don't be scared it's only Street Art

Due to the recent acquisition of the Street Logo's book by Tristian Manco (thanks to Ms M and Mr Andy) my head's been deep in the world of street art. Manco (who also brought us Stencil Graffiti) has put together a brilliant and informed collection of the eclectic styles of street art and mentions everything from Stickers to Freeforms.
Artists particularly worth a mention are the literally cutting edge Swoon who cuts out intricate paper characters and pastes them up on New York's surfaces and one of my all time favourites, UK's Adam Neate who in a true protest against Art as a commodity, leaves his one off canvases around the streets for passers-by to either ignore or pick up. I'm still waiting to come across one of his works, in the meantime, I'll have to settle for his very cool website www.adamneate.co.uk Street Logo's is an interesting insight into both the evolution of Street Art and it's possible future. It's out now in shops and definitely worth investing in.





Shouts to my friend Night Ryder who passed on a link to a superb graffiti site called Wooster Collective which appears to act as a newsroom for International graffiti -tirelessly adding information about new works and actions to it's vast archives. The particular link that was passed was a post about one of Banksy's latest political protests in Brighton. The photo above right is a Banksy piece I found in 2001 whilst wandering around Soho.

Instrumental equality

(Pic stolen from Macc, Subvert Central)

Drumz in the deep sarf

i like cowboys.

Birthday Greetings and Bass Beatings

Technicality Allnighter

Big shouts to the Inperspective crew who pulled off another wicked Allnighter on Saturday. Walking into a packed basement bash fuelled by a fat sound system on my birthday is my idea of heaven. Unfortunately, I was slightly worse for wear so couldn't appreciate the full beauty of stomach churning bass but had a wicked night nonetheless. Highlights of the evening included Breakage's set which was his usual high standard selection- with tune of the moment, 'Prophecy' and the 'Acid Rain' V.I.P causing a riot. Other highlights included bumping into Paradox on the bus (not something that happens everyday) and meeting some of the intanatty crew who'd flown over for the event including Amsterdam's Quest One who treated me to a fine back roll and San Fran's Tone. Big up to Orson who made it to Stokey from Germany (via Forward>> and DMZ) and who I keep bumping into on the streets of London. Check Subvert Central for all the gossip on the next night, plus an insight into the next one in July.

Bassbin Rare Groove's LP

Keeping on the Drumz tip, Bassbin's first l.p 'Rare Groove's' is out now and features a selection of tunes by today's freshest and most soulful Drumz producers, namely: Skitty, Alias (Breakage & Flight), Calibre, Paradox, Equinox, Digital, Breakage and Seba & Lenk. These guys really are the saviours of Drum n Bass which has of late been slowly morphing into an ugly mish mash of clownstep and gabba-esque tempo's (and let's face it, anything gabba-esque should be killed). The album launch party headlined by "Bailey Bailey Bailey", is tommorrow at Plastic People and with Equinox, Breakage and Flight also on the line-up, is set to be one of DnB's finest moments of '05. Rare Grooves is available at all good record stores including Soho's Blackmarket and of course, Croydon's Nu Wax City, where you also get to have a nice chat with Skopey boy who kindly bought me the album for me birthday (but hasn't given it to me yet).

Loefah and Skreamz Shizzle Brizzle

Check the Gutterbreakz blog for a very informative and amusing piece about Skream and Loefah's recent trip to Bristol. His description's of the pair particularly tickled me, "In person Loefah cuts an imposing figure and looks like a bit of a thug.." and "By contrast Skream was all nervous energy, doing mad rewinds at every opportunity, bouncing around and occasionally knocking the needle off the record by accident.." sounds about right to me. Speaking of Skreamz, don't forget that his E.P is out right now on the newly born Ital label and features two typically storming Skreamz tracks: Angry and Traitor.

Forward>>: Bi monthly April.

Now Twice a month, head to Plastic People, feel the bass in your face and bring your fire extinguishers, 'this one's a hot one.'

'>>Still moving FWD The future sound of the underground'

Forward>> Thursday April 7th

Search And Destroy
Hatcha
Slimzee & Riko
Mc Crazy D

Forward>> 21st April

Digital Mystikz
Landslide
Oris Jay
Mc Crazy D

FORWARD>> 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month
10 pm - 2 - am
5 pounds all night
plastic people
147 curtain rd
ec2
Old street Tube

WWW.plasticpeople.co.uk
Enquiries: 0207 7247 7252
Info@forwardclub.co.uk
www.dubplate.net

wooooooooooooooooooo!

DMZ 00:3: Out Now!

DMZ 00:3
Originally uploaded by infinite.

This is the 3rd release from the current hot ones of Dubstep, DMZ and features two classic riddims- Mala's 'Da Wrath' (Souljah's VIP) and a remix of Loefah's original dancefloor smasher 'Twis-up'. This time round, Twis-up's been treated to some sexy tribal styles courtesy of Youngsta & Task whilst 'Da Wrath' which originally featured on the Digital Mystikz 'Pathway's' E.P (Big Apple) has been laced with an even darker, bassier, more industrial sound which, with it's military vibe is right to be called the 'Souljah's' VIP.

Two true stompers from the DMZ camp, I've been shaking my hips to these on the dancefloor for a while so it's good to finally own them.

Listen: Da Wrath Souljah's V.I.P , Twis-up Remix

Audio clipz courtesy of our favourite record shop Blackmarket Records.

www.dmzuk.com

Attention Swiss Heads: Skope March 18

I have no idea what the bottom text says, but I had to post this one up... Ol' Skopey boy is going internatty with his first ever overseas gig on the 18th March! Having seen this boy rise up over the past 5 years, and now headlining a gig in Geneva almost brings a tear to my eye! You Da man Skopey! *sniff*

Friday, March 18, 2005 @23:00
FREEBASE CORPORATION / CH

SKOPE(Nu Wax City, Jerona Fruits/UK)
FREEBASE CORPORATION feat. KAJEEN CH. concert
ROLLA (Freebase coep. /CH)
GREG GEE LEONE (Red i Flight/CH)

Fee/Price : 5f/4€ avant minuit, 10f/7€ avant 2h, 15f/11€ apres

Comments

Collectif de drum’n’bass électro-acoustique à base libre. Une drum voyageuse infusée de jazz et de transpiration scénique. Avec une trompette jazzy ronde ou assourdie, un programmeur de vibrations et de nappes soniques, une basse plongeant au seuil des infrasons, un batteur aux grooves ciselés, un explorateur de sillons. De takeoffs énervés en vols planés apaisés, Freebase Corporation aime les changements de routes et les virages live à 180 degrés.

Place/Club
Le Zoo de l'Usine
4 place des Volontaires
1204 Genève
CH

Tempo Tantrum, 9 April

Tempo Tantrum are back with another heavyweight selection. Last months' Tempo saw DJ Skope and Sgt Pokes smash it on the mic in the DnB room.. this time round, it's the turn of the mighty mighty Mystikz in the Dubstep room with Digital, Jerona Fruits and Lab Creation's MC Blackeye in the Drumz room.

Tempo Tantrum @ The Telegraph, Sat 9th April 2004

Room 1 - DnB

Fabio (BBC Radio 1, Creative Source)
Digital (Timeless, Function)
Jerona Fruits
Lady K
Koose (Ministry Of Sound Radio)
Kubiks (Defunked)
DJ Guvna
MCs: DVS, BlackEye, Goldenchild
Room 2 - Breaks/Dubstep/Broken

BLIM (TCR, Track)
Digital Mystikz (DMZ)
Reza
Intajah
Xerxes
Matt Juice
MC: Manikular

Time: 9pm - 6am
Admission: £6 b4 11, £10/7 (NUS) after

228 Brixton Hill, London SW2

email info@tempotantrum.co.uk all-night £6 concessions

http://www.tempotantrum.co.uk

dmz 2: May 7

www.dmzuk.com
Originally uploaded by infinite.

We have lift off....

You know why you're here

I'm still bathing in a sea of goodness brought about by Saturday's DMZ Allnighter. This is one I'll never forget- partly due to the unbelievable amout of positive feedback pon the hinternet. Blackdown has summed up the night perfectly- commenting on the emotion unleashed by Digital Mystikz and Loefah B2B. Dubplate.net has a wonderful amount of comments which talk about everything from Coki's unbelievable new tracks (the 4 x rewind going by the name of 'Haunted') to Sgt Pokes smashin' the place up on the mic (truly marvellous) as well as the general vibes that were felt on Saturday. As Joe Nice points out, this really is a community-'and something you want to be a part of.' I couldn't have put it better myself. Joe has provided us with some pics on Gourmet Beats and Distinction has posted some up on dubplate.net. Infinite's pics are still to come but I'll let you lot know first when they're up. Here's a little mini exclusive in the meantime ;-)

Oh, and in case you're wondering- it aint over quite yet. DMZ will be back in May with another one, this time featuring some of the Godfathers of the sound, Horsepower and Hatcha (Shouts to Hyperdub for these linked interviews). Full line-up will be online soon... Let the buzz begin. www.dmzuk.com

Roots Manuva @ Brixton, 4 March

DSC_0141
Originally uploaded by infinite.

What with all the buzz and excitement of the DMZ Allnighter, I haven't had a chance to mention Friday's Roots Manuva gig at Brixton Academy. After what seemed like an age, Mr Manuva (aka Rodney Smith) finally hit his hometown big style and was greeted with gusto from the crowd. Startin with the Steptoe and Son theme tune seemed perfect for someone like Roots who has carved a true UK style out of his South London-Caribbean upbringing, avoiding the pure Hip-Hop tag in favour of dub/ ragga styles. The gig showcased what is perhaps his most developed and stylised album to date- Awfully Deep- a true representation of the amalgamation of styles and culture unique to South London. Laughin' as he sang it was obvious that Roots Manuva was slightly bemused by all the attention but eventually, developed the confidence to dance on stage and get the crowd goin with talk of his growing up around the corner. Highlights of the gig for me were Chin High, Babylon Medicine and Colossal Insight but undoubtedly it was the old one's that really did it- Witness, Dreamy Days and my most favourite Roots Manuva tune, Tears which he kindly left til last. This was a Big, Bad gig and worth the lengthy wait. As for the photo- exposure wise, it's not the best of the bunch, but it's definitely my favourite one of the lot as it seems to capture the joy that the Brixton boy done good was feeling. www.rootsmanuva.co.uk

Haunted

It’s 11.42 pm and I’ve spent the whole day trying to sleep- but finding myself lying awake in a daze. I’ve been writing bits and pieces about last nights DMZ Allnighter but the sentances are garbled and incoherent due to an overwhelming feeling that words simply aint gonna justify the experience. That may sound like an overstatement but all those who were there sharing those vibes and feeling that bass know exactly what I mean. Truly truly incredible. Loefah, Sgt Pokes, Mala, Coki- THE DMZ Collective- threw more than a party- they throw a beautiful and emotional gathering of mind, body, soul and the metaphysical- perfectly summed up in their back to back set in which everything fell in to place.

KARMA KAMELEON

Just thought I'd share some warm words I received from Kid Kameleon (Ragga, dub, breaks DJ) who's been spreading the dubstep vibe Stateside:


Ahhhh, now your making me miss London more than ever ...I'm stuck in America till I can make back the money to go on tour again and make it back.

Looks like y'all are going to have a huge show this weekend... wish I could be there more than anything ...
sigh... We got our little thing going on this weekend. All the DMZ artists music will be represented at least.

Keep snappin. Look me and Ripley up if you come to San Fran.

Kid K



www.kidkameleon.com
www.flickr.com/photos/kidkameleon
www.mashit.co/

The Big One: Thursday...

Last night saw the start of the BIG weekend, beginning with Kode9’s Rinse fm show which featured Virus Syndicate who were in to promote their forthcoming album ‘Work Related Illness.”

Kode’s been teasing us for weeks with extracts of tunes such as 'Taxman and Robin', but to hear them in full plus some live MCing from the crew on the show was incredible. These are possibly some of the most exciting and original tunes I’ve heard in a long time- the lyrics are clever and amusing and together with Mark One’s crisp production, blow a lot of recent UK Hip Hop and Grime off our cold little island. I wish I could tell you more, but as yet, all I know is that the album is due to be released late March/early April and has already received acclaim from the likes of Hip Hop Connection which put it on the No. 1 spot in the 'open up' section.

As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one night, I then made my way down to Forward>> for the second installment of the Kode9 extravaganza- bumping into a certain U.S DJ by the name of Joe Nice along the way. Joe, along with Orson and Conspira forms part of the International Crew who have come over to London just for this weekend. Wonder hit first, warming things up with loads of the usual Rinse anthems, followed by Plasticman, bringing his special blend of break beat garage on to the packed Plastic People dancefloor. Next up was Kode, who smashed it up with his mix of grimey and dubby styles such as the delicate styles of Neverland (pull-up x3) with the aggie sound of Virgo’s Monster (dangerous tune). He also dropped some Daddi Gee madness, the baaad bwoy spoken word bwoy who likes to have us all think that he’s old, wise and Jamaican (but does so with pure style and conviction), as well as some latest offerings from the likes of Loefah and Burial. It was a truly momentous Forward>> packed full of good vibes and fukking good sounds.
Some dark and moody beats on the way home in the car (more about that another time) and that was that for Thursday. Y’all know about the rest of the weekend- and if you don’t you’ve obviously been asleep... (see below for details). Shouts to Bandit, Dangerous, Joe, Youngsta, Skreamz, Chef, J , Loe, Mala, Kode9, Daddi Gee, Lucia (who seems to be right about everything gravitating towards one date), D1, Appleblim and the Nopalumbo heads, Orson, Plastic, Jackie and the Steppa crew, Clarky and everyone else who kept me smilin, laughin and skankin through my ridiculous tiredness last night. I didnt bring my camera, so I'll be mugging Joe for his photo's later.

Oh and did I mention that the mighty Forward>> is moving Forward? As of April, it’s going fortnightly, starting with Search and Destroy, Hatcha and Slimzee, followed by Landslide and Oris Jay and Digital Mystikz (bout fukkin’ time!).

Grimey politics

In a grand unification of underground music blogs- Clarky has written a post about a post on Chantelle Fiddy's blog which I'm now proppin'(maybe one of them can tell me if that's actually a word).

Chantelle got the ball rollin by talking about her experience of music journalism politics. Should they write about the stuff they aint feelin' as well as the stuff they are feelin'?

Read all about it..
http://blackdownsoundboy.blogspot.com/2005/02/rough-v-smooth.html

"Aint no half steppin" -Dubquixote

PLASTICAM
Originally uploaded by infinite.

Interesting piece on Dubquixote about the nature of recent Grime and Dubstep in which DQ comments that sort of sounds played by Youngsta (e.g Digital Mystikz, Loefah, D1) have become distinctly slower and more spacious, bringing some extra clarity to the 'dub' in dubstep.

He asks:
"Considering the reports of chronic head-nodding and nary a swerve of the hips to be found on the dancefloor, the only lingering question may be if we can even call this music 'dance music' any longer?"

I'd say that yes you can call this dance music simply because this particular sound has a tendency to work on two levels. Usually, there's the half step beat for the headnodding smokers at the back (you know who you are) layered with a more uptempo beat for the skankers at the front. It's a nice combination and one that makes this sound so accessible.

Funny that this question should be asked as I've had many a conversation with as yet Dubstep rave virgins who have this preconception that dubstep dancefloors are full of moody lookin stoners nodding their heads. They/We do exist, but what you tend to find is that the same heads that are simply nodding one week will be going mental in the middle of the dancefloor the next... it's dance music if you want it to be.

Latest pics

shadow
Originally uploaded by infinite.

(Thriller Funk Jan). So they're late but never mind.

click on the image to see more and let me know what you think!