Tell us about your artist mix.
For this mix I ran through a few unreleased, upfront cuts ... There’s a lot more coming, of course, but I wanted to highlight my favorites that will hopefully see a release soon.
You’re originally from Detroit, but now based in Denver. Why did you make the move?
I moved out to Denver for the scenery, both nature and music. Denver has a nice mix of talented DJs and general music fans that love going out, making for a very healthy and refreshing scene. I’ve been DJing in Denver for about 12 years now—even after a long trip or tour, I love being able to drop my bags immediately and hit a show or club and see friends from all across my music world perform.
How do the two places compare?
Aside from both cities being dance music hubs in the US, I see Detroit and Denver as their own thing, so there’s not really a comparison to me.
What artists and DJs inspired you when you were growing up in Detroit?
So many!!! A lot of the radio DJs and DJs playing electro and ghettotech got me moving—folks like Lisa Lisa, DJ Godfather, Gary Chandler, DJ Nasty, Aux 88 … I still flock to lots of DJs that know how to blend many styles across genres and eras of dance music in one set.
How would you describe the state of drum & bass in the States?
I’m enjoying the way it’s going here! There’s so many more resources for people—especially younger audiences—to get into the genre and deep dive to find tunes and mixes they like. The thing that I feel which stagnated the scene in the early/mid 2000s in the US was the lack of looking outside the genre, it got derivative and gatekeeping was rampant … Nowadays there are a lot of artists and such popping up from other genres, making this style with really fresh ears.
Do you find yourself connected more to the scene here or overseas?
I feel connected to both! My discography I feel is testament to that. I have more overseas releases, but a lot of support comes from stateside listeners, also.
While many fans know you for your drum & bass, you’ve also dabbled in juke, hip-hop, and more. Is there a style of music that you’ve always wanted to make, but haven’t yet?
All the styles I constantly enjoy listening to end up as inspiration directly in my production. I can’t think of a style I haven’t worked in!!
What artists and sounds have been inspiring you lately?
The Exit Records UK camp I very much enjoy nowadays. I say that not as someone with a few records on the label, either—Dbridge and Will really let me push boundaries on my releases with them, and I am very proud of the records that are a result of that.
Any releases or artists that you’ve been rinsing a lot this year?
My favorite tracks recently are from the Freshmoon Records camp from San Antonio, Texas—FreshtilDef, MoonDoctor and Nikes. Easily the most cutting edge and dancefloor-smashing footwork and bass music out there—definitely keep an eye out for some collabs between us in the future.
Can you describe your production process? How has it changed over the years?
I usually work on as many sketches as I can, play them for friends in their cars to see where it’s at sonically—if I feel good about it I finish it. I work while touring or in transit a lot less than I used to … Along with varying ambient noise and a tight schedule, I could not achieve the same focus of being at my studio desk and getting ideas out effectively. If it calls for it though, I’ll definitely get some projects going that I’m really motivated by, no matter the location.
Outside of music, what do you like to do?
I’m 100 percent a pop culture sponge—TV, movies, film, the news, food, sports—I watch and read it all. The method to this madness is that it makes for great sampling. I love heading out to nature when I can, and cooking is a constant joy.
What’s on the horizon for you this year?
More music, more living! Getting out all of these tunes, planning Europe and Asia dates and thinking about setting up a space to release some of my friends’ music too … All in time.
