Get to know Program: a brand new label from the Ram camp. Established as part of their 20 year anniversary business plan, this exciting new label is dedicated to delivering the most upfront material from the most freshest faces in the scene.
Get to know Frankee: the man who’s responsible for Program’s very first release. His double A Firethorn / Pandorum is available today. Combining serious old school tendencies with tonked up contemporary sonics, both cuts have been battered by DJs lucky enough to have advanced copies, they act as a fine calling card for a future superstar. Check the Firethorn video below, then read on for a his first chatter with Drum&BassArena. If he debut is anything to go by, it’s the first of many…
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEGa33ZpemU
It’s the Program debut but you made Nevada with Basher last year, right?
“Yeah that’s right. We made it years ago! It stands the test of time really well. We kept going in on it every now and again and I was really pleased Basher liked it so much he put it on his album!”
Is Basher your drum & bass sensei, then?
“Haha! We go back a long way, man. We used to hook up and go to the local youth centre, have a laugh and play tunes. We were really young, it was long before any of us thought we could make a career out of it!”
Basher’s been around for time. What took you so long?
“I just wasn’t truly happy with what I was making for a long time. I made Pandorum and was really happy with it so sent it to the guys at Ram. They told me about the new label and I was going to be the first artist on it.”
Props. A the launch release on a new Ram label must be pretty chuffing!
“It’s mad! I feel very privileged that a label of that calibre and reputation want to start off their new label with my material. I’m ecstatic!”
What’s it like when you first hear someone like Andy C drop your tunes?
“Indescribable! You sit down in the studio and make a tune and never really think about who’s going to play it. But to be honest, it’s not who’s playing it – it’s who’s dancing to it. And their reaction. People going off to my music? That’s nuts mate! It’s not just Andy who’s playing it either, I’ve had serious support from a lot of the best guys in the game.”
Wicked. So what’s coming up next?
“I’m always making music for myself. The day job takes up a bit too much time at the moment, but as soon as I’m done I’m back in the lab and producing. I’ve been sending bits and bobs back and forth with Program. They’ve got a lot of stuff hooked up already… Wickaman, LoKo, Chroma, RV have all got things lined up. They’re gonna be a hard act to follow! But yeah, I’m focused on making the best possible music so it’s challenge I’m really enjoying.”
And hopefully you’ll be able to give up the day job…
“Gardening makes the paper, and I really enjoy it. But hopefully it’ll switch and the primary job will be the music. I’ve been asked to do some gigs soon as well, which is encouraging… Like the gig with you lot!”
Yup, September 5, D&BTV Live at Concrete!
“I’m really looking forward to that. Hopefully all the Program guys will smash it.”
Of course they will. See you there…