Last year the Oxford-based label Wyatt Noise seemingly exploded from nowhere. Uniting a collective of local, like-minded producers, each one of them pushing each other with exciting beats, it’s put Oxford on D&B map with true distinction. The most recent artist to release a solo EP on the label is GDS. We thought we’d give him a call and see where he’s at. He’s even given us a mix, too!
Tell us about yourself… Is Wyatt Noise the first label you’ve hooked up with?
“Yeah, I’ve had stuff kicking around for a long time though. I’ve been producing for about 10 years. Since I was at school, basically. I’ve been into drum & bass since 1998 and wanted to be involved in the scene since I first ever heard it. Progressing from jungle to the Bristol sound to Bad Company… Everything I heard made me want to be part of the scene more and more. It’s satisfying finally getting some exposure and people appreciating what I do, the feedback I’ve been great so far.”
There seems to be a nice family vibe to the label…
“Yeah definitely. Rich Raw has wanted to run a label for a long time. There are a lot of us here in Oxford making some really exciting music. Rich is pushing it really well, and it’s been really inspirational for all of us. We’re trying to make better tunes each and every time.”
Progress! So your first tune was Prayers, now The Right Way and Techtonic… Each one a completely different shade of D&B. You cover a lot of ground.
“Thanks. I’m influenced by everything I hear. When I played The Right Way and Techntonic to Rich and we both agreed they complemented each other and show how versatile both me and the label can be…”
Definitely. I love the sudden, shuddering switch from deep to heavy on Techtonic…
“I made that bassline first! I have a habit of making a dark hook but I’m also a sucker for those deeper, Rhodesy sounds. Techtonic is a combination of both, it’s a progression from the more subtle sounds that I really enjoy to the darker grooves that I’ve been known to get into. I think it works.”
It does. Now then, The Right Way… What is GDS’s guide to doing things The Right Way?
“Ha! Do your own thing. Don’t be afraid by what other people think… Be confident. Obviously take advice from other people but essentially be true to yourself.”
Strength of your convictions! Nice. Tell us about the mix…
“It starts deep and melodic and builds to develop a dancefloor feel. I wanted to put as many styles into it as possible and represent the whole genre.”
Perfect. Finally, tell us something you’ve never told in an interview before…
“Haha! Okay, I mainly make my tunes in my dressing gown drinking cups of tea and eating Principe biscuits. They’re from Spain, I fill a suitcase every time I go over there…”
GDS – The Right Way / Tectonic is out now. Download.
DOWNLOAD GDS’S MIX
Tracklist:
Ivy Lab (Sabre, Stray, Halogenix & Frank Carter III) – Oblique VIP
Hybrid Minds – Lost
Logistics – Fibreglass
Release – Imagine That
GDS – The Right Way
Bloodtypes – Holding On
Zero T – Roxy Music
Pennygiles – Vibe Is Right
dRamatic & dbAudio – Far Away (Total Science Remix)
Undersound – If I Shouldn’t Lose You
Styla – Basic Instinct
Calibre – Temple Step
Bredren – Eclipse
Enei & Kasra – So Real
Foreign Concept & Xtrah – Harsh Reality
GDS – Techtonic