Interview: Jamie S23
Benny V: a name, for some, hidden by the label Dance Concept. For others he’s a diehard junglist with deep roots in the scene. Whatever you may know about Benny, it’s certain that his love for the scene from way back when has continued to grow on a daily basis.
This is proved by the forthcoming release of Generation Hyper, a 24 track tribute to the one and only Stevie Hyper D (RIP). Featuring reworks and original productions from some of the most respected names in drum & bass jungle (past, present and future), it ensures Stevie’s influence on the scene continues to evolve and persist in the matchless way he operated.
I called Benny up to find out more and have a good chat about the old days. While I write this interview I’m listening to SS alongside Warren G and Stevie Hyper D from Helter Skelter Anthology. It’s perfectly fitting – read on to see why…
How did Dance Concept originally get involved in the Stevie Hyper D project?
It was crazy how the concept of the 2004 album came about, after spending time with Different Levels (Stevie’s original producer) it quickly became clear that our passion for Stevie Hyper D’s work was shared. Stevie’s original album, released on Island Records in 1999 was completed with a vast amount of vocal samples unused so, with the blessing from both Nicky Blackmarket and Stevie’s mother Aida, the project was born.
The Legend was released 10 years ago in 2004. It’s crazy to think it’s been out that long. When this project was being put together what was the process in terms of selecting the producers?
We had a wish list of producers, certainly with the likes of Aphrodite and Kenny Ken we were both really keen for them to feature on the album – they went hand in hand with Hyper D and his style. Child Support were another essential act on the list as they were responsible for the anthem Buffalo Soldier. Pappa-G was another obvious choice, and one that Stevie’s family had requested. He worked alongside DJ Magic (formerly part of Prisoners of Technology) on First We Get Warm.
Dance Concept released remixes of one of Prisoners of Technology’s Trick of Technology – should we expect anything further from them?
Funny you should mention that, Jaydan is currently in the process of remixing Delicate Beats – he’s kept with the original vibe but put his own twist on it. The ‘97 riff is obviously hard to replicate so expect something fresh but still with the same jump up vibe. We had also previously released the Sub Zero remix of Trick of Technology which sold extremely well for us.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Viia3bHHYY
In terms of volume, how did the album sell? Were the high sales a motive to re-release or was this done to coincide with the forthcoming album?
Every penny of the profit from The Legend went to Stevie’s family. We wanted to make sure the project gave back to where it all started. We pressed a huge initial volume of the vinyl album which sold out, after that we moved to a second press which is pretty much all gone apart from a small stock at home. We wanted to pick up the project where it left off so re-releasing this album was not only for people that may have moved on in terms of DJ technology but also to educate the younger generation to Stevie’s unique style. It’s also important to note that all of the profit relating to the new album will also go to Stevie’s family, the producers also contributed at no charge.
The new album Generation Hyper…. A whole 21 tracks are rumoured to be coming with this, can you confirm? The logistics behind that many tunes must have been a headache!
It’s currently taken over a year to put things in place, working with over twenty producers it’s certainly been a challenge but I wouldn’t change it for anything. All of the artists have been amazing and I’ve had so many people ask to be involved in the project. It’s great that they can all pay their respects musically – where else could you hear production from such a varied amount of artists all in one place?. In total, the album features 21 drum & bass tunes and three alternative mixes. The only person missing from the rosta would be Zinc, I would have loved for him to be part of the project.
It’s great to see Nicky Blackmarket getting back into production, especially considering he was Stevie Hyper D’s favourite DJ – was it hard to get him back in the studio?
We asked Nicky to feature on The Legend however he politely declined preferring to pay his respects by supporting the production in his DJ sets – that was his way of doing Stevie justice. This time around however, he wanted to collaborate with Modified Motion which we were obviously more than happy about.
What should we expect production wise? Will it be a full on jump up affair or have producers such as Slipmatt and Nookie taken a darker approach?
People will no doubt assume Slipmatt has gone for a 4/4 approach with his tune, however, those that know his history will be pleasantly surprised. It’s not on the same tip as Breaking Free or On A Ragga Tip, the only way I can describe it is something along the lines of ‘93 jungle techno. Nookie’s track is nice and chilled out, one that has plenty of vibes and production as you would expect. The album on a whole is so versatile, it’s got something to cater for everyone.
As a producer yourself, what was your main inspiration behind the tunes you have released in respect of Hyper D?
I’m not one of these people that claims to have known Stevie well, however, we would see each other every week at Labyrinth in 1997 where I was a resident DJ. Our common interest was obviously the love of drum & bass music and we would always pay respect to each other when crossing paths during bookings. The first personal memory was probably at Hysteria, I was rolling with one of the dance crews and when throwing all kinds of crazy moves on stage I accidentally stood on Stevie’s foot. Thankfully rather than reacting as you would assume he simply grinned.
I was lucky to have seen Hyper D perform on many occasions, his energy and versatility made every performance unique. The way that he could freestyle over a bassline, taking other mcs names into the lyric who were standing on stage with him and combine them with clever word play right on the spot was so unique – that’s what made Stevie special.
Has an official release date been confirmed and will the new album received a vinyl release?
The release date for the album is 3rd March – this includes a 24 track iTunes download with an exclusive mix by Nicky Blackmarket and a four track vinyl EP and a double CD also featuring the Blackmarket mix.
What’s planned DJ wise for you?
I’m currently a resident at The Venue, New Cross, playing a mixture of commercial tracks and some well known drum & bass tunes.
Can you name your all time favourite Hyper D moment?
Helter Skelter Anthology! It was the DJ SS set alongside Warren G, they were both doing their thing, rolling out the Formation flavours when DJ Red’s Mode One gets dropped and with no warning Hyper D comes on the mic and the crowd noise is similar to that of a world cup goal – PROPER goose bumps! The first Hyper D album takes reference from the set with samples layered in the mix CD.
Lastly…How are the tap dancing lessons going?
LOL! Being at stage school from an early age it’s great to see familiar faces doing so well, especially in the dance music scene. Take MC Whizzkidd for example, he’s smashing the UK Hardcore scene and quite rightly so. Adam F was also at the same School be it a few years above! The whole tapdancing thing is a bit of a myth though, it was all about the ballet dancing.
Generation Hyper is out March 3 2014 on Dance Concept. Stay up to date and follow…
Benny V
Dance Concept
Stevie Hyper D