Jamie S23 links up with his old mate Voltage to discuss recent occurrences. Winning a shit load of awards and linking up with Shadow Demon being two of them. Exclusive and only on Drum&BassArena.
You recently collected awards for Best Breakthrough DJ and Best Breakthrough Producer, not forgetting coming 3rd in the Best Producer vote. That’s an almighty achievement considering when we originally spoke in 2014 (after your recent split from Cabin Fever) you were pretty much kicking things off from scratch. How an earth did you do it?
“Good question! Just hard work and determination I guess, I just wanted to show people I could move on and succeed.”
Do you think your connection with your fans on Facebook helps?
“Most definitely! A solid and natural internet presence is needed nowadays, people want to be your friend. Lucky for everyone I just like to talk complete rubbish and post my food and just be normal. Egos are not for me.”
Awards always brings a certain amount of “he shouldn’t have won” or “FIX”. What’s your thoughts on this? Is this just a case of jealousy or do you think awards in general have a difficult balance in the drum and bass scene?
“The only people who moan about awards are the ones who wish they had got something. If they actually won an award, then they’d be the best thing since sliced bread. Awards are always a sore point somewhere though I guess.”
What have you done with your awards? I see the promoter managed to spell yours correctly, that must have been a nice touch!
“Ha ha I’m putting them in a cabinet in my new studio – hopefully one day they can be joined by some more!”
Did you actually sell your old production desk in the end or have you modified it to serve you breakfast burritos every morning?
“Yes I sold it, I’ll have you know it was a mighty fine desk – just not right for me! – I can’t believe this is actually a question lol!”
So, from burritos to Shadow Demon – break this down for me. How did it happen from the start?
“Bassman rang me and said they were looking for a new DJ and would I be interested in the position – naturally I said yes as they’re my favorite MCs.”
I’m assuming you were a fan from EARLY?
“I’ve always been a fan from early Pure X days, those tapes are the ultimate vibe for me.”
What’s it like performing as a collaboration rather than a single DJ and a random MC on the flyer? Any major differences?
“Lots of differences. I know what type of tunes will work with the SDC MCs, this allows me to dig deeper with no need for anthem bashing plus I can keep it more low and rolling.”
In terms of the end of 2016, what’s in store production and DJ wise?
“I’m working on an album with Serum, a project for Playaz and my next EP on Low Down Deep is ready to drop soon.”
Where are you New Year’s Eve? It’s not long now!
“All will be revealed soon!”
I’ve chosen a few choice sets that feature Bassman and Trigga, after playing them through what’s your thoughts on the time period, vibes and tune selection?
First up, Daddy Randall from Hysteria 16 from 1996. I know this time period is a personal favourite hence the reason I kicked off with it.
“This is actually one of my favourite Hysteria sets! Randall is such a sick selector.”
I had to also throw this one in from ‘96, mainly because Devious D lays down a totally different flavour.
“Yeah see this is why I used to rate Pure X, because the DJs used to go there and fling down differently than anywhere else.”
Switch! This one’s from 2008. Kenny and Crissy, totally different vibes here. What’s your take on it?
“Cool set!” (Voltage blatantly wasn’t feeling this!)
Turning the tables, do you have a favourite set from Bass, Trigga etc?
“I’ll have to find the link but it’s a Bryan Gee set with Trigga and Bass from Pure X in either 1995 or 1996 – ridiculous.”
Possibly this?
Shouts and big ups?
“Big up to Bassman, Trigga, Shaydee, Logan D, Serum, Hype, all the LDD crew, my close friends and family.”
