Rain was pouring from the sky as we departed on our journey to Deep In The Jungle 13 but as we neared our destination the clouds split and the Strawberry Moon was shining through, full and bright on the first Summer’s night, a cosmic omen of a killer party about to begin. Arriving at the ‘secret location’ immediately brought feeling of old skool rave vibes rushing over us following map points and meeting up with fellow ravers hyped to get it going in the dance. The venue was tight with vibes already thick as Oribital Sky was laying it down on the decks. The sound was booming, all dialed in and we dipped into room 2 just in time for some of Subverb’s smooth grooves. Next up in the main room was Selekta Steel along with Rifle MC and they did not disappoint laying down some hard dirty DnB to ramp up the night followed by Dj Glyde who also kept the vibes flowing. Drum and Bass Proper’s very own Critical Octane stepped up to the decks and the party had no idea but they were about to dance like no one was watching!!!!!!! Silent Hype smoothed out the sounds on the dance floor with MC Question Mark before Delamota himself stepped up to put the party back into high gear and get everyone ready for the main event. AK1200 walked in and was shown around the venue then quickly made his was to the stage to prepare to absolutely destroy Deep In The Jungle 13!!!
The vendors had a broad range of goods for sale from food, clothing, stickers, body jewelry and a whole lot more.
All in all the party was extremely fun with an underground vibe and everyone in attendance were smiling and dancing all night and into the early morning.
We caught up with the Stateside Legend himself AK1200 for a quick interview again eight years after our first major post on Drum And Bass Proper.
1) What is your take on the evolution of the Drum and Bass scene since the last interview in 2016, going through COVID and into the present time? Both globally and for North American DNB.
I think DnB has carried on with its cycle of trend, style, and popularity, just as it has for the last 3 decades. I used to feel much stronger about my opinions with the way things go or have gone, but now, it’s not really my place or time. There is amazing drum and bass music out there, as there should be, with the advancement of resources available to artists these days… But, it still sort of follows everyone else’s rules now. It never did that before. We stood on our own and never worried about other genres. If we made a tune that sounded like another genre, it was out of respect, or as an homage. Now it’s kind of a formula for a wider audience. The crossover of EDM friendly DnB and the artists who skirt that line, have been able to bring new people around, and now some are revamping certain traditional flavors. Jump up has been massive all over the UK and Europe, Liquid has been really favorable across the states, and Jungle has come back really strong worldwide. Most recently, I’ve seen a noticeable increase in tech step tunes. If that stays the course, I think things will be fine for years to come. There is so much new talent to carry the torch, let them have a go at building their legacies.
2) How do you feel about the advancements in technology for the tools available and utilized by DJs today?
I think there are some amazing tools available to enhance any DJ’s performance. I do feel the role of a DJ has changed dramatically over the last few years. If I were a new DJ trying to prove myself, I would be using Ableton Push or some sort of enhanced set up that allowed me to build an experience that was unique to me. Looping and rearranging stems on the fly and creating something different because it is right there at our fingertips. I don’t find much talent in those who try to give a performance by getting on the mic and dancing around. That was never our job. If it is now, well, it is what it is. Still, I would rather use my time to create original elements with equipment as opposed to running on autopilot. I mean that in the most respectful way, of course. People do what they feel, and that’s great. Somewhere though, the art of the mix DJ has been lost and the art of the show DJ has been born.
3) What artists do we need to pay more attention to? Who are the up and coming talents at the moment in your opinion?
Taste is subjective, so rather than look for artists, I would suggest checking out labels or collectives/crews and exploring until you find someone that resonates. Then, dig as deep as you can into them, their playlists, their associates. You could listen to one thing and it put you off completely, then listen to the next person and it be everything you never knew you needed in your life. Take the time to dig through bodies of work. Learn the artists you resonate with, and show them support, even just an email to say you like the music. Start with your hometown crew. Support the locals in your area who constantly push and push for the growth of the scene.
4) Words of wisdom:
1. Don’t take your ears for granted. You might think it’s a hassle to always put earplugs in or feel that it isn’t going to damage anything. Take it from someone who will never know the sound of silence, ever again. If I let tinnitus consume my conscious mind for any more than a moment, it would drive me absolutely mad. I have to talk loud just so I can hear myself, and that sometimes comes off as yelling. Worse though, I have such a hard time hearing certain frequencies of the human voice, I have to practically look at your mouth to help make out the words you say to me.
2. Sign up for every possible loyalty program you can. Hotel chains. Airlines. Rental car companies, everything.
3. Be yourself. Find who you are and stay there. You don’t have to change with the seasons. Stand for something and stick by it through thick and thin. It will suit you in all facets of life.
Written by Octane Amy / C.C.P
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