Name: Ash-A-Tack

Crew/Record Label: Directors Cut /Worldclass Management

Prefered style of music: DnB/ Raregrooves/RnB

1> What types of music influenced you when you was growing up? and when did you start listening to dnb?

I have always listened and started DJ to Raregroove and soul. I started listening to DnB when it first originated way back when…

2> Who has been your biggest influence as a artist?

All artists for different reasons have influenced me. Jumping Jack Frost was the first person I heard play DnB live and it was from hearing him that made me want to DJ in the industry.

3> Who are your favorite artists to perform alongside?

I love playing with anyone really; it’s always nice to have variation on a line up. I have enjoyed playing with everyone, each DJ brings a different flavour.

4> What are your goals for 2008 ?

I am in the process of launching my label Directors Cut with partner DFunk (www.bassdrive.com). The plans are looking good for that, got some new artists and wicked new beats so that will be around sometime this year. I have also joined a new management company Worldclass Management (www.myspace.com/worldclassmanagement07) and they have some great tours and stuff lined up for 08/09

5> What do you think of the state of the drum and bass scene at the moment? how has it changed? are these changes positive for us?

Some changes are positive for us. We have a real diverse range of music at the moment which is always good. It’s a shame that we don’t have very many venues at present. I feel that a lot of events are using the same line ups when there is so much talent out there. Lots of promotions are struggling and we need to support them as an industry.

6> What do you like most about playin on the london curcit?
London is the home of DnB, our variation of DJs and music is what makes its wicked for me. You never know what to expect.

7> What is your most memorable moment as an artist so far?

For me it was playing at Stevie Hyper D’s memorial night at Camden Palace. It was nice to see the whole industry come together and celebrate such a unique artist and all that he contributed to the scene.

8> What is our top 5 tracks of all time? and why?
Ahh mate, there is so much more then 5!!

1. Incredibel – Mbeat and General Levy - It brings everyone back together when I play that tune, everyone sings and it brings back the jungle flavour.

2. Set Speed – Krust – Everyone knows and loves this tune is was a turning point in DnB to another change in music production.

3. Lighta – SS – I love this tune! When you play it out everyone flames their lighters and it creates a wicked vibe

4. RIP –Remark – I play this track in memory of all the old skool ravers who passed away. It reminds me of Stevie Hyper D, Kemistry, Babyface and so many others who have contributed to the scene. It’s important to remember everyone throughout the life of DnB.

5. Special Dedication – DJ Nutnut – This one just reminds me of all the old skool junglists back on the days. Always reminds me of who far we have come as an industry.
9> What other artists would you most like t work with, alive or dead? and why?
To be honest I have worked with most of them. I would love to work with Fabio we are on the same flavour and I think we would perform well together.

10>What unforfilled ambisions do you have?

To launch a strong record label that’s not dictated to by distributors and record shops. It would be nice to allow artist to express themselves and to release a label that’s about good quality music and production without the pressures of conforming to what other want or need. It’s hard for them as well as they have their own pressures and goals but DnB is diverse and needs to be allowed to grow and change.

11>Any thing else you want to tell us?

For those of you who don’t know you can check me out every Thursday 10-12am on www.bassdrive.com. Bassdrive is a wicked station with a huge worldwide following. It has the best stream quality; it’s like performing to thousands of people every week. It has such a strong following and allows me to express myself as an artist and play across the board.

Also look out for Directors Cut coming soon…… www.myspace.com/directorscutdnb

Thank you very much see you at Student Welfare presents Radical Beats on the 27th March at the Goldsmiths Tavern (GMT BAR) New Cross.

justin