Name: Simon Bassline Smith

Crew/Record Label: Technique Recordings & Worldwide Audio

Preferred style of music: Drum & Bass

Question Number 1 –

What types of music influenced you when you were growing up and when did you start listening to it?

Simon Bassline Smith: My early influences were funk, jazz, hip-hop, electro, house and soul. These early forms of dance music had a huge influence on me. I used to break dance and that period was pivotal for in embracing new music.
I have been part of the evolution of drum and bass and have been producing this music right from the start.
My first label was Absolute 2 records and I signed artists such as Doc Scott and Nookie for their 1st releases as artists. Drum and Bass evolved from a hand full of producers experimenting with ideas, equipment, samples and a desire to make something that they wanted to hear played at the weekend!

Question Number 2 –

Who has been your biggest influence as an artist?

Simon Bassline Smith: I have been influenced by so many people but to name a few, Roy Ayers, Kevin Saunderson. Des Mitchell is one of the greatest DJ’s ever and he influenced me early on in my career as a DJ.

Question Number 3 –

Who are your favourite artists to perform alongside?

Simon Bassline Smith: I don't have any favourites, I enjoy playing my music irrespective of the other artists on their bill. I feel it’s important that people are professional about what they do and as long as that's apparent I’ll perform happily alongside anyone.

Question Number 4 –

What are your goals for 2008?

Simon Bassline Smith: Lots of aim for 2008 - One of which was to go on WDNB Tour to USA including Miami WMC and I have just got back from that mammoth tour.
It was great - 10 gigs, 9 cities, loads of flights and airports squeezed into 14 days. Drumsound and I have always wanted to do a sample cd and we have just completed that goal.

Question Number 5 –

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

Simon Bassline Smith: The state of the scene is really healthy. I think there is a lot of high quality music out there right now but also a lot of people are trying to sound like other people and that's always been the case, especially as up and coming producers generally try and produce what's hot right now instead of trying to be themselves. That said the drum and bass scene is strong all over the world. I have just come back from a great USA tour where the parties in LA, San Francisco and Atlanta we really good. Add to that the really good parties in the UK and Europe and things are good!

Question Number 6 –

What do you like most about playing on the London circuit?

Simon Bassline Smith: I like playing everywhere not specifically London. Drum and Bass is international and I enjoy playing all over the world.

Question Number 7 –

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

Simon Bassline Smith: I would have to say signing Odyssey to Grooveriders label - Prototype Recordings and The Rider saying that now infamous statement “Don't call my phone for this!!”

Question Number 8 –

Any thing else you want to tell us?

Simon Bassline Smith:<</b>b> Yeah look out for the following on Technique Recordings & WAR:

Drumsound & Bassline Smith - Body Pump / Welcome to the Jungle

Tantrum Desire - I'll Fly with you / The Streets

Phetsta - Virtual Reality Feat Youngman / In my Eyes

Terravita - Project Mayhem /Subliminal

Technicolour - The Spot & more

Tantrum Desire - Xenomorpth / Last Stand

Drumsound & Bassline Smith - Belly Dancer

2Db - Mafia / Starsign

Also: Drumsound and Bassline Smith present 'Studio Techniques’ sample CD for the 'Loopmasters Artists Series'...Should be released around June.
With those already in the bag its now time to concentrate of writing some new material....

Shouts to the whole crew:
Drumsound, Youngman, Terravita, Phetsta, Technicolour, Tantrum Desire.

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For DJ Bookings contact:
Jon/Steve @ Urban Agency:
jon@urbantakeover.co.uk
01634 300 046