Sheffield has always had a rich musical heritage. From the strains of such 80s groups as Human League and Cabaret Voltaire, through Pulp and the Arctic Monkeys right down to Aphex Twin and the bleeps and beats of Warp Records, the steel city has stamped it's own indomitable style on UK music.

Following on from this tradition, Toddla T, soon to be gracing the decks at Chew The Fat, takes in a myriad of styles and sounds, including elements of ragga, detroit booty bass, 2-step, hip hop and a ream of others. Taking time out from his shoe related duties, we got in touch for an insight into all things Toddla based....

Firstly, I have to start with your sound. It's not like anything I've heard recently, how would you describe it?

Mash Up!!.. Suppose its synthetic, heavy drum tracks, plenty of bottom end and loads of wiggle...

Do you think living in Sheffield has helped in your musical upbringing?

Absolutely... its quite forward in many ways... my main influences are routed in this city.

What kind of feelings do you attempt to transfer to your productions?

Trying to do something different without it been too far out to be something you can’t skank too. I always try n apply something quite timeless in there, generally a vocal.. A 'Song' rather then a track based beat.

Has your music brought about collaborations that you wouldn't have ordinarily thought of?

Yeah, I've had requests to work with some quite famous Indy kids... I’ve just thought 'Why?'.. But they seem into and get it, its all good.

Do you approach your DJing with the same attitude as your producing?

Yeah, try and mash up everything I'm into without it been a sonic wank off.. People often expect me to just play dancehall because that’s so far what I’ve put out but it’s all over the place generally.

I'm going to take a guess that you don't subscribe to the whole Superstar Deejay ethos.....?

I’ve never bought DJ mag if that’s what you’re asking.

Going a bit geeky for a moment, what's your usual equipment setup whilst DJing?

LOGIC, Couple older Synths. Simple tings.

Do you find DJing gives a different buzz to doing a live show of your own material?

I’ve not yet got round to doing my stuff properly Live yet, I’ve done a few PAs which are always fun and a similar satisfaction to DJing.

Your MySpace page has you down as a shoe shop assistance. Is that still your day job?

Yeah, although I’ve managed to knock down the hours now which is nice.. I'll stay there regardless of what happens (if I have time)... it keeps me grounded and in touch with a lot of people I wouldn’t see if I was 100% studio based.

Speaking of MySpace, have you found it useful in promoting yourself and your sound?

Yeah definitely, it’s my website, I’ve had a lot of bookings through it, and people can check the music and download free mix tapes.

The two ladies on your MySpace page, TheDonnaz - are they friends of yours?

Yeah, they work in a vintage shop just down from the shoe shop I work in, I asked them to get
me some clothing for the photo & I said I wanted a few gal in the photo because I wanted it to be Tongue in cheek, and they instantly volunteered. Its funny, I’ve seen a few things on internet forums n things, people saying 'why is he nu rave?' or 'if his music sounds like he looks I wont like it' when it’s purely a piss take and a bit of fun!!..

Lastly, is there anything you'd like to plug that you've got coming up in the near future?

Do U Know 12", out mid Jan, all the versions on the DO U KNOW? riddim plus Count Monte Of Cristal & Sinden RMX plus a Dub mix by Sheffield legend ... Rob Gordon!! ...
Also look out for my Jack Penate RMX out very very soon


ToddlaT MySpace

Following on from the fantastic tenth birthday party that saw Tayo, Alex Metric and Cagedbaby rock the house amongst others, Chew The Fat! this month celebrates its momentous summer at Space in Ibiza with a ‘We Love... Chew The Fat!’ party featuring some of the hottest names to have visited the island this summer:

RITON
MADOX ‘Urban Plastic’ Album Launch Party
TREVOR LOVEYS &
AFFIE YUSUF
TODDLA T
Paul ‘Trouble’ Arnold
Jem Haynes

IN DA LOUNGE – Mayo Clinic presents…

GREG WILSON
ZED BIAS
SMIGGY
FICKLEGRUBER

http://www.dontstayin.com/uk/london/the-end/2007/nov/09/event-147249

Get your Fat! tickets here