WEARETHECULT

CULT ARENA @ DETONATE INDOOR FESTIVAL 2011

2011-04-22T08:49:00.006Z

CULT returns to the Detonate Indoor Festival for the 2nd year in a row; this year in association with Critical Records.

Critical has always been the definition of quality control, and this years line up is a collection of some of the scenes most forward thinking DJ's and Producers.
Line up:

DIE B2B BREAK (Clearskys / Symmetry)
MARCUS INTALEX (Soul:R)
S.P.Y (Metalheadz / Critical)
ICICLE (Shogun)
D BRIDGE (Exit)ROCKWELL (Shogun / Critical)
KASRA (Critical)
VTEKK / MOUSE / HOUGHMEISTER (CULT)

MC'S on the night
DRS, STAMINA, RUTHLESS

7 other arenas also featuring....

16bit, 2562, A1 Bassline, Andy C, Annie Mac, Benga, Breakage, B-Traits, Bullion, Caspa, Cutline, Danny Byrd, DJ AMC, DJ EZ, Donaeo, Dread MC, Dynamite MC, Emalkay, Friction, Girl Unit, High Contrast, Instra:Mental, Jack Beats, Loadstar, MC AD, MC GQ, MC ID, MC Wrec, Netsky, Photek (Live), Plastician, P Money, Redlight, Roska, RSD, Shy FX, Skream, Sub Focus, Untold, Yasmin, Youngman, Zinc + more to be announced

The indoor fest is Nottinghams biggest event of the year. You all know the deal by now:

- 8 Arenas across 4 venues
- 50+ International Artists
- 4,500 People

SUNDAY MAY 1ST8.30pm - 6am
Across Rock City, The Rescue Rooms, Stealth and The Forum
Tickets: £27.50

Ticket info: http://www.fatsoma.com/tickets/cult-...tingham/e44109

CULT FRIDAYS

2011-02-18T17:09:00.008Z

CULT has started it's new Friday night residency in the bar at Spankys with CULT residents Mouse, Houghmeister, Vtekk & Synic on rotation playing 3D Technicolour Bass Music across the genres.

Plus Stupidly good drinks offers for those with Spankys members cards (just sign up for free at the bar)

Pint of Becks / Strongbow - £1.95

Smirnoff / Bacardi / Gordons Doubles £2.95

Bottle of House Red or White - £7.50

Every Friday 9pm - Late @ Spanky Van Dykes. Free Entry

Spanky Van Dykes, 17 Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 5JT

"It's not about genres, scenes or BPM's its just about good music with soul."

VTEKK - FUNKY MIX DEC 10

2010-12-23T14:35:00.006Z

CULT Resident Vtekk has gone all tropical on us in preparation for the huge NYE soundclash between CULT & MIMM at Countdown 2010 (see post below) .

Forget the weather outside, turn your heating up and get you bogel on

01 Track 01 1 by vteckle

Traklist:

2 Far Gone - Kode9
Gabryle Refix - D Malice
More Than Ever - Hackman
Bangkok - Boris Dlugosch Roska rmx
LV - Boomslang
Move Into The Future - Geenus Riddim
Box - N.B Funky
What Do You Tell Me - Mista Men
Feeline - J Kenzo
Copz - Doc Daneeka
Schizophrenic - DVA
Pulse vs Flex - Lil Silva
Dial Operator - CRST
Weedkiller - Seiji
Glitch Dub - Emvee

COUNTDOWN 2010 - CULT VS MIMM ARENA

2010-12-20T13:49:00.008Z

CULT are hosting a room at this years massive COUNTDOWN 2010 NYE Event which features 7 arenas spread across 3 venues and is being billed as the biggest NYE party in the UK.

The full line up is ridiculous! Details and tickets can be found here:

http://www.detonate1.co.uk/event.php?eid=33317

In our room we’re going up against local bass music providers – Mimm, for a clash of epic proportions featuring Doc Daneeka, XXXY, Jubei, Ulterior Motive, Spectrasoul and a midnight set from Alix Perez.

MC duty is covered by SP, Ruthless, Karizma and ASL.

MOUSE - SNOW JOKE MIX [DEC 10]

2010-12-06T21:42:00.010Z

Damn its Frosty outside!

Best way to stay warm is to jump around a lot, so stick on this 135bpm excursion by CULT resident Mouse, and do just that!

Mouse - Snow Joke Mix (Dec 10) by mouseisthedaddy

Tracklist:

June Miller - Time (Free Download)

Kode 9 feat the Spaceape - You Dont Wash [Martyn's Scrub] (Dj Kicks)

SBTRKT - Breakout (Free Download)

A Made Up Sound - Rear Window (Delsin)

Justin Martin - Get Low (Dirtybird)

Kingdom - That Mystic (Night Slugs)

Martyn - Miniluv (Ostgut Ton)

Santiago Salazar - Arcade (Macro)

The Martinez Brothers -Don’t Know Yet (Objektivity)

Catz & Dogz Vs Pol On - Me (Get Physical)

Afrilounge - Lux Dementia (Connaisseur)

Fenix - None of Them [Robags Wokksikon Remikks] (Shitkatapult)

Mala - Don't Let Me Go (Soul Jazz)

Sigha - Shake (Hot Flush)

CULT D&B SESSIONS: MARCUS INTALEX & MC DRS

2010-11-18T13:25:00.005Z

For our last party of the year we welcome back CULT's favourite Mancunian for his 3rd visit along with Soul:ution resident MC DRS

MARCUS INTALEX

There's not much to say about Intalex that we haven't said already, so we'll keep this short.

A connaisseur when it comes to selection bar none with a strong deep techno influence throughout his productions and sets, Marcus is one of our favourite DJ's of all time here at CULT.

A versatile DJ who never disappoints a crowd, and with a début album (after 21 years in the game!) just around the corner, a 2hr set is the least we can do!

MC DRS

With a reputation stretching back over 15 years, DRS is a truly versatile MC, host and lyricist. Cutting his teeth and touring worldwide with the legendary Good Looking label, his soulful style on the mic and honest lyrics are unmatched.

In recent years, he’s been an integral part of the Soul:r camp, recording tracks with Mist:ical, Lynx & Kemo and Calibre as well appearing as resident MC for Soul:ution and A Bunch of Cuts nights. DRS is also part of hip-hop crew Broke’n’English, alongside fellow MC Strategy and DJ Konny Kon.

FRIDAY 3RD DECEMBER

MARCUS INTALEX (Soul:R)

MC DRS (BROKE'N'£NGLISH)

SUPPORT FROM STRIKE (ROGUE FM / DETONATE)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger , MC Yons

Visuals by “minimus”
10pm – 4am

***£6 ENTRY ALL NIGHT***

SPANKY VAN DYKES, 17 Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 5JT
www.spankyvandykes.com

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

MOUSE - OLD SCHOOL UK GARAGE MIX

2010-11-12T20:55:00.004Z

A little bit of a blast from the past from CULT resident Mouse.

The garage sound has had a bit of a resurgence of late, but for CULT the time that it was at its best was around 95 - 97, where in London you couldn't move without hearing a chirped vocal or a crisp hi hat. Enjoy.

Old School Garage Mix - Nov 10 by mouseisthedaddy

Track Listing:

Antonio - I'll Take You There (Back 2 Front)

Dem 2 - Destiny (Locked On)

Big Bird - Flav (City Dub Trax)

24hr Experience - All Nighter (Nice 'N' Ripe)

Sound of One - As I Am [Todd Edwards Remix] (Locked On)

Tuff Jam - Key Dub [ver 99] (i! Records)

Dub Monsters - Waiting (Underground Connection)

Groove Chronicles - Your Power taking Over (Groove Chronicles)

Da Chant - 3rd Exit (Catch)

24hr Experience - Together (Nice 'N' Ripe)

Divine Soul - Shake That Ass (Strictly Rhythm)

Nu Birth - Anytime (XL)

Todd Edwards - Saved my Life (i! Records)

RIP Productions - Obsessed (Ice Cream)

CULT D&B SESSIONS: LENZMAN

2010-10-07T12:30:00.008Z

For our fireworks night event this year we’re pretty excited to be hosting a Producer who seems to have the golden touch right now.

LENZMAN

Emerging from relative obscurity in the last few years, Dutch producer Lenzman has quickly gained a huge amount of respect in the Drum & Bass world with his deep and soulful take on this underground genre. Influenced by Hip Hop, Soul, Jazz and life in general, Lenzman’s music combines the organic grooves of yesteryears with the energy , big basslines and forward thinking attitude of Drum & Bass music.With a host of already classic releases and a recently signed 12” to Metalheadz (The massive ”Open Page”) the future is looking brighter and brighter for this rising star.

FRIDAY 5TH NOVEMBER

LENZMAN (Metalheadz / Shogun / Soul:R)
SUPPORT FROM RETRAFLEX (FLEXOUT)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger , MC Yons

Visuals by “minimus”
10pm – 2am

***£5 ENTRY ALL NIGHT***

SPANKY VAN DYKES, 17 Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 5JT
www.spankyvandykes.com

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

DARK LIGHT!

2010-09-22T20:08:00.002Z

CULT PROMO MIX - SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-09-21T12:32:00.008Z

Get you teeth in to a brand new hour long Promo mix from CULT resident Mouse.

Edit: Mix has now been archived for download, click below:

mouse-serato-wanker-mix-sep-2010

Sigha - Light Swells [In a Distant Place] (Hot Flush)
June Miller - Late Night Lies (N/A)
Atom - Breath In (Amen Brothers)
Felix K - Chamber One (Hidden Hawaii)
ASC & Method One - Deadlock (N/A)
Beta 2 - Release (Play Musik)
Enei - Dustclock (N/A)
Alix Perez - Self Control (N/A)
dRamatic & dbAudio - Cored (Hustle Audio)
Edward Oberon - Noir (31)
Lenzman - Flamethrower (Soul:R)
Lenzman - Fade Away (Soul:R)
Code 3 - Living Proof (Exit)
Anile - Induction (dsm)
Spirit - Night Drive (Ingredients)
Jose - James - Warrior [Rockwell Rmx] (Brownswood)
Need For Mirrors - Lowtide (Nu Directions)
Sabre - Marvel (Critical)
MC Conrad & Furney - Drum Tools (Good Looking)
June Miller - Shora (N/A)

If you like it like this then you know where and when...

CULT D&B SESSIONS: COMMIX - RE:CALL TO MIND LP LAUNCH PARTY

2010-08-31T12:45:00.012Z

After our little summer hiatus, CULT is back and we start the new term as we mean to go on with a launch party for one of the most anticipated albums of the year.

COMMIX

Metalheadz are finally releasing the long awaited remix album of Commix's Call To Mind in October. Cunningly titled Re:Call To Mind, it features some of Commix's favourite techno, house, dubstep and drum & bass producers recording their own versions of tracks from the album.

To celebrate we have invited back one CULT's favourite production duos who, in our opinion, played one of the sets of the year when they played for us last summer.

We're told Guy and George have been in the studio non-stop this year. So if you want to be first to hear the gents brand new stuff you know what to do.

FRIDAY 1ST OCTOBER

COMMIX (Metalheadz)
SUPPORT FROM DJ TAKE (DETONATE)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger , MC Yons

Visuals by “minimus”
10pm – Late

***£5 ENTRY ALL NIGHT***

SPANKY VAN DYKES, 17 Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 5JT
www.spankyvandykes.com

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT @ BASSLACED 10/09/10

2010-08-18T21:00:00.004Z

MARCUS INTALEX INTERVIEW

2010-07-28T12:32:00.008Z

The second interview taken from backstage at the CULT room at this years Detonate Indoor Festival. We spoke to Manchester legend and self confessed cynic, Marcus Intalex.

You’ve just played an hour or so in the CULT room at the Detonate Indoor Festival. How was that?

76 minutes and 30 seconds of pure bliss!

Lovely! So you’ve been a producer for over 15 years but you describe yourself predominantly as a DJ. What made you get into production back then?

Well to be honest it was difficult to get gigs. I always knew that I could DJ, I always enjoyed it. At the time the scene in Manchester wasn’t great, and I was working in a record shop not making much money. So I knew that in order to progress myself I needed to make that step. Plus having a serious love for the music it seemed worth a try! L Double used to run a van service delivering records to the shops and he said “do you wanna come down to the studio?”, so we did!

You’ve had quite a quiet 2009 production wise, have you been working on something?

I’m working on an album. I don’t know why I decided to do it! I go through periods when I enjoy making music, and periods where it’s difficult. When it’s difficult I just tend to not bother with it, because I know at some point later I will get back in the mood. I’ll sit in the studio and write a couple of loops, if it’s not happening I’ll save them and turn the computer off, and if it is happening I’ll try and finish them. That’s the beauty of making music on a computer.

About six months ago I listened back to all the stuff I had that was half finished and there was a lot of stuff I actually quite liked. Sometimes you don’t even realise you’re making an alright tune, you’re just not in the right frame of mind! I’d been in the studio with Calibre and Zed Bias, and before you know it I’d amassed a load of music. I’ve been in the business for 21 years and I’ve not got an album to show for it, I’ve got to stop being lazy!

I’ve always been worried about what people will think; you’re putting something down and it will be there forever. It’s a stamp and I’m really conscious of that. When I was younger it meant so much to me, every single record you put out was so important. These days it’s not exactly the same because there’s so much music out there already. And the only way to counter it is to put out music yourself. We’ve sat on music for ages for no particular reason other than we don’t think its good enough and then you listen to some of the other shit that’s coming out!

You mentioned Zed Bias; you have been known to produce other tempos, I imagine the album won’t just be Drum and Bass?

It’s mostly gonna be for the club, I‘m not gonna go too noodley! I write music for the clubs. There might be a couple of other tempos on there. I’ll mix it up a little, but it will be mostly drum & bass.

MIST - Clockwork / Entropy was probably one of the strongest 12’s of last year. Can we expect some more stuff from MIST anytime soon?

Possibly! We hadn’t done anything for a bit and we wanted to put out a couple of tunes that were a little bit more “dancefloor” than maybe what MIST where probably known for. At the time the music out there, I thought, was either a little bit too minimal and a bit depressing, or too excitable and too cheesy! Obviously from a DJ’s point of view, we wanted to put out a couple of tunes that work for the listeners at home but still have a good dancey vibe about them.

Would you say that’s what you do when signing tunes for Soul:R? Is there a Soul:R sound?

I’d like to think there isn’t. I guess people think the label has got a “sound” about it. That’s up to them. In my opinion it’s just music I really like, music I’d buy to play out. My ears are open really. I like things that are slightly progressive but at the same time have the right ingredients to get people dancing - there’s a fine line. I like to hear people do something different and that’s what excites me but keeping it within the confines of DJ friendly music. That’s basically a weird summary of it I guess!

As a DJ you’ve got to want to cover all the sounds, take people on a journey. I originally started off as a House DJ, and the DJ’s who inspired me you could listen to for four hours and you go through a whole range of emotions. I still look for that now in the tunes I play and I sign for the label; I get likened to more of a techno DJ in the way that I play.

You play some techno sets, have you not ever been tempted to switch it up in the same set? A lot of people I’ve spoken too recently have said how it’s become more acceptable to play multiple tempos in the same set nowadays.

I find it difficult because drum and bass is at such an alienated speed; it’s out there on its own. You can’t mix it into techno. It’s such a high tempo and energy compared to other types of music that I personally don’t like seeing it mixed up. When things are around 120 – 130bpm you’ve got room and scope, you can go where you want along that tempo, there are lots of different styles. Unfortunately once you’re stuck up at 175bpm there’s not really anywhere else you can go!

I’ve yet to hear it done well enough for me to think “yeah I’d like to start doing that”. It’s easy to start your set off playing a bit of dubstep or whatever, but to me that just looks token. It’s like a D&B DJ’s not really in love with his music enough anymore, so he’s thought “oh right dubstep, that’s popular”. I’m a cynic, there’s no getting away from that!

You’ve been putting out some dubstep yourself on the Revolve:R label. Is that going to become an output purely for that type of music?

What we’ve wanted to make Revolve:R is a “non D&B label” not necessarily just dubstep. I’d also like to be putting out a bit of house and techno on it eventually.
I don’t even know if what we’ve put out before can be called dubstep. It’s that tempo definitely. I do like some dubstep, it’s a very interesting tempo to play with as a producer. You take everything you’ve learnt making drum and bass and do it at a different tempo - it can be a lot of fun. I played in Dublin last night and caught some of N-Type. If I’d have heard most of that music at a different time or in a different set I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it. It’s a sign of a good DJ to get you into something you’re not sure you would like - he did a really good job.

Dubstep has done a lot for D&B, it’s made people realise that you don’t have to smash things along at a hundred miles an hour. It’s changed the face of the music. It’s also brought more people into electronic music. Dubstep is the sound of the younger generation nowadays, it’s very similar to D&B but it’s something they can call their own because it’s developed during their generation. Maybe D&B is for old people now!

Dubstep has brought a lot of people over to beats and bass music. That sound is probably the predominate sound in the UK right now, bigger than house & techno, which has never been the case. It’s like they’ve almost amalgamated together to create one massive scene. There are 5000 people here tonight, and there’s not really many 4x4 things going off, its all about beats and bass. The scene’s as good as it’s ever been in terms of being able to play what you want as a DJ, which is all I ever ask for. Five years ago, everyone was playing the same tunes, you’d go to a rave and hear the same six fucking tunes all night! You don’t get that as much any more, everyone’s got their own little thing; it’s completely the opposite almost. It’s very healthy.

So what’s coming up for Soul:R then?

This year we’ve got some pretty big projects on the go. Next single is from a new guy called Phil Tangent, two very true liquid tunes. I hate that word “liquid”, but it is what it is. It’s good musical drum & bass! He looks pretty promising for the future, because it’s basically the first couple of tunes he’s made really and they’re outstanding.

We’ve got a Hobzee & Zyon Bass album to put out, which is not dancefloor at all. It’s a home listening thing, almost ambient drum and bass. Musically it’s amazing, really well produced.

My album’s due, a S.P.Y album later in the year, maybe early next year and also there’s gonna be a DRS album as well. He’s collaborated with nearly everyone in the scene on that, but I’ve yet to hear a single track off it! I’m told by DRS that they’re really good!

There’s a lot to get on with, the difficult side is the business side because it’s a difficult market out there at the moment. This music needs to be heard so it’s coming out regardless!

Just some quick fire ones:

Vinyl, CD or Serato

Serato

Favourite release on Soul:R

Hypnotise, or maybe Fire & Water, or maybe the first Mistical EP!

Your last Non D&B purchase

The new Kings of Convenience album, I like a bit of folk! Its good anti-D&B music!

If you could have one other producer’s laptop, whose would it be.

Mark Pritchard, Floating Points or J Dilla

Words: Nidal

D BRIDGE INTERVIEW

2010-06-29T15:02:00.015Z

Taken a while to get this up but some wise words worthy of a read from the EXIT, Autonomic and former Bad Company man as we chatted to him after he smashed it up in the CULT / Soul:ution Room at The Detonate Indoor Festival 2010....

You probably first came to most people’s attention as part of Bad Company, with quiet a hard industrial sound that they where famous for. More recently the Autonomic sound has been your thing - that minimal / stripped down affair. Was it a conscious decision to move away from that BC sound?

You have to look at this whole minimal tag first really, there are tunes I know that are a lot less minimal (if that’s possible!) than a lot of tunes we’re putting out. Tunes people are playing that are just literally “drum” and “bass” and that’s it. I think with the Autonomic stuff there’s always a lot going on, different layers and elements, different chords and key changes, so people seem to think its minimal and this is the tag its been given, but if anything its just not as loud and cluttered.

In terms of the change of direction as a producer, was it a conscious thing? I don’t know. I think it was a natural progression. As a producer, you’ll find in any genre of music, that you want to progress, you want to keep pushing yourself forward, you want to keep yourself interested. There have been plenty of times when I’ve been pretty disillusioned by the scene and almost given up on it. Every now and then people come along and remind you things aren’t as bad as you think they are.

For me personally, because I’ve been involved in it for so long, I’ve seen it go through so many different transitions and changes. At one stage I felt like it wasn’t my “scene” any more. All I can do is make my interpretation of a tempo if you like. DnB has got a hell of a lot to offer musically, we’ve proven that we can take it mainstream; it can be a commercial success. So okay, know lets see what else we can do.

People are considering it as a defining chapter in Drum and Bass. Did you expect Autonomic to be as big as it has become.

No, we didn’t expect it. I was playing Insta:Mental tunes in my sets and it started off as a small 10 minute section, then 15 minutes, then half an hour and it suddenly expanded and people where hearing what we where doing, and started sending us stuff.

So it was all well and good me playing these tunes in sections of my sets, but people needed to hear them in context. So we felt like we needed to get it out there in a way that people could digest so to speak. Plus, we’d always had this thing where we were really honest about what influenced us and what we where into. That’s something I really like about the podcasts, you can hear the influences in the tunes.

Sometimes with drum and bass there’s that whole bandwagon effect, someone gets on something and soon enough everyone else is jumping on it. We’re not saying we’re perfect and we’re totally original, but we are honest on where we're getting our influences from, we're not getting it from within our own little genre, which kind of bastardises the whole thing a bit.

Maybe it just came along at the right time where people were getting a little bit pissed off with drum and bass. Personally they where quite selfish reasons in some ways, I wanted to be putting out stuff that other musicians outside of the immediate scene could be getting into, the same way I was into their stuff. It seemed for a while that people outside the genre where laughing at DnB and didn’t take it seriously.So yeah it has been surprising, the reaction we’ve had, and I’m really pleased people have taken to it.

You’ve talked before in an interview about “the other side of Drum and Bass.” Are there two sides to DnB now; is the mainstream splitting further and further away?

Me and Instra:Mental sat down and were discussing mainstream DnB and whether it should even be called DnB any more. Because to me, that’s not the perception I’ve got of drum and bass. That’s not part of the progression of the sound from hardcore, darkcore, jungle to DnB.

So yeah, there are these 2 definite sides.If anything it’s just an indication of the scene’s age and size. If there was a parallel, you could compare it to hip hop. In the early days there where all these underground crews doing their thing, and now that has become a very well oiled commercial scene. It will happen. So as much as I may not personally like it, I can’t really hate on it. Because in some ways it helps me. It needs to be there, they’re bringing new listeners to the scene. Everyone’s got to start somewhere.

Moving towards you as a producer, you’ve been a vocal fan of outboard hardware, is that something you’ve always done?

Well, when I stated producing that’s the only option we had! It was outboard, dedicated samplers, DAT machines, compressors, you know? I had embraced the digital side, but it’s got to that stage where it’s quite easy to reverse engineer people’s tunes now-a-days. There are all these forums with people discussing “how did he get this sound” “oh it was this preset”, or "it was that synth”. Plus these entire sample packs you can buy now “The Essential Drum and Bass Sample Pack!”

Working with Instra:Mental, they’d never gone digital, they’d always stayed using hardware, so it was a good excuse to dig all my kit out from the cupboard! It gives you an individuality that digital can’t. Don’t get me wrong, people do get a good sound producing digitally, but it can enforce these quite lazy attitudes towards making music.

Back in the day, Virus had their sound, Full Cycle had their sound, BC had our sound. And as much as we were doing our own thing in terms of samples, a big influence on how our sound came about was the collection of equipment we had. I like the idea of knowing that I’ve got a synth or keyboard that is uniquely characteristic in its own way. Rather than a soft synth on some piece of software that everyone else has got access to, all using the same presets.

On the individuality front, you’ve been singing on your tunes recently. What made you think on that first tune “right I’m gonna sing on this?”

It’s something I’ve always dabbled in, but it’s always been a confidence thing for me and I still have real bad confidence issues with it. What sort of gave me the push, to be honest, was seeing Calibre do it. We’d talk every now and then, and he’d send me a few bits, and be singing all over them, and he’s got an amazing voice! The man is so talented, it annoys me actually how talented he is!

Singing runs in my family anyway, I was in a band as a lead singer when I was a kid. So I thought: sod it, why not. It took getting that first tune out there and for people to say “you know what, that’s all right”.

Personally I’m really unsure about my voice, but people keep telling me I can sing. Plus, again, it’s an Individuality thing; my voice is an instrument that no one else has got! The vocal side of things is important in music, it gives the tune character, and it gives it something that is identifiable as well.

You mentioned the family musical connection - are you planning on doing any other work with your brother, Steve Spacek?

The Black Pocket album is due out this month on Exit, which is good news. The album was supposed to come out three years ago! But for one reason or another it’s been put back. So now we’re happy just to finally have it ready. There will be a CD release as well as Vinyl.

I haven’t really seen my brother for quite a while, because he lives in Australia, but I’ve always loved working with him, he’s got a thing he’s doing with Mark Pritchard called “Africa Hi-Tek” so I think he’ll be touring with that soon. I think we’re gonna try and get him down to our night at Fabric with that.

It’s been a very busy 2010 for Exit already, is that going to continue? What is there to look forward to?

My 12” has just come out (EXIT022 D Bridge - Love Hotel / The Dim Light), and I’ve signed a Digital 12” (EXIT023 Digital - Weatherman / Shanty) which will be out any day now. Also I’m in the process of finishing a Various Artists album which I’m really looking forward to.

One of the things I’ve really loved about the Autonomic thing is drawing people back from others scenes making their interpretation of the sound. There’s always been that exodus of drum and bass producers when a new scene comes along. So it’s nice, since Autonomics started, that a few people are coming back the other way. There’s a track from Distance on there, Skreams done one, Indigo & Synkro, Scuba’s working on something. That should be out around September / October.

I like to keep the releases on Exit as a bit of a surprise - it’s nice for people to listen to something unexpected when they buy a release, so I try not to give out too much stuff so that it’s kept quite fresh by the time it’s released.

How about Exit Vs. Any plans for that?

You know what, the only people I really work with now is Instra:mental. I have just done a track with Spectrasoul where I’m singing on it, and I’ve got a few other things with me singing coming out, so that seems to be what my Vs has become, is me singing on other people’s tracks, I’ve just become a vocalist!

So I’m not sure with that series, same thing with the Aptitude series. I’m just waiting for the right thing to come along. I want Dillinja to do me a 12, so I’m not gonna start it again until he does me one! He may not know it yet! Dillinja and Krust are on my hit list! Ill get them back on it and then I’ll start the series again.

Just some quick fire questions to finish:

Serato, CD or Vinyl?

At the moment Serato

Favourite non DnB tune ever?

Ever? Quite clichéd but Stone Roses – Fools Gold

DnB tune that you find most inspiring.

Krust – Futures Unknown

Favourite own release?

I haven’t done it yet!

Last non DnB album you listened to from start to finish?

Autechre – Oversteps

Dream collaboration

They’re all dead! So I’ve got to do colabs using samples!

If you could have one producer’s laptop with everything on it?

J-Dilla’s

Words: Nidal

CULT D&B SESSIONS: SPECTRASOUL

2010-06-23T12:28:00.008Z

This month we go back to basics, with a 2 hour set from a duo that CULT have been itching to get down for a while now.

SPECTRASOUL

With the drum and Bass market in a state of complete over-saturation, it takes originality, class, and an understanding of quality control to get ahead. Having emerged from relative obscurity in 2006, SpectraSoul, have emerged as one of the new-school pioneers on the drum and bass circuit.

Dave Kennet and Jack Stevens, are a duo that need no introduction to any discerning D&B head. With releases on the some of the most respected labels within the scene, combined with residencies at some of the most prestigious clubs, Spectrasoul have now firmly stamped their mark on the drum & bass map.

With an ever impressive and rapidly increasing back catalogue, Spectrasoul continue to produce some of the most melodic and widely received drum & bass around and with some of the most stand-out tunes of the last few years, combined with the backing of virtually all of the scenes heavyweights the future can only bring even better things for the Brighton based duo.

Friday 2nd July 2010
SPECTRASOUL (Metalheadz / Shogun / Critical)

Also sets from
DJ WINGS

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger , MC Yons

Visuals by “minimus”
10pm – 4am

***£5 ENTRY ALL NIGHT***

MARKET BAR, 16-22 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT D&B SESSIONS: NOOKIE / CLOUD 9 / DEEP BLUE / 2 BAD MICE – OLD SCHOOL & JUNGLE SPECIAL

2010-05-20T12:24:00.010Z

One for all you old school heads out there as Nookie brings his famed Atmosphere night to Notts for a Reinforced Vs Moving Shadow showcase. Hardcore you know the score!

NOOKIE / CLOUD 9

Gavin Cheung needs no introduction. As Cloud 9 and Nookie he was responsible for numerous anthems that paved the way for Jungle and now Drum & Bass as we know it. His 1993 “The Return of the Nookie EP” on the legendary Reinforced Records is still held in high regard as one of the seminal releases of the time.

DEEP BLUE / 2 BAD MICE

Moving Shadow soldier Deep Blue will be continuing the old school selection with his half of a classics set. Sean O’Keefe is responsible for a host of early jungle classics including the legendary “Helicopter Tune”.
As an original member of 2 Bad Mice, a staple on the early 90’s hardcore scene, the trio are widely credited as among the first UK hardcore acts to begin incorporating breakbeats into the style.

These artists and labels defined a genre and with Reinforced celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, we thought it fitting to give tribute to the sounds of the underground.

Friday 4th June 2010
ATMOSPHERE PRESENTS:
REINFORCED Vs MOVING SHADOW
OLD SCHOOL & JUNGLE SPECIAL

NOOKIE / CLOUD 9
DEEP BLUE / 2 BAD MICE
MC FIVE ALIVE

Also sets from
LOWKEY

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger
Visuals by “minimus”
10pm – 4am

***£4 BEFORE 12 £6 AFTER***

MARKET BAR, 16-22 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT - D&B SESSIONS : BCEE / TOTAL SCIENCE – SPEARHEAD RECORDINGS PRESENT… “5LP”

2010-05-19T12:29:00.011Z

Having risen to become one of the biggest “liquid” labels around in its short lifespan, Spearhead Recordings is celebrating 5 years with the release of the 5 LP.

BCEE

Spearhead Records was established in January 2005 by Steve BCee. Since then the label has been responsible for showcasing a large number of both established and up and coming producers. Spearhead has found a carefully crafted balance in its output from the more soulful sound with tunes such as Lenzman’s “Caught Up” through to dance floor destroyers like SPY’s “Sunship”.

Over the years the label has also boasted a number of other top producers such as Lomax, Atlantic Connection, Danny Byrd and a handful of high profile rmx’s from the likes of Logistics, matrix and Nu:tone.

Bcee’s own production efforts always find there way into the record bags of the scenes top DJ’s as well as his own! Cult are excited to welcome Bcee as he show cases the new album “5 Remixed, Rewired, Rewound” which celebrates 5 years of Spearhead Records and features remix’s from Shock one, Cyantific and Total Science.http://spearheadrecords.bigcartel.com/http://www.myspace.com/spearheadrecords Y

ou can also check out the latest pod cast from Bcee right here…http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/spearhead-records-podcast/id251905854

TOTAL SCIENCE

Cult are also very pleased to welcome Total Science aka Jason Greenhalgh (Q Project) & Paul Smith (Spinback) Drum and Bass pioneers, who over the years have established themselves as legends of the scene.

The pair first met in 1987, both living in and around the Blackbird Leys estate in Oxford, England and brought together through a mutual love of hip-hop and school girls. Between them they have release records under a number of different monikers such as “Funky technicians, Total Science as well as Q projects solo efforts. The boys have had releases on every label imaginable from Metalheadz to Good Looking, True Playaz to Soul:r and Spearhead.

As well as gracing some of the scenes biggest imprints Total Science have also been pushing their own music as well as tunes from some of the scenes biggest producers on their C.I.A, Deepkut and Advanced labels. Renowned for the versatility of their sound big tunes such as “Defcon 69”, show a striking contrast to that of “Dee Pee” .

Not only famed for their production efforts their DJ sets have been setting the decks a light all over the world for many years and were glad their back in Nottingham on the back of their fresh remix of Bcee’s “Mr. Bidigan”.

http://www.myspace.com/totalscience
http://www.myspace.com/recordscia
http://www.myspace.com/ciadeepkut

New interview and mix ...http://www.dogsonacid.com/showthread.php?threadid=672814&mode=article

Friday 4th June 2010

SPEARHEAD PRESENTS 5LP LAUNCH PARTY
BCEE(SPEARHEAD)
TOTAL SCIENCE(CIA / SPEARHEAD)

Also sets from:

DUBLEY (TEKTRONIK)

SEMINAL SOUNDS

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”
10pm – 4am

***£4 BEFORE 12 £6 AFTER***

MARKET BAR, 16-22 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

ZERO T INTERVIEW

2010-04-30T01:04:00.005Z

With his new label Footprints coming with some serious heat, we sat down with Dublins own Zero T after his 2 hour set at CULT a few weeks ago.

First things first: You where Zero Tolerance until a few years ago, now your Zero T? What’s with the name change?

Yeah that’s true; it’s really just a practicality thing. I DJ’d under the name Zero Tolerance since 1998 in Ireland and released under that name since 2000. When I did my album a couple of years ago, I thought from then on I’m gonna go with Zero T. Basically because it’s bigger when you put it on flyers! That’s the main reason!

As you said, you started off back in Dublin with the Bassbin crew. How did that come about?

Well it was all very organic really. When I was a kid I used to buy records off of Rohan, who started Bassbin, and I used to go to their nights. There was a little group of us, and we all stated getting warm up slots and supporting the headliners. Then the label came from that. I was just one of the crew, part of the furniture!
Around about the same time I got a tune signed to Reinforced, and met Breakage and the others that where releasing on Reinforced and things just naturally grew from there I guess.

I spotted on your Twitter a few weeks ago that you’re making some moves towards other genres?

I’ve always made other music for my own pleasure as it where. If you want to perfect your talent in one area, then you’ve got to diversify otherwise you just get stale.
There’s been a big change in the last couple of years in dance music in the UK, that it’s okay to play different tempos in the same set now, and I really like that idea.
So yeah, I’ve been trying my hand at a few different things at the moment, trying to expand my horizons! I’m constantly exposed to DnB, I live with other producers in an area of London where there is a lot of DnB stuff going on so I get to hear it as it comes out of the studios. So generally outside of a club context or doing radio show or whatever I try not to listen to D&B at all. If you listen to too much of what you do, then you end up becoming derivative. I love all music, I listen to everything from jazz to folk to classical to grime and so anything goes really. I even listen to pop music from time to time to see if I can learn anything!

You moved from Dublin to live in London a couple of years ago; did you find that was a big step in your development as a producer / DJ?

I did my thing from Dublin for years, which worked okay for a while, but there’s only so far you can get. The way you tend to develop in this scene is that you release a few tunes and then you’ll start to get DJ bookings. It’s very difficult to do that from outside the UK. Put it this way: I used to work a job and do this, and now I just do this!

So as a producer, you put out quiet a variety of different styles of DnB. With such a wide scope how do you go about starting a tune?

Well I used to be into Hip Hop before I got into DnB, so I’ve always loved the sample based approach. So I’d hear something and think “you know what, I can do something with that” Apart from that I don’t really have a standard approach, id say it’s a lot of messing around and a lot of “happy accidents!”

Your label Footprints has just kicked off, what have you got coming up for the rest of the year in terms of releases?

Footprints No: 1 is in the shops now, Zero T & Bailey – Wasp Factory / Calibre & ST Files – Devil Inside. And No 2 should be promoing as we speak, Zero T & Mosus – Shallow Grave / Beta 2 – Cabin Phever. That’s Beta 2’s come back single; we used to produce together originally, but he’s been away for a while.
Footprints No: 3 is a remix that I’ve done for Rollo from Faithless’s new band “All Thieves”

Away from Footprints, I’ve got a Fabric Live CD coming up, number 52, and that’s out June 14th so I’m excited about that. Other labels wise there’s an EP coming up on Subtitles later in the year.

With the first couple of Footprints releases you’re going with a Colab on one side and another artist on the other? Is that a conscious thing and something you’re going to carry on doing?

Originally I just planned to do it for the first release. I’d always planned that if I ever started a label that I’d have a Calibre tune on the flip of the first release. Its sort of a little gentleman’s agreement we always had!

Really because of other commitments I’ve got, and because I want to maintain a presence on other labels as well, I decided to take the pressure off me having to put out two solid tracks that make a balanced 12” every couple of months. Plus there’s so much good music out there that id gladly put my name to and be honoured to release. So this way I can put out my favourite tune of my own, plus an array of other tracks from all sorts of other people form established guys like Calibre to people you’ve never heard of before.

Is it all going to be Drum & Bass on the label?

For 2010 its all D&B, we’ll see next year. I think it’s important to establish a solid identity in the first year of a new label. I’m aiming to get 6 releases out by Christmas.

What can we expect from the Fabric Mix?

There’s a bunch of exclusive Footprints tunes, some remixes from me and then the rest is all exclusive stuff from some of my favourite artists, whether they’re legends or the new hot kid. Its not all Drum and Bass either, there’s a good twenty minutes of other music on there.

Any tips for who the new kid on the block is then?

Well it’s not really a tip anymore, but Rockwell seems to be taking over the world right now without breaking a sweat! Ulterior Motive are filling up my sets at the moment and Jubei has got a lot of interesting things on the way too. Non D&B wise there’s lots of exciting stuff going on as well, Sigha on Hot Flush is coming with all sorts of interesting beats. Icicle! Wait for his non Drum and Bass stuff, its next level to be honest!!

WORDS: Nidal

CULT HOST "SOUL:UTION" ARENA @ DETONATE INDOOR FEST 2010

2010-04-19T16:39:00.010Z

As part of this years massive Detonate Indoor Festival, CULT are hosting a line up so deep you're gonna need to bring a spade.

Our arena in conjunction with Marucs Intalex’s soul:ution night, features the man Intalex himself, D Bridge, S.P.Y and special guest Rockwell who, many will agree, is THE producer to watch right now. Hosting duties fall to DRS and Lowqui plus Detonate regulars: Ruthless and MC Dread

The Indoor Fest is the biggest event of its kind in the Midlands and this year’s event raises the bar yet again featuring huge acts across the board including: Claude Von Stroke, Andy C, Skream & Benga, Nathan Fake, Dj Marky, Hudson Mohawke, Simian Mobile Disco, MJ Cole, Noisia, Sub Focus, Roni Size, Foriegn Beggars and so much more...

More info including ticket details can be found here: : http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=353087206119&index=1

CULT - D&B SESSIONS : FOOTPRINTS LABEL LAUNCH WITH ZERO T

2010-04-19T12:53:00.012Z

This Month we welcome down Zero T for his second date at CULT, this time as part of his brand new FOOTPRINTS label tour.

ZERO T

Zero T started out way back in 1998 as a fresh faced youngster at Dublin's now legendary Bassbin Night, supporting the likes of Ed Rush, Matrix, Fierce etc... In late 99 just as Zero T's vinyl debut was dropping on Bassbin001 the mighty 4 Hero snapped up some tracks that he and new cohort Beta 2 had produced. This led to an EP and a 12" on Reinforced, the daddy of all DnB labels not a bad start at all! Since then the releases have come thick and fast on labels such as Subtitles , Commercial Suicide, V Recordings, C.I.A, Shogun, Soul:R, Signiture and Advanced to name a few!

Over the years Zero T has proven himself to be one of DnB’s most respected and prolific artists with a number of high profile rmx’s including Dillinja’s “Sky and Lemon D’s “I can’t Stop. Collaborators have included Alix Perez, MC Conrad, Icicle, Bailey and Calibre, whose fantastic remix of “Refusal” remains a timeless classic.

In 2008 Zero T dropped his debut LP “Cheap Shots”, on Total Science’s C.I.A imprint which was considered by many as a strong contender for album of the year. 2010 promises to be another good year with a number of highly regarded collaborations forthcoming on his eagerly anticipated debut label “Footprints”, which he will be show casing right here in Nottingham, aren’t you lucky!

www.myspace.com/zerotdnb

Good Friday 2nd April 2010
FOOTPRINTS LAUNCH PARTY
ZERO T (FOOTPRINTS)

Also sets from:
Jungleman & Hoax (Dirty Freqs / Hustle Audio)
Braidee (Filtered - Leicester)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”
10pm – 4am

***£5 ENTRY ALL NIGHT***

MARKET BAR, 16-22 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

BAILEY INTERVIEW

2010-03-25T14:08:00.010Z

Despite it being our 2nd Birthday Celebration, we put down the Champagne bottle for a bit, and had a little chat to 1Xtra and Metalheadz legend Bailey after he'd shaken CULT to bits at the beggining of the Month.

You’re well known for playing it across the board style wise. Is that something you’ve always done?

With any DJ their job is to make people dance. People pay their money to come and see you, and dance and have a good time. So if I’m playing a certain style and it’s not going down, then I’ll change the style and go whereever the crowd want to go. You can’t just go in and be like “I wanna play all my dark stuff tonight” and leave everyone in a right mood! You’ve got to give the crowd what they want each and every time.

So going right back, what originally turned you on to mixing D&B?

In 1988 I was bang into my Hip-Hop, big time b-boy, breakdancing, the whole culture when it first came over to the UK. But it started getting a bit slow for me; I liked the fast breaks and bass lines. A friend of mine was playing House music at the time, still in its early days when it still had breakbeats in it, and that was lot more exciting to me. When I went to the clubs, people were a lot more friendly than in the hip-hop clubs, all different colours and types of people all getting on, loving the music, which was a lot more energetic.
About 91 A Guy Called Gerald made a tune called “Anything” and that was it, I was like “I’ve found my sound”. I just followed it right through from the beginning, through Hardcore into Jungle and then into where we are now.

And what about music outside the genre - do your tastes stretch beyond that?

Other than when I’m playing out or doing radio, I don’t really listen to drum and bass at all, because you can overdose on it. So up and down on the road I try to vary what I’m listening to. I like to play other stuff out as well, special occasions, if they ask me to play on the beach at Sun and Bass, am I gonna say no? I’ll play whatever you want!

In your opinion what makes a good D&B tune - what makes you want a tune in your box?

A good driving bassline helps! But really it’s got to have an element of soul to it. I was brought up on Mowtown and Reggae, songs that are really personal and have a lot of emotion in them. Sometimes you don’t even know what it is, but it just feels right. There can be massive tunes out there that everyone else is caining, but if I cant listen to it again and again and again and enjoy it, then I won’t play it.

You must get sent a lot of new music for your 1xtra show, plus you do your bedroom sessions every Tuesday, where you listen to tunes sent to you by unsigned producers live online. Is there anyone who stands out, that when you see their name come up in your inbox you have to listen to it straight away?

There’s a guy called Hybris, who’s just had a tune signed to Critical, and every single bit he’s sent me has been really, really good. There are a few people who are almost there that I’m keeping my eye on, Phil Tangent, Heavy One from Japan, about six or seven guys that are worth looking out for.

Are you finding that D&B, in terms of the tunes you’re getting sent, is moving in a certain direction or is it staying as varied as it always has been?

These days where everything’s about that fast food lifestyle, “now, now, now, I wanna be famous” people will tend to follow trends. D Bridge comes along and makes tunes in his particular style; all of a sudden I’ve got 100 minimal tracks that are D-Bridge but not as good. People try to clone Pendulum, people try to clone Hazard, It happens all the time. What I look for are people who aren’t bothered about that. They’re just making sounds they’re feeling. If they’re feeling it, you can hear that through the music. That’s more important to me.

There’s been a big concentration of producers coming out of Russia and Eastern Europe recently. I imagine you get a lot of music from that end of the world - they’re making moves at the moment aren’t they?

They’re making moves everywhere! Not just Russia. D&B is a very global thing now. I’m getting music from parts of the world I wouldn’t expect to get it from. I played in Puerto Rico a couple of weeks ago and there’s a guy out there who’s lived there his whole life and he’s got a tune coming out on Metalheadz soon! The music is coming from everywhere. Second home of D&B was Germany at one time, and then it was the US for a while, then that died down. Now Russia is picking up. It’s everywhere!

You just mentioned Metalheadz. You’ve been a long time Metalheadz resident, what exactly is the connection there and how did it happen in the first place?

A friend of mine, MC Flux, was also good friends with Kemistry & Storm. Back in about 94 – 95 he introduced me to them at Voodoo Magic, Rob Playfords night. I was just doing mix tapes for myself, the passion of it, going down the record shops, buying tunes, handing tapes out to my mates. So when I mentioned I was doing Pirate Radio at the time, they tuned in. They didn’t say anything until I saw them the next time and then said look “Goldies doing this Metalheadz thing, at the Blue Note, we want you to be a resident” I obviously had no idea about what Metalheadz was gonna become. So they brought me in really. I’ve been resident for Metalheadz for 15 years now, a long time.

In all your years in Drum and Bass, what would say is the craziest thing you’ve seen that you’re allowed to tell us?

People always falling off stage man! At the Custard Factory there’s a pool in the middle of the venue and they drain the pool and put the sound system in there. Just behind the stage there’s a little gap between the stage and the edge of the pool. Grooverider stacked it and disappeared down the gap once! This pool’s about seven foot deep, I didn’t know whether to laugh or jump down to help him or what!
Generally you see random crazy people out all the time. This year at the Drum and Bass Awards I saw a guy dressed all in blue Lycra. I mean head to toe - there was a red one too.

For those who know, there’s the famous Dogs on Acid Photoshop thread of you. Are the forums something you like to keep your eye on? Because I know there are some DJ’s who are quite against that. They make a conscious effort to stay away and not read the forums and message boards.

The thing is a lot of DJs and producers take pride in what they do obviously. I’ve noticed that you can have ten people bigging you up but if that one person slates you, you’ll be in an absolute rage! That’s why I kind of stopped checking out the forums. As for the photoshop thread, I love it man! You know there were a few dodgy images, I wasn’t insulted by it, I just got that it was people’s sense of humour; I’ve got quite a dark sense of humour as well. I feel quite flattered that people are taking time out to graft my face on to some random image!
So I’m not totally against the forums; I really don’t have time to go on them anymore to be honest. There’s a lot of positive things on them but also a lot of negativity. What people forget is that it’s all a matter of taste. What’s the point in slagging someone off? If its not your thing then go and check someone else.

Some quick fire questions to finish:

Favourite country to play in?
New Zealand, easily.

Vinyl, CD or Serato
For me at the moment for convenience, CDs.

How many records do you own?
A lot, can I be bothered to count them? No.

Favourite tune of all time?
Burning Spear - Marcus Garvey

If you could own any producers hard drive, any genre?
Bryan G - he’s always had brilliant taste, and helping bring through that many great artists he’s got so many unreleased dubs from the old days.

Words: Nidal
Photos: Yemi Akinpulumi

CULT - D&B SESSIONS 2ND BIRTHDAY: BAILEY!!

2010-02-22T14:00:00.006Z

2 years of D&B Sessions! Its been a great journey so far. Thanks to all whove attended over the last couple and have made the night what it is.

To celebrate we we are welcoming 1Xtra and Metalheadz legend DJ Bailey to the CULT turntables.

BAILEY

Widely respected by his peers, Bailey has been at the forefront of cutting edge Drum and Bass for over 15 years and is internationally known for his flawless selection and integrity across the board.

An original Metalheadz resident at the legendary Blue Note nights and with his award winning 1Xtra radio show now in its 8th year, the freshest and most original selection is guaranteed.

We could'nt think of a better DJ to celebrate 2 years of pushing the sound we love at CULT.

Friday 5th March 2010
BAILEY (1Xtra / METALHEADZ)

Also sets from:
Azonica (HQ:DNB / Hospitality Oxford)
Fonik (Everyday Junglist)
Muse (Happy Go Lucky)

DOC SCOTT INTERVIEW

2010-02-15T13:54:00.005Z

CULT where extra privileged to get 10 minutes to chat with "The Doctor" after his 2 hours of future beats for us the other week.

You’ve just played two hours for us at our first event at the Market Bar. A nice varied set, all sorts of new stuff, were there a few old bits too?

I get sent so many tunes that it’s quite easy to get self indulgent and just play what you want to hear yourself. I’m in a very lucky position that I get so much stuff sent to me that tunes that maybe are old to me might not have even been released yet. I’m not even aware what’s been released and what hasn’t, and I’m not really that bothered or interested; a good tune is a good tune. So I like to mix it up, old stuff, new stuff, just good stuff!

You’re obviously one of the long serving D&B legends, you’ve been around since day one. You’ve probably seen a lot of things develop over quite a few years. What would you say in your opinion has been the biggest change in the scene since drum and bass started?

That’s a big question! From a personal point of view, not a lot has changed. I’m still looking for the same kind of music that is interesting and progressive. If I take a step back and look at the whole thing then obviously drum and bass has become a lot more fractured, and you have a lot more sub-genres and people who specifically want to listen to one kind of style, which is a good and a bad thing. I’m nearly 40 years old; things that are going to appeal to me might not appeal to an 18 year old and vice versa. There’s a big enough market out there for everybody to do their own thing. From my perspective I’m just doing what I’ve always done, looking for good tunes, trying to play the best, forward looking music I can.

On the subject of forward looking music, your label 31 Records had been quiet for a couple of years and then this year you’ve released the Quality Not Quantity EP’s. The music on that series has been seriously high quality - is that something that’s been in the pipeline for a while?

I go through spells where I pay a lot of attention to the label and then spells when I don’t. If I had more time then maybe the label would be more productive, but as it is I’m happy. When I’m inspired to put stuff out then I will, I don’t want to put stuff out for the sake of it. The last couple of years, I’ve been getting sent so much amazing music, so on these EP’s I’ve had stuff from well-established producers, but also from some new guys.
Again I’m in a lucky position that if Calibre or Commix say “Here’s this tune, do you want to release it” of course I’m going to say yes! But I’m always excited by, and looking for new artists. Week in week out I’m getting stuff sent to me by people I’ve never heard of! It’s very interesting to track them down and find out where they’re from and say “This is a great tune, what are you doing with this?”
So there’s a whole series of 12’s coming out this year, where a lot of people aren’t going to recognise the names. One thing that 31 has always done and something I’m proud of is that we’ve put out releases by artists in their early years who have then gone on to do bigger things. I like to think I’ve got a good eye for spotting people who write good music, and it’s great to see them go on and become really established artists and make some amazing music.

Well I suppose the obvious example of that would be Pendulum with “Vault” - I’m sure that’s one you hear a lot! You said you have some 12”s out this year, who should we look out for? Who’s destined for great things in 2010?

Next release is from Nymfo, who a lot of people know already. One after that is from a guy called Nether who’s from Australia; he’s making wicked dub techno type stuff. After that S.P.Y, and obviously S.P.Y’s very big at the moment. After that a guy called Method 1 who’s from the States, there’s a 12” from Seba and stuff from Zero T and Mosus. There’s a lot to come out man, it’s a busy year!

This is obviously a spell where you’re paying the label attention!

I’m paying it attention because I’m getting sent so much amazing music! I always try to give feedback to people; if they take the time to send me stuff then I try to take time to get back to them. Sometimes it’s a bit difficult because some weeks I’m literally getting sent 150 - 200 tracks. But you know it’s not a chore just to send an email back and say “who are you?” and they’ll tell me they’re from St Petersburg or San Francisco or wherever and that’s the global nature of Drum and Bass now.
I can remember when I picked up Vault and was giving it out to a few people and they where asking “who’s done this tune?” “Who are Pendulum?” And I was saying “three guys from Australia” and people wouldn’t have it, they where like “no way, who is it really?!”
I think the point is, you have to listen to everything because you never know where the next big tune is gonna come from or the next big artist will be from.
Going through my inbox is never a chore, because I’m always getting so much amazing music, that’s why it’s so nice to play a two hour set like tonight. When I’m abroad I can play four or five hous sets, but it’s a different culture than in the UK.

You’ve always said you’re a DJ first and foremost. And right now it’s no secret in Drum & Bass that if you want to make it as a DJ, you’ve got to produce. What’s your opinion on that? Because I know you hold some very strong opinions when it comes to DJ’ing in particular.

I grew up in a different generation where it was your DJ skills that got you to where you are. I completely appreciate that now to get noticed you’ve got to make tunes. The last guy that I can think of that totally did it on his skills as a DJ alone was possibly Friction, and how long ago was that?
I find it amusing when promoters will book certain people and then they’ll find out that they can’t DJ, well what did you expect? It has no influence on me really but if people ask my opinion: if you can’t DJ, don’t go out there. And promoters, book people who can DJ rather than people who’ve made two hit singles! Because then they turn up, and the promoters are in a state of shock because they can’t DJ!

Over the last twelve months you’ve put out a series of mixes, and the last part went out at the end of the year. In those mixes you’ve been pushing a sound that you’ve described as “Future Beats”. Also the Autonomic series of Podcasts have been very popular this year, do you think that this new minimal type sound is going to bring a big change to the genre?

To me it’s just music I find interesting, and if you speak to Darren (D Bridge) then he’ll say the same thing. One of the things that was difficult at first, was that we were being sent this really amazing but quite different music, and I had to think “how can I get it in to my sets?” and that was a challenge, but an interesting one. Rather than go out and play a straight bog standard Drum and Bass set, you could really switch it up a bit, take it up and down, go half-tempo. I’ve always tried to do that anyway, but now you’re given all these new tools to do it with.
I just look for music that’s interesting, you know, and music on that mix series and the stuff that Darren’s been putting out on the Autonomic series is just seriously amazing music. Good music is good music to me, I really try not to categorise as much as possible. Lots of people like to pigeon hole things. “Minimal” was a term that was explained to me, but it’s always been there, I’ve always liked stripped down stuff of all genres, but by the same token, I like stuff that’s really highly produced and has got a lot going on.
I really try to stay away from these labels, I understand people like to label stuff to try and describe it and create all these sub-genres. I play at events and sometimes there are three drum and bass rooms! It’s all the same tempo! Sometimes promoters should give punters more credit than they do!

Words: Niddle
Photos: Tom Johnson

LEFT LION - CULT ARTICLE FEB 2010

2010-02-08T20:54:00.003Z

CULT has been featured in this Months bible to all thing Notts - Left Lion!

Pick up a copy pretty much everywhere, or click below to enlarge.

CULT - D&B SESSIONS: DOC SCOTT

2010-01-08T14:49:00.006Z

New Venue and Future Beats all the way as the Doctor lands at CULT for our first night of 2010!!

DOC SCOTT

The original “King of the Rollers” Doc Scott is one of the legends of the drum & bass scene. From Reinforced to Metalheadz to his own label, 31 Records, Doc Scott has pioneered the sounds we know as drum & bass today and continues to lead the way forward.

As an artist, he has been responsible for some of the scene’s defining moments including hardcore classics ‘NHS’, ‘Here Come the Drumz', 'Swarm' and ‘Shadowboxing.’ As a label owner, he has strived to release music that pushes boundaries with releases such as M.I.S.T's ‘ How You Make Me Feel’ and the smasher ‘Vault’ by Pendulum.

First and foremost, however, Doc Scott remains a DJ whose sets are second-to-none, effortlessly crossing the full spectrum of drum & bass and igniting dancefloors with fresh and inspirational sounds. In 2009, he's been pushing a new sound alongside more traditional yet progressive drum & bass and playing what he calls 'future beats' as heard in his mix series, Doc Scott 2009 parts 1-11. Look out for more from 31 Records in 2010 as they follow up the 'Quality Not Quantity' EP series with singles from Seba, S.P.Y, Nymfo and more.

Still on top of his game after twenty years in the business, 2010 promises to be a landmark year for DJ, producer and label.

Friday 29th January 2010
DOC SCOTT (31 / METALHEADZ)

Also sets from:
DJ SNAX (Flight Club)
AWACS (MAC II)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”
10pm – 4am

***£5 ENTRY ALL NIGHT***

MARKET BAR, 16-22 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT RADIO # 10

2010-01-08T14:34:00.005Z

Ten shows down, and CULT are in a festive mood with new beats from Lone, Wigflex, Dealmaker, Hustle Audio plus a cheeky little interview with Detonate promoter Richard Scott. Tasty!

Tracklisting

Lone - Waves Imagination (Werk Discs)
Taylor - Squeege (Wigflex)
Prime Source - Classic (Hustle Audio)
Interview with Rich Detonate
Emcee Killa -Unique_Science (Dealmaker)

GO here to Listen....

Local producers! Send us your tunes!

Cult Radio needs new music, from established artists to newcomer bedroom producers, and of all dance music genres. Here is a great opportunity to have your work heard by the people of Nottingham and beyond...

Please send us mp3’s of 192kbps quality or above to cultradio@leftion.co.uk

CULT D&B SESSIONS - GOOD LOOKING SPECIAL - PHOTOS

2010-01-08T14:17:00.007Z

Furney and Utah Jazz bring GLO to Nottingham, big scenes.

PHOTOS COPYRIGHT: Tom Johnson 2009

The nice people at SoonNight where also in attendence:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fuk.soonnight.com%2Fnottingham%2Fphotos-brownes-cult%2C3%2C238671.html&h=91069335845f3c84b3a4b67039e3f40f

CULT - D&B SESSIONS: GOOD LOOKING SPECIAL: UTAH JAZZ / FURNEY

2009-11-23T19:43:00.011Z

This Month, we bring back two of CULT’s favourite DJs’ for a double headliner GOOD LOOKING RECORDS special!

UTAH JAZZ

Up until now Mr Jazz is the only DJ to earn the privilege of a repeat booking at CULT, in fact this will be the third time he’s graced our turntables.

Cutting his teeth with pioneers such as Alex Reece and Wax Doctor, Luke Wilson has built up his own loyal following of fans with a string of releases across labels such as Liquid V, Hospital and the legendary Good Looking Organisation.

Always coming correct with the funk and soul, his debut album last year received praise across the board and gained some serious radio play. One of the most in-demand DJs on the worldwide circuit, and fresh off the back of another whistle stop Far Eastern tour, the man also manages to squeeze in some studio time and is hard working on his follow up album dropping next year.

If you haven’t made it down to CULT to see this man behind the decks then you won’t want to sleep on this one. Those who already know will be back for more.

FURNEY

As one of the first ever DJ’s to headline at CULT’s Drum and Bass Sessions, we where keen to get Furney back to play for us.

One of the shining lights in the current Good Looking roster he (along with artist such as Tayla, Locksmith, Peyo and Paul SG) has been responsible for bringing the Good Looking sound into the 21st century. An accomplished DJ, in the vein of Bukem himself, his sets are crammed full of his own dubs.

With a rumoured Long Player round the corner we’re eager to see what he has in store for us.

We also are happy to welcome Bad Habits Residents and Corona UK DJ Championship Finalist FOOJAY and KEENOS to CULT for the first time.

Friday 4th December 2009
UTAH JAZZ (LIQUID V / GOOD LOOKING) FURNEY (GOOD LOOKING)

Also sets from:
FOOJAY & KEENOS (Bad Habits)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”
9pm – 3am

***FREE ENTRY BEFORE 11pm ONLY £4 ENTRY AFTER***

BROWNES, 17-19 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - PHOTOS!

2009-11-21T18:39:00.006Z

Another Huge Night - great crowd and big basslines.

PHOTOS COPYRIGHT: Tom Johnson 2009

CULT RADIO # 9

2009-11-02T19:46:00.005Z

Back in the Studio after a lengthy summer break, CULT boys Mouse and Hough have assembled 35 minutes of local electronic pleasure for your ears.

This month: A bit of wonk, a bit of 2 step, some big boy basslines, and an Issac Hayes sample. Also the usual banter plus highlights and lowlights of the Nottingham dance music scene.

Hold Tight!

Hot Toddy feat Ron Basejam – I Need Love (Eskimo)
Brackles – Rawkus (Planet Mu)
Keaver & Brause - Happy Happy (Dealmaker)
Geiom - No More Tears (Berkane Sol)
Ashburner - Cured (For The Win)

GO here to Listen....

Local producers! Send us your tunes!

Cult Radio needs new music, from established artists to newcomer bedroom producers, and of all dance music genres. Here is a great opportunity to have your work heard by the people of Nottingham and beyond...

Please send us mp3’s of 192kbps quality or above to cultradio@leftion.co.uk

CULT - D&B SESSIONS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

2009-10-30T19:49:00.009Z

This month a duo that CULT has been hoping to book for some time now, and with their debut album finally dropping it seemed like perfect timing.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

North London boys Zula Warner and Glenn Herweijer have spent 10 successful years in the game and state their ethos as wanting ‘to spread our music to as many people as possible, and make a mark on their minds”

As a production unit, A.I’s releases are anything but predictable and they tend to reflect a variety of drum & bass styles. Heavy bass driven releases such as Uprising and Days of Rage sit happily in their repertoire next to more liquid colabs with Ben Westbeech and Dj Marky. Their back catalogue shows a spread of releases on major labels such as Commercial Suicide, 31 Record, Full Cycle, Goodlooking and CIA. A.I have even dabbled with commercial labels, releasing remixes of some of the biggest dance and hip hop tracks of the past few years including remix work for Kelis, Eric Prydz, and more recently Fat Freddys Drop.

On the top of their game in the DJ circuit as well, A.I. are undeniably one of the busiest and most popular drum & bass talents around today. Their diversity and adaptability have made them regular headliners in both Europe and beyond with their music taking them to The Ministry, Fabric, Swerve, Matter and Breakin’ Science just to name a few.

With a new album due to land this year, and a jam packed release schedule on their label Integral from the likes of Zero T, Bailey, Calibre, Lenzman, Lomax, Survival and Heist. This hugely talented duo continue to surprise with their variety and flair cementing them as major players in the scene.

Friday 6nd November 2009
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (INTEGRAL / WIDESCREEN)

Also sets from:
DJ TAKE (Detonate)
SYNIC (Inteligent Funktion)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”
9pm – 3am

***FREE ENTRY BEFORE 11pm ONLY £3 ENTRY AFTER***

BROWNES, 17-19 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

NUTONE/ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROMO VID

2009-10-25T13:07:00.003Z

NUTONE/Artificial Intelligence PROMO from geoff Davies on Vimeo.

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - FABIO - PHOTOS!

2009-10-08T19:39:00.010Z

Pics from last weeks visit from FABIO!! Are you stooopid blud!

PHOTOS COPYRIGHT : Tom Johnson

CULT - D&B SESSIONS: FABIO!!!

2009-09-30T20:55:00.008Z

The mighty FABIO touches down at CULT for one of our biggest events yet.

FABIO

Fabio has been firmly at the forefront of the electronic music scene for over two decades and has acquired legendary status for his achievements.

Starting his career on pirate radio in the mid eighties playing Dub, Rare Groove and early Hip Hop, along with long time DJ partner Grooverider, the pair were in the right place at the right time when acid house exploded across London and the UK. Championing the darker more bass driven rave music which then evolved into Jungle and later Drum & Bass, the duo have remained the leaders of this genre for over twenty years.

As the boss of Creative Source records, one of the most respected labels in the game, and often cited as coining the phrase “Liquid Funk”, Fabio has been an authority on everything that is soulful within Drum and Bass since its creation.

Continuing to tour the world, Fabio still finds time to host the weekly Radio 1 Drum and Bass show, making him and Grooverider one of the most recognisable pairings in the scene.

Always staying true to the music, CULT is proud to host one of the original “Godfathers” of the sound.

Friday 2nd October 2009
FABIO (CREATIVE SOURCE / RADIO 1)
Also sets from:
ROCDOLLAR (Bassdrive)
ZERO (Deckandance)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger

LIVE Visuals by “minimus”
9pm – 3am

***FREE ENTRY BEFORE 10.30pm ONLY £5 ENTRY AFTER***

BROWNES, 17-19 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - NU:TONE - PHOTOS!

2009-09-11T10:51:00.005Z

Last weeks shindig with Hospital Big Boy Nu:Tone, in photographic form:

PHOTOS COPYRIGHT : Tom Johnson

NU:TONE INTERVIEW

2009-09-08T21:17:00.012Z

CULT sat down with NU:TONE before his set for us last week, here's what he had to say:

So give us a brief biography to date? How did it all start?
I’ve been involved in music since I was very young and started off learning classical piano when I was about eight years old. I got into Soul and Funk music when I was about sixteen and I’d already started experimenting with making music on a computer when I heard the Platinum Breaks and Music Box albums a few years later. I was bitten from then really.

What was it like cutting your teeth working with John B in Durham?
We both had radio shows on the same station at uni, and he was already producing and releasing quite successfully. I had access to quite a big studio as I was studying music, so he’d come down and we’d sample up records and process stuff in the studio together. After I finished uni I started taking the production a bit more seriously and he gave me my first releases on his label.

What do you think of the direction he’s taken at the moment?
Well he’s carved out a niche for himself really, and I’ve got time for anybody who has a vision and doesn’t feel they have to follow what’s fashionable. The stuff he used to make when I first met him blew my mind, and over time our musical tastes have diverged somewhat but you’ve got to respect him for sticking to his guns. Certainly it’s worked for him - he’s a very busy DJ, massive in America and on the continent, globally really, he’s a big name. There isn’t really anyone else in the scene that does what he does.

Production wise, what do you make your tunes in? Do you have a routine when starting to make music? Start with the drums, the hook, a sample etc.
I try not to get formulaic about it. It’s easy to get in the routine of loading up your presets every time with stuff all ready to go, so I try and start each track from scratch. Every time is different really; I just go with what ever catches my ear. I produce all in the box these days with a combination of Cubase and Reason.

Do you have any studio rituals or any particular times of the day when you’re more productive?
I’m fairly methodical about it, in terms of when I work. Because I’ve got kids I have to be, so I treat it like a normal day job. If you’ve got something going and you don’t want to stop then I can keep rolling, but essentially I try and keep it as regular as possible.

You’re known for being one of the more family orientated people in DnB. How do you find being on the road and juggling the family life? Does it make it harder to dedicate time in the studio?
It means that music isn’t my only priority; I’ve got other stuff that is important to me. I guess it gives you more drive, I’ve got responsibilities and bills need to be paid! In that respect if anything it spurs me on more.
In years gone by I’d spend hours in the studio and then go down to Swerve and listen to people play and then go back in the studio and start working on stuff. There are advantages to that flexibility and being able to be more spontaneous with stuff but I wouldn’t change my situation for the world!

You’ve been running the Spoonfed Nights in Cambridge with Commix and Logistics for a few years now. How healthy is the scene in Cambridge?
Cambridge is a small city, only 100,000 people. Its only really got Spoonfed and Warning as nights, and Warning’s been going for 13 years odd. It’s a big event, big headliners, big venue and it caters for that kind of crowd. So we really wanted to create something that was a bit more intimate that really reflected the type of music we where putting out and playing. We talked about it for a long time and it took ages before we got things going and got the right venue. It’s nice, it’s only a 400 capacity club, but we get to bring down all our mates and it’s got a really nice atmosphere.

So you come from quite a musical family with your brother Logistics about to release his 3rd album on Hospital. Is there any sibling rivalry between you two at all? Do you keep an eye on sales? And then give each other grief over family Sunday lunches?
Not to that extent, it’s not like we get out our royalty statements and see who came out top! There’s rivalry between everyone, but I think we get a kick out of each others success rather than being competitive about it. I love the fact that my brother and I do the same job, and get to travel together and play back to back regularly. We’re also each others first port of call when we write a tune. One of the first things we do is play it to each other and see what the other says. I wouldn’t describe it as rivalry, more like healthy competition.

You had plans to maybe start a live performance thing with your music. Is this still in the pipeline?
I’ve thought about doing this so many times and for a long time I dismissed it because I knew how time consuming and expensive it would be. I didn’t want to do it unless I got the right people, but the right people were always busy because they were good! So it kind of faded out and now it’s probably a bit more than I’m willing to invest in terms of time and energy. Who knows? If I produced an album that crossed over and sold serious units then I’d probably do it, because then there’s the potential to do it and do it properly.

Some Quick Fire Questions:

Favourite country you’ve played in?
Japan
Football Team?
Manchester United
How many records do you own?
4000 - 5000
CD or Serrato?
Vinyl
Pioneer or Allen & Heath
Allen & Heath
Guilty Pleasure?
Nothing I want to admit on here
Who would win if there was a Hospital Records Royal Rumble?
Danny Byrd, he’s big and he plays dirty

Anything you want to plug / anything in the pipeline for us to look forward to?
My Remix for the Dekata Project is out the end of the September

Click here to listen:
Dekata Project - At Least We Can Dance [Nu:Tone Remix]

WORDS: Stuart Rogers

PICS: Tom Johnson

CULT – D&B SESSIONS: NU:TONE

2009-08-17T11:28:00.002Z

After last month being our busiest CULT Ever! We’ve decided to keep with the Cambridge vibe, and present another debut for an artist, who was critical in forming the original Hospital Sound

NU:TONE

Spread love!

Born in 1976, Dan Gresham aka Nu:Tone, started piano aged 8 and joined Jesus College choir in Cambridge a year later. He studied music at Durham University, and having secured a college radio show, met a young John B. They shared broadcasts, established local clubnight 'Substance', and Dan went on to engineering studio sessions for John.

All these good vibes led to a debut vinyl release with John's Beta imprint in 2001Since signing to Hospital in 2003 Nu:Tone has come through the ranks to become one of the most highly respected producers in the scene, with everyone from LTJ Bukem to Dillinja busting his tunes. Nu:Tone's remix's are always guaranteed to please - whether it's the retro soul of his Spread Love anthem or the junglist wobble of his "Strictly Social" Re-rub.

His debut album Brave Nu World dropped in 2005 with all of the Drum & Bass' hierarchy supporting it. DJs Norman Jay M.B.E and Tom Middleton also made Nu:Tone a favourite of their eclectic sets. Off the back of this success Nu:Tone has taken his DJing all over the world spreading Hospital love from the USA to Asia to Australia. Somehow he has also found the time to remix Alice Russell, Quantic and produce a track for Jenna G.

After a short break creating a mini Nu:Tone, Dan has come back super strong in 2007. His stunning album Back Of Beyond dropped in June 2007 with critics hailing it "Top Class" - Knowledge Mag, and DJmag describing the album as "The perfect marriage of accelerated junglist funk & cooled-out 70s melody". Cuts from the album such as Missing Link, Beliefs (with Pat Fulgoni) and System (featuring Natalie Williams) all where ripping up the UKs dancefloors.

As the lynchpin of the Future Sound Of Cambridge, Dan was instrumental in getting Logistics, Commix and of course himself into the studio to produce the devastating full length Future Sound Of Cambridge 3 in 2008. Dark and deadly this further more confirmed Cambridge as a D+B hotbed, and affirmed the awesome production of Nu:Tone and Co.

Friday 4th September 2009
NU:TONE (HOSPITAL / BRAND NU)
Also sets from:
TDJ (Digital Soundboy)
Joe Nobody (Live & Amplified)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger

LIVE Visuals by “minimus”
9pm – 3am

***FREE ENTRY BEFORE 11pm ONLY £3 ENTRY AFTER***

BROWNES, 17-19 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT – D&B SESSIONS: COMMIX

2009-07-27T17:35:00.005Z

After the rousing success of our first Summer Session at Brownes we’ve decided to put on another for you lucky people. This time we’re hosting another artist heavily influenced by the techno / minimal sound.

COMMIX

Eight years in the game now, the Commix sound has developed steadily since their first forays onto vinyl on DJ SS' Formation imprint and close ally Nu:Tone's label.

Part of “The Future Sound OF Cambridge” their subsequent releases on established labels including C.I.A, Hospital Records and Horizons Music has made them popular with a multitude of top DJs including Fabio, DJ Flight, Lee, Marcus Intalex and DJ Marky.

After originally being a trio, Commix became two in 2004, and since that time their sound has taken on an edgier and more wide-ranging style, with their diverse range of musical influences shining through in their music.In 2007 they became the first artist to release an album on Golide’s legendary Metalheadz imprint with the album receiving praise across the board.

The duo continue to develop their sound and prove their diversity with forthcoming projects including the “Recall to Mind” remix album, which features scene innovators such as Carl Craig and Burial.

This Month we also have sets from Midlands favourites “Hoax & Jungleman” and CULT newcomer “Blae”

Friday 7th August 2009
COMMIX (Metalheadz)

Also sets from:
Hoax & Jungleman (Dirty Freqs / Hustle Audio)
Blae (CULT)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister, MC Anger

LIVE Visuals by “minimus”
9pm – 3am

***FREE ENTRY BEFORE 11pm ONLY £3 ENTRY AFTER***

BROWNES, 17-19 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT – D&B SESSIONS: SUMMER SPECIAL: MARCUS INTALEX!!!

2009-06-18T19:39:00.008Z

The summer is officially here, and to celebrate CULT are hosting a special event at Hockley institution “Brownes”. Headlining this event we are proud to welcome one of the patrons of forward thinking drum and bass music.

MARCUS INTALEX

Both as an artist a DJ and a label owner, Marcus Intalex represents the forefront of soulful musical drum and bass.

From the seminal ‘How You Make Me Feel’ alongside ST Files, to his more recent output alongside the likes of Calibre (as Mist:ical) and Martyn, his productions are renowned for pushing boundaries whilst retaining broad appeal. Marcus’ DJ sets follow suit and have earned him a reputation as a tastemaker, not afraid to test crowds with a fresh high quality selection from across the spectrum of drum and bass.

A passion for techno runs deeply through his music and his sets, as shown by his latest solo EP and the influential DAT Music series on Soul:r. He represents Soul:ution with a popular residency at the legendary Fabric club and a highly revered radio show for Red Bull Music Academy.

In 2009, Marcus is heading up another London residency together with the rest of the abunchofcuts.com collective and also touring Australia, New Zealand and South Asia alongside Doc Scott as well as keeping Soul:r one of the leading lights in underground dance music.

On top of this we have sets from some of the best “deeper” DJ’s Nottingham has to offer. All for FREE, We must be out of our tiny minds!!

Saturday 3rd July 2009
MARCUS INTALEX (Soul:R)

Also sets from:

DRamatic & DbAudio (Good Looking / Liquid Brilliants )
DJ Slider (ItsTooLoud)
Rotary Connexion (Dynamics)

CULT Residents Mouse, Vtekk, Houghmeister

LIVE Visuals by “minimus”

9pm – 3am

***FREE ENTRY BEFORE 11pm ONLY £3 ENTRY AFTER***

BROWNES, 17-19 GOOSE GATE, HOCKLEY, NOTTS, NG1 1FE

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT RADIO # 6

2009-06-11T20:24:00.003Z

Monthly round up of all that is good Notts dance wise...

This month we've all gone a bit bleep synth wonk. With new music that defies genre from the Wigflex camp. UR tinged Techno from Geiom and Metalheadz esque buisness from Rotary.

GO here to Listen....

Tracklist

Metske - Overhill (Wigflex)

Geiom – Eyl Booty (Berkane Sol)

Rotary - Waiting (White)

Metaphi - The Dubtek Doctrine (For The Win)

Local producers! Send us your tunes!

Cult Radio needs new music, from established artists to newcomer bedroom producers, and of all dance music genres. Here is a great opportunity to have your work heard by the people of Nottingham and beyond...

Please send us mp3’s of 192kbps quality or above to cultradio@leftion.co.uk

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - KASRA

2009-05-18T12:03:00.006Z

KASRA

Kasra is an integral part of and prominent figure in the UK underground scene. Using his own label, Critical, as a vehicle for musical expression Kasra has been responsible for rooting out, guiding and nurturing high quality, pioneering drum and bass.

Over the past five years, Kasra has created in Critical a unique identity that is respected the whole world over and has ultimately left an indelible mark on the drum and bass scene.Kasra's uncompromising attitude to the tunes Critical release has won him praise from all sides of DnB journalism, figures and fans and this year the label shows no signs of slowing down or diluting this pure sound.

With gigs in Asia and Europe already under his belt, Kasra's all set to take his place in the drum n bass history books, no arguments.

Saturday 6th June 2009
KASRA (CRITICAL)
PABLO (DIGITAL SOUNDBOY)

All nights feature residents: Mouse, Houghmeister, Vtekk & MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”

Muse
9 Broad St, Hockley,
Nottingham
NG1 3AL

10pm – 3am
£5 Entry All Night
No Dress Code.

For more information visit: www.wearethecult.co.uk or Mail: wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - DJ STORM!! - PHOTOS!

2009-05-12T20:40:00.008Z

Metalheadz Dub PlateBusiness as the "First Lady of D&B" hit CULT...

CULT RADIO # 5

2009-05-06T13:34:00.007Z

Bit late this one, so appologies for that people.

Still, an all DnB special with Brand new tunes from Soul Intent and DbAudio and an exclusive interview with the Hustle Audio camp... Can't be bad.

GO here to Listen....

Tracklist

DbAudio – Mr Lawson (Human Soul Recordings)
Decade – Look, Don’t See (Hustle Audio)
Jungleman & Hoax Interview
Grafix – Body Talk (Hustle Audio)
Ki & Expect – The 98 Thing (Hustle Audio)
Soul Intent – Spinning Around (White)

Local producers! Send us your tunes!

Cult Radio needs new music, from established artists to newcomer bedroom producers, and of all dance music genres. Here is a great opportunity to have your work heard by the people of Nottingham and beyond...

Please send us mp3’s of 192kbps quality or above to cultradio@leftion.co.uk

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - DJ STORM

2009-04-22T11:13:00.007Z

Another long time legend in the game makes their welcome debut at CULT.

DJ STORM

Storm has always been one of the most influential DJs within drum and bass, known for tight mixing skills and exclusive selection. Affectionately dubbed the First Lady of Drum and Bass, Storm’s career has also had it’s lows to match the highs. In a tragic road accident returning home from a gig, her best friend and DJing partner Kemistry was killed beside her.

Massively significant, Kemi & Storm where famously renowned for introducing D&B superstar Goldie to the then emerging scene.Storm carried on with the music beside her, continuing the passion they had shared for drum and bass and leading the way as a role model for aspiring young female artists to break into what is still a male-dominated scene.

As one of the Metalheadz label’s chief selectors, this is another CULT not to miss.

Friday 8th May 2009
DJ STORM (METALHEADZ)
T- DJ (DIGITAL SOUNDBOY)

All nights feature residents: Mouse, Houghmeister, Vtekk & MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”

Muse
9 Broad St, Hockley,
Nottingham
NG1 3AL

10pm – 3am
£5 Entry All Night
No Dress Code.

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=92510117925&ref=mf

For more information visit: www.wearethecult.co.uk or Mail: wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - S.P.Y

2009-03-25T17:35:00.006Z

Continuing our policy for representing those in the scene that deserve props, CULT are proud to present another exclusive.

S.P.Y

Brazilian born and now London based DJ and producer Carlos Lima, is fast becoming one of the most prolific recent artists in Drum & Bass.

With praise and support from influential producers and DJ's such as Goldie, Marcus Intalex, Andy C and Friction, collaborations with artists Marky, Total Science, Kiat, and Mosus, S.P.Y is definitely one to watch in 2009.

Delivering a devastating trail of lethal releases one after another in quick succession. With tracks on some of the scenes most seminal labels; Soul:r, Metalheadz, Advanced, Critical, Inner Ground and Hospital Records' experimental Med School Label.

As well as making the most progressive beats around, S.P.Y is one of the freshest DJs on the circuit. Combining conscious selection and party vibes with a raw energy, S.P.Y is a true performer!

Saturday 4th April 2009

S.P.Y (MED SCHOOL / SOUL:R / CRITICAL)
Zetek (Rubiks)

All nights feature residents: Mouse, Houghmeister, Vtekk & MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”

Muse
9 Broad St, Hockley,
Nottingham
NG1 3AL

10pm – 3am
£4 Entry before 11pm £6 After
No Dress Code.

Attend the facebook event!

For more information visit: www.wearethecult.co.uk or Mail: wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - BROOKES BROTHERS - PHOTOS!

2009-03-22T14:35:00.006Z

Unbelievable scenes! as the Brookes Brothers took Muse to the next level!

BROOKES BROTHERS INTERVIEW

2009-03-20T17:03:00.009Z

After playing to a packed out CULT crowd we sat down with Dan Brookes, one half of the pairng that are responsible for bringing D&B back to the daytime playlist....

Welcome to Nottingham, it’s good to have you down but first things first, where’s your brother?

To quote the name of a popular film from last year, my brother is “In Bruges” He’s DJing in Belgium, he wanted to come and sends his apologies to everyone but unfortunately he can’t be in two places at once. But we do try and both go to as many gigs as we possibly can.

This is your second time in Nottingham, how did you think tonight went?

Wicked yeah, I went to Riley’s, before the gig to watch the boxing. Then I walked over to the gig and had a wicked night. There’s a good vibe. It’s very similar to London I think. Everyone’s very unified and it seems like everyone’s having a good time. It’s a very multi-cultural place which is wicked, I really enjoyed it! It’s a really nice intimate club which is cool, we’ve been playing bigger raves but it’s nice to get back to the grass roots so to speak.

What do you think is different about playing in a more intimate venue?

It’s a totally different vibe. You can completely connect with the people who are dancing. When you’re playing big raves it sounds obvious but it’s a lot less intimate, you don’t catch people’s eye, smiling at you and singing along. It’s all kind of blurred into one huge block of heads. Playing nights like CULT is really what it’s all about. You want to be talking to people and that’s part of the whole thing for me. I like to hang around after the gig and chat to people and hear what they’ve got to say. Tonight I’ve got to shoot off which I’m gutted about, and most of the time I’m driving but if I can I like to hang around for a few drinks after.

It’s only really the last few years that you have come into the spotlight. How did you go from making tunes in your bedroom to being involved with Breakbeat Kaos?

Fresh and Adam F set up an Aim address for people to send their tunes to. We sent them a couple of bits and Fresh got back to us and really liked some of the stuff we were coming up with. Some of which was turned out on Futurebound’s label, Viper. We just carried on sending him stuff; we wouldn’t really let him rest to be honest! We went for a meeting, and he really liked a few of our tunes, Hard Knocks and Mistakes, which was our first single and that was it really. We just carried on trying to push our sound and keep the ball rolling.

Music production is a massive industry to establish yourself into, how did it make you feel when you finally got that break?

It’s funny because when you’re in the position yourself, you never really stop and think. It’s like a progressive elevation of your expectations in a way. Your expectations are quite low to start off with and then you start realising that you can set your sights higher and you can achieve more that you initially expected too. To be honest, Tear You Down was the moment when we thought ‘Wow, this is amazing’. So many people were listening to our tunes and really liking what we were coming up with. Up until that point, we were really just writing tunes and it hadn’t yet blown up to that proportion. It stopped us in our tracks. People say things don’t happen over night but it really felt like it did for us. It was crazy.

As ou say “Tear You Down” was a massive tune for you guys, it got rinsed on Radio 1 and was a few DJ’s record of the week. How did that affect you as a producer of an ‘underground’ genre?

As a Drum and Bass producer you’re not ever thinking that your stuff is going to get played on daytime radio, so it’s massively exhilarating when you first hear the stuff being playing on a regular basis and all your mates from school are calling you up because they’ve heard it. We’re making dance music, and until recently it doesn’t often appear on the radio. I think it’s wicked. We’re not compromising what we do to try and get played on the radio, we’re just doing what we love and what we’ve always done and people are acknowledging that. Which is great for us, we’re really happy.

Drum and Bass has come along way from being strictly underground to being in the mainstream, with lots of tunes making it onto daytime radio and more and more producers attracting a lot more attention. What do you think this means for the genre as a whole?

I think there are two sides to every story. It’s bringing a lot of new faces into the raves, a lot of people who wouldn’t have necessarily turned up before hand and I think that’s a really good thing. A lot more people are starting to enjoy the music and it’s starting to reach a further audience which you can’t argue against. Unless of course the quality of the music is actually suffering, and I don’t think that’s the case. But there’s always people in the scene who want to hold on to what they value in Drum and Bass which often is the fact that it is an underground form of music. It’s always going to take time for people to accept that some artists are going to become popular. I think it’s great though, the more people the better as far as I’m concerned. Like I said. if the music’s not suffering as a result of it, then the more people that we are reaching out to the better.

How do you go about getting yourselves out there in the first place, do you think it’s important to have a self promotion strategy?

We like to leave it up to the music, and let the people give the verdict. We’re really quite perfectionists about our tunes and we try hard to get them spot on. We don’t like to put stuff out lightly and we always try and make it as good as possible, but I suppose that goes for everyone that’s passionate about it. We’re lucky enough to be surrounded by some really good people and have a good crowd supporting what we do, in both the label and the public. So thankfully, we don’t have to do that much except for focus on making good music.

How do you find it working in a pair, do you ever find yourselves arguing?

Because we’re brothers, we’re quite fortunate that we have very similar tastes. We’ve got the same mum and dad which helps a lot because we we’re around the same things when were younger, listening to the same tunes that they we’re listening too. And listening to what we were listening too we were sharing the same experience the whole way. It doesn’t take much to reconcile our disagreements when we do have them. Obviously everyone has differences, we fight over tunes but it doesn’t happen that often.

When you were growing up together, how did you both decide that producing was what you wanted to do?

We used to go raving a lot, and we used to love listening to the same tunes on the dance floor. We’d go home after a night out and talk about it for hours. That progressed into wanting to buy some production equipment and give it a go. We didn’t really know what we were doing at all. We started working on tunes together and messing around until six in the morning. We came up with some really terrible ideas, but eventually we found a groove and started to really get going.

Everyone has they’re influences growing up, but now that your established artists what do you think influences what you do?

We love all sorts of Drum and Bass, but all sorts of other genres as well. To be quite honest, recently it’s just been album after album and there hasn’t been that much time to listen to specific tunes. I’m almost embarrassed to say it but after eight hours of making tunes you don’t really want to listen to that much. One particular album I’ve been really into lately is the Sweeney Todd soundtrack, I’ve been caining that. I love Tim Burton and a lot of other ambient film soundtracks too. Funnily enough, I like stuff with no drums that you can just zone out too. I really like these guys called the Dorian Concept which you can’t really categorize but I love it. When it comes to making Drum and Bass, that is a full time job but in terms of listening I don’t really listen to that much.

What is on your I-pod?

I don’t have an I-pod man. I’m still stuck in the dark ages rocking out a walkman. I’m an eighties child. I like old mixtapes but when I’m in the car I just listen to the radio, I switch between Smooth, Radio 1 and Classic FM. I’m not a Drum and Bass till I die sort of guy. I wouldn’t jump in front of a bullet for Drum and Bass, I love it, and it’s my life to a certain extent but I love listening to all styles of music and so does my brother.

What’s your view on Dubstep?

I like it, but to be honest for a long time I was not convinced that I liked it, even though I accepted that the bass is pretty cool. It never really grabbed me. But recently there’s some tunes that have started to crop up that are pulling my attention a little bit more but I wouldn’t call myself a dubstep fiend or anything. I love some of the new Chase and Status stuff because it’s dupstep with a drum and bass production style. I’m getting there, just give me some time and I’ll catch up!

What can we expect from you guys this year?

We’ve got an album coming out in September, so we’re just working really hard at the moment trying to get it done. Stressing out about it and trying to get it right. I find myself spending every waking minute thinking about it. It’s kind of like writing a book, you never sort of let it go. Until it’s done and wrapped up, you struggle to distance yourself from it at all. But I’m looking forward to when it’s finished. It’s been a great experience working on all sorts of different stuff for the album: Don’t expect the standard Brookes Brothers style tune. We’re really excited about it and hope people like it. Before that though, we’ve got a single set for July called Last Night.

As a DJ, what is you opinion on the Vinyl vs. MP3 debate?

Like many others, I prefer the sound of vinyl a lot of the time. But we play a lot of tunes that aren’t out on vinyl and it would be so costly to cut them all. I think CD is practical and convenient. I think the sound quality is a bit toppier but it saves people a lot of money in this current climate. I’ve noticed that people have started to mix their tunes down differently for CD. I think what is a good idea is if producers start making less trebly mixdowns for the CD format and a bit more treble for vinyl. I think that might fix the problems but that’s just me.

What do you think about Nottingham? You going to come back and see us again?

To be honest I haven’t had much of a chance to see a lot of it, but that’s more of an excuse to come back. The people seem to be really sweet and the vibe is nice, everyone seems to be out to have a fun time which is what I like. I’ll be back, next time I’m on the M1 I’ll pop in to say hello!!

WORDS: Rosa Brough

CULT RADIO # 4

2009-02-26T13:53:00.003Z

Yes! It's time for the latest instalment of the "CULT Radio" Podcast, this time with an exclusive interview with local DJ Extraordinaire and WIgflex Boss "Spam Chop" speaking about the BRAND NEW Wigflex label, amongst other things.....

GO here to Listen....

Tracklist
Zetek & Kubiks – Level Plains (Forthcoming - Nu Directions)
Metaphi – The More I Know Her (Forthcoming – Wiglfex 01 EP)

Spamchop Interview

The Hizatron – Schlupiniski (Forthcoming – Wigflex 01 EP)
Rhythm Plate – Dirty (Kolor Recordings)
dRamatic – Coming Home (Dub)

Local producers! Send us your tunes!

Cult Radio needs new music, from established artists to newcomer bedroom producers, and of all dance music genres. Here is a great opportunity to have your work heard by the people of Nottingham and beyond...

Please send us mp3’s of 192kbps quality or above to cultradio@leftlion.co.uk.

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - BROOKES BROTHERS

2009-02-10T14:38:00.012Z

Celebrating one whole year of D&B Sessions at Muse, CULT are proud to present a production duo who are hot property at the moment.

BROOKES BROTHERS

The ‘Brookes Brothers’, or Phil and Dan to their mum, have emerged as one of the major breakthrough drum n bass artists of the last couple of years. Raised in London, the two brothers discovered a love for the more soulful sounds of drum’n’bass around the turn of the millennium.

Fast forward six years and the brothers have already established themselves as some of the most exciting producers on the scene. Collaborations with fellow breakthrough artists such as Subfoucs and Danny Byrd have followed, and the Brothers have proved their crossover potential with releases such as the Shinici Osawa - Starguitar Remix and the massive “Tear You Down” which made it on to the Radio One daytime play list and became several radio DJ’s “tune of the week”.

With a debut album forthcoming on Breakbeat Kaos this spring, we’re looking forward to what the boys have got to show us....

Saturday14th March 2009

Brookes Brothers (Breakbeat Kaos)
Dj Clart (Creative Source)

All nights feature residents: Mouse, Houghmeister, Vtekk & MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”

CULT SHOP IS OPEN!

2009-01-26T14:52:00.005Z

The CULT Shop is now open, featuring very reasonable CULT merchandise for men and for the ladies.

http://cultwear.shirtcity.com/

Limited Edition Tees will be popping up each month, all conceptualised by resident design monkey Mister Shifter...

The first is up already, Priced at a very reasonable £14 each....

If you'd like to see a particular design or colour combo then hit us up and we can see what we can do....

O..O
>\/<

CULT RADIO # 3

2009-01-19T13:23:00.004Z

CULT are away on their Hols at the moment, but we have left a tasty mix for you, from resident DJ Houghmeister - all mixed on vinyl with 2 x 1210s a Vestax 2 channel mixer and a four-pack of Stella. We’ll be back as usual at the beginning of Feb with some spanking new electronic music from the world’s best city.

GO here to Listen....

Tracklist
1) Chase and Status - Cant Get Enough - RAM
2) Commix - Strictly - Metalheadz
3) S.P.Y vs Kiat - Close Encounters - Soul:R
4) Nu:Tone - Balaclava - Hospital
5) Phace - Cold Champagne - Neosignal
6) Chris Su - Solaris VIP - Subtitles
7) Logistics - Cosmonaught - Hospital
8) 2DB (Drumsound and Bassline Smith) - Starsign - Worldwide Audio
9) Crossfire - Hyperion - Crossfire Recordings
10) Spirit - Connected - CIA Deepkut
11) Zero T - Too Much - Integral
12) Random Movement - Believe No Other - Westbay International
13) Danny Byrd - Junction 18 - Hospital
14) Metrick - Moving on - Viper (VIP)
15) Doc Scott - NHS (Total Science Remix) - 31 Records
16) D Kay & Lee - Wax'd (D Kay Remix) - Metalheadz

Local producers! Send us your tunes!

Cult Radio needs new music, from established artists to newcomer bedroom producers, and of all dance music genres. Here is a great opportunity to have your work heard by the people of Nottingham and beyond...

Please send us mp3’s of 192kbps quality or above to cultradio@leftlion.co.uk.

BLAME INTERVIEW

2009-01-12T16:48:00.005Z

Blame AKA Conrad Shafie has been around on the scene for as long as anyone, we where lucky enough to catch up with him for a chat after his Set at CULT last Month.

Good to have you down in Nottingham. How do you think it went tonight?

It was wicked! It was really good to be able to roll it out, play some good musical tunes for two hours. The crowd where receptive, into different sounds, diverse tracks, so it was a lot of fun.

Do you find you play a different set playing to a smaller intimate bar crowd like this, than to playing at a big rave?

Well, sometimes if you’re booked at 4am in the morning between Swift and Hype then you’ve got to get the dance floor going, its expected, but lately I’ve just been enjoying playing these type of sets, pushing the more musical sound, but also keeping the dance floor going as well.

So give us a bit of a Blame history lesson.

Rave music is where it started really, making hardcore, probably about 1991 time. Then I went on some mad musical journey doing the Good Looking thing, what they called the “intelligent sound”. After that I’ve gone down the dancefloor avenue with Swift on Charge. You’ve got to keep moving and evolving, because you can’t make the same music your whole life.

Do you think your own music has changed through personal taste or has it been influenced by what’s working in the clubs as time has gone on?

Well it’s whatever I’ve been feeling to be honest. You know, a few years ago I really got into my DJ’ing and was playing at a lot of bigger events and I was thinking “you know what, I really want to make some ammo for these kinds of nights” and was really enjoying making that and hearing it out on big systems, making the dance floor go off. I think you’ve got to make whatever you’re feeling at the time and not pigeonhole yourself into one bracket.

You’ve been involved in the scene probably as long as anyone. What do you think the major changes have been since you first got involved?

In the early days things changed so quickly, every few months it would evolve, the speed of the tracks, the way that people where producing, the technology. It was so innovative, things were moving forward all the time. Nowadays, things have pretty much set into a pattern, smaller changes, smaller moves within the music rather than big giant leaps like there were before; it’s more subtle.

Where do you see things going in the next few years?

Well I can’t speak for other artists, but for me I feel the music I’m making now is the best I’ve made in my life. I’m getting a lot of radio plays. My production is tighter than it’s ever been. So I’m happy.

How did getting on the Radio 1 daytime playlist come about then?

Really it picked up from Fabio & Groove playing it on their show; they’ve always supported my stuff over the years. Over the last year or so the other daytime DJ’s, your Annie Mac’s or Zane Lowe’s etc… they’ve been feeling their D&B more and more and they’ve picked up on the track. It’s fantastic driving around and hearing drum and bass on the radio in the daytime! That’s what we’ve been trying to do in the scene for all this time man. Its good music so there’s no reason it shouldn’t be out there, and the production is top notch now.

Do you think it has to be a certain type of drum & bass to get that play list attention? Could a purely instrumental track get on there? Or do there have to be vocals?

Well my track “Stay Forever” only had a little vocal hook that came in every minute or so and that made it on there. A day time track has got be catchy. Your mum’s got to want to listen to it on the radio while she’s hovering up! You can’t be lashing out some crazy mentasm sounds, amens and reeces you know!

What have you got planned for the next 12 months? Any new bits coming out?
Yeah, I’ve got a brand new track that’s started to get a bit of radio play recently called “Because of You”. There’s a full vocal on that featuring a wicked new singer I’ve been working with called “Selah” that’s due out in February on 720. And pretty much when I’m not out on the road, I submerge myself in the studio and do what I love doing, making tracks, seven days a week.

Is there anything specific you like about playing in Nottingham?

Nottingham’s always had a good vibe for drum & bass. It’s a really open minded city, lots of students, and a lot of people who want to hear something different.
It was nice to play in a club where the vibe is so relaxed too, chilled out, everyone’s having a good time you know. Yeah I loved it!

WORDS: Lee Heneghen
PICS: My Linh Lee

CULT PROPAGANDA IS BACK!

2009-01-05T16:36:00.010Z

CULT Propaganda is Back!

Every 3rd Saturday of the Month we will be coming to you live and direct from the city’s premier underground Bar Moog.

The music policy will be dictated by a collection of some of the city’s most talented Local/Student up and coming DJ’s. Expect to hear a mesh of DnB/ Breaks/ Beats/ Dubstep/ 2Step/Hip Hop and any other drum based ear activity you can think of!

All of this sown together by Cult Residents and MC’s

Facebook Group

WE WANT YOU!

UP & COMING DJ’s WE WANT YOU!! TO GET A SET AT CULT PROPAGANDA, SEND US A MIX TO WEARETHECULT@HOTMAIL.COM

Taxi Offer: Get a taxi to moog with 4 or more people, get a receipt and show it at the bar and moog will give you £4 off your first round! Whoop!

CULT RADIO # 2

2008-12-11T13:20:00.008Z

CULT RADIO # 2

The second CULT RADIO Podcast is out now, in conjunction with Leftlion & Stone Soup Studios.

This month featuring an Exclusive Mini-Mix from Detonate Resident and all round Nottingham DJ'ing Legend: DJ Santero

We're really enjoying doing these shows and getting to feature some top quality music from local producers...

GO here to Listen....

Tracklisting:

Dan Rattomatic - Island 2 (feat Opticus Ryme)

Santero - MiniMix

People Under The Stairs - Party Enemy #1

Kid Sister - Get Fresh

Justin Martin - My Angelic Demons

Tiga - Mind Dimension 1

Bingo Players - Chop

DJ Bang - The B.E.A.T.

Big Tymers - Get Your Roll On

Andy George & Scott Cooper - Piano Man

Lee Mortimer - That Thing

Spamchop – Spinelli

Manix – Hardcore Junglism (dRamatic Remix)

Local producers! Send us your tunes!

Cult Radio needs new music, from established artists to newcomer bedroom producers, and of all dance music genres. Here is a great opportunity to have your work heard by the people of Nottingham and beyond...

Please send us mp3’s of 192kbps quality or above to cultradio@leftlion.co.uk.

Make sure you include any label / release details as well as track name and artist info. Also any other information you'd like us to put over (details of upcoming events, etc).

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - BLAME - PHOTOS!

2008-12-09T16:48:00.009Z

Another top top night, this time with 720 legend and all round nice guy Blame taking over..... Nice one to all who represented....

UTAH JAZZ INTERVIEW...

2008-11-18T10:11:00.013Z

Luke Wilson AKA Utah Jazz spoke to CULT's Roving Reporter Lee Heneghan before his 2 hour shake down at CULT last week......

Give us a bit background, how did you get involved with drum & bass and what has the last 12 months been like for you?

I’ve been making tunes for a while now. I must have started when I was about 16/17, just gradually getting into production and sending off demos to a few different labels, working my way up like everyone else. The last year or so has been pretty mad with the album coming out on V recordings over the summer.

That was a big achievement for me, A – getting the album out and B – get on a label like V. So I’ve just been touring since then, doing a lot of DJing, done a few remixes for a couple of major labels

So how did you get involved with V Recordings?

Starting out, I did some stuff with Alex Reece. The funny thing is that I mention his name these days and some people don’t really remember him but he was such a massive name in drum & bass. Almost like the Pendulum of his day, a big, major label artist. He was showing me the ropes and the tracks I did with him when were from when I was still at school. I was sending them out, people like Bryan G were playing a couple of them.

I didn’t know Bryan at all and then about 5 or 6 years ago I sent out a demo with a few tunes on, he picked up on them and I started working with him. Some people think that you get in by some kind of back door entrance but it’s not really like that. It was the same with Hospital really, I knew the guys who ran the label, I was just sending out demos like any other bedroom producer and took it from there.

Was there any particular tune that you think helped get your foot in the door?

The one Bryan picked up on and the first track I had out on Liquid V was called Harlem, after that I did Done and Dusted but I suppose the biggest one that really got noticed and that I was 100% happy with was Runaway which loads of people played. I think with the album coming out on CD and download and not just vinyl it’s almost been like a second wind for me, Runaway’s on there - that tune must about four years old now and people are only just hearing it now.

Would you say you’ve got a style or developed a personal sound that you feel you need to maintain?

I’d say it was generally sample based, pretty funky and definitely towards the liquid side of things. I’ve created a niche for myself production wise but still like to try different stuff when I can. There’s a tune on the album called Riddim Track that’s a bit more reggae and I’ll be playing a remix of a Tricky/Kylie tune tonight as well which is a lot harder than my normal stuff. When I’m playing out I love all sorts of different styles. I like the harder stuff and love playing a lot of the older tunes. I look at people like Zinc, Andy C or Marky - they’ll play stuff from 10 years ago alongside the upfront stuff and they’re my idols in terms of DJing because they’ll play so many different styles in one set.

You’ll be playing off 3 decks tonight, does that add a different element to your sets?

Yeah, I sometimes play off three Technics but I’ve been playing a lot of stuff off CD lately. I’d say for the past year or so I’ve been using two Technics and at least one if not two CDJs. I think It gives you the chance to cue something up while you’re in the mix and play a lot wider ranging selection. It adds something a bit different and it’s a bit of a selling point when you’re on three decks.

Do you have any kind of preference when it comes to format? Are you more comfortable with vinyl, CD or Serrato?

I do love the idea of Serrato but the thing is that I’m not that technically minded!. Usually if I’m on the way to play out I’ve had a few drinks and the thought of having to set up a laptop and rewire the setup is a bit too much for me. I generally stick to vinyl but play a lot of stuff off CD too. As long as the tracks are good I’m not too bothered.

That’s my ethos on playing older tracks as well, I don’t want to just stick to the new stuff. I think these days things are turning round so quickly, there’s so many new people coming into drum & bass. They don’t know tunes from three years ago, let alone ten years ago and it’s good to play some classics they might never have heard.

That said, if you’re playing a headline set a lot of time people expect you to have access to dubplates and to be pushing the latest upfront tunes. Probably half the stuff I’ll play tonight will be brand new, the other half will either be really old or just tunes that I feel have stood out from whatever timescale. I don’t feel the need to prove myself by playing two hours of dubs that nobody’s heard yet. I think a DJs job is more than just to picking the latest tracks, it’s about mixing up all the different styles and all the different eras.

You’ll be playing for two hours at Cult tonight, do you feel more comfortable when you’ve got more time on the decks?

Yeah, definitely. Some of the bigger raves I’ve done will only give you about 40 minutes for your set which is mad but I’ve been doing a lot of gigs abroad where you’ll turn up and they’ll just let you play for as long as you like. Last month I did three gigs in Germany and one in Austria and I ended up playing for about three and a half hours which gives you a lot more time to develop a set. I understand that you can sometimes only get and hour when you’ve got four or five headline DJs and you’ve got to fit everyone in but I’m happy when I’ve got a bit longer to do my thing, it’s pretty natural for me.

Do you prefer to pre-plan your sets or do you work better when you’re playing off the cuff and improvising as you go along?

I tend to plan sections but not really the whole set. I’m not quite sure what I’ll start and finish with but I know what tracks I want to play and I’ll know which three or four tunes work well together. It’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. I never go in and just whack stuff on, I think when you’re playing harder stuff you can just mix it up a bit but with the more soulful, melodic tracks it’s difficult to make things sound good unless you think about what you’re doing.

This is your second time in Nottingham for Cult after a well received set last year, is there anything about Nottingham or playing in the midlands that you particularly like?

Definitely the girls! Not just that though, I think Nottingham’s had a healthy scene for a while now. Obviously there’s nights like Detonate but also you guys bringing through some of the artists who might not play at the bigger events. I think it’s just one of those cities where every time you play up here it’s good. I was up here for Cult last year and it’s one of those gigs that I always remember. I think with the smaller more intimate venues you can get a really good atmosphere and people appreciate that.

What are your plans for the next 12 months? Anything in the pipeline?

I’ll be starting work on the next album soon but I’m not sure if that will even see the light of day next year. I’m doing a remix for an American group called Yo Majesty who are quite a big female rap crew. That should be coming out early next year on Domino Records which is home to the Arctic Monkeys. Other than that there’s still a lot of places I haven’t been yet with the tour – I’m going out to America, Australia, New Zealand which should be enough to keep me busy.

WORDS: Lee Heneghen

PICS: Joe Ryder

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - UTAH JAZZ - PHOTOS!

2008-11-14T11:08:00.008Z

One of the busiest nights yet at CULT, and Utah Jazz didn’t disappoint rinsing old, new and even a little dubstep..... Nice one to all that made it down.....

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - BLAME

2008-11-12T13:00:00.012Z

BLAME

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..... well actually 1990 in Luton, Conrad Shaffie AKA Blame released “Music Takes You”. His first solo project signed to the legendary D&B label Moving Shadow, it went on to become a defining anthem in the emerging hardcore / jungle scene.

Fast forward to 2008 and Blame is still one of the most innovative producers on the drum & bass scene - an accolade hard won over years of consistently breaking musical boundaries in an attempt to bring true innovation to the music that he loves. With over 120 releases to his name, Blame has developed his sound through such renowned labels as Good Looking, Metalheadz, Charge, Hospital and his own label 720.

Tick another legend off the list this month at CULT...

Saturday 6th December 2008
Blame (720 / Hospital / Metalhaeadz)
Dj Snax & Sirius (Dealmaker)

All nights feature residents: Mouse, Houghmeister, Vtekk & MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”

Muse
9 Broad St,
Hockley,
Nottingham
NG1 3AL

10pm – 3am
£4 Entry before 11pm £6 After
No Dress Code.

Attend the Facebook Event!

For more information visit: www.wearethecult.co.uk
or Mail: wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT RADIO IS BACK!!

2008-11-05T12:35:00.019Z

After about a 3 year break (don't ask) CULT Radio is back on the air, this time in conjunction with LeftLion and recorded at the brilliant Stone Soup Studios.

Now in podcast form, to aurally peruse at your leisure.......

Focusing solely on locally produced electronic music, the first episode features new music from Geiom, Soul Intent, XS.iF and much more. Plus a competition to win a pair of tickets CULT with Utah Jazz on the 8/11/08.

Launch the Podcast here

Or stream it on LeftLion here

Local producers! Send us your tunes!
Cult Radio needs new music, from established artists to newcomer bedroom producers, and of all dance music genres. Here is a great opportunity to have your work heard by the people of Nottingham and beyond...

Please send us mp3’s of 192kbps quality or above to cultradio@leftlion.co.uk. Make sure you include any label / release details as well as track name and artist info. Also any other information you'd like us to put over (details of upcoming events, etc).

URN!

Talking of Radio, CULT Residents Mouse & Houghmeister where lucky enough to be invited down to the DnB show on University Radio Nottingham last night to have a quick chat about CULT and step in for an hours guest mix.....

You can download just the guest mix here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/yw0zqk

Tracklisting:

Utah Jazz – Cloud Nine (Liquid V)
Marcus Intalex – Nebulous (Metalheadz)
Spirit – Spellbound (Metalheadz)
Rufige Kru – Is This Real [Commix Rmx] (Exit)
Commix – Japanese Electronics (Metalheadz)
Ed Rush – Kilimanjaro (Prototype)
Calibre – Alone in a Crowd (Signature)
The Invaderz – You Bring Me (Soul:R)
Lenzman & Submorphics – Respiration (Phunkfiction)
Fluxem – Justify (Digital Blus)
Martyn – Share My Wings (Revolve:R)
Break – Mr Crystal (Soul:R)
Commix – Faceless [Marcus Intalex Rmx] (Shogum Audio)
Calibre - P.U.R. (Revolve:R)
Breakage – Staggered Dub (Critical)
Goldie – Kemistry [Doc Scott Rmx] (FFRR / Metalheadz)

Nice one to Jake, Noddy and Ami for having us down....

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - UTAH JAZZ!!

2008-10-08T12:45:00.009Z

Fresh after dropping his debut album on Liquid V Utah Jazz makes a welcome return to CULT as part of his world tour.

UTAH JAZZ

One of the original Liquid Funksters and up there with the most technically gifted DJ's on the circuit. Mr Jazz tore it up at his last appearance at CULT in July last year (photos here)

And now with his debut artist album "Its A Jazz Thing" getting rave reviews across the board (Check out: http://www.utahjazz.co.uk/) we are lucky to sneak a return date on the back end of his World Tour..... not to be missed.

Saturday 8th Novmeber 2008
Utah Jazz (Liquid V / Good Looking)
Vtekk (Cult)
Mouse & Houghmeister (Cult)
MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”

Muse 9 Broad St,
Hockley,
Nottingham
NG1 3AL

10pm – 3am
£4 Entry before 11pm £6 After
No Dress Code.

For more information visit www.wearethecult.blogspot.com or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - DJ LEE!

2008-09-30T10:50:00.013Z

The nights are drawing in and we at CULT felt it was time for some Mighty Metalheadz Buisness!!

DJ LEE

One of the most underrated DJ / Producers in the scene, Lee Ching has been there and done it – several times over.

Original resident at pioneering nights such as Speed & Metalheadz Sunday Sessions, Lee is famed for his diversity, upfront dubs plus his recent killer output of tracks with Austrian super-producer D.Kay.

Once cited as Goldie’s favourite DJ, CULT welcomes DJ Lee…. don’t say we didn’t warn you…

Saturday 4th October 2008
DJ LEE (Metalheadz / 31 / Atlas)
Dj Priceless
Mouse & Houghmeister (Cult)
MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”

Muse 9 Broad St,
Hockley,
Nottingham
NG1 3AL

10pm – 3am
£4 Entry before 11pm £6 After
No Dress Code.

For more information visit www.wearethecult.blogspot.com or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - BIG BUD - PHOTOS!

2008-09-09T10:09:00.008Z

Reggae and world music influenced beats tore through Muse as the original Mr Nice passed through,

Big ups Big Bud!!

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - BIG BUD

2008-08-13T13:30:00.012Z

First Saturday of the month and it must be CULT time…. After a couple of months off to let the local selectors flex their musical muscles we’re back with the big names kicking off with yet another exclusive and vetran of the scene…..

BIG BUD

Citing influences such as Minnie Ripperton, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers…. its not hard to see why Big Bud AKA Robin O’Reilly is so well respected on the scene for consistently producing soulful and emotional drum and bass music.

With over 100 tracks and 4 albums to his name, the creative source and good looking veteran is now outputting on his own label Soundtrax.

The regular globe trotter rarely plays UK dates now, even more of a reason for us to be buzzing to have him down at CULT for the first time in Notts. Big!

Saturday 6th September 2008

Big Bud (Soundtrax / Good Looking)
dbAudio (Liquid Brilliants)

Mouse & Houghmeister (Cult)

MC Juma Phist, MC Anger

Visuals by “minimus”

Muse 9 Broad St,

Hockley,

Nottingham

NG1 3AL

10pm – 3am

£4 Entry before 11pm £6 After

No Dress Code.

For more information visit

www.wearethecult.blogspot.com or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

Mouse Sunday Mix

2008-07-17T09:33:00.003Z

There is a NEW mix from me available on the CULT website

http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/cult/media/mp3/mouse_sunday_mix.mp3

A laid back Soul / Funk / Afro / Jazz / Sunday Afternoon with the papers thing.... enjoy.

Tracklisting here:

2hrs 13mins 43secs

1. Percy Sledge - The Dark End Of The Street
2. Sam Cooke - Bring It On Home To Me
3. Otis Redding - Cigarettes and Coffee
4. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - You Really Got a Hold On Me
5. Willie Wright - Right On For The Darkness
6. Al Green - Simply Beautiful (Good To You)
7. Aretha Franklin - Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)
8. Melvin Bliss - Synthetic Substitution
9. The Voices of East Harlem - Can You Feel It
10. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - The Love I Lost
11. Milton Wright - Keep It Up
12. Jerry Butler - One Night Affair
13. Marvin Gaye You're The Man (Alternate Version 2)
14. Gil Scott-Heron - Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
15. Curtis Mayfield - Billy Jack
16. Roy Ayers - We Live In Brooklyn Baby
17. Carmen McRae - How Long Has This Been Going On
18. Ella Fitzgerald - Cry Me a River
19. Nina Simone - Sinnerman
20. Fela Kuti - Sorrow Tears & Blood
21. Ebo Tayler - Heaven
22. Cymande - Anthracite
23. Bill Conti - Reflections
24. Donald Byrd - The Emperor
25. Art Blakey - On The Ginza
26. Horace Silver - The Mohican And The Great Spirit

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - NOOKIE - PHOTOS!

2008-06-27T12:50:00.011Z

The Legend that is Nookie passed through CULT with MC Five Alive last week, it was emotional!

CULT – D&B SESSIONS: Local Talent!!

2008-06-19T16:13:00.002Z

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - Nookie!

2008-05-28T13:34:00.006Z

Back to the Friday for this one, and Original Drum & Bass don Nookie graces Notts for a 2 hour set past and future, dont miss this one.....

NOOKIE

Undoubtedly one of the pioneers of Drum & Bass, Nookie, aka Cloud Nine / Second Vision / New Balance has been smashing up dance floors as a DJ / Producer since the days of early Rave classics, “Give a little love” & “The Sound of Music”

Space is too short to list the achievements of this man in the scene. Early releases on seminal labels such as Reinforced and Moving Shadow, remixing Goldie’s “Timeless” Classic Inner City Life, plus a string of releases, remixes and albums on the label that invented intelligent “Good Looking Records”

Recent projects have included the Strictly Digital Download Website and his 5th Artist Album “Beyond Blue” Released on his own Phuzion Records label.

Don’t sleep on this one people…. the man is a legend.

DJ Slider

Known on the scene as Nottingham’s answer to LTJ, we are very pleased to give Detonate and Itstooloud resident Slider his debut at CULT

Saturday 13th June 2008

Nookie (Good Looking / Phuzion / Strictky Digital)
Dj Slider (Detonate / itstooloud)
Mouse & Houghmeister (Cult)

MC Juma Phist

Visuals by “minimus”

Muse 9 Broad St,
Hockley,
Nottingham
NG1 3AL

10pm – 3am
£4 Entry before 11pm £6 After

No Dress Code.

For more information visit www.wearethecult.co.uk or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

KUBIKS & LOMAX INTERVIEW

2008-05-19T09:36:00.005Z

KUBIKS & LOMAX INTERVIEW @ CULT, NOTTINGHAM. 10TH MAY 2008.

Words: Lee Henaghan

Over the years, the drum & bass scene has thrown together a number of partnerships and double acts, who for various reasons have remained associated with each other despite individual achievements. Some, like Ed Rush & Optical, forge partnerships through artistic collaboration. Others, such as Fabio & Grooverider form bonds purely on the basis of friendship. This tag-team approach to the industry has paid dividends for many over the years and Kubiks and Lomax are the latest dynamic duo to prove that the old saying that ‘two heads are better than one’ is as valid today as it ever was.

We caught up with Doug and Nick before their recent set at Cult in Nottingham – a night that is gaining widespread attention for it’s steadfast commitment to booking only the most innovative and exciting artists in drum & bass. You won’t find your standard A-list crowd pullers on the bill here, but the policy of giving exposure to those who wouldn’t normally appear at the larger, more commercial events has seen Cult build up a dedicated and passionate following around the East Midlands. Names such as Furney and Zero Tolerance have passed through over recent months to huge acclaim and the Kubiks and Lomax night proved not only to be a complete roadblock but one which gave a whole new meaning to the concept of back to back DJ sets. Seeing two artists alternate behind the decks is nothing new in itself; but when the microphone is shared to the same extent as the crossfader, it’s obvious that this is not going to be your run of the mill b2b session.

Since making their debut back in 2002, the pair have made their names with a string of releases that have established them as one of the most musically diverse partnerships in the industry. Although their early tunes were heavily influenced by seventies funk and soul samples and very much filed under the ‘soulful liquid’ bracket, Doug feels that this is something they have made a conscious effort to move away from in recent times. "We’ve been making records for more than six years now and although the early stuff was very much in that style with loads of rhodes and silky sounds, we’ve always wanted to make music that’s as varied as possible. I think it can get boring very quickly if you just stick to one sound and we always try to make our next record different from our last" Nick agrees with this policy of constant evolution and experimentation. “As time's gone on we've realised that we've had to adapt and that’s why in the last 18 months or so we've been pushing a slightly harder style than before. We've always wanted to be as diverse as possible so it’s not just about following the sound of the moment. We want to do every style and do it well.”

With a massively varied range of musical influences ranging from Herbie Hancock to Radiohead, pigeonholing the Kubiks and Lomax sound is no easy task and their tune selection throughout their set at Cult was equally eclectic. Combining tried and trusted crowd pleasers from years gone by with hot-off-the-press dubplates, they had the Nottingham crowd rocking from start to finish and Nick feels their partnership is just as effective behind the decks as it is in the studio. “We've been DJing together a lot over the past two or three years it’s always just come naturally – playing back to back sets has always been good because we're into the same sort of stuff and share the same tastes. We've got a similar sort of selection that's always worked well together”. Doug agrees; “For me, it's always been about the people who pay to come into the club and although you try to please the punters as much as possible we're not going to change our whole style dependent on the crowd. I think when we get booked to play out, people expect a certain style of music. Between us we've made over a hundred tunes going back to 2002 and I don't think there's one of them that hasn't been signed at some point. I think that tells us that people are still interested in us, and the diversity of Kubiks and Lomax.”

Although Kubiks has enjoyed considerable success in his own right, producing some memorable tracks individually and also running the highly acclaimed Rubik Records label, he believes that he is at his best when in working in tandem with other artists. “When I'm in the studio on my own I've got the attention span of a brick” He laughs. “I’ve always loved bouncing off other producers really and it's always good to work with as many people as possible. Working with Nick is obviously a pleasure but I've been doing a lot of stuff recently with people nobody's really heard of yet. People like Calculon and Z-Tech, a few overseas people in San Diego too. Z-Tech's a guy that booked me originally just to teach him to use Logic, we've ended up making a few tunes together and it’s worked out well for Rubik as a label. I don’t ever want to get to the point where it's all about me or all about greed. I honestly don't care if I we make any money out of it or not. I think for both of us it's always just been about the passion for the music. We've both got jobs outside of drum & bass, so we're not solely fixed on it.”

The fact that both artists bring different qualities to the table and complement each other’s styles seems to have been a major factor in their success. Doug explains exactly how the production process works when the pair get together in the studio: “In our partnership I'd say Nick is probably 90% the ideas man – he’s the one who will be coming up with the early ideas and outlines for tunes then he’ll bring that in to me and we'll develop it and see what happens. I usually get more involved with the mix process and get down to the technical side of things.” Nick is clearly grateful for Doug’s expertise on the more intricate side of production; “I think starting out, when I first starting working with Doug he taught me a hell of a lot of stuff, especially the more technical stuff that you don't really pick up straight away and it’s been good to see how the sound’s developed over the years”.

Modern studio sessions using Logic, Reason and Cubase seem to be a world away from Nick’s early days experimenting with the basic, restrictive setups that many of the scene’s biggest names used to cut their teeth in the world of production. “I started off messing about on the family PC when I was about 15. I just had this old four track thing and I remember having this Coldcut sample CD. I was just experimenting on this really basic equipment and seeing what worked and what didn’t.” Despite the rudimentary nature of his early makeshift studio, it wasn’t long before Nick caught the production bug and he soon found himself re-evaluating his whole musical outlook. ”I was pretty much hooked straight away. Even though the stuff I made was pretty bad it changed me from that point on. All of a sudden, I stopped playing the guitar and starting getting more into the more electronic side of things. I went from Pearl Jam to Coldcut almost overnight”

The pair certainly have come a long way over the past few years and are tipped by many to be at the forefront of the scene in the not too distant future. Drum & bass has moved on and evolved considerably in the six years that Kubiks and Lomax have been making tunes – not just in terms of the style of music that dominates the industry but also in the ongoing controversy surrounding the choice of formats available to modern artists. It’s a topic that both Doug and Nick feel passionately about. Doug explains; “I feel quite strongly about it myself and a lot of people have had their tuppence worth to say about this subject. I think you've got your A-list Djs who are earning £1000 plus for a gig and in my eyes, they should be cutting dubs. If they can afford it and talk about supporting vinyl, those are the people that should be cutting dubplates. For us, we're a bit further down the roster and we don't earn a lot of money out of this so for us it makes sense that we embrace both vinyl and digital. Last week I bought new laptop and Serato Scratch and for me, that's the best of both worlds. There's no difference than mixing with vinyl and you still get the instant access to all your tunes. I can't understand people who think you must only play vinyl and anything else isn’t really DJing’

Nick shares Doug’s views on the vinyl/CD debate. “I've very much embraced the digital side of things simply because it allows you to get your stuff out there so much quicker. You can cut a tune straight away and play it that night. To be honest I could never really mix that well with vinyl and CDs do make things so much easier - The main thing for me is that when you're DJing, 99% people in the club just want to hear good music. They don't really know or care what format you're playing. They just want to hear good tunes, it’s as simple as that. Nobody's paying attention to whether you're using vinyl or a laptop if they're enjoying what they're hearing. I don't really give a toss about all that and I don't think most other people do either”

The current musical trends in the scene were also something that both were keen to comment on. Nick seems to be generally positive about the way things are progressing musically. “You've got your top three labels which would probably be Ram, Hospital and Breakbeat Kaos, and I think there's a whole new sound coming through which is more or less born out of Pendulum, I call it ‘super production’ - a kind of highly polished sound. I actually really like some of that stuff, but I think there's always going to be a kind of cloning of that style which dilutes it a bit. I think the scene is really healthy at the moment though - there is so much great music out there at the moment and a lot of people doing some really interesting stuff”

Doug shares Nick’s optimism for the future: “For me drum & bass is always going to be there. It's evolving all the time, it's changing constantly and although the Pendulum style is dominating the commercial side at the moment it's not always going to be that way. I think drum & bass will go back underground in order to survive, there's always going to be your smaller venues, whatever happens. I'm excited about the way things are going though, for us personally and for the scene in general”

Things certainly are expanding and progressing on a global scale and with their first Nottingham booking under their belts, it’s clear that Doug is enjoying the opportunity to bring the Kubiks and Lomax sound to as many different parts of the country as possible. “It's great to be in Nottingham for the first time and we've played in the Midlands quite a bit over the years; especially around the Birmingham area with events like Breakout – the crowds are always really up for it round here. They appreciate the harder stuff and some of the more aggressive beats but you get a good response to everything really” Nick agrees; “We've played all over the place and it's definitely becoming more of a nationwide and even global thing now. You're always going to have London which is where it's at for the bigger nights but it’s good that there are all kinds of pockets around the country where where they appreciate the more musical stuff. One of the best parts about doing this is getting out there and seeing how different cities enjoy the music”

If their energetic and enthusiastic appearance at Cult is anything to go by, Kubiks and Lomax will be earning rave reviews and packing out venues around the country over coming months. With some seriously big things planned for Rubik Records and a string of major releases lined up for the Summer, the future is certainly looking bright for the Bristol duo.

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - Kubiks & Lomax - PHOTOS!

2008-05-13T12:01:00.009Z

Big Big Night as Kubiks & Lomax made their Debut in Nottingham at CULT Last Saturday, here are the photos to prove it:

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - Kubiks & Lomax

2008-04-17T09:48:00.008Z

The 3rd instalment in CULT's Drum & Bass Sessions at Muse, and our 3rd "Exclusive Debut" in our fair Midlands city.

Kubiks & Lomax

Doug Ross (Kubiks) & Nick Hill (Lomax) have been writing music together since 2003, and the quality of this pairs production skills is clear, with an enviable list of releases and remixes on several well established labels including Critical, Spearhead, Innerground, Rubiks, Bingo, Renegade, Ram, CIA, Liquid V, Defunked, 31, Soundtrax, the list goes on....

Influenced by 70's soul, jazz and funk, their productions exude the musical feel of the genre they were inspired by. Sly Rhodes keys, lush pads, tough rolling bass lines and dreamy soundscapes define their style.

Rocdollar
Showing us that there is more to mixing DnB than double drops. Rocdollars sets are Live, MIDI controled and Harmonicaly mixed. He hosts the Digital Soundboard Show Every Sunday 6 - 7pm GMT on Bassdrive

Saturday 10th May 2008
Kubiks & Lomax (Spearhead / Rubiks / Critical)
Rocdollar (Bassdrive)
Mouse & Houghmeister (Cult)
MC Juma Phist

Visuals by “minimus”

Muse 9 Broad St,
Hockley,
Nottingham
NG1 3AL 10pm – 3am

£4 Entry before 11pm £6 After
No Dress Code.

For more information visit www.wearethecult.co.uk or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - ZERO TOLERANCE / SOUL INTENT & AWACS

2008-04-04T08:31:00.008Z

Next up for CULT:

ZERO TOLERANCE

Zero Tolerance (aka Cian McCann) is arguably the brightest rising star coming out of Dublin's drum n bass scene. Since 2000 his production has been released on such major Drum + Bass labels as CIA, Signature, Subtitles, Liquid V, Hospital, Commercial Suicide, Reinforced, Innerground and Bassbin, amongst others.

This Year, Along with his Debut artist LP for Total Science's CIA imprint (ft. the likes of Logistics, Break, Steo, Alix Perez, MC Conrad etc...), Zero has a rake of bullets waiting to rain down including a massive remix of Dillinja's 1994 Philly Blunt Classic "SKY" for V Recordings, a Shogun Assassins Debut, and follow up 12"'s for Liquid V and Integral amongst others....

Soul Intent & Awacs

Two of Nottingham’s brightest new producers, Soul Intent has been making waves on the legendary Doc Scott’s 31 imprint, as well as having releases on Blindside, Mac II and Vampire.
The pairs latest release “Bibio Dub” (MACII) has been getting serious support from the likes of Flight, Bailey, Presha and many more….

Check out Soul Intents Radio Show on Kemet 97.5 FM (or www.kemetradio.com) every Tuesday night 12 – 2am.

Friday 11th April 2008
ZERO TOLERANCE (Bassbin/C.I.A.)
Soul Intent & Awacs (31/MACII)
Mouse & Houghmeister (Cult)
MC Juma Phist

Visuals by “minimus”

Muse 9 Broad St,
Hockley,
Nottingham NG1 3AL
10pm – 3am

£4 Entry before 11pm £6 After
No Dress Code.

For more information visit www.wearethecult.co.uk or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT - D&B Sessions Launch With Furney - PHOTOS!

2008-03-27T10:09:00.008Z

The first night of our new monthly Drum & Bass Sessions @ Muse was a soulful affair, with Furney laying down the Good Looking styles.... Cheers to all who represented.

CULT – DRUM AND BASS SESSIONS! LAUNCH!

2008-02-20T11:06:00.005Z

CULT Launches its new Drum & Bass Monthly at Muse Bar Nottingham, with The elusive Dj Furney. A Good Looking Records Veteran, Furney began to receive the recognition as a producer he deserved last year with realises on CIA, Advanced, Soundtrax & Good Looking

Friday 14th March 2008
Furney (Good Looking Records)
Rotary Connexion (Dynamics)
Mouse & Houghmeister (Cult)

MC Juma Phist

LIVE Visuals by “minimus”

Muse
9 Broad St, Hockley,
Nottingham
NG1 3AL

10pm – 3am
£4 Entry before 11pm £6 After
No Dress Code.

For more information visit www.wearethecult.co.uk or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

http://www.myspace.com/djfurney
http://www.djfurney.co.uk/
http://www.goodlooking.org/

CULT - Horor 13/10/07 - Photos!!

2007-10-16T10:53:00.001Z

Photos form last weekends CULT - Hip Hop Horror Event at The Maze..... Scary!!

Bigups to all involved.....

CULT - Horror! @ The Maze Saturday 13/10/07

2007-10-09T12:26:00.001Z

CULT SATURDAYS

MOVIES & MUSIC

CULT – Horror Hip Hop Special!
Saturday 13th October 2007
Hip Hop Baby.

Featuring:
Tag Team Turntabalists on 4 Decks:

Ryo
Element & Rattomatic
Ligre & Stika

Performing Live:

XS.iF
Sylence
Pisees

LIVE BREAKERS: THE GROUNDHOGS

Night Compared by: Ste (Dealmaker records)

Brain Eating Visuals Ffom Minimus featuring imagery from CULT Horror flicks such Dawn of the Dead, Halloween, Nightmare on Elm St an many more… whoooooo!!!

5K Soundsystem

The Maze (Forest Tavern)
270 North Sherwood Street (Off Mansfield Rd) Nottingham

10pm – 2am
Free Entry before 10.30pm
£4 Entry afters….
No Dress Code.

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT - Sci Fi With Utah Jazz - PHOTOS!

2007-06-22T10:09:00.002Z

Photos from last weeks CULT With Utah Jazz on the ones and twos....

Cracking Night, nice one to all who made it down...

"Mr Jazz" tells me he was "loving the old school sweaty vibe!!"

We have the AC at The Maze breaking down, to thank for that then ; )

Mouse

O..O

' \/'

CULT Radio Sets from DITO 06 Now Online

2007-06-07T13:27:00.001Z

So its only taken nearly a year........

Go HERE for sets from Houghmeister, DJackal, and Jon Rust. All recorded LIVE on Cult Radio @ Moog for Drop In the Ocean 2006.

Reminds me what an amazing day it was, for more on Drop In The Ocean and the very special work they do, go to www.dropintheocean.org

Mouse

CULT - Sci-Fi @ The MAZE 09/06/07!!

2007-05-15T10:27:00.001Z

After a string of internationally acclaimed productions on such heavyweight labels as Liquid V, Hospital and the legendary Good Looking, Utah Jazz makes his debut in Nottingham at Cult.

Productions aside, check this man out on the decks and you’ll begin to realise why he’s now one of the most in demand DJ’s on the worldwide D&B circuit.

CULT SATURDAYS
MOVIES & MUSIC

Cult is an Audio/Visual Marriage of quality underground music and classic CULT movie imagery

CULT – Science Fiction
Saturday 9h June 2007
Drum & Bass

Feat:
Utah Jazz (Liquid V)
Mouse (Cult)
Houghmeister (Cult)

MC Juma Phist

5K System!
www.fatsounds.co.uk

LIVE Visuals by “minimus” featuring imagery from seminal CULT sci-fi movies such as Blade Runner, Tron, Solaris, 2001 and more

The Maze (Forest Tavern)
270 North Sherwood Street
(Off Mansfield Rd)
Nottingham

10pm – 2am
£5 Entry before 11pm £6 After
No Dress Code.

For more information visit www.wearethecult.co.uk or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

CULT @ The Maze 14/04/07

2007-03-26T18:52:00.001Z

CULT @ The Maze 14/4/07

CULT's Bimonthly sessions at the maze continue, with a smooth and sensual night of House, Funk and Disco, from a couple of Nottingham Legends.Expect Visuals from Cult Sexploitation movies such as Barbarella, SuperVixins and other Russ Meyer "Classics"

Feat :
Andre Bonsor LIVE! (Schmoov/Winding Rd)
Mike Greenwell (Poppycock/Keep On)
Lawrence Graham (Cult)
Ligre (Cult)

The Maze (Forest Tavern)
Mansfield Rd
Nottingham

10- 2am
£5 Entry All Night.

5K System!
www.fatsounds.co.uk

For more information visit http://www.wearethecult.co.uk/ or mail wearethecult@hotmail.com

Cult House Party Photos

2007-02-18T18:32:00.001Z

Photos from CULT...House party at the Maze.... What a Night!!!

Big Ups to all those involved.. JFB, Ryo, Rattomatic, Beatalix (Amazing!!), Ben Fawce, Petebox, Ben @ The Maze, Andi Fat Sounds (soundsystem was unreal).

See you in April

Mouse

RANE SERATO SCRATCH LIVE TTM57SL MIXER DEMO BY JFB & BEARDYMAN!

2007-01-31T12:51:00.002Z

WEARETHECULT

CULT ARENA @ DETONATE INDOOR FESTIVAL 2011

CULT FRIDAYS

VTEKK - FUNKY MIX DEC 10

COUNTDOWN 2010 - CULT VS MIMM ARENA

MOUSE - SNOW JOKE MIX [DEC 10]

CULT D&B SESSIONS: MARCUS INTALEX & MC DRS

MOUSE - OLD SCHOOL UK GARAGE MIX

CULT D&B SESSIONS: LENZMAN

DARK LIGHT!

CULT PROMO MIX - SEPTEMBER 2010

CULT D&B SESSIONS: COMMIX - RE:CALL TO MIND LP LAUNCH PARTY

CULT @ BASSLACED 10/09/10

MARCUS INTALEX INTERVIEW

D BRIDGE INTERVIEW

CULT D&B SESSIONS: SPECTRASOUL

CULT D&B SESSIONS: NOOKIE / CLOUD 9 / DEEP BLUE / 2 BAD MICE – OLD SCHOOL & JUNGLE SPECIAL

CULT - D&B SESSIONS : BCEE / TOTAL SCIENCE – SPEARHEAD RECORDINGS PRESENT… “5LP”

ZERO T INTERVIEW

CULT HOST "SOUL:UTION" ARENA @ DETONATE INDOOR FEST 2010

CULT - D&B SESSIONS : FOOTPRINTS LABEL LAUNCH WITH ZERO T

BAILEY INTERVIEW

CULT - D&B SESSIONS 2ND BIRTHDAY: BAILEY!!

DOC SCOTT INTERVIEW

LEFT LION - CULT ARTICLE FEB 2010

CULT - D&B SESSIONS: DOC SCOTT

CULT RADIO # 10

CULT D&B SESSIONS - GOOD LOOKING SPECIAL - PHOTOS

CULT - D&B SESSIONS: GOOD LOOKING SPECIAL: UTAH JAZZ / FURNEY

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - PHOTOS!

CULT RADIO # 9

CULT - D&B SESSIONS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

NUTONE/ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROMO VID

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - FABIO - PHOTOS!

CULT - D&B SESSIONS: FABIO!!!

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - NU:TONE - PHOTOS!

NU:TONE INTERVIEW

CULT – D&B SESSIONS: NU:TONE

CULT – D&B SESSIONS: COMMIX

CULT – D&B SESSIONS: SUMMER SPECIAL: MARCUS INTALEX!!!

CULT RADIO # 6

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - KASRA

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - DJ STORM!! - PHOTOS!

CULT RADIO # 5

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - DJ STORM

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - S.P.Y

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - BROOKES BROTHERS - PHOTOS!

BROOKES BROTHERS INTERVIEW

CULT RADIO # 4

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - BROOKES BROTHERS

CULT SHOP IS OPEN!

CULT RADIO # 3

BLAME INTERVIEW

CULT PROPAGANDA IS BACK!

CULT RADIO # 2

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - BLAME - PHOTOS!

UTAH JAZZ INTERVIEW...

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - UTAH JAZZ - PHOTOS!

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - BLAME

CULT RADIO IS BACK!!

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - UTAH JAZZ!!

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - DJ LEE!

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - BIG BUD - PHOTOS!

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - BIG BUD

Mouse Sunday Mix

CULT - D&B SESSIONS - NOOKIE - PHOTOS!

CULT – D&B SESSIONS: Local Talent!!

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - Nookie!

KUBIKS & LOMAX INTERVIEW

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - Kubiks & Lomax - PHOTOS!

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - Kubiks & Lomax

CULT – D&B SESSIONS - ZERO TOLERANCE / SOUL INTENT & AWACS

CULT - D&B Sessions Launch With Furney - PHOTOS!

CULT – DRUM AND BASS SESSIONS! LAUNCH!

CULT - Horor 13/10/07 - Photos!!

CULT - Horror! @ The Maze Saturday 13/10/07

CULT - Sci Fi With Utah Jazz - PHOTOS!

CULT Radio Sets from DITO 06 **Now Online**

CULT - Sci-Fi @ The MAZE 09/06/07!!

CULT @ The Maze 14/04/07

CULT Radio Sets from DITO 06 Now Online