Aperture

Q PROJECT INTERVIEW

2009-05-21T05:41:00.000-07:00

Words by Charlie Vice

What’s been going on with CIA recently?

We’re just about trying to keep every angle of the music going right now. We’ve got the Lenzman remix of Soul Patrol coming out on it, and we’ve just signed up a Gridlok tune as well. It’s difficult to say because we’ve got so many labels. The Deep Cut part of CIA is really big at the moment. We’ve just signed a tune from Nymfo, and the Calibre 12” is out now as well.

Does the label include your own production aswell?

The next thing on CIA after the Soul Patrol remix is a thing by me called ‘In Too Deep.’ Total Science at the moment are working for an album, hoping to get it out this time next year. We’ve recently done a 12” for Hospital and another for Shogun called ‘Skins.’ We’ve got so much stuff waiting to come out but it’s just a case of holding it back for the right time. Regarding collaborations, this week we’ve been working with SPY on an old jungle tip, but again it’s not finished so it’ll be a while before you guys get to hear that.

Which producers are you really into at the moment?

For me, producer wise, it changes all the time. At the moment I’m really into Lynx. I like to hear music that I can’t make. Most tunes I hear I think “I like that tune, but I could make it.” With someone like Lynx, I couldn’t make the tunes that he makes; it’s just the way that he does it, I see him as being on a different level. For me, he’s probably the best artist out there at the moment. But on a pure drum and bass level, obviously SPY is caning it. But I could make the tunes SPY makes, if you know what I mean.

So do you only make Drum n Bass or have you forayed into other styles?

I make everything really. Part of my job is to make music for television. The thing is, nowadays you can’t make a living out of Drum and Bass you know? I mean I’ve got two mortgages to pay! There has to be another outlet for income. Drum and Bass is what I love though, sometime I wish that I didn’t because I could make more money doing something else, but it’s what I always come back to. I think Drum and Bass is one of those genres that completely defines who I am.

What’s your set up in the studio at the moment?

At the moment I’m using Logic 8 Ableton Live 8 and Pro-Tools. It’s a nice tight little set up with a whole host of plugs.

You’ve been involved in the scene for quite some time. Has there ever been a time when you’ve thought “I don’t actually like the direction it’s going at the moment”?

Never ever, it’s always changing and I’ve seen it from its start to where it is now. I remember though when I heard a track called ‘Killer Bees.’ When I heard that tune I almost gave up! Honestly that tune was shit. But then like a week later Steve Digital sent me four new tunes that were so sick and completely flipped my mood. That happens a lot in drum and bass, but still, I’m never going to give it up.

Is there anything else you want to achieve?

I just want to make tunes. I’ve been doing it for over 15 years now; some years people think I’m cool and then the next they think I’m shit. So I just make the music that I want to, that’s all I’m ever going to do.

VICIOUS CIRCLE INTERVIEW

2009-05-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Words by Charlie Vice

Hailing from South London, the three man collective known as Vicious Circle are notorious for their hedonistic antics and full on attitude to the quality control of their music. After an absolute smasher of a set at Clwb, we caught up with two thirds of VC, Dan and Simon, to see what’s going on.

First off, thanks for taking the time to have a chat. Did you guys start out as a unit? Or did you meet individually through DnB?

Well we met well before DnB. We used to live in a flat together, just going raving and getting wasted for a couple of years. Two of us did a sound engineering course, got a computer and just cracked on really. I’ve also known Aaron from Universal Project for a long time, since pirate radio days years ago, and we all used to dj so I guess it just started from there.

So do you find that any of you in particular tends to take control in the studio?

It depends. I mean we all do bits in the studio, sometimes one of us will do something on our own or we all sort of work on it together; so it depends really. With DJing as well we tend to mix it up (no pun intended.) We sort of base it on whoever’s been doing the most work in the studio, they tend to get the most gigs.

Can you tell us about your relationship with Universal Project?

Well we’ve known Ruxspin from UP for a long time, before we were even making music; they brought us into it really. We were doing stuff in the studio and they started to get into it, it sorted of gave us that little platform to get out there. When they sent over the parts to their classic ‘Jackhammer’ we were able to do a remix that was supposed to go out on UP’s imprint but got snatched up by Clayton and put out on Hardware. And from then on really our relationship with Renegade began to flourish.
The whole tune made something for us to do as a project together. We were mates before anything. Our old studio is in their flat so naturally you can imagine they were always around spending a lot of time with us writing music.

Can you tell us about your new LP with them?

It’s been a long time coming! We’ve done a lot of tracks, probably going to do an eight track vinyl release as well as the CD. We’ve probably written 12 tracks already, but there are seven we definitely want on vinyl. The problem is that we’re constantly changing what we want on there and deciding how we want to put it out. That is whether it’s going to be one part or two EPs. But it’s almost there and we want it to be right! Though now it’s getting closer to the summer, which is probably not the best time to put out an album, so we may have to wait until September to put it out. But we’re on the case now and ideally we’ll get it out for mid June.

Is the label just an outlet for your own ideas?

We just wanted something of our own, you know. I mean obviously UP have had a label of their own for ages but we just wanted something that we can do something slightly different with. A lot of the labels that we have released with, especially Renegade Hardware, requires a specific style. With the album, we’re trying to mix it up and basically cover the spectrum of drum and bass that we like.

As far as artists go, who do you want to collaborate with?

I don’t know, Break, Iggy Pop, D-Bridge. We’re feeling a lot of the kind of more musical stuff, like Instra:mental. It’s more about the music as opposed to repping what everyone else is listening to.

What was your most memorable night at The End?

Definitely the last one man, it was a fucking free for all! A bit chaotic and the mixing wasn’t as good as it usually is but we just went in there wanting to play tunes that we always wanted to hear at The End, or that just meant something to us.

CASPA & DJ DEREK | TONIGHT | CARDIFF

2009-04-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

NEUROPOL presents
UNIVERSITY of BASS
................................................
WEDNESDAY 29th APRIL
£5 B4 12pm | 10pm-3am
................................................
GLO BAR
4 Churchill Way, Cardiff
................................................

CASPA
DJ DEREK
Tumbleweed
Astrosnooze
Max Roach
Magenta
Monkey
hosted by REUBEN

APERTURE presents TOTAL SCIENCE, MAKOTO, DEEIZM, FIERCE

2009-04-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

..........................................................
APERTURE presents
'WHERE's the JUNGLE Special'
..........................................................
FRIDAY 1st MAY
£8 Allnight | 10pm-3am
..........................................................
CLWB IFOR BACH
11 Womanby Street, Cardiff
..........................................................

room:one [Aperture]
TOTAL SCIENCE
MAKOTO & DEEIZM
FIERCE
Jessie Jane
Gemuffle
hosted by REUBEN | REDEYE | KRISP

room:two [Neuropol]
Dan Marshall
G-Sharp (jungle set)
Truth
Cod (jungle set)

WHERE's THE JUNGLE
FIRST 70 (SEVENTY) PAYING GUESTS RECEIVE A FREE 'WHEREs THE JUNGLE' T-SHIRT

www.aperturefamily.co.uk

APERTURE pres. SILENT WITNESS & VICIOUS CIRCLE

2009-04-07T19:00:00.001-07:00

APERTURE presents
The Cardiff Drum & Bass Community

................................................................
FRIDAY 17th APRIL
10pm-3am | £6 B4 11 £8 After
................................................................
CLWB IFOR BACH
11 Womanby Street
Cardiff. CF10 1BR
................................................................

room:1
SILENT WITNESS
VICIOUS CIRCLE
Dan Marshall
Ali Davernport
Mikee Woo
hosted by Reuben : Redeye : Krisp

room:2
NEUROPOL : UNIVERSITY OF BASS

................................................................

www.aperturefamily.co.uk

Aperture Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2415511876&ref=ts

Neuropol Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42661899629&ref=ts

................................................................

APERTURE . CYNT . NEUROPOL . ASTROSNOOZE

2009-04-07T06:33:00.001-07:00

APERTURE . CYNT . NEUROPOL . ASTROSNOOZE present
drum & bass . electro . dubstep . mash ups . mayhem

..........................................................................
THURSDAY 9th APRIL
9pm-3am | £5 B4 12pm

..........................................................................
CLWB IFOR BACH
THE WELSH CLUB
11 Womanby street
Cardiff
CF10 1BR

..........................................................................
level 1:- bottom
C-Y-N-T
electro

One of the most exciting names out there right now, Justin's shows are very rare in the UK, and will be treating us to a 3 Hour Set. Flown over from San Francisco

JUSTIN MARTIN (dirtybird)
three hour set
CYNT DJs

..........................................................................
level 2:- middle
ASTROSNOOZE
absolute madness

The Mash-up kings of Cardiff city takeover the middle floor from 12pm, expect old classics getting re-worked and funked up into the latest dancehall bangers.

ASTROSNOOZE FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Astrosnooze/8937901914?sid=b81a866b4a3fac5a1ed060bb8030b7e0&ref=s

..........................................................................
level 3:- top
APERTURE Vrs NEUROPOL
drum & bass Vrs Dubstep

An experiment from the Aperture and Neuropol camp, each night piting a dj from each family and placing them against each other. Three tunes drum and bass Vrs three tunes dubstep - soundclash style. Who will reign supreme drum & bass or dubstep.

Truth vrs Dan Marshall
Oisin vrs Max Roach
Ransom Vrs Diversify
Comatose Vrs Slipperz

APERTURE FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2415511876&ref=ts

NEUROPOL FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42661899629&ref=ts

www.aperturefamily.co.uk

COMATOSE MIX

2009-04-07T04:31:00.000-07:00

COMATOSE MIX

Summer is fast approaching, season of windows down, system up, cruising to our new favourite tunes. We have got the first one for the in-car CD wallet. A free download 52 minute mix from relative newcomer to the Aperture camp (but already high up the pecking order) DJ Comatose, check him soon at an Aperture near you.

Feedback appreciated. 192kbps

1. Instra:mental & D Bridge - Detuned - Darkestral
2. Commix - Belleview - Metalheadz
3. Alix Perez ft Kemo - I'm Free - Shogun Audio
4. Data - Muted - Metalheadz
5. Electrosoul System & Sunchase - Alluvion - Camino Blue
6. Lomax - Too Real - Soul:r
7. Data, DJ E & Dynamic - Skinwalkers - Revolution
8. Calibre - Two Drop - CIA Deep Kut
9. Loxy & Istone - Ancients - Cylon
10.Calibre - In Denial - Soul:r
11.Serum & Bladerunner - Snake Fist - Creative Source
12.Dan Marshall & Jamo - Zulu - Dub
13.Data - Splice - Metalheadz
14.Instra:mental & DBridge - Translucent - Darkestral

http://www.dnbshare.com/download/ComatoseSpring2009Mix.mp3.html

NEUROPOL presents PINCH

2009-04-07T04:27:00.000-07:00

NEUROPOL
UNIVERSITY OF BASS presents...

DJ PINCH is Bristol’s godfather of bass. This man is singularly responsible for bringing more low-frequency rumble into the city than the builders of the M32. Pinch has got to be one of Bristol’s most hard working scenesters; it’s a wonder that he finds time for sleeping between split roles as internationally acclaimed DJ, producer, promoter and label boss of his own Tectonic imprint. Now widely credited as a father figure in the scene, Pinch was the first to bring the sparse, austere and bass-heavy qualities of south London’s ‘dubstep’ sound into Bristol’s clubland long before its current state of omnipresence existed

PINCH
Monkey & Stagga
Curtamos x
Ill Diddy

hosted by Reuben | Caveman | Lyrics | Krisp

room 2
Hosted by APERTURE [drum n bass]
Rusty
Tribe
Cod
Vice

FRIDAY APRIL 10TH
CLWB IFOR BACH
Womanby st
Cardiff
10pm - 3am
tax: 5 b4 11pm

APERTURE presents KLUTE & ALIX PEREZ

2009-03-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

APERTURE presents

FRIDAY 3rd APRIL
10pm-3am | £6 B4 10:30pm £8 After
...........................................................
CLWB IFOR BACH
11 Womanby Street, Cardiff
...........................................................

room:1
KLUTE (commercial suicide)
ALIX PEREZ (shogun)
SPECIFIC (good looking)
ROCKWELL (digital soundboy)
TRUTH
hosted by REUBEN : KRISP : REDEYE

room:2
Neuropol:- University of Bass
Carbon | Magenta | Oisin | T-Bone

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?sid=c6b21314aa9737647c61eaf215f9f10b&gid=2415511876

www.aperurefamily.co.uk

APERTURE PRESENTS THE SUMMER BIG ONE

2009-03-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

APERTURE & HOSPITAL RECORDS present
HOSPITAL-ITY

Aperture is pleased to announce that the relationship between Cardiff and Hospital gets stronger & stronger, 5 years ago Cardiff was chosen as one of the original cities to bring Hospital-ity out of its shoreditch home in Herbal and test the waters in Moloko, Cardiff. Since then both Hospital and Aperture have gone from strength to strength, High Contrast has released two more albums and Hospital are pushing the boundaries with Hospitality and found its new home in the state of the art Matter. October last year saw the first big style Hospital-ity come to Cardiff, welcoming the freshers to their new city, impressively selling out the Students Union with a fully drum and bass line-up (an ambition of mine since day one), the return of this night and the closing of the student year will see a more diverse line-up hitting Cardiff Student Union. WE DON'T SLEEP

..................................................................................................
THE GREAT HALL
CARDIFF STUDENT UNION
PARK PLACE, CARDIFF.
..................................................................................................
SATURDAY 6th JUNE
9pm-4am : Tickets £15 Advance : More On The Door
SU box office | Catapult Records | www.ticketweb.co.uk
...................................................................................................

APERTURE & HOSPITALITY

room1
HIGH CONTRAST
GOLDIE
CYANTIFIC
NOISIA
LOGISTICS
Truth b2b Magenta
hosted by LOWQUI | SCRIPT | SP:MC

room2
N:TYPE
ICICLE
YOUNGSTA
RANDOMER
Dan Marshall
Comatose
Ransom
Kallista

JOIN THE APERTURE OFFICIAL GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2415511876

EVENT ON FACEBOOK
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=57100651447&ref=ts

STILL SOME EARLYBIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CATAPULT PRICED AT £12

www.aperturefamily.co.uk
www.hospitalrecords.com
www.catapult.co.uk

SORRY ABOUT LACK OF BLOGGING

2009-03-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry about Lack of blogging recently, Aperture has been under a bit of change, we have moved out of our Glo Bar home and have now moved fully into Clwb Ifor Bach - the real home of drum and bass in Cardiff. We are also opening up the blog and making it into a more magazine based format, Matt Comatose, Hayley McMillan & Charlie Vice will now contribute regularly as part of the magazine team, Ali Davernport will be bringing the news from Catapult records (new releases, top tens etc etc) plus also expect some guest notes from Cardiff drum and bass top dogs such as High Contrast and Dan Marshall. If you think you can contribute to this blog, writing, artwork or photography please get in touch drone1@hotmail.co.uk

If you have missed any of our flyers from the last couple of months heres a taster.

Rico (Darkestral) Interview

2009-03-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Interview by Matt Comatose

Darkestral has been making serious waves since its first release in 2007, and has been a springboard for exciting talents Instra:mental. With the Instra:mental vs D Bridge 'Sepia Tones' EP dropping any time now, we caught up with label boss Rico to talk about Darkestral's sound and ethos...

What was your involvement within the scene in the 90s?

I have been involved behind the scenes as label manager at SRD distribution since the mid 90's, looking after a host of the biggest drum & bass labels, during which time I've seen many tide changes in the dominant sounds and sub genres that have grown up with the music's development.

There’s very little musically that I’m not prepared to soak up or listen to and there was never a strict allegiance to a particular genre until about '94/'95 when I became more and more affected by the jungle/drum and bass sound; making the standard move of going to the source was how I ended up relocating to SRD. The initial impact of mutated genre ideas in drum & bass was what drew me in, moth-like to its flame and its tempo, which seemed to describe the pace of life and echo the feeling of the times. Its rapid evolution and leaps in artistry and concepts were what pinned me to it, and it is that which keeps my love for it together today. Once in the blood, it doesn't dissipate. Now I aim to add my personal vision to the genre by way of giving something to the next generation to indulge in and be inspired by so that it may long continue.

How did starting Darkestral come about?

Darkestral came about after a long period of procrastination, deciding what I wanted it to be, what I thought its aim should be and the type of releases I wanted to hear that weren't being represented at the time. Having always had a deep rooted affection for the experimental period between '94 and '97, when the drum & bass scene threw up some of its (still) most musically creative ideas, such as the unchallenged 'Ni Ten Ichi Ryu' period in Photek's career, the consistently adventurous early Metalheadz releases, as well as Bukem's Good Looking related imprints through to No U Turn and Source Direct, I felt these were the standards to target. Darkestral is about taking chances and not being afraid to be both singular, emotional, purist and hopefully in time leave a legacy by way of a statement of longevity in an era of throwaway musical choices foisted on the public from mainstream to underground. Another important element of the project was to swing the texture of the sound back round to analogue tones and try to invoke a spectral association with the 'golden age' and shift things to the other end of the loudness spectrum, non-competitive mixdown practices in other words, to create a catalyst for a change in production perspective.

Conversations with a then dormant Instra:mental led to them colliding with my impressions of a '97 continuum in the new music they were making and a fusion of concept and music was born. Minimalism was also high on the agenda, a general de-cluttering of elements in tracks to something alluding to bare bones, with more room to breathe, and perfectly encapsulated by the Jonny L vs. Instra:mental collaboration 'Output 1-2' (Darkestral 002), which was taken to its logical conclusion in the title - thought out, not lazyisms - just touches of bass for extended pleasure moments throughout the track delivered via a skeletal rhythmic structure.

What is the ethos of the label? How would you describe its sound?

Originally, the blueprint was to take the sculptural ethos of the Photek production style, allied to the new freedom that dubstep was bringing to
the production palette in terms of variety of sound sources, and a dash of cinematic vision. The tracks need to put you in a visual place in your mind’s eye. Monolake's 'Cern' tune from about 2003 was in my opinion the best drum and bass tune of that year, and although it was basically made by a techno producer, it held all the ideas that I felt I wanted to hear at 170bpm, and so started a train of thought. Also what the Neptunes and some of the new school hip hop producers were doing with spacious beats also worked their way in to the mix of what was being concocted as a blueprint. Everything is subject to change, but I believe that the manifesto is such that I envisage the actual sound to shift and mutate along with my personal developments/interests as well as those of the artists. Another factor as you will know from the sleeves and vinyls, is an appreciation of the creation of a complete package of quality, from the best mastering to high quality packaging materials, a further clue is written on the sleeve in the form of '170bpm ...respect the speed limit', part of the plan to shift things into a more spacious zone where foregoing breaks and standard percussive motions would allow for greater freedom in the sound design possibilites for the artists, whilst removing the imagined tempo restrictive nature of perceived speed.

What do you look for when signing tunes?

I look for those tracks and ideas that I can’t hear being synonymous with any other labels, although due to the quicker than imagined impact of Darkestral's keystone artists, Instra:mental, this is becoming slightly more difficult as the scope of the music that is being made, especially by upcoming producers, means there is now more music that would have appeared 'outsider' a couple of years ago, and the sound of Darkestral is now more part of 'something' rather than 'nothing'. Originality ranks highly on the tick boxes list, emotion perhaps more so, creativity and the 'feel' of the sound all rank highly as elements I would look for. Tempo is not so much of an issue, but nothing above the 170bpm ceiling.

What is the idea behind Darkestral Excursions?

Excursions is a project of equal footing that I've been inspired to start as a result of an ongoing discourse and eventual deliverance of the 'right' feel from Sabre, someone who by way of osmosis appears to have found an understanding of the further out there, soundtrack-like quality I was searching for in a piece of music in order to get this concept off the ground. He knew it was right, and on hearing it so did I, so a perfect synergy between a personal thought and an outside creative force gelled. Next in line is a new artist from New Zealand, called Consequence who has taken my mind to dustbowl dry, cavernous alien planets with his 'dread-step' production sound, minimal yet epic ...and one to watch seriously in the future.

Apart from Instra:mental, which other artists do you have your eye on?

Now that really is one of those 'if I were to tell you...' moments, I think to the future, and dwell in the moment, everything forthcoming is always that.

How do you feel about releasing tunes digitally?

I buy records, I love vinyl, I appreciate the artefact, and in this respect this is what I wish to extend to the audience at present. Financially it’s not particularly astute, but there’s a desire to grow an enthusiasm in the labels audience. Digital will come in the future, but as with the response to the question above, it's on a need to know basis, I want to extend the lifetime of a format that’s been with me since my first purchase aged 7 years old and one which I feel best represents the sound of the music I have a desire for.

To what extent do you DJ or produce?

I have DJ'd no more than a handful of times in my existence, personally I see it as an art in itself, and the dedication it requires to hone as a skill was something I appreciate more in others. Couple this with a not so strange idea that the more an artist DJs, the more he feels pulled toward making music that appeals to a crowd rather than an individual, hence becoming less personal in many respects, and this goes against the label’s instinct. Production wise, in the future, who knows, it is still something I have to look forward to in terms of receiving a finished copy of something I had created from seed to fruition arrive in a cardboard box - a small piece of heaven on earth as an experience, I should imagine.

What's in store for Darkestral in the future, releases wise? Any plans for an album?

At present there is the Instra:mental v. D Bridge 'Sepia Tones' EP (Darkestral004/005), Sabre 'One Man Jettison/Boundary Pt.1 (Afterthought)//Decorum' (Darkestralex001) and Consequence 'Dreadtone / Timeloss' (Darkestralex002). Beyond that, there are pieces ready in the artillery, but bar myself, the artists and a couple of chosen ears, these are yet to be revealed. All that will be let loose is that a certain dubstep renegade has delivered an EP at 170bpm tempo, to reverse the exodus of drum and bass producers who are going the slower route. Album releases are in my thoughts, and have been since inception, but only when the time and project requires its facilitation.

demos: info@darkestral.com
aim: ricodrkstr
www.myspace.com/darkestralrecordings
www.myspace.com/darkestralexcursions

HEROES IN AN EGG SHELL

2009-02-13T04:50:00.000-08:00

JAMES WATTS at the BBC
Producing for MistaJams Show

As we all know James Watts is now producing for Fabio & Grooverider, Trevor Nelson and MistaJam. This esteemed job doesn't mean that he is excluded from dressing up as a fried egg for work.

Mistajam is shooting a parody of the K.I.G Families 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' called 'Eggs, Bacon........' and the video stars none other than James Watts as a fried egg. I will upload the video as soon as its aired. James Watts taking one for the team in Radio1.

CATAPULT CHART

2009-02-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

CATAPULT D&B CHART
Thursday 12th February

1. Serum & Bladerunner 'Snakefist' - Creative Source
2. Xample 'Contra' - Ram
3. Noisia 'Stigma' - Vision
4. Zero T 'Refusal' ( Calibre Rmx) - Integral
5. DJ Pleasure 'Flesheaters' - Radius
6. Cabbie Vs. Crystal Clear 'Street Hawk' - Ganja
7. Blame 'Because Of You' - 720
8. Chase & Status 'Pieces' - Ram
9. TC ft. Subfocus 'Borrowed Time' VIP - D Style
10. Mistabishi 'Drop' - Hospital

We got a cool little record shop in the heart of our city, the basement in High Street Arcades 'Catapult Records' is chock full of vinyl delights, those not on the ones and twos can get your hands on CD compilations and albums plus mix CD from the big raves up and down the country. Dive i and support local.

Catapult Records
High Street Arcade
Cardiff
02920 233730

www.catapult.co.uk

HANDSOME BOY MODELING SCHOOL

2009-02-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

HANDSOME BOY MODELING SCHOOL
Magenta, Tiago Favela & Chico

Magenta, Tiago Favela & Chico were chosen to represent '10 Deep' clothing label for the online retailers Chemical Records. The videos and photographs of the deadly trio (Chico & Tiago spiting whilst Magenta holds down the beats) are available as part of the retail catalogue, could this be part of a new venture keep your eyes peeled when looking through the 2010 Freemans Catalogue.

www.chemicalrecords.co.uk

KASRA & VICIOUS CIRCLE & CLWB

2009-02-12T07:25:00.001-08:00

APERTURE presents
the drum and bass symphony
...........................................

CLWB IFOR BACH
aka The Welsh Club
11 Womanby Street
Cardiff. CF10 1BR
...........................................

FRIDAY 20th FEBRUARY
£6 B4 11 £8 After | 10pm-3am
...........................................

room 1: A Critical Presentation
KASRA
VICIOUS CIRCLE
Ransom
Zippy
Rusty
hosted by Reuben : Redeye : Krisp

room 2 : Neuropol : University of Bass
playing.dubstep.ragga.jungle.bass.driven.funk
Magenta : Undersound : IllDiddy : Truth

www.aperturefamily.co.uk

"WHATs COOLER THAN COOL"

2009-02-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

HIGH CONTRAST
FULL LENGTH FEATURE FILM

I had the privilege this week of working with two of my old friends, while they worked in their trained fields, Sule (aka MC Redeye) was acting in a new production of Lincoln Barretts (aka High Contrast). I've helped out with Lincolns previous projects, namely the music videos for 'Racing Green' and 'When the Lights Go Down' using some of my past knowledge gained in uni and in the field of photography. This time it had taken a more serious edge, Lincoln trying to realise an ambition to write and direct a full length feature film (an ambition I have no doubt will be forfilled). We were filming a trailer that would be handed around to production companies to get funding, you could feel that Lincoln was going up the gears, sourcing professional actors and crew (not me, I had been relegated to stage hand - but was interesting none the less). Not sure how much I can say about the film, but just wanted to share the photos of Sule looking alot like Andre 3000.

MOVEMENT CONTINUES..............

2009-02-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

MOVEMENT & APERTURE present
MARCUS.INTALEX:STAMINA.MC:JORDAN.V
Friday 6th February 2009
Glo Bar, Cardiff

One of the worst things about promoting events is not being able to stop, look around and take in your nights you have put on, this night was no exception, due to the unfortunate circumstances that left us with only one turntable in the whole club, the night had disaster written all over it. Fortunately the family is strong and new equipment was begged borrowed and stolen. The logisics of getting everyone to the club was another mater, the Severn Bridge being closed down due to falling ice which meant a re-route for many of the artists. But Aperture all patched together and artists doing there best to stick to schedules meant the packed house was in for a treat. Marcus didn't disappoint he kept the Soul:R crew happy by intermingling the deep and techy we have come to expect from the DAT MUSIC compilations aswell as hitting the dancefloor brutally for a few of the old skool heads at the front. Stamina MC, with cordless mic weaved his way through the sweaty crowd lacing both Intalex and Jordan V's sets with expected soulful vocals. This is one of Movement only reidencies in the country now that they have left there spiritual home of Londons, Bar Rumba, lets hope this one stays put for a while.

DISPATCHED

2009-02-01T17:37:00.000-08:00

CHRIS SU & ANT TC1 [dispatch]
Friday 30th January | Glo Bar

Nowadays its very hard to run a record label, produce and dj whilst keeping your head together especially in a business as fast paced and cutting edge as drum & bass, but our guest tonight does it with ease. Ant Tc1 is here in Cardiff to showcase the talents of Dispatch Records and to show the depth of this label, brought with him, from Budapest Chris SU, a relatively new kid on the block, Chris would argue that ten years of production behind him wouldn't surmount to 'New Kid'. The label is being championed by Aperture favorites Survival and Zero Tolerance who provide the remixes of the latest dispatch offerings 'Waves' & 'Atlantic Connection' due out early this month and another remix by Alix Perez to follow. Don't really want to go into what was played this night as there is a chance that live Aperture audio will follow shortly after this post but those in attendance will agree, big things from dispatch soon - keep checking back.

PHIL BALLs MEMORIAL NIGHT

2009-02-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

N-TYPE PODCAST

2009-02-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

N-TYPE PODCAST
Rinse FM

A lot of people didn't get inside to witness N:Type school everybody in dubstep, a more than worthy replacement to Rusko (who was taken ill that night). The queue stretched way past Glo Deli, four wide even when the club had sold out. So to appease those who couldn't get through the door and a bonus for those who did check out his recent podcast for Rinse FM. BADMAN.

............and come to the next dance - WEDNESDAY 11th FEBRUARY | RUFFNEK DISCOTEK

Listen Here:-
http://www.dubplate.net/rinse/podcasts/Ntype25109.mp3

MIKEY H | DUBSTEP MIX

2009-02-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

MIKEY H
Dubstep Mix

We got one of the healthiest resident dj rosters in the country with Aperture, Fact. This is slowly materialising with Neuropol, we are uncovering some real gems in both production and Djing, one of those is Aperture and Neuropol regular Mikey H, he knows quality and his selection is on top form here. Download, listen, like and check Mikey out live at a Neuropol soon.

TRACKLISTING
Ramadanman - Bidding War (Tempa)
2562 - walkover (Tectonic)
Spatial - 80207 (Infrasonics)
F - The Untitled Dub (7Even)
Skream - Hitch (Tempa)
Martyn vs Marcus Intalex - After Seven (Revolver)
Synkro - Good Times (On The Edge)
Breakage - Late Night (Naked Lunch)
Martyn - Vancouver [2562 Puur Natuur Dub] (3024)
Spatial - 70810 (Infrasonics)
TRG - Decisions (Tempa)
Geiom Feat. Marita - Remissin [Skream Time Traveller Refix] (Berkane Sol)
Zomby - Liquid Dancehall (Ramp)
Tes La Rok & Desto - Low (Argon)
Seven - The Darkness (Aquatic Lab)
Skream - Flith (Tempa)
Deleted Scenes (Pinch & Distance) - Sick (Deleted Scenes)
Benga - Electro Scratch (Ringo)
Zomby - Spliff Dub [Rustie RMX] (Hyperdub)

http://www.divshare.com/download/6471819-f0c

DAT MUSIC 2 [soul:r]

2009-02-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

DAT MUSIC 2
Marcus Intalex presents

We know its been out a while but as one of the highlights of last year, and seeing as though the man behind 'Soul:R' and compiller of the CD Marcus Intalex will be joining us this Friday at Glo Bar we thought we would bring it back to your attention. Written by Matt Comatose and Charlie Vice this is the review as it appeared in Basic Magazine last month.

Dat Music Volume 2: EP 1
Soul:r

The second instalment of the highly successful ‘Dat Music’ compilation sees Soul:r retain its crown over all things deep in drum and bass. The EP kicks off with Commix’s ‘Underwater Scene’, a masterfully crafted soundscape which really is as deep as it gets. Think Burial at 174bpm. Flip for ‘Can’t Get Over U’, a full vocal tune from the usually impeccable Calibre, we personally aren’t feeling this one at all though. Next up comes ‘Close Encounters’, a collaboration from Brazilian S.P.Y and Kiat out of Singapore. We have been struggling to express just how good this tune is; a grinding bassline, minimal beats and one hell of a vocal sample all combine to make what is surely one of the tunes of 2008. Last up is Lynx and Hellrazor’s ‘Shady Pastimes’, a sublime double bass driven roller. Mysterious orchestral samples and subtle bongos really set this tune apart, and demonstrate Lynx’s technical wizardry. Wow.

Dat Music Volume 2: EP 2
Soul:r

The second EP sees Zero T and Mosus on the A-side with ‘Monarch,’ a minimal techy roller, throwing out misty melancholic atmospherics and a bassline to match. The flip side, ‘Life We live,’ brings the refreshing sound of the Commix boys, blending silky bass with soft conga rides, taking a more mellow step forward. The second plate sheds light on one of the most talked about producers of the moment, Brazilian bad boy S.P.Y, as he firmly solidifies his future in the scene with ‘Monochrome’. Busting out a menacing b-line, head nodding high hats and samples to match, this is definitely one for the heads. The D side comes from Bristol’s own Lomax. ‘Resist’ is full of attitude, mood and echoing synths. Random appearances of computerised samples gives it the overall Lomax dynamic fans will love, the perfect end to a quality release.

Support local : Catapult Records, Cardiff
http://www.catapult.co.uk/products/CDs/Drum%20%2526%20Bass/Dat+Music+2

NEXT APERTURE:- INTALEX & STAMINA

2009-01-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

UNDERSOUND on BASSDRIVE

2009-01-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

DJ UNDERSOUND
Spotlight mix on Bassdrive

Gareth Evans aka Undersound our very own classically trained musician who performed on productions by High Contrast and Dan Marshall is a producer in his own right with tracks being signed left, right and centre to Future Thinking, Point 9 Audio, Funkster, Distinctive Beats, Hustle Audio and Deep Instinct Records, at the moment he is working on the remix of Junior Reids '26 Police'. We have a download of his recent spotlight mix on Bassdrive.com.

Download Here
http://www.bassdrivearchive.com/archives//FUR/

PROPS to the OLD SKOOL

2009-01-30T06:31:00.000-08:00

DJ PROPS DOWNLOAD
Techy Mix 1997-2007

When it comes to diggin' the crates Aperture Family has its chief moles, one such drum and bass digger is DJ Props who has a keen ear for quality tunes and is a bit of a hoarder when it comes to absolute classics. This is a techy mix he cut to mp3 and takes you through ten years of drum and bass, if your new to drum and bass and need some schooling this is a mix you should download - plus the added treat of a tracklist to help you learn.

01.MOVING FUSION – SURVIVAL – RAM
02.RASCAL & KLONE – DELTA 9 (RMX) – FREQUENCY
03.KONFLICT – BECKONING – RENEGADE HARDWARE
04.OPTIV & BULLETPROOF – BLACK CELL – 1210
05.ARKANE – FEVER – UNDERFIRE
06.SPECIAL FORCES – BABYLON VIP – TEKDBZ
07.SILENT WITNESS – CONTACT – NO U TURN
08.TRACE – SONAR – PROTOTYPE
09.FX – AIRLOCK – DIRECT
10.RAY KEITH – LFO – V
11.CAUSE 4 CONCERN – SHIVER – METRO
12.STAKKA & SKYNET – TIMELINES – UNDERFIRE
13.MECHANOISE SOUND SYSTEM – PSYCOTIC BREAK – MECHANOISE
14.SHIMON & ANDY C – FIREWIRE – RAM
15.MATRIX & FIERCE – TIGHTROPE (RMX) – METRO
16.BAD COMPANY – STREET WALKER – BC
17.SONIC & SILVER – LONGBOAT – RENEGADE HARDWARE
18.JOHN ROLODEX – WRECKING BALL – DREAD
19.BREAK – NO COMPANY – SHADOW LAW
20.CAUSE 4 CONCERN – RELENTLESS (RMX) – C4C
21.BAD COMPANY – SEIZURE – VIRUS
22.STAKKA & SKYNET – LOGISTICS – AUDIO BLUEPRINT
23.EBK – 2000:2000 – COMPOSITE
24.DRUM KRU – THIN AIR – 1210
25.NOOKIE – THE PRELUDE – PENNY BLACK

Download Here
http://www.dnbshare.com/download/Props1997-2007TechyMix.MP3.html

UNIVERSITY of BASS

2009-01-29T17:24:00.000-08:00

NIGHT: Neuropol - Dubstep
ARTIST: RUFFNEK DISCOTEK feat. GEMMY : DUB BOY : MC SCARS
SUPPORT: Truth | Magenta | 1Mandub | Maxx Roach | MC Krisp | Reuben
DATE: Wednesday 11th February
FEE: £3 B4 11 £5 After
TIME: 9pm-3am
VENUE: GLO BAR - 4 Churchill Way, Cardiff. CF10 2DW

APERTURE RADIO

2009-01-29T16:35:00.000-08:00

APERTURE RADIO
hosted by Dan Marshall
every Friday | 6pm-8pm | www.bassdrive.com

Dan Marshall presents the weekend warm-up show 'Aperture Radio' tune in at 6pm for the two hour show on bassdrive.com. Expect drum and bass on the more soulful side artist such as Chris Su, Icicle, Mix Master Doc, Martyn, Calibre, Instra:mental, D:Bridge, Klute as well as the latest Welsh offerings from the Aperture camp. Get locked in for your pre-Glo-warm-up.

Get locked-in-locked-on
http://www.bassdrive.com/v2/

MONKEY & STAGGA LIVE DOWNLOAD

2009-01-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

MONKEY b2b STAGGA
an audible lecture from the 'University of Bass'
recorded at 'Neuropol' in Glo Bar
Wednesday 28th January

Monkey & Stagga have been intwined in the fabric of the Cardiff music scene for over ten years, starting out as the infamous hip hop scratch duo 'Optimas Prime', setting up record label 'Dial-Up' Records and now forming the deadly duo 'Monkey & Stagga' Cardiff's crown princes of the dubstep scene, with a bag chock full of their own highly anticipated dubs, this is a download must, playing just before N:Type tore the roof down at the jam-packed Glo Bar.

download set here:-
http://www.zshare.net/audio/54833222e33b24d8/

MAGENTA b2b ELEPHANT b2b SLIPPERZ

2009-01-29T15:30:00.000-08:00

MAGENTA b2b ELEPHANT b2b SLIPPERZ
an audible lecture from the 'University of Bass'
recorded at 'Neuropol' in Glo Bar
Wednesday 28th January

Neuropol has been picking up the finest residents from across all disciplines of bass driven music, from the inception of dubstep in britain Magenta, Elephant and Slipperz have been at the fore of the Cardiff scene. Not content with rinsing the big tunes, this mix is littered with homegrown productions. The scene is so strong in Cardiff is is really good to see the prominent residents going three for three and tune for tune. This set was recorded at the roadblock Neuropol feat N:type on Wednesday 28th January 2009. Check Neuropol every Wednesday at Glo Bar, 4 Churchill Way, Cardiff.

download set here:-
http://www.zshare.net/audio/54834909761b1d34/

NO RUSKO BUT N:TYPE INSTEAD

2009-01-28T21:40:00.001-08:00

N:TYPE REPLACES RUSKO
Wednesday 28th January

What an effing rollercoaster, Call came in at 09:30pm on day of show, Rusko is ill he won't be able to make it down, walk to glo to see if it is worth getting replacement, 10pm queue almost reaching Natwest (200 people deep), Frantic call to manager to see whose available, N:types available. To cut a long story short we filled the club to the rafters, ingredients included some of the best resident djs Cardiff has; Magenta, Truth, Reuben, Krisp, Stagga, Monkey, Elephant & Slippers, the energy and sweat of 240++ ravers brocking out hard and our very own superman N:Type walked in at a moments notice and smashed the place to bits. Hot dubs straight off the press (and no CD business - all cut to dub), sweat in the atmosphere making the needle skate across tunes, it was a proper mosh pit. Just leaves one question - Where are these people on the regular - we do this every week - Its called Neuropol (University of Bass) every Wednesday at Glo.

BANG THOSE DRUMS

2009-01-28T20:37:00.000-08:00

APERTURE LIVE
DJ FU & JUNGLE DRUMMER ROLL INTO TOWN
Friday 23rd January

DJ Fu and Jungle Drummer came together after each having there own individual success, most notably Chris the 'Jungle Drummers' role in London Elektricity live. It didn't take long to see why he is one of the most impressive drummers in the country, keeping up with drum and bass's high speed bpm with only six pints of sweat to show for it. Stupidly quick drumming and telepathic communication between the artists lead to drum and bass re-fixes from past and present right before your eyes, highlights included, High Contrasts 'If We Ever', Bengas 'Night' and Dred Bass 'Dead Dred' with no let up, call and answer between drums and Fu's cutting made for an impressive first live show from Aperture. Considering the sombre day this show fell on (Phil Balls aka Risks Funeral) everybody celebrated his life the way he would have, all the residents held it down Ransom, Ali Davernport, Magenta, Truth and Reuben. This week Chris SU from Budapest and Ant TC1 both representing Dispatch record label.

JAMAL - SPLATTER PATTERNS

2009-01-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

SPLATTER PATTERNS - JAMAL
promos out now on Ganja-Tek

Another slice of "Big Bad & Heavy" from local boy done good Jamal (previous releases on the likes of Rufaige Crew) producing the kind of music your gran would call noise, but we would like to rewind, Ganja-Tek ain't for the faint hearted and neither is the flip 'True and Living' big things for this boy in 2009 . Expect it to cause devastation at a dancehall near you. Available now on Ganja-Tek, get it while its hot.............

http://www.playazstore.co.uk/product.php?productid=16551

CARDIFF RADIO 98.7FM ON AIR

2009-01-28T06:58:00.000-08:00

NEXT LEVEL RADIO
Radio Cardiff back on air

After an unexpected hiatus Radio Cardiff is back invading our airwaves, a community radio station that offers an alternative to the stale commercial offerings you would normally find locally on the FM dial. Apertures very own DJ Kallista (pictured) has his own show 'NEXT LEVEL' every Monday 11pm-1am, the Next Level show is cutting edge drum and bass, a little show with big guests, hot mixes and regular rubbish from DJ Kallista's mouth. Other shows include Sinky, Lubi J, Benny Blonko, DJ Trooper etc etc. We will keep you updated on up-and-coming guests. Tune into Radio Cardiff 98.7FM

D:BRIDGE INTERVIEW | Matt Ellison

2009-01-28T06:35:00.000-08:00

D:BRIDGE
A step above the rest

Darren White, a.k.a D-Bridge, has his fingers in more pies than you can shake a stick at. From his label, Exit Records, which will next year release its second and third artist albums, to his numerous collaborations with the most talented producers around, D-Bridge is an influential man in drum and bass. We catch up with him after his set at Glo Bar to talk about the scene, the music and the future…

RECENTLY WE’VE SEEN SOME OF YOUR VOCALS IN YOUR TUNES, WHERE DOES THE INSPIRATION FOR THE LYRICS COME FROM?
For my album, it was what I’ve been going through with my missus really. I think she influenced most of the songs on there, there are probably songs where you can tell she’s pissed me off, and songs where I’m madly in love with her. So it’s all kinds of things really, I’ve been singing a lot more so there’s a lot more to come. Some of it might surprise you actually!

DO YOU CONSIDER THE DANCEFLOOR WHEN PRODUCING?
No, not at all, in fact that’s probably my biggest problem! My stuff generally doesn’t work on the dancefloor generally. Occasionally I’ve got lucky, but I don’t really make music for that reason anymore, that was what being with Bad Company was about. Nowadays, I just want to do what I want to do.

WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH? DEAD OR ALIVE?
Vangelis, is he alive? I think Stevie Wonder would be fun to work with, I think I’d whip him back into shape, get him to get some of those old keyboards out. I’d like to do a tune with Dillinja, I working on getting a tune with Krust done, just people I look up to within the scene. Generally anyone who’s up for it really.

HOW DO YOU THINK DRUM AND BASS IS VIEWED BY PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF THE SCENE?
That’s a hard one. I think to some extent it’s not taken seriously, and I think some people just see it as a kind of party music, which it is to some extent, but there is another side to it. Drum and bass used to be seen as a cutting edge genre, and I think even to this day some of the music that was produced from ’94 to ’97 still hasn’t been surpassed. These last two years, it has started to be taken more seriously again from my point of view.

DO YOU THINK RADIO 1 AIRPLAY FOR DRUM AND BASS IS GOOD FOR THE SCENE?
I think it’s good, I just wish they’d listen to a broader spectrum of it, it’s pretty obvious what’s being pushed and it’s usually one of 4 labels that they tend to play.

DO YOU THINK THE FACT THAT SOFTWARE IS MAKING PRODUCTION MORE ACCESSIBLE IS A GOOD THING?
Yes and no. I think it’s a good thing from my point of view to get ideas together, but I think it’s almost giving too much power to some people, for example there are mastering plugins that do jobs they really shouldn’t be doing. A lot of the more mainstream drum and bass is really just a wall of sound, it’s not the kind of music I grew up listening to or liking. For me it’s just a bit much.

HOW HAS YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS PRODUCTION CHANGED SINCE YOUR BAD COMPANY DAYS?
I’m going through cycles really. In Bad Company, we were all about hardware, and then we started to embrace the new technology like Pro Tools and plugins and things like that. Nowadays I’ve just come back around, since I’ve been working with Instra:mental I’ve been getting back into the synths and hardware. Even though it’s probably easier with the digital music, I personally like the sound of the old equipment, and that’s enough for me to use that stuff. I’ve just been buying synths like crazy recently!

DO YOU FEEL THAT BY EMBRACING THE DIGITAL AGE (E.G. ABUNCHOFCUTS.COM) YOU ARE TURNING YOUR BACK ON VINYL?
No, not at all. I think as a record label, we’re all trying to make money somehow, and it’s just a medium that other people besides us are embracing. It would be foolish not to really. It’s hard for me to get my head around it though, I’m not really a big fan of it as such, because it doesn’t really feel like you’re selling anything tangible. I think we had to embrace it; we’re just doing it really slowly.

FOR HOW MUCH LONGER WILL VINYL BE COMMERCIALLY VIABLE?
Always, I think, it’s becoming a collector’s item at the end of the day, but who knows? Some kids born today will have no idea what vinyl is, because they’ll be growing up around this new technology. As a crate digger, I’d like to think that vinyl won’t die out.

WHOSE TUNES ARE REALLY DOING IT FOR YOU AT THE MOMENT?
At the moment, Instra:mental, Calibre, Survival, Commix. I’m putting out the Survival album on my label Exit next year. There are also some guys from New Zealand doing some cool stuff; Cern is a guy I really like, there’s another one called Consequence who’s really cool.

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOU OVER THE NEXT YEAR?
I’m working on my next album, and another one with Instra:mental. I’ve got my brother’s (Steve Spacek) Black Pocket 12” coming before the end of the year. There’s also the Chris Inperspective/Calibre 12” out now. I’m also working on getting the next instalment of the Aptitude series out. It’s weird for me because it causes me a lot grief but I also get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I like buying records, and I know what it is that makes me buy them, and the way the scene is at the moment, there’s this attitude of “we’re not making much money, let’s cut corners and sell tunes in just inner sleeves or whatever”. I thought well, at the end of the day if we’re not selling that much, why not put more effort into it and give people a reason to want to buy a record, other than just the music.

CALIBRE ARTICLE | BASIC MAGAZINE | Cardiff Publication

2009-01-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

SIGNATURE MOVES

Calibre played Aperture late 2008

Article printed in Basic magazine Jan 2009

Talk to anyone about the deeper side of drum and bass and one name is bound to come up. Dominic Martin, a.k.a. Calibre has been a true pioneer of the sound for over a decade, churning out a seemingly endless stream of classic tunes. Flying into Cardiff mid October on a rare and sought after visit, we spent the afternoon with the man himself before his debut appearance at Aperture. Just before leaving for Clwb Ifor Bach (venue of the eagerly anticipated night) we grabbed the chance to have a proper chat with the enigmatic Irishman in his plush hotel room, and to discover the mind behind the music.

As one of the main proponents of the deeper sound of drum and bass, Calibre’s productions ooze soul and emotion. With such a captivating sound, it is surprising that he has made over 2000 tracks in his career. “Drum and bass is quick to make”, he explains when asked about the prolific nature of his work. Given this staggeringly high rate of production, it’s hard to believe that his approach is not one of quantity over quality, as he delivers a consistent flow of masterpieces. Of course most of his tunes have never seen beyond the studio walls, but the ones that have seen the light of day have graced many a record bag worldwide.

Living in Belfast his entire life, and growing up in an ”oppressive atmosphere”, full of “hatred and violence”, is where he first found inspiration to do something different. When asked whether these surroundings have had an impact on his tunes, he commented, “I think it’s affected my character and who I am, but not the music”. Where producing is involved it would seem Calibre works within the walls of his imagination, with little regard for what’s going on around him. “I’m so busy working I could be anywhere else in the world and I wouldn’t notice”. Whilst many DJs flock to the big cities to find a home for their careers, Calibre has stayed put in Northern Ireland, as it’s where he feels “most comfortable”. As a result, his DJ sets are few and far between, despite high demand. However this is only at the expense of the drum and bass public, as swanky hotels and overnight business trips betray everything that he is about, which is apparent on this visit.

Calibre’s intellect and integrity demonstrates his ability to make groundbreaking music. His studies of Fine Art at Belfast University reflect an inquisitive and artistic mind. He articulated the progressive nature of drum and bass and hailed it to be an ‘art form’ that acts as “a saviour” to his sanity. Surprisingly, he has no one thing that he relies on for inspiration and no particular mind set that he works best in, it’s simply just, ”the room” that “calls” to him. When asked about his influences he just said, “life is enough”. This was a brave statement from a man that has overcome the peril of alcoholism, he reminisced he would sometimes forget he had made a tune the night before. In fact, he was quick to comment, “The only thing that ever stopped me making music was a woman”.

Adding a new dimension to his sound, Calibre has started to feature his own vocals in his tunes, something that was debuted on his most recent album ‘Overflow’. This idea came from his passionate interest in reading (particularly prose writing). He describes his lyrics as “cryptic but simple”, perfectly matching his poignant sound. His current project, an album branching out into other genres, relies massively on his own vocals, which have “opened up a whole new world” for him, in terms of aiding his creativity. It also allows a quicker pace to work at, as in the past when he used vocalists he found that he was never confident enough to ask them to alter what they were doing wrong. His vocals are heavily featured in his recent ‘Don’t Mind’ EP, released on his own Signature Records imprint.

As the interview drew to a close and we headed off to the awaiting fans at Clwb, he filled us in about the release of the second edition of his ‘Shelflife’ album, a retrospective compilation of unreleased tunes, which he hopes to be out around Christmas time this year. It may be a while before Calibre graces the decks of Cardiff again, but be assured; good things come to those who wait.
Calibre can be found online @ www.myspace.com/sigrecs1

Words | Hayley McMillan

WHEREs THE JUNGLE

2009-01-27T15:36:00.001-08:00

Anybody who has tried to log onto www.wheresthejungle.co.uk will be wondering what has happened to the shop. We are developing the brand and want it to appear more professional, therefore have taken it away from the Ebay shop which we don't think enhanced the brand. The fourth line is in development and a new shop will be launched in the spring/summer with the new line. Watch this space for sketches and works in progress. Clothing will still be available at 'Catapult' and 'Chemical Records' thank-you for your patience. WTJ.

HIGH CONTRAST SHOW on BBC

2009-01-27T14:06:00.000-08:00

Our boy High Contrast takes over Rob da Banks show on Radio 1. The Hospital Records supremeo is not shy from radio duties, taking over from Tony Colemans awarding winning podcast while he was away making 'Syncopated City' but this is the first time he has taken over the national airwaves. Playing from his eclectic taste, reaching for bollywood covers, the Scarface theme tune, basement track VIP and a couple of house tunes under Lincolns 'Two-Fisted Tales' guise. Well worth a listen and been getting plaudits from up and down the country.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/robdabank

APERTURE pres. CHRIS SU | FRI 30th JAN

2009-01-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

NIGHT: APERTURE - drum & bass

ARTIST: CHRIS SU & ANT TC1 [dispatch]

SUPPORT: Dan Marshall | Oisin | Truth | Reuben

DATE: Friday 30th January

FEE: £3 B4 11 £5 After

TIME: 9pm-3am

VENUE: GLO BAR - 4 Churchill Way, Cardiff. CF10 2DW

searching the globe worldwide this time plucking talent from Budapest

happy hour till 11pm

SERENGETI STUDIOS OPEN

2009-01-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

Its been in the making the last couple of months but Serengeti Studios has finally been constructed, it is buried in the Glo Bar building and has already had Aperture Radio broadcast from it for the last month (Aperture Radio | www.bassdrive.com | Every Friday | 6pm-8pm). It is now ready to start work, by producing forthcoming tracks for Aperture Records and is available to hire for mastering, recording or tutorials on producing all handled by in-house producer Dan Marshall.

Equipment includes:
Dynaudio BM6A MKII nearfield monitors
M-Audio Projectmix I/O digital mixer
Focusrite Liquid mix DSP (compression/eq)
Rode NT1A condenser microphone
Shure SM58 live microphone
Access Virus TI Polar synthesizer.
Dual display screens (24" and 19")
Various spectral analyzers
25 key E-Mu midi controller
49 key Roland midi controller
2x Pioneer CDJ800
2x Technics 1210 MKII
Pioneer DJM600 DJ mixer.

DAW list includes:
Steinberg Cubase 4
Propellerheads Reason 4
Steinberg Wavelab 5

Mixing & project work rates: £25/hr with engineer.
Mastering: £15 per track.
Recording and processing vocal tracks: £15/hr
Recording and hosting a mix: £10/hr
Multi-track recording is also available depending on how big the session is, please enquire.

email: marshdj@gmail.com
tel: 07875 627 309

DAN MARSHALL | NEW RELEASE ON BIOS | EXODUS

2009-01-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

Dan Marshall continues to shape the Cardiff sound with the help of Mix Master Doc on his new single release EXODUS (bios004) on Bios record label. Promos were released a couple of weeks ago and are available in Catapult, Cardiff or digitally from Beatport, Juno etc etc. For those who want a bigger slice of the Bios label you can also find it on the Bios compilation CD 'Breakbeat input/output system volume 1'.

To listen to sample of Exodus or book Dan Marshall to visit your town, hit-up www.danmarshall.co.uk

RUSKO PLAYING IN GLO WEDNESDAY 28th JANUARY

2009-01-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

NIGHT: Neuropol - Dubstep
ARTIST: RUSKO

DATE: Wednesday 28th January

FEE: £5 All Night

TIME: 9pm-3am

VENUE: GLO BAR - 4 Churchill Way, Cardiff. CF10 2DW

Get inside early will be roadblock and to take advantage of the all night happy hour.

DJ RISK - REST IN BEATS

2009-01-27T09:54:00.000-08:00

PHIL BALL - DJ RISK

July 1985 - January 2009

One of Aperture's biggest characters past away on 29th January 2009, Known to many as DJ Risk was one of the original members of the 'Aperture Family' and helped many others climb on our bandwagon, namely Krisp, Mikee Woo, Zippy & CBD. He was Larger than life and very out-spoken, his opinion wanted or not was known by everyone and most conversations ended with one of the two parties shaking their head in disbelief. On the decks he was the same, set-times couldn't be changed for his obnoxious blend of jump-up, dark d&b, dubstep, bassline or jungle held no prisoners, but at 2am had everyone on the floor brocking out. His biggest success came as a father to Chloe who he adored and put all his time and energy into which was no surprise as he was the ultimate 'Clart with a heart'. He is an exceptional loss to his family and the Aperture family, the saying 'you don't know what you've got till its gone' is the understatement of forever. Phil you'll be remembered forever - Rest in Peace Bro.

We are having an Aperture Memorial to Phil on Friday 13th February in Glo Bar, Cardiff all his friends will be playing tribute sets ranging from drum and bass, garage, bassline and dubstep. The £5 entry fee will go towards a trust fund for chloe.