JLD #80 – Darkside

by Construct | 17th November 2010

Wow, we’ve reached mix number 80 already and well, we couldn’t pass up the chance to deliver to you guys another HUGE mix by another big name. This week a very big player in the UK Dubstep scene, none other then Darkside, a man responsible for bringing dubstep to heads around the world through his very well known and respected website, Getdarker.com

With such a big name dropping by the podcast, we had to take the opportunity to do a little Q&A.
So get ready to learn more and don’t forget to check out the GetDarkerTV live broadcast featuring tons of very big names!

• How did the GetDarker.com project get started, and who was involved?
I started a website back in 2002, called ‘DarksideRiddem.com’ which was evenly split between Grime and Dubstep. This very quickly became the most reliable online source to these genres of music and was also nominated 7th place at the UK Sidewinder Awards in 2004. Then, October 2006, I involved my brother Ashley & I re-branded the site to GetDarker.com which is now 100% dubstep. In 2009 I left Rinse FM to start working on GetDarkerTV, and earlier this year Cyrus joined our team.

• What were some of the biggest challenges with getting such a big project started?
The project initially started soley based as a hobby. As the website began to receive a huge traffic flow, the obvious challenge I faced early on was mainly financial, and of course time. I often look back and ask how I managed to even manage such the project alone, especially when you consider at the same time I had a very popular radio show on Rinse FM for 5 years.

• What do you think was your key to success both as a Deejay and the website?
I think the two run hand in hand. I think the website is clear evidence of the passion I have for dubstep and the genre throughout. I often aim my DJ appearences to be more specialist; from gaining radio & presenting confidence, I have to ensure my set is a personal influence and not a GetDarker influence.

• Your favorite highlight of 2010?
My highlight of 2010 is without question, the huge & positive impact our sister brand “This Is Dubstep” has had on the dubstep scene. We have released three compilations this year, all of which are strictly dubstep music. All three albums have regained credibility and consistency due to a very carefully selected tracklists, and whislt our 2nd album was the first dubstep album ever to be TV advertised in the UK, we even ensured we included the most recognaised voice in dubstep on the advert voice over – MC Crazy D!

• What are some of your goals and ambitions for 2011?
My main focus early 2011 will be the launch of my new record label – GetDarker Recordings. I’ll also be looking very closely at continuing to host GetDarker Arena’s at many UK/European festivals. Also we are adding additional features to our GetDarkerTV broadcast which is looking very interesting. Of course I will continue working on additional albums, and a discrete hint I will drop to you is ‘This Is Dubstep & Miami WMC (I cant reveal much more than that)!

• How did you get started as a Deejay?
From around the age of 14, I used to be a frequent listener of Hatcha & Crazy D and Madd B on what was London’s leading pirate radio station – Upfront FM, but I never really had an interest on playing music until a friend at school had a pair of decks. Whilst we both had no clue on what we was doing, it was something I suddenly had a huge interest in.
Once I had my own equipment, I became a regular down at Big Apple Records in Croydon when I turned 16, buying garage vinyl. My first ever set up was Soundlab belt drive turntables and a Citronic Pro 8 mixer.

• Please describe your style of deejaying for us.
My style of DJ’ing I guess would be descibed mainly as technical. None of my sets are pre-planned, and my key aim is to take the crowd on a journey of continiuos ups and downs. You’ll also notice that 90% of my sets are dubplate, or vinyl – no beat matched CDs in Darkside’s bag!

• What advice would you have for beginners?
Play the music you enjoy, and do not follow popularity. By that I mean its very easy to play certain tracks that many other DJs are playing. Its crucial to always be mindful to attempt to set a trend, not follow one.

• What in your opinion is the best thing about your local scene?
This is very difficult as I live in Croydon, and our GetDarker studio & office is also based in Croydon. Therefore with it being labelled as Croydon being the birthplace of dubstep, our local scene is very strong. I do feel we are short of dubstep nights in Croydon though; which is something I may look into in the new year.

• Where do you see this going in 5 years?
I have no doubts that Dubstep will continue to dominate the dance scene. Including big commercial remixes, whilst retaining the underground edge. As for GetDarker; I will ensure it continues to be the leading resource of this uncontrolable genre.

• What producers do you believe will breakout next?
There is a huge amount of talent coming through, I think Tunnidge, Fused Forces and Lost will blow up in 2011.

Linkage:
getdarker.com
thisisdubstep.co.uk
twitter.com/djdarkside
myspace.com/thedjdarkside

Track List:
01. Truth – Burgalar (Aquatic Lab)
02. Cyrus – Manhatten Blues (forthcoming Deep Medi)
03. Kromestar – Deamon Rocker (Dubplate)
04. Subscape – All Day (forthcoming Dubpolice)
05. Slin – Dangerous Remix (Dubplate)
06. Hatcha & Lost – Al Barsha (Dubplate)
07. Distance – Malice (Dubplate)
08. Emalkay – Crusader (forthcoming Dubpolice)
09. Tunnidge & Distance – Blame (Dubplate)
10. Cyrus – Minimal (forthcoming Random Trio)
11. Kromestar – Mental Universe (forthcoming GetDarker)
12. Tunnidge – 7 Breaths (Chestplate)
13. Mala – Livin Different (DMZ)
14. G Double – She Wants To Go (Dubplate)
15. Kromestar – Trianglez (forthcoming GetDarker)
16. Magnetic Man – Karma Crazy (Columbia)
17. Soap Dodgers – Machine (Dubplate)
18. Phaeleh – Afterglow (remix)
19. Icicle – Xylophobia