Artist Interviews

Q&A: DJ Seven

By | Published on Thursday 17 February 2011

DJ Seven

Having first appeared on the scene back in the early nineties, London-based DJ Seven began producing and mixing as a teenager. Having released tracks on a variety of underground labels, including Tempa, One Gun Salute and Subway Recordings, in more recent years Seven has become recognised as a pioneer of the dubstep genre. He’s also known for his dynamic live shows and technical agility on the decks, his recent mix podcast for Rinse FM being much downloaded. Doing his bit to showcase the genre he helped shape, Seven has just compiled a compo called ‘Dubstep Dubplates Vol 1’ which is out now on Live Beyond. Which makes this seem as good a time as any to fire our same six questions in his general direction.

Q1 How did you start out making music?
I had been DJing from age nine, learning to beat match. But I was about fourteen when I produced my first tracks. Through my passion for mixing on my turntables I had been embraced by a social circle of friends who were established DJs and producers, and was totally influenced by them. It was a logical progression for me to move into production.

Studio equipment was way out of my price range, so I hired studio time and an engineer with money I accumulated from my family for my birthday. I went to Birmingham, to his studio at The Custard Factory. I made a three track EP called ‘Tales From The Darkside’, which was released on Dubtronix Records later on in 1994. So began the hunger to do more in the way of music production.

I finished school and then graphics academy, and acquired jobs to get money for studio kit. As soon as I saved enough money I bought the EMU e6400 sampler and eight channel Mackie mixer that I needed for the studio. I then quit my design job and began to put the time into learning how to produce music.

Q2 What inspired your latest album?
The idea and inspiration behind the compilation is to show dubstep in its full spectrum. Dubstep is very versatile. It’s easy to hear music these days as a trend and gain a false impression of it. So I tried to choose tracks that would lay down a foundation for new listeners, to educate and innovate them, but at the same time keep avid followers interested and intrigued. We have included tracks by well established artists, as well as brand new up n coming talent who I believe will one day be substantial people within the scene. The compilation takes the listener on a journey from deep and cinematic vibes, to full on dance floor focus. I think there is something for everyone on this album.

Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
I treat every track as a unique journey into sound. I use a combination of outboard synths and computer plug-ins to make my tracks in Logic Studio. I guess my only process is in the beats I make, I have a certain formula which I always use. Apart from that, I don’t really have a process. I just try to put my heart n soul into everything I do and keep things to a high standard. I try to vary everything I make, so production stays fun and I learn something new every time. It’s all too easy to make the same tune over and over again, but I think I’d go stale and lose interest if that was the case for me. If I make deep dubstep, it’s usually dark and cinematic with clever vocals that I sample from movies which reinforce my ideas. When focusing on the dance floor tracks I like to have big impact in the drops, without being over the top and too noisy. I think music should be music and not just a collection of noise.

Q4 Which artists influence your work?
No particular artist influences my work, but many influence me as a producer. I rate many artists very highly, for both their production and attitude towards it. Massive Attack, Deadmau5, Diplo, Pharrell Williams, Quincy Jones, Chase & Status, Dillinja etc. There’s too many to list really.

Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
I hope you love this as much as I loved making it. SO TURN IT UP!

Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
I have high ambitions for the compilation. I want to introduce many new people to dubstep and please long term fans alike. Take it to places where it hasn’t reached to yet and captivate new audiences. My ambitions for my future are similar, I want to rise to the top of my game and continue to promote my music to bigger audiences. Captivate new listeners and express my self through my music.

Summed up in seven words… I plan to take over the world!

MORE>> www.myspace.com/sevendubstep



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