Free Download: Promise One - M.I.

Following February's exclusive mix feature, and in the run up to the release of the See We Roll EP, we're linking up with Promise One and OpenEarz once more to deliver this skippy, grime-tinged gem for free download. Nicely bringing things full circle, the acapella used was also previously given out as a free download on these very pages and here, in combination with Promise One's characteristically intricate drum patterns, lends the track a swinging, off-kilter groove.

'M.I.' is an ideal taster of the way in which Promise One's beats achieve that difficult balance between intricacy and allowing room for a vocalist to flow, as exemplified by the title track of the forthcoming OpenEarz 12", which sees Mouse Outfit, Voodoo Black and Levelz MC, Sparkz, twisting his way effortlessly through the beat. Cop the free download, and then follow the links below to preview and pre-order the full release.

Download: Promise One - M.I. [320kbps mp3]
                      Promise One - M.I. [WAV]



The See We Roll EP will be released on the 14th of April 2014 on 12" vinyl and in digital formats a week later on the 21st. Vinyl copies are available to pre-order from Boomkat, Red Eye, Juno, and BM Soho now.

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Featuring: Promise One

Though affiliated variously with the Deep Heads and Chord Marauders crews -
Geode, of the latter, in particular, having collaborated on releases for Innamind and now OpenEarz - Promise One still retains a strong sense of independence; moving, refreshingly, at his own pace and away from empty hype and shallow scene building. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it gives his music a sense independence and originality too.

There's a measured approach to his production, marrying the raw edge of a hip hop indebted, sample-based approach with the skintight, minimal rhythmic aesthetic of the proto-dubstep sound peddled by the likes of El-B and Zed Bias. The resultant space is where the groove or, as is becoming a more regular occurrence, vocalist lurks. With the news that Syte is relaunching his OpenEarz imprint with three of Promise One's finest, we caught up with the man behind the monitors for some words and a new mix to add to the series.

Hedmuk: By way of introduction, what's your name, where do you come from, and how would you describe your sound?

Promise One: Hey I'm Nick, I grew up around North Yorkshire and currently live in London. My sound tends to come from the garage roots of dubstep, I guess: rolling tunes around 140. Prefer to let the music speak really, but that's probably a cliché now...

H: When did you first get into making beats? Have you always been involved in writing music, or has Promise One been your first foray?

PO: I started out on Reason, having been introduced to it by a friend; that was about 10 years ago. I work on [Ableton] Live now and used to make instrumental hip hop/breaks stuff under the name Defiant Kinetics - always been a fan of sampling from that respect. I play the drums, started that a little before I got into making beats and have always played in 3 piece bands for some reason, probably just because it's less complicated!

H: There's a skip and swing to your drums that feels reminiscent of garage's period of development into dubstep's early sound - is this somewhere you find yourself taking influence from, or are there other places you feel you draw more from rhythmically? 

PO: I think that era was always really interesting to me, so I'm sure its an influence. I like offbeats and swing, rim shots and all of that El-B and Horsepower goodness. Drumming certainly helps, sometimes I play bits in with an MPD and sometimes I just use a mouse, it depends on the tune.

H: You've got a few releases under your belt already, but your next will be your first on vinyl. When did you first get involved with Syte, and how did the idea of resurrecting the OpenEarz imprint come about? How important is it to you to be putting out music on a physical format?

PO: Jim (Syte) had been planning a re-launch for some time and brought up some ideas to get me involved with a release around the same time I was finishing up the collab with Sparkz. I played him the final version and then we agreed with George (Geode) that 'Chroma' would sit well on the flip side and that was it! I'm really happy about putting out music on vinyl, it's been a goal of mine for a while. Records will never go away, I don't ever see a replacement format coming, so it's the best we have. The HD DVD was the successor to CD but the MP3 took the lead: we've gone backwards, if anything. I've cut most of my earlier tunes to dubplate as I love the process, but it is expensive. I collect and buy vinyl because it's important to me to have physical records. There is an element of quality control which isn't really a consideration in digital, but I don't play vinyl out due to dub cutting costs and a lack of [vinyl] support from most clubs.



H: With the lead track from the forthcoming OpenEarz release and your recent MIK bootleg, you're showing a real knack for working with vocals. Is this something you've always experimented with, or discovered more recently? Can we expect to see more work with vocalists from you in the future?

PO: Coming from a hip hop background I've always been into vocals, but equally I appreciate the instrumental side of the genre. The first tune I ever made with a vocalist was called 'Technicolour', with a guy called Kid Kareem, under Defiant Kinetics. I never really understood grime for a while but some of it is quite interesting to me, especially rhythmically. I wanted to make a track with a grime vocal but which didn't sound like a grime tune, and one that was a bit playful; that's how the MIK tune came about. I haven't got any specific plans to do more vocal stuff at the moment but no doubt something will come along soon.

H: Take us through how you approached the mix you've done for us.

PO: I wanted to play tracks from producers I'm feeling, and also to represent OpenEarz. I'd say it starts off at a comfortable pace and builds up to darker more intense ending - I think there is still a lot of good, interesting music being made around 140. It's great that producers are going in different directions but I'm not seeing any reason to change from around this area, it just naturally resonates with me.

H: Finally, are there any other forthcomings or anything else in the pipeline that you'd like to put the word out on?

I seem to be playing more DJ sets at the moment so that is taking up more of my time, which is fun. I suppose I consider myself more a producer than a DJ, though. I need to get back on the beats, it takes me a long time to come up with a finished idea; I'm not one of these people who writes three tracks a week: it's more like one tune every couple of months! The 'See We Roll EP' is forthcoming on OpenEarz on vinyl and digital formats (with 'Ghost Note' as a digi exclusive) and should be available mid-to-end of February.


Download: Promise One - Hedmuk Exclusive Mix


Tracklist:

Indigo - Premonition [EARZ002]
Gunston - Danger Again [Dub]
Lefty - Wise Guy [Dub]
Lack - 432 [Dub]
Congi & Geode - Flow One [Forthcoming Chord Marauders]
Piezo - Antelope Swing [Dub]
Promise One & Geode - Chroma [Forthcoming EARZ004]
Ago - Backlash [Dub]
Baitface - Disrobe [Dub]
D-Operation Drop - Justice [Dub]
Promise One - Ghost Note [Forthcoming EARZ004]
Subreachers - Spitfire [Dub]
Promise One - See We Roll (feat. Sparkz) [Forthcoming EARZ004]
Elemental - Spring Dub [RUNTIMECD001]
Promise One - M.I. [Dub]
Clearlight - No Rules [Dub]
Argo, Karnage & MarkIV - Unforeseen [Dub]
Mikael - Blessed [Dub]
Nanobyte - Impartial [Dub]
Sub Basics - Untitles [Dub]
Facta - Poliwhirl [Dub]

Promise One - HEDMUK Exclusive Mix by Hedmuk on Mixcloud

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Featuring: Syte

A DJ who has been on the circuit since the mid-noughties, Syte has graced numerous pirate and internet radio stations as well as the decks of some of the most influential and forward-thinking clubnights in the country whilst also putting in the work running his own label, OpenEarz, and more recently joining with Rinse FM's Crises to push the label extension of MindStep. He's currently among a selection of talented DJs fully supporting the new breed of deep producers breaking into the scene with a fresh take on the classic spacious sound. We caught up with Syte to ask him about his role within the scene as a DJ, label owner and A&R and he's also laid down a mix for our exclusive series showcasing some of the artists and tunes he's feeling.

Hedmuk: For those who don't know, what's your name, where are you from, what sounds do you push and how would you describe your mixing style?


Syte: Easy, my name’s Jim and I live just outside the north west side of London in leafy South Bucks! These days I guess I’m pushing more of the deeper end of dubstep music in my DJ sets, but in general I just play tunes with a good amount of sub-bass: that’s the main criteria! My mixing style basically reflects the sort of DJ set that I’d like to hear if I was on the other side of the speakers; I try to pick tunes that work well together and I definitely treat each set a bit like a musical journey…for the listener and also for myself.

H: When did you start mixing, and what styles were you playing then?

S: Hard to remember when I started, but the first time I really got on some decks was at a mate’s who was really into hard house. When I finally got my own decks and began buying tunes I guess it would have been about 7 or 8 years ago and I started mixing dark, freeform hardcore, some breaks and a bit of drum & bass. Someone showed me 'Midnight Request Line' and I immediately went on a mission to find out and acquire as much of that sound as possible. I hadn’t really heard it called dubstep at that time, then Mary Anne Hobbs did the now legendary Dubstep Warz show on Radio 1 and I knew straight away the sound was destined for big things.

H: Over the years you've played alongside some of the biggest names in dubstep, what would go down as your most memorable gigs?

S: Yeah I’ve been blessed to play alongside some really gifted and groundbreaking producers over the last few years. There's so many different events in different places it’s hard to single them out but I gotta big up Resonance in Reading, Infraction in Milton Keynes, BASS! in Newcastle and Dubkulture in Croydon, definitely all memorable shows. More recently I really enjoyed One Love Festival last summer and I just played in Belgium last month which was amazing: anyone heading out there check out Rotation in Ghent and Midnite Run in Brussels!

H: Having appeared on numerous radio stations such as Rinse, React and Sub FM. how important do you think radio is for the more underground genres of music unlikely to get mainstream airplay?

S: I think it’s vital for underground music because there are so many people making good music and not everyone is going to get playlisted on 1Xtra, you know? It’s definitely needed for showing the average person about new music at a grass-roots level. I don’t know if I would even have got so heavily involved with dubstep if I hadn’t started doing the regular show on React FM when it was still running and I’ve always enjoyed doing radio, it’s something I hope I can always be involved with.



H: How did your label OpenEarz get started, and what was the motivation behind starting the imprint? What are you plans for the future of OpenEarz?

S: I just got to a point where I was stepping into record shops in London to check out the new releases and wasn’t always getting that inspired by what was making it onto the racks. I originally started radio playing on an internet station run by a friend based in my local area, and Synkro also started a show on the station. As soon as I heard his tunes I knew he was going to be huge when people heard them and after the station shut down we kept in contact. He supplied the tracks for 001 in the shape of 'Rudebwoy' and 'Hornz' and I was so inspired by the sounds coming from other producers in Manchester that I signed material from Indigo, xxxy and Dom Hz for the second and third releases. The fourth release has been held up with some distro issues recently but the tracks are 'Lockdown' and 'Lykasea', both produced by Phaeleh with Jut Lew featuring.

There’s lots more material ready for release, I’m not saying too much for the time being but there will also be a digital sister label launching soon which I’m very excited about. Also, a lot of people have been asking whether digital formats will be available of the first 3 releases so I can announce that should be happening soon.

H: You're also involved with the MindStep label and collective, who are making positive moves within the deeper end of the dubstep spectrum: how did this come about, and can you tell us a bit about the thinking behind MindStep?

S: I met Crises when I was playing at Dubscover in London; we got talking and connected straight away on a personal and musical level. I joined MindStep as a resident DJ which has been a great experience and I help to promote the events which have been running in East London for just over 2 years. The idea of the label is an extension of the music policy of the events: to create a deep mindful experience within the electronic underground world. It’s also an opportunity to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming producers that deserve recognition for their craft - the compilation features several artists that won’t be familiar to some people and there’s a mix of flavours for every listener. We’re holding a launch party at Gramaphone on Friday 15th and the 17 track compilation drops the following Monday on Beatport, check out MindStep on Facebook and Soundcloud for more info!



H: Tell us a bit about how you went about preparing the mix you've laid down for us.

S: I’ve been following the content here on Hedmuk for a while and really enjoyed all the mixes so far, noticing the clear emphasis on deeper, darker sounds so I really wanted this mix to reflect my interpretation of the direction that sound is heading in. Whether you want to call it 'dungeon' or something else, I really feel there’s a strong movement of deeper producers with huge talent bubbling just under the surface of the dubstep scene at the moment so I guess this mix is a showcase of some of that talent. There are so many producers whose tunes I’m feeling it could have carried on for another 2 hours!

H: Finally, is there anything forthcoming or in the pipeline that you want to put the word out on?

S: Yeah just keep your ears to the ground for announcements about upcoming OpenEarz releases, make sure you support the MindStep Music compilation and hit up my various networking pages for info about what I’m up to or to book me: big up Hedmuk!


Download: Syte - Hedmuk Exclusive Mix


Tracklist:

Dom Hz - Let You Down [Dub]
Geeks & Antics - Governments [For The Win]
Goli & Ashburner - Dread [DBox]
Versa & Rowl - Full Moon [Dub]
Pressa - Orbs [Orientis Dub]
Goli & Ashburner - Field Of Vibrations (Subreachers Remix) [Dub]
Antics - Unconscious [Orientis Dub]
Core - Bass [Dub]
Quantum Soul - The Path [Dub]
Killa & Instinct - FiftyOne [Dub]
DJ Madd - New Reality [Osiris]
Pistonsbeneath - Resonate [Dub]
Lurka - Blank [Dub]
Kryptic Minds - The Fifth [Black Box]
Subreachers - Disfunctional Systems Ltd [Dub]
Mileage - Everlasting Inc [MindStep Music Dub]
LX One - Give It Up [Wheel & Deal]
J:Kenzo - Nocturnal Feelings [Tuba dub]
Kromestar - Grey Thought [Dubstar dub]
Curzed - Night Storm [Dub]
Cessman - Gad Man Calling [Dub]
Biome - Untitled [Dub]
Seven - Cerebral [Subway Dub]
V.I.V.E.K - Roots [Deep Medi]

Syte - Hedmuk Exclusive Mix by Hedmuk on Mixcloud

.Preacha.

Free Download: Dom Hz - Remix Album 001

Known for his diverse catalogue of productions ranging from thumping heavy rollers to skippy 2-step numbers, Dom Hz is a well-known name on the bass music circuit in Manchester. With well-supported releases on labels including SubDepth and Open Earz, not to mention the inclusion of 'Without You' on the Joe Muggs compiled 'Adventures in Dubstep & Beyond', and regular appearances at the likes of Hit&Run and Sicknote already comfortably under his belt, his trajectory is undoubtedly an upward one.

This album is an eleven track collection of bootlegs and comes with a note from the man himself which reads:

'THESE REMIXES HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE ARTISTS WITHOUT PERMISSION.

ALL EXTRA PRODUCTION ETC BY DOM Hz

THIS IS A FREE ALBUM MADE FOR FUN & THE GOOD OF THE DUB MUSIC COMMUNITY!

IF ANY ARTIST ABOVE IS PISSED OFF CONTACT ME AND I WILL TAKE DOWN THE

LINKS IMMEDIATELY..

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR LISTENING

CATCH DOM HZ LIVE EVERY WEDNESDAY 6-8PM (GMT) ON RoodFM: WWW.ROOD.FM

PEACE'

Download: Dom Hz - Remix Album 001

Tracklist:

1. Jessica Bunny - Why Don't You (Jazz Step Edit)
2. Dead Prez - Hip Hop (Mank Skank Remix)
3. Starry Eyed (Easy Steppy Edit) - Ellie Goulding
4. Bombay Bicycle Club - Always Like This (Epic Edit)
5. Reflekt - Need To Feel Loved (feat. Delline Bass) (Barber Shop Remix)
6. Omni Trio - First Contact (Back In The Day Mix)

7. Soren Larue - Mo Money (feat. Lea Luna) (The-Kids-Love-It Remix)
8. Jill Scott - It's Love (2008 Mix)
9. Family Foundation - Ten Snide E (MBC Anthem Mix)
10. Kosheen - Catch You (Not Much To It Mix)
11. SLK - Hype Hype (Speaker Friendly Mix)

.Preacha.