Free Download: Oris Jay (aka Darqwan) - UK Garage Remixes

UK Garage legend and Dubstep pioneer, Oris Jay (aka Darqwan) has today given out three of his remixes of early-noughties pop hits. Putting his instantly-recognisable scattered percussion work on the tracks and laying a growling bassline, typical of his output as Darqwan, underneath the hooky vocals, these mixes add a darker edge whilst maintaining the ability to move any dancefloor.

Download: London Dodgers - Down Down Bizniz (Oris Jay Remix)

Download: Ladies First - Messin' (Oris Jay Remix)

Download: Warren Stacey - My Girl, My Girl (Oris Jay Remix)

.Preacha.

Featuring: Thelem

Through acute attention to detail and with precision bordering on perfectionism when it comes to creating and layering sounds, Thelem's tunes are a showcase of balance and a sense of control. Making sub-heavy music, but without overdoing the sub, he may be included in the new breed of producers who are more audibly influenced by the spacious sounds of early-noughties producers such as Cyrus, Loefah and D1. There is no nostalgic emulation, however, as subtle differences in basslines and a greater emphasis on percussion set this sound apart; a degree of respect for the eyes-down origins of Dubstep is prevalent here but, with that same sense of balance, remains progressive and forward-thinking. This is something furthered through Thelem's record label launched earlier this year, Orientis Records, which maintains a dedication to vinyl with its releases. We caught up the man himself and got him to lay down the latest installment in our exclusive mix series, which is another deep selection strewn with dubplates.

Hedmuk: For those who don't know, what's your name, where are you from and how would you describe your sound?

Thelem: Easy, my name's Matt aka Thelem and I am from the Hampshire area. I would describe my sound as the deeper and darker dungeon vibes.

H: Would you describe yourself as from a musical background, or is something that you have picked up yourself?

T: Well it’s quite a long story actually; I never came from a musical background but have always been the creative type. I don’t think I would have ever of got into music production if I hadn’t lived in a shared house with my mate Tom aka Risc Terilia. I was always into Hip Hop, Grime and a bit of D&B, but in 2006 when I moved in he showed me dubstep. I loved the sounds of Loefah as it was on a similar kind of tip to some hip-hop beats with the 808’s and that. From there I wanted to learn how to make beats, Tom and Coleco already being good producers taught me the basics in Fruity, I then moved onto Logic and it all developed form there really.

DRONES (CLIP)-ORTS002 12" by THELEM

H: What or who else do you take influence from when it comes to making beats?

T: Well I draw a lot of my inspiration from the earlier more original sounds of dubstep. Recently I have been getting more into sampling old sci-fi films, I have started to collect old sci-fi film soundtrack vinyl’s to find some more original sounds. Lately I have also been getting more into drum funk, taking a lot of inspiration from the producer Paradox, who to me is the master of atmospherics and drum work.

H: Your label, Orientis Records, has made a strong start this year with backing from influential names in the scene; what have you got planned for the label for the rest of the year?

T: For Orientis this year the main aim is to keep pushing it, making it more of an established label. I want to work more with the crew we got involved and release good music.

H: How important is it that all releases on the label are vinyl releases?

T: Well in my opinion I think that vinyl releases are important for the label. I believe that when you have a tune on vinyl it feels like you actually own the tune in a kind of physical way, rather than just having a digital copy sat on your computer. Without sounding arrogant or something, I think that pushing your label as a vinyl-orientated people tend too take it a little more seriously too. Saying all this though, I am aware times are changing and the digital format is increasingly getting more popular. So I think in the future we will be looking at doing some pure digital compilations with the artists involved, which will help to push and spread our sounds.

ILLUSIONS (CLIP) by THELEM

H: You play regularly on Rood FM; how did this come about and what sort of vibe do you try and achieve with your show?

T: My mate knew the guys who run Rood.fm and got me in contact with them, funnily enough they ended up living 2 minutes down the road from me. I messaged them about getting a set, explaining about Orientis and myself, it all went form there really. As for my show I want to push the sounds from the Orientis crew and my mates, I also like to play allot of older classics, which are sometimes forgotten about, or people are unaware of.

H: Can you take us through how you went about putting together a tracklist for the mix.

T: For this mix I wanted to keep it on an eyes-down vibe, showcasing some of the forthcoming Orientis tunes and a few of my own bits. Also adding in some tunes from producers I am really feeling and supporting at the moment.

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

T: Well I am putting out a few of my tunes, forthcoming on ORTS002. Clips can be heard on my Soundcloud page or on the Orientis Soundcloud. The tune ‘Constrained’ featured in the mix is forthcoming on Mindstep Music. Would also like the opportunity to play out more, so if anyone's interested they can hit me up on djthelem@gmail.com. Big ups!


Download: Thelem - Hedmuk Exclusive Mix


Tracklist:

Kryptic Minds – Hybrid (Osiris Music)
Vivek – Feel It (Deep Medi)
Instinct & Thelem – Apocrypha (Dub)
Subreachers & Antics – Clairvoyants (Dub)
Antics – 4 Faced Liar (Dub)
Killa & Instinct – From The Dust (forthcoming Orientis)
Pressa & Crisp – Atom (forthcoming Orientis)
Thelem – Illusions (Dub)
Thelem – Drones (forthcoming Orientis)
Lurka – Run (Dub)
Thelem – Constrained (feat. Delta Labs) (forthcoming Mindstep Music)

Antics – Hunter (forthcoming FTW)
Subreachers – The Challenge (Dub)
Killa & Instinct – Halftime (Dub)
Coleco – Morbid Curiosity (Orientis)

Thelem - Hedmuk Exclusive Mix by Hedmuk on Mixcloud

.Preacha.

Free Download: Frisco - Ghost Train Freestyle

Frisco follows up his tentatively-received debut album, 'Fully Grown', with this 'set things straight' freestyle. The 'Ghost Train' beat, produced by the man himself, comes on like a laid-back version of Skepta's 'Mike Lowery' and allows Frisco to adopt his classic slick flow in addressing some of the backlash at the more pop-oriented sound prevalent on 'Fully Grown'.

Download: Frisco - Ghost Train Freestyle


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Free Download: Mz Bratt - Get Dark

Another rising star of the grime scene, and someone who's been around since Aftershock, Mz Bratt has today given away the bouncy 'Get Dark' which combines her usual snappy flow with a beat and hook aimed straight at the dancefloor.

Download: Mz Bratt - Get Dark

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Featuring: District

There is, of recent, a renewed momentum within the Dubstep scene; more specifically, a new wave of producers, pushing the dark, brooding, sub-heavy sound that many would associate with the likes of Kryptic Minds, Cyrus, or Distance have come to the fore. This should not be mistaken for simple imitation, producers such as TMSV, Lurka, Killa & Instinct, J: Kenzo, Pressa, Thelem, Benton, Myrkur and Sleeper, are all making tunes of startling originality and quality. District's production, dank and bass-driven, fits comfortably with this crowd of beat makers gaining increased exposure. Following sustained support from the likes of Distance and more recently Youngsta, we caught up with District to discuss his influences, future projects and to get his take on the state of the scene. In addition, District has laid down a heavy mix, packed full of dubs, as part of our mix series. Enjoi:

HEDMUK: To introduce yourself to those who don't know you yet: what's your name, where are you from and how would you describe the beats you make?

District: Hi, my names Dan. I'm from Coventry, England and I produce beats under the alias 'District'. I'd describe the sound I aim for as dark and bass heavy.

H: Are you from a musical background or was it something you picked up yourself?

D: I've played guitar since I was about 9 years old, from the age of about 18 - 23 I was playing in bands, death metal, hardcore punk, that kind of stuff. Rad times....

H: Where do you draw your influences from?

D: Loads of things. Music wise, quite a lot of drum and bass, techno, jungle, all that autonomic stuff, metal, hardcore, I'd definitely say that now I’m not in a band I’ve tried to sneak little hints of that in my tunes. I've always been fascinated with movie concepts and things like that, it’s probably a cliché to say this as an electronic artist but Vangelis' soundtrack to Blade Runner is what made me want to get involved with synths and stuff. A lot of 80's horror and sci fi movies, even some of the worst movies of that decade seem to have more character than anything that’s come out in the last ten years or so. I’m probably being a bit more dismissive here. anything to do with Stephen King, Clive Barker, John Carpenter anything that Tom Savini has played a part in, anything to do with those guys are full of atmosphere and creativity. They didn't have computers to rely on.

H: When did you start making beats?

D: I went to college about 5 years ago to learn how to record bands and stuff, I met sleeper on the same course and he showed some drum and bass he was making at the time on the same software we were using to record. I've been mucking around for a few years but only really started taking it a bit more seriously a year ago when I stopped playing in bands. '3.5 grams' was the first tune I finished that I was happy with and could be classed as dubstep.

3.5 grams by district

H: Tell us a bit more about you relationship with Sleeper. Do you see yourself as a production duo or do you prefer to define yourselves individually?

D: As mentioned in the other answer I've known him for a little while. When I started getting a bit more confident with the sounds I was making he was the first person I sent anything to. We've been collaborating on a few different things for the last year or so, different tempos etc. I think we both have strengths as individual producers; he's been producing a lot longer than me so when we combine we try to play on each others different strengths. Even on individual tracks we send each over the tunes for feedback etc.

Oh, and playing Trials HD while one of us works on individual parts of the tune. It might seem a bit backward playing the Xbox while collaborating but switching off for 20 minutes or so while one person works on the track helps us keep the track fresh in the ears. If we were both hovering over the pc all day both our ears would get knackered.

H: Youngsta has been playing a few of your beats recently. What does it mean for you to have someone as influential as Yunx listening to and playing out your tunes?

D: Yeah it's big. Both of us are big fans of Youngsta and the sound he pushes. The exposure has definitely helped us out a lot and continues to do so. I'd have to credit Distance as well though for playing the beats out first, he found us and introduced our tunes on to Youngsta as well as a lot of other people.

H: Has any increased exposure helped develop your production? Any tips from other producers/DJ’s ?

D: For sure, the last few months in particular I think have been fruitful. Distance, Tunnidge, Cyrus and Youngsta have given Sleeper and Myself pointers. Not just from a production aspect either. Hopefully that’s visible on some of the newer tracks that feature on the mix. The learning curve keeps production interesting for me as well as a challenge. There's a definite science to producing this kind of music, I don’t mind admitting I still have a lot to learn.

H: There is a new generation of producers gaining increased exposure within the Dubstep scene with the likes of Lurka, Killa and Instinct, TMSV, J: Kenzo, Benton, Sleeper and yourself all leaving lasting impressions of recent. Do you feel there is a renewed energy? What does it mean for you to be part of it?

D: It’s awesome. Every single producer mentioned there has a distinct sound and character to their beats, and that’s important. Without speaking directly for the others, there seems to be a slight push against some of the music that’s been put forward as dubstep over the last couple of years as its popularity has increased. I wouldn't want to discredit anybody else’s work or say it’s not dubstep. Right now it’s about being positive about the sounds everyone is pushing, and focusing on that. Its sick how many different people have started to creep out over the last 18 months or so with the same attitudes and enthusiasm for the darker sounds.

H: Tell us a bit about the mix you’ve put together for us.

D: Well, it’s just the sort of tunes I feel as a producer I want to represent, there's a lot of stuff from myself and Sleeper as well as a few other producers. It’s not too far from what I’d play out in a club environment. Hopefully people will enjoy it and can hear where I'm coming from.

H: Finally, any news, future projects or releases in the pipe-line?

D: I've got a few things on the go, I’m in the middle of finishing off the first few collaborations of mine with sleeper, a four way thing with myself, Sleeper and Killa and Instinct that I’m looking forward to as well as individual tunes. Release-wise, there are some things in the pipeline but that’s all I’ve got to say at the moment on that subject...

Download: District - Hedmuk Exclusive Mix

Tracklist:

Sleeper & District - Dungeon Style (Dub)
Myrkur & TMSV - Icarus (Dub)
Cyrus - Underworld (RTP)
Sleeper - The 2nd Step (Dub)
District - Gutter (Dub)
Distance - Jungle Fears (Chestplate)
J:Kenzo - Nocturnal Feelings (Forthcoming Tuba)
Sleeper & District - Angry Birds (Dub)
District - Haymaker (Dub)
Lurka - Forgotten Ones (Dub)
District - 3.5 Grams (Dub)
Tunnidge - Control (Dub)
District - Notes (Dub)

District - Hedmuk Exclusive Mix by Hedmuk on Mixcloud

Free Download: Benton - Take Me Away

Arguably one of the fastest-rising producers in the scene at the moment, Benton's technical ability in building tunes is clear. With a diverse output which represents the full range of sound from deep, spacious beats to more aggressive, jump-up tunes with a dancefloor focus. 'Take Me Away' falls closer to the former category, and drapes a haunting female vocal over a halfstep beat and snatches of synth.

Download: Benton - Take Me Away

.Preacha.

Featuring: Dom Hz

With an eclectic production repertoire spanning a range of styles within bass music, Manchester's Dom Hz has consistently delivered tunes of real depth, variety and originality. His releases are a testament to his range: 'Don't Stop', out on Subdepth Records, is a dark, thumping, roller; Dub Discipline and Dub Trippin' - both collaborations with fellow Mancunian Synkro - are dubbed out tracks reminiscent of the War series output; and the three track Mist EP has a summery, ambient and altogether more soulful vibe. We caught up with Dom to discuss his tunes and influences as well as his regular Rood FM slot and to hear his take on the Manchester bass music scene. Dom has also contributed to our mix series showcasing an array of dubs and forthcoming releases as well as some new, unfinished bits.

Hedmuk: Just as an introduction , what’s your name, where are you from and how would you describe your sound?

Dom Hz: Hi. My name's Dom, I Produce under the name 'Dom Hz' and I'm from Manchester. Describing my sound is tricky as I make tracks according to my mood and influences around me at the time; I think most people would place my material under the dubstep/2 step genre, but I prefer 'Bass Music'

H: How did you get in to making beats?

D: I played keyboard from a young age, when I was 15 I started writing lyrics to drum'n'bass and hosting in small nights in Manchester; at 16 I started a music course at Mancat College and learned Cubase and Reason. It was then I realised I wanted to make beats.

H: What, in your opinion is your best beat to date? Why?

D:. Tricky question... If I had to say one in particular, probably 'Without You'. Its a mellow, downtempo dubstep track with warm rhodes and a nice vocal sample. I played live piano riffs on top and really got stuck in with the percussion. I was very happy with the overall sound of the track: I learned a lot of new tricks whilst in this project. It was released on the flipside of my 'Mist EP' 12" on Open Earz and later selected by Joe Muggs to go on a 'Ministry of Sound' compilation CD: good times!

H: You don’t seem to limit yourself stylistically to one genre; can the same be said for your influences? Who influences you?

D: Yeah definitely, I listen to loads of different music, otherwise I get bored! I get inspiration from everywhere, if I was to mention names from the styles that I make I would have to say artists like MJ Cole, Todd Edwards, Commix, Lomax, RSD, Ruckspin, Roska and too many more to mention. Also, a lot of my friends such as Synkro, Biome, Indigo, Shadowfax, Sparks and loads more.

H: Your beat repertoire contains a number of different styles; Garage, 2 Step, Dubstep, DnB and Funky. Do you personally make any attempt to define the music you make into genres? Or do you prefer to see the boundaries between different styles of Bass music as more fluid?

D: Yes and no. I make sort of whatever comes out at the time, but I do try to stick to certain genre techniques, structures and tempos mainly for dancefloor and mixing purposes. I do try to switch things up to keep it exciting, for example most of my 2 steppy stuff will at some point have a half time section etc.

SOUNDBOY DON'T KNOW by domhz

H: How did you get involved with Rood FM?

D: Ah, Rood FM. That's a whole lot of fun! Basically, 'Fish' (the geeza who runs it) sent me an email in December asking if I fancied a slot, it just so happens that I was actually thinking about doing a radio/podcast thing at the time. It's just starting up, but the website is very professional and the sound quality is very high. I play it weekly from my friend and fellow DJ/producer, Holden's house. He's got a great setup with Pioneers and a strong internet connection. Basically we have a bit of fun with it: lots of jokes in the shoutbox etc. I've been told we are fun to listen to!

H: Do you view yourself most strongly as a DJ or Producer?

D: I think my DJ skills are pretty average, I can beatmatch 2 tracks pretty well, but I'm no good with party tricks like scratching and beat jugglin'. I don't think I'd get booked to DJ without producing and releasing music. So I'm probably a better producer.

H: You’ve long been involved in the Manchester Bass scene alongside the likes of Synkro, Biome and Chimpo, amongst others. How do feel this scene has developed? And is it a fast-paced scene – are new producers, styles, influences always entering entering the fray?

D: I always think that Manchester seems to not get as much attention as it deserves in our genres. But obviously guys like Synkro and Indigo are definitely breaking the mould in a big way. Chimpo's tunes and remixes are too much, as for Biome, well his new stuff is the best music I've heard since Noisia! Newer producers like Shadowfax and Sparks will soon be doing big things in my opinion. The future's definitely looking better for the Manchester artists that I know and I'm sure there are many more that I'm not aware of.

H: Were you trying to get at anything in particular with this mix with your selection and blends?

D: When I do mixes I tend to just play what I'm feeling at the time. Although there are a couple of my unfinished bits at the start of the mix that show where I'm moving towards. Everything in this mix is a real personal favourite of mine at the moment.

H: Just to finish off, any forthcomings or plans in the pipe-line you would like to share?

D: Loads: quite a few releases lined up, next one I think is forthcoming on Subdepth, 'Hollow', quite a jump-up style release. I will be carrying on my show on Rood every Wednesday, gigging wherever I can, and I'm very much looking forward to playing at Outlook Festival in September.

You can catch Dom Hz with Holden, every Wednesday 6-8 PM on Rood Fm.

Download: Dom Hz - Hedmuk Exclusive Mix

Tracklist:

Untitled 123 - Dom Hz - [DUB]

Mayor - Mount Kimbie -[ HOTFLUSH]

Can't Hear (feat. Rema D & Chunky) - Dom Hz - [DUB]

Look At Yourself - Synkro - [FORTHCOMING MINDSET]

Lacuna - Indigo- [DUB]

Bass Music (feat. Kiara) - Dom Hz - [FORTHCOMING SUBDEPTH]

All Out (feat. Nina Scarlett) - MJ Cole- [DUB]

World Go Round - Arki-Tek (Dom Hz] - [DUB]

I Might Be (MJ Cole Remix) - Todd Edwards - [DUB]

Morning - Dom Hz - [DUB]

Funk Phenomenon - Dom Hz - [DUB]

Getting Happs - Erra - [L2S]

Always Like This (Dom Hz Epic Edit) - Bombay Bicycle Club - [FREE REMIX ALBUM]

Everyday - Synkro -[ Z AUDIO]

Swan - Biome - [DUB]

Untitled - Holden - [DUB]

Freedom 2 Skank - Sparks - [DUB]

Last Night - DFRNT- [FORTHCOMING SHEEVA RECORDS]

What Happened - Dom Hz & Smithy - [DUB]

But I... - Dom Hz - [DUB]

Disturbed RMX - Dom Hz & Helen K - [FORTHCOMING SUBDEPTH]

Illegal Power - Biome - [DUB]

Dom Hz - Hedmuk Exclusive Mix by Hedmuk on Mixcloud