Synaptic: There’s an amazing scene in South London, with this dubby, deep, dark sound and a high density of wicked producers. How do you explain that?
Youngsta: The sound mainly started there, it has slowly grown into a big movement with top producers and DJs. But it is not just concentrated in one area.
S: How old are you?
Y: 21 years old.
S: Since when do you play deejay? What has been your career up to now?
Y: Started when I was about 12. I was on a pirate radio by 13, Freek FM, playing 2step, 4X4, and vocal garage. I always had a strong passion for music. I have since joint the leading radio station Rinse which plays all spectrums of dance music. Along the way I have played in various night club – FWD being my resident night at Plastic People, London.
S: How would you define dubstep for people who don’t know it? What differs with grime?
Y: I don’t think you can define it ; you need to listen to understand the full extent of the music. Grime has a more MC driven fan base, whereas dubstep has a more relaxed attitude to the vocal contribution of an MC.
S: Your mix “Dubstep Allstars Vol.02” has just come out on Tempa Recordings. Despite certain DJs & writers like Kode9 or Blackdown try to keep unity in diversity, antagonistic tensions seems to divide the post-garage scene (I mean kind of grime versus dubstep polemics). By supporting only 4 producers, it looks like you implicitly affirm a stand. May you say something about that?
Y: The reason I choose to play music from only 4 producers is because they are producing the beats and quality that I like. I try not to separate the music. I just seek out the beats and sounds I like. We need more tracks like “Request Line” by Skream, “Cha” by Plasticman. These types of track help to build the bridge between the music scenes.
S: Are you booked outside UK? Where have you already played?
Y: I am mainly playing in small clubs in London. The only place out side of UK, I have played is Germany. There is a scene growing in Europe also transatlantic. It all takes time. Grime was not a global music over night therefore the dubstep sound will need more time to progress.
S: Lots of people all over the world (thanks to web) was loving your show on Rinse FM. Why did you stop it?
Y: My current time was not working for me, I am waiting for a new set. I am still on the station and I try to do as many cover show as possible. So listen out for me – otherwise catch the FWD show Thursday at 7 – 9.
S: Another radio show in perspective?
Y: No, I am already in the premiership. I will be happy to do guest show thou to help spread the sound. I did Kiss FM last month. And I will be doing Ministry of Sound Radio in November.
S: You remixed Loefah’s “Twisup” together with Task. Any other remixes or production projects in pipeline?
Y: I am trying to find more time to write some beats. Next year there should be some production floating around. Watch out for my sound.
S: How seems 2006 to be? Some projects?
Y: Bigger and better. Moving forward.
Future Classics?
“System VIP” by Loefah
“Rotten VIP” by Skream
“Cocaine” by D1
“ID” by D1
“Ancient Memories” by Digital Mystikz
Back in time top 5?
“Twisup” by Loefah
“Wrath VIP” by Digital Mystikz
“Snakecharmer” by Menta
“Jackknife” by Menta
“Sholay” by Horsepower
5 all timer tracks whatever styles?
No order
“Terminator” – Goldie
“I’m Feeling High” – Sky Cap
“We Are He” – One Tribe
“The Nine” – Bad Company
“Eskimo” – Wiley
S: Apart music, what do you really feeling?
Y: Girls. Higrade. When I get the chance I like a nice cup tea.
S: Thank you very much, Youngsta. Anything else to say?
Y: If you have read this interview – Go out and buy my CD “Dubstep Allstars Vol.02”. Thank you for supporting the sound & scene. Bigup yourself.
Aug. 2005
Words: Synaptic
