DJ Profile: Mr Brown

 

07 Jun 2010

 

 

Mr Brown

We profile Mr Brown from Toronto who is affiliated with Soul In Motion, Heavyweight, Junglist Movement and Prophecy Radio.

What brought you to playing drum & bass?


I've been doing this since early 1994. Back in those days crews like Pleasure Force, Atlantis, Destiny, to name a few, were the ones doing big things. The rave scene was new and vibrant. People were extremely open to one another as well as different musical styles. It wasn't uncommon to attend an event that hosted house, jungle, happy hardcore, breaks and trance all in one room. The overall vibes back then were very positive and the music was so different from anything I've heard before that I couldn't help but get hooked immediately.

Describe your style, does it fit within any standard DnB genres, and what keeps your ideas fresh behind the decks?


After close to 20 years of DJing, I'd say that my style is relatively broad. During that time I've played everything from retro 80s to old ska, and everything in between. My musical tastes are wide and I think that's reflected in my sets. That's the good thing about DnB is that it can fuse it with just about any sound and create a whole new energy with the same core intact. The sound is always changing.

What is your approach to DJing?


I've always been about the dancefloor. Educating crowds to new sounds is also important, but if you go too far with that notion, you might lose some folks along the way. Maintain a good balance and keep the people moving and you can pretty much do anything to keep the floor going and the music progressing.

What music outside of DnB do you follow?


I love my ska, old 60s Trojan and Studio One business. Some other faves are Depeche Mode, Reverend Horton Heat, The Jam, Kiss. I was also a trumpet tutor for five years and played the cello.

Any plans to get in the studio for production?


Yes... at some point. At the moment I think my DJ ear causes me to dissect music in front of me. A producer creates sounds from the ground up. Hopefully one day, I'll develop that ear, as I do see it as the next step.

First 'big' break in Toronto?


Getting a random phone call to open for Grooverider in Buffalo. That booking subsequently lead to a ton of others all over where I was fortunate to open for some of the biggest names in DnB today.

Tell us about your promotion company Soul In Motion...


Close to eight years ago I started Soul in Motion to basically create an opportunity for myself and other up-and-coming DJs to have an outlet to play. The main focus was to build our base by showcasing the local talent. I feel we achieved this. As far as the group goes, I'd say over the years, "members" have come and gone, but now I can say we've certainly settled into the right groove with my partners Scott Free and DJ Spinz. The last few years we've branched off and have been showcasing talent from abroad that we consider to be cutting edge. Producers who are making huge waves in the scene but have yet to travel to North America. I'm proud to say that we hosted many first appearances with the likes of Chris.SU, Danny Byrd, The Brookes Brothers, Sigma and much more.

How do you feel about Canada's drum & bass scene currently?


I feel the scene right now is more unified than it's ever been. The lines of communication between promoters are strong, and not just locally but through the entire country. The music that we're exporting as well is world class. Many of our producers are signed to the big labels across the pond.

From a party perspective, every market is being satisfied from the people throwing jams with new producers and favourites being showcased on a fairly regular basis. The only real issue faced here in Toronto is the lack of venues willing to work with the promoter. It's been a struggle, but with persistence, professionalism, and the ability to produce results, the strong will survive.

 


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