Knowledge once described DJ Fresh as 'perhaps the most influential D&B producer we've ever known' in our blessed magazine format. And now, in 2009, his tracks are trickling - nay - tidal waving their ways across the D&B ocean, destined to break upon speakers in clubland.

 

Brace your ears for impact... the great man reveals what's behind all the rumour and conjecture:

 

Back in the day you were grinding out dark D&B, then you went a bit quiet when you were A&Ring, releasing the odd piece here and there. And now you're back to dropping steady material. What's going on, Dan!?

When we commit to signing an artist we try to put all we can into it: 'all hands on deck'. So even 'Escape from Planet Monday' was a bit compromised by our focus on Pendulum at the time. As the Brookes Brothers have been locked away working on their album, it's been a good time for me to focus. 'Kryptonite' has been in the making for over two years now and I wanted to get everything in place before my attention gets diverted promoting it as well as Brookes Brothers' album next year. It's nearly finished so now there will be a lot of material released from me in the next six months.

 

What direction are you moving in, style wise?

I've been really inspired by more minimal electro / techno / house recently. Although you've still got my trademark riffs and production, this album is much more synthetic / stripped back and also vocal; working with some cool artists like Claude VonStroke, DVNO, Ms Dynamite, Lisa Kekaula and of course Yolanda (Koko) and Stamina MC. 

 

What do you strive for as a producer nowadays? Technical? Creative? 

Trying new things, trying to push my ideas production wise, and the unexpected.

 

Tell us about your new material coming on BBK?

The album is called 'Kryptonite' and will be released February next year. 'Hypercaine' is the first single coming September 21st and we're working on a video at the moment. The more jungle 'Heavyweight' / 'Fantasia' will be released on Shy FX's Digital Soundboy in October. Then Ministry of Sound are rereleasing a new version of 'Golddust' shortly before the album. There will also be a third single just after the album, which is a collaboration with Sigma called 'Lassitude' and the more percussive jungle 'Cylon'.

 

You aren't releasing 'Off World'?

No, it's a cool track but nothing I haven't done before. Tough decision when it's been getting a good reaction but I think the best is yet to come!?

 

Tell us about what you did last night?

I flew into New York to work on this video, came from Love Festival in Czech and was at Innovation in Tenerife the day before... knackered! Phew.

 

Are you still an international playboy?

Does a bear shit in the woods?

 

What studio set up are you using nowadays? Tell us what speakers you use!

Mackie Hr824s religiously and the new version of the Yamaha NS10s, other than that just a very powerful Mac and virtually no outboard at the mo.

 

What's happening with VonStroke?

We're working on something, thanks to you John (Knowledge) for hooking us up! He's always liked drum & bass and I'm really looking forward to incorporating his Booty minimalism into this track.

 

What are your three favourite foods?

Eggs Benedict, all Lebanese food, and the odd jacket : P 

 

Sound Weapon... still going?

Had to put SW on hold to focus on the album but may ressurect as part of a bigger live project next year.

 

Any big future plans?

Holiday.

 

What do you hope to achieve by 2010?

World peace and happiness through the addition of more bass.

 

Fresh in the Knowledge Download Store

 

www.myspace.com/freshbadcompany

 

• DJ Fresh
,
• Breakbeat Kaos

Related Links:

• DJ Fresh Finishes New Album
• DJ Fresh - Kryptonite
• DJ Fresh Does Dubstep
• Video For DJ Fresh's Single 'Hypercaine'
• Free Sub Focus Download

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