Erb N Dub has been a very, very, very busy man of late, with the launch of a joint new label Bad Monkey run by Tony Anthem (Future Prophecies) and himself, the release and video for Fire Bun with the legendary Navigator, a new album track for Skibadee, live drumming sets, DJing the four corners of the globe, running his own studio, teaching and charity work... all topped all off by a cameo appearance on the last Children In Need!

 

It's no wonder that Erb N Dub is going from strength to strength at the moment with this work rate! In normal circumstances I would write a longer intro but with so much to discuss it's probably best to jump straight in so we can get everything covered...

Yes Erb! Quiet times for you right now then?!!

Quiet?? Who said that?? Can you speak up?? Nah man, it's just another year of hard focussed work for me. But saying that this year has been so productive. Linking with Tony Anthem and Navigator was a dream. Playing live drums for UNCZ at Innovation was sick too and various gigs and small tours across the world have been amazing.

Also running my own new workshop studios has been a massive eye opener. So much has happened this year to be honest I don't know where to start. All I can say is music and life is great and I'm very happy with the outcomes from 2009!!

Fire Bun with Navi and SMK has just been released with an accompanying video, how did it all come about?

The Fire Bun project came about through Tony Anthem (Future Prophecies). We have been producing tracks together for around a year mainly via the net. We started a new track and he asked if I new any vocalists that would fit it. I instantly got my MC SMK in the studio and we got to work. Tony then played the track to Navigator and he almost ripped Tony's arm off to get in on the project.

Before I knew it Navigator was on the next plane to the UK. One studio session later we had the track finished. We had no budget for a video but I made a few calls and pulled a few strings and a very good friend of mine from Video Illusions (Dave Whiteoak) was more than happy to help. Nothing ever runs smoothly though and Dave then goes on a world tour with Deadmau5 and disappears! It was down to us to finish shooting and editing but with hard work and dedication we got there in the end. I always enjoy being creative and learning new skills though. This is just the first video from us and it's given me the insight to improve on future videos and music projects.

How is your new label Bad Monkey going and what can we expect on it over the next 12 months?

We have some great projects, our next release is Move Down featuring Darrison, Harry Shotta and my sister Sam Chapman. Plus other tracks from Navigator and SMK & a new artists...

You are also getting into the live drumming side of things of late, how's it been going and is this something you're looking to expand on?   

I've played drums since I was kid, funnily always in a jazz / jungle style. I've always practiced and am EVER READY to play live... it's the same with my scratching. I have more to offer than just a DJ set!

You run your own studio and have a charity set up involved with kids which is a wicked thing, how  do you find time?

I teach alongside Harry Shotta, if you think I'm busy look at his schedule! We make time for teaching to be honest. I have been teaching for over six years and have built up many projects from scratch. I have raised over £15,000 to run youth projects, won awards and set up studios. I love teaching young people. I even met SMK at a workshop. I/we are always looking for raw talent and the outcomes of teaching are so rewarding. I will never stop teaching, it's a part of my music and career.

This actually found you ending up on Children In Need (Dragons Den special) on the BBC, how did that happen?

To be honest Children In Need found us. They visited many community centres across the UK and ended up choosing us. They done the whole centre up and built a music studio with help from Yamaha Music (Steve Barton) and many other companies. It was a great week and the Dragons Den team were great to work with!

Words: Jon Swan

Download Erb N Dub's mix for Nu Urban Music's podcast series

 

 

• Erb N Dub

Related Links:

• F-Troop Interview
• Incidents & Reflection Exhibition
• Trolley Snatcha Returns To Dub Police
• Issue 49
• Looking Back Looking Forward: Justice

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