Hailing from the southwest of England, Dread MC is a household name in Bristol, Cheltenham and Gloucester amongst the dubstep and drum and bass fraternity.

A regular on the circuit, Dread MC performs regularly alongside Skream, Redlight, Benga and Die to name a few. He has a residency with Bedlam and Bassix, two big promoters in the area.

Growing up on a sturdy diet of dub, ragga, jungle, soul and Motown has stood Dread in good stead to deal with the ever-changing dance music soundscape. When asked whether the emergence of dubstep has made him change his style Dread's response was quick:

"A little change had to occur, it was natural to adapt to the scene with my style. I'm much more of a host for any set I do now; I just drop a few bars now and then. I have had good guidance from people established in the scene, especially from Pinch and Sgt Pokes."

The first thing that struck me about Dread MC is his humble persona and approachability. Too often MCs get an inflated view of their own self importance, and when most of the time the music can do the talking for itself Dread gets the balance just right between adding that extra element and making the crowd hype. When asked the question whether what he does is for love or for money he replied, "Both, I love it, but now I'm getting paid for something I love and I've had to work hard for it." That's a good look in my book!

Dread MC's skills do not stop at live hosting, he has already had a number of releases and is set to expand his output on this level, already putting out vocals on tunes with the likes of Jaydan, Critical Impact, Gatekeeper and Redlight. He is currently recording with Distance, Mensah, Shackles and DJ Callide, so watch this space.

Dread has a versatile skill that can be adapted to varying genres and this is what makes him one to watch. His roster is ever growing and the man has been busy as of late. When asked what the best party he's been to in the last six months the reply was as follows:

"I have been on road a lot this year, my aim was to do as many festivals and shows as possible to build up my rep, so I would squeeze in eight sets over a long weekend, and if the money was alright I'd do every set possible. My mileage on my new whip is crazy, I've been working with Skream and Benga a lot recently, been all over the UK and abroad, and all the sets have been crazy. I hosted a Parma Violet's set at Shit the Bed recently, that was big."

So there you have it, if you didn't know about Dread MC, you do now. Keep an eye out for the man and give him props if you bump into him, alternatively follow him on twitter and say hello.

Words: James Rompani
Photo: Kim and Kaz from Chemical

 

• Dread MC

Related Links:

• Ringo's Swarf Pot Compilation
• Tempa Allstars Vol.6
• DSB's New London Residency
• Redlight Interview
• Skream - Outside The Box Preview

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