Features

Knowledge catches up with up-and-coming drum & bass DJ / producer Mr Joseph to find out about the man behind Fizzy Beats and why he's attracting the attention of some of the biggest artists in the scene.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you got into drum & bass?
I've been into drum & bass since its conception. I was initially a big fan of Public Enemy, so I really enjoyed the energy and variation that came with jungle. I was at college when I fell in love with the music and started going raving to places like Roller Express and Orange. It wasn't until 2000 that I decided to get involved in drum & bass and become part of the industry. I wanted to be more than just a raver.

How would you categorize your style of drum & bass?
I wouldn't categorize myself into one specific genre; my record collection is very diverse from jump-up to liquid to tech. I make and play it all. For example, when I'm in the studio I like to switch it up. I'll make some liquid for a while, then I'll have a go at some jump-up; it depends on my mood. However, I am probably best known for my mellower, soulful liquid style, with a hint of deep tech and jungle.

Is there anything unique about your style of mixing that sets you apart from other DJs?
Oh that's a tricky one! A lot of DJs like to tease the tunes in and out, double drop, scratch. I think some DJs try to put too much in their sets. If the track is good it will speak for itself. If I'm feeling the tune or the crowd is reacting to it in a big way I'll play it for a long time. I think a set needs to be heard rather than rushed. It's quality over quantity. I've been a resident on Rude FM 88.2 every Friday night for the last four years and their policy of good quality drum & bass helped me establish my style.

Who's been your biggest inspiration?
LTJ Bukem, he's got a really intelligent style which I admire and I'd love to be as successful as him. He's the one I would look up to most. I also like the Digital Soundboy record label. They put out techy rollers, nice party tracks and liquid tracks. I think that's what a label should be - it shouldn't be linear, it should have a variety of different styles.

You're the founder of the Fizzy Beats record label, tell us about it...
I'm currently a resident at Camden Rock for the Fizzy Beats night. It's been running for five years now and emerging producers would give me their tracks to play, so I thought 'why don't I start up my own label'? It's attracted the attention of Fabio and Grooverider, LTJ Bukem, Marcus Intalex and Artificial Intelligence, which is great because it shows my music has the capability to go far. We signed an Andyskopes track on our debut release and my tune Sexy Lady was on the B-side so things are looking pretty positive for the future.

What's been your most memorable experience whilst DJing?
I won the Serato Scratch competition at the Sun & Bass festival last year in Sardinia which I'm pleased with. I enjoyed the mix I did for Kmag and I recently played on D&BTV. A lot of things are pushing me in the right direction at the moment.

What does the future hold for Mr Joseph and Fizzy Beats?
I'd like to release more tracks and sign some up-and-coming producers to the label. I'll continue running the night we have at Camden Rock giving the producers some airplay and exposure. I just want to make good music, hopefully some collaborations with other producers and do my bit for the scene.

Is there anything else you could tell us about yourself?
I'm a VW Golf nut so you would probably catch me most weekends underneath my car, modifying it and such. You can find me on MySpace where I post regular updates, new tunes, mixes and club dates.

DJ Joseph plays at FIZZY @ Camden Rock 18 Kentish Town Road, London, NW1 9NX.