DJ Clipz has evolved considerably as an electronic music artist over the last decade. It all started with his 'Mystic Amen' jungle smash in 2001; he slid down the 'Slippery Slopes' around 2005, and now in 2009 the man has created a new genre which is getting support all over the globe. This player could well represent "world cup" of electronic music, because every four years he comes around with a new game.

 

So what exactly is Redlight? "I've been wanting to do something new for a while now," says DJ Clipz' alter ego. "I've always been into various styles of dance music and this year felt like the right time to start releasing something different. I need to push myself and feel like I'm moving forward. Creating a new sound with a new name is a way of doing that."

 

Sub Focus is influenced by minimal techno; DJ Fresh by electro house; but Redlight's brain food is difficult to categorise precisely. "It's brand spanking new baby!" Redlight beams. "I don't want it to get pinned down; but it varies and spans a few different tempos. There's definitely a lot of different influences, from acid house, techno, hip-hop, jungle, hardcore, ragga ... and even country & western?"

 

Redlight's sense of humour has been transferred intact from his Clipz doppelgänger. "The biggest tune so far?" Redlight throws a question into the ether. "The track getting the most hype at the minute is defo 'Feel So Good (Wine Up Your Body)' featuring Zaniah, Dread & Redskin. It's receiving some major support from Skream, Goldie, Rusko, Toddla T, Chase & Status and Jack Beats. The track's a proper old-meets-new thing! It's going to be on the forthcoming 'Lobster Boy EP', which I'm putting out in November hopefully."

 

We're guessing that Redlight has gelled with some cool artists, working this new style. "Yeah, me and Toddla T are doing a couple of bits at the minute, and there's a track with Jenna G and Jammer on the EP too. I can't reveal anything else until my future collabos are finished..."

 

What kind of DJ sets does Redlight build around his styles? Does he ever bridge the drum & bass/tech punk genres together? "I'm just trying to make all different kinds of sounds that I'm feeling, but they're all roughly around the same tempo so I can put them into my DJ sets."

 

What kind of feedback has Red Light been hit with? "I've been getting positive words from many people I respect, so I'm happy about that, but at the end of the day, I'm doing this thing for me, to push myself forward and create new vibes and sounds in the studio, and for the clubs..."

 

The question on everybody's lips is: what's happening to the Clipz alias? Is he tired of producing D&B? "I definitely felt like I needed a break from what I was doing," Redlight explains. "They say, 'if something ain't making you happy then change it'. Audio Zoo's still here and rolling as hard as ever. We have some extremely good tracks by up-and-coming new artists set to be released over the next few months. In fact, the next release is big... Interface's 'Get Low' and the Original Sin remix of 'Download' on the flip!"

 

So, while Redlight mixes up the elements in his creative zone, the path he's cleared for other artists under his Clipz legacy keeps his Audio Zoo label energised. "I'm just finishing up producing an album with Ben Westbeech," Redlight switches off. "The whole process has been a massive learning curve and pushed me to new personal heights as a producer. We're both really excited about it and the results of that are sounding very original. Also, I'm just about to start a 1Xtra show DJing as Redlight for six months which will be a wicked way to spread the sound of what I'm up to at the minute. I'm working with lots of inspirational and talented peeps that are pushing me forward all the time and making me think differently about music..."

 

Beware 2013.

 

www.myspace.com/redlightredlight

 

• Redlight
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• DJ Clipz

Related Links:

• Breaks Booty Reviews
• Issue 52
• Issue 58
• Redlight - What You Talking About!? Video
• Issue 102

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