News

DJ Rome

Two German drum and bass labels, Blu Saphir and Syncopix, are joining forces to form a new label called BluSync and release a compilation, we spoke to DJ Rome (pictured) head of Blu Saphir to find out more...

Please introduce yourself...

My name is Jerome Roth and I've been engulfed by music since I was a young child when I learned to play various types of instruments like drums and piano. Things took a drastic turn upon my discovery of drum 'n bass at school in 1995. After meeting a schoolmate, DJ Mark-E, I began experimenting with production. In 2004, I started Blu Saphir Recordings and in 2007 I founded digital sister label Digital Blus.

Besides that, I finished my degree as a sound technician this year, and I live in one of the capital's of D&B doing my D&B night every Wednesday with Paul SG & Recline at the Sass Club in Vienna. We are very proud to have one of the best club sound systems in Austria.

Why have you decided to create a new imprint with Syncopix?

I've known Syncopix for a while and we came up with the idea to collaborate, bringing some new fresh wind into the scene. We also have the same distributor, so it was really easy to make it happen.

Tell us more about Sync:Saphir, the album you're releasing...

At the start, I had the idea to release an EP with him, but then we decided to make a bigger wave with an LP and two sampler vinyls. The LP will be a double CD album. One will contain a back-to-back mix between Syncopix and myself alongside MC Shnek, (who is also a well known producer, releasing several tracks with Concept on C.I.A. and Soundtrax Recs). On the other CD we will present 13 tracks by both well known and fresh newcomer producers. We have planned artists like Electrosoul System, Muffler, Mr.Sizef, Enei, Syncopix, Henree, Joe Syntax, Paul B, Edward Oberon, Bionic1 and a few others.

Any concept behind the album?

The idea is to push out some fresh minimal, deep and liquid D&B music by both talented new artists and well known producers. The great thing behind the concept is that on each release each of us (myself and Syncopix) will select one of our favourite tunes for each side. So you get two very quality and diverse tracks per release.

How did you go about choosing the other artists that appear on the album?

As we work both on the label, we do speak about every tune together very carefully. For Sync:Saphir Sampler one and two, we chose the tracks separately. Syncopix signed one of his own tracks, as well as BIONIC1, and I selected Enei and Henree's remix of Electrosoul System's Fun for the other sampler flipside.

Tell us more about the tracks on the album vinyl samplers you'll be releasing...

One of my favourites is definitely Brick by Enei. When you listen to this track, you'll find yourself in darkness, alone surrendering to the experimental sounds. Industrial, minimal and fresh; and I bet you won't be able to sit still on this one! Many labels are recognising his talents and he currently has tunes signed to Critical, 31, Horizons and MedSchool Recs, so keep an eye on him.

Another track I really love is the Henree remix of Electrosoul System's Fun. This remix doesn't have a lot in common with the original, which was very happy and liquid. It comes down more with a minimal structure and a deep atmospheric vibe a la Henree. No wonder that Marcus Intalex is into that one.

When is it being released?

Sampler one, which is by Syncopix and Enei, should be out now. Sampler two will be by Henree and BIONIC1 and is out in December. The CD album is planned to be out in January 2010, and the digital release will be in February and will also include a few bonus tracks .

Will Blu Saphir and Syncopix continue to exist independently?

Yes, definitely! Both labels will continue their work as you know it. The next Blu Saphir Release will be by Kaleb, which had already a lot of great feedback by Artists like John B, Muffler and many others. You can hear these tracks on my MySpace site. Besides that, I still run Digital Blus. Digital Blus 007 is out now with two tracks by Simplification & Edward Oberon. Future releases are planned by Dave Owen, DJ Chap, MJazzy Cutworks, Notion, Paul SG, and myself. Syncopix just released his digital compilation Urban Symphonies and is crafting his next album too.

Anything else you want to tell us about?

I'm starting my own deep / progressive house label called Progsource with Microphunk from Estonia in 2010. Our idea is to bring out good deep house music from artists who are active in the D&B scene.

You can also catch me every two months at the famous BEAT IT! @ Flex Club in Vienna, ran by D.Kay & Rawfull, or at my monthly session XILE-VIENNA @ the Sass Club in Vienna. And definitely keep on eye on the my new collaborations with Paul SG. Take a listen at www.myspace.com/jayrome1978.

I also want to thank my great friend and label graphic artist, Rudolf Matejecek aka DJ Rudeboy. He's definitely a big help for the label and also Niko Reiff and Toni from M3 Mastering for all the great Audio Mastering work. And last but not least, I also have to give special shouts to Sykophiend and Saskia for all the help with the text and press edits.