You probably know Crystal Clear from his releases on Hype's Playaz and Ganja labels, he's now launching his own label entitled Cold Blooded so we got him to tell us all about it.

Please introduce yourself...

My name is Andy and I'm a producer and DJ based in Sussex and I make bass heavy music as Crystal Clear. I am also part of Smash Bros (with Rhythm Beater) and Split Second (with Prolix). I run Cold Blooded Recordings alongside Tanya who runs the Cold Blooded Management agency arm.

Why are you starting a label now?

I've been making music for Hype over the last few years as part of the Playaz camp and felt that now was a good time to forge my own imprint that not only reflected my personal tastes but also be something that was mine, where the buck stopped with me. So if I like a tune then I can run with it, be it something of my own or something I've discovered.

I noticed both Gav (Xample) and Boris (Netsky) early on in their careers and that's how we came to work together. Unfortunately I didn't have a label at the time to be able to sign anything. This left me thinking "if talent springs up for the third time lucky I want to be in a position to do something about it!". The result is Cold Blooded Recordings.

What's the thinking behind the name?

Got a ring to it don't you think?! Basically I was already slightly known for Cold Blooded having made the tune with Cabbie on Ganja last year and well, it just sounded good and flowed off the tongue.

What's the ethos behind the label?

Solid hooks, solid mixdowns and proper quality control. Variety as well... I believe good music is good music regardless of it being straight up dancefloor dnb, liquid, tech, dubstep, house or whatever.

Who besides yourself will release on it?

So far there's myself and Smash Bros, but I'm good friends with Zen so we're just looking into the possibility of a release from him as well as a collaboration single between us both. I'm also producing for Stapleton MC and there's some really good results so far across a number of genres. In addition to this I'm keeping my ear to the ground for new things that float my boat and new talent to join the camp.

Tell us more about the forthcoming releases on Cold Blooded...

We've just released So Be It / Technofear by Smash Bros which lean towards the techier end of the spectrum and I'm just putting the finishing touches to a batch of tunes before we work out the next set of releases. I'm also looking at a couple of new artists, seeing where their sound might fit into the Cold Blooded schedule and how we might go about developing their sound. Once we've dotted the i's we'll let you know!

What else do you have coming out soon on other labels?

Well, that's just it, once I have the batch of tunes finished I'll sit down with Hype and decide what will fit best with the Ganja/Playaz camp and what you'll see on Cold Blooded. On either label I hope people see a strand of quality running through everything I do. That's very important to me.

What are you currently working on in the studio?

Zen and I are in the middle of something new simply entitled Heavy which we broke the back of the other day. This is to go with three other tunes Gang Related, City Lights and Settle Down that we've recently put to bed.

Cabbie and I are getting a flipside together for one of our tunes Extra Large that's been smashing it in the club.

In addition to that I'm really trying to put some time aside to finish some solo stuff. I've got a dub called Contact doing the rounds right now so I need to finish something to pair up with that. Sleep is for quitters so I hear.

Who have you been collaborating with recently and who would be your dream collaborator?

I'm pals with Zen and Cabbie so we regularly work together. Likewise Calvin (Rhythm Beater) and I have just made something called Magnetix as the Smash Bros which I'm really proud of. It's got probably my best mixdown and every time I've started my set with it it's gone right off!

Finally me and Sigma have been working on a little dub too which we're trying to find time to finally finish.

I'm not really going to do the whole star struck "dear Jim can you fix it for me to work with X" thing. There are a few people I respect for what they do and think it would be fun to work with.

Dillinja, Swiss Beats, Audio Bullys and Dr Dre spring to mind... collabs are a funny thing though, I think you've got to fit on a personality level with the other person and be able to have a laugh whilst each bringing something to the table production wise otherwise it just won't work.

Done any interesting remixes recently?

I'm actually half way through remixing one of Netsky's tunes on my pal Murdock's label, Radar. As well as this my drumstep remix of Twisted Individual's Heavy Metal is dropping real soon on Grid which has been getting strong support.

Anything else you want to tell us about?

We've just launched our brand spanking new label website: www.coldbloodedrecordings.com

This features news and info on new releases and everything we're up to as well as having a management area where you can book me and all the Cold Blooded camp for your event.

By signing up to our e-newsletter on the homepage you can also get your hands on an exclusive dub-heavy mix by me as well as regular updates on our tunes and events.

Finally, we're really keen to hear new music and there are full contact details on the site to submit demos. So, get your beats in!

 

• Crystal Clear
,
• Cold Blooded

Related Links:

• Crystal Clear Interview
• Introducing: Mattix & Futile
• Zen Reveals His Flip Audio Plans
• Guest Mix: Cabbie
• Cutterz Choice Return

Like it? Share it!
Sign up for more with the Kmag weekly newsletter.