Presents might be a new name to some of you, but he has been busily plying his trade for a while now. With DJ support from Bassdrive's Overfiend, Different Drumz' Macca and our very own Jsaltzz, Presents is getting ready to drop his new EP, Black Scorpion on Nookie's Phuzion Digital. We spoke to him about his musical upbringing, the new release, and the appeal of Afro Beats.

 

 

Tell us about your musical background and what has led you to this stage in your career?

I first got into music when I picked up the guitar. I was about thirteen and learnt how to play soul and blues tunes. From this I discovered my love for the sonic quality of older music such as Sonny Boy Williamson and Duke Ellington. I regularly played in blues bands and jam nights around south London.

 

It wasn't until I started university that I discovered drum & bass. Throughout the first years of my student life, I often went to drum & bass/breakbeat/two-step nights where I got talking to a few DJs who gave me samples to start using for my own tracks. After a few months of experimenting I started to piece together breaks and live basslines. It wasn't until after a couple of years of messing around with different sounds and samples that I ended up with my first proper track - 'I Wish'. From then I have honing in my sound.

 

 

What’s your favourite part of what you do?

I'd say my favourite part is when your ideas start flowing and it all ties together to become a track. For me, that’s the moment when I can stop holding my breath, relax a bit and let the track write itself.

 

 

Who do you see as direct and indirect influences?

I direct influence would be without a shadow of doubt Commix and I would say indirect influences would be Pink Floyd, Roni Size, Quincy Jones and anything written by Rod Temperton.

 

 

You have a new release coming up on Phuzion Digital, tell us about you tracks and the release as a whole?

With the 'Black Scorpion' EP I wanted it to be darker than some of my previous stuff and the music to be playable in both clubs and at home. Also, I aimed to show my influences quite clearly, almost as if I put my record collection on show. The main concept behind the EP was for it to sound like it was made in the in the late 90's and had taken elements from the early era of drum & bass.

 

 

What other releases have you got planned and who has supported your stuff up to now?

I've got a track which I recently signed to LTJ Bukem which I'm excited about. I've had support from DJ Nookie, Kenitik, Bukem, Bailey and I've been having regular plays on Bassdrive radio and on Different Drumz.

 

 

What else do you like besides liquid drum & bass?

I’m really into my dancehall at the moment! My girlfriend's got me into a lot more urban music like, grime and UK hip hop. I’ve also started to develop a soft side for afro beats.

 

http://soundcloud.com/presents

 

Related Links:

• Kmag On Bassdrive Radio
• Bassdrive Sessions Miami 2011
• Methodus (Bassdrive) Guest Mix
• Innersoul Presents Utah Jazz
• Diffrent Presents Giraffecast 002

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