46 (Jul 2002)

Back2Basics

Issue 46: Back2Basics

JB has to be a contender for the title of busiest man in drum & bass. Not content with simply running a successful label and record shop, he also has a weekly radio show on Kool FM and DJs up and down the country. However, his production work is his main occupation and JB tracks have been consistently played by the biggest DJs on the circuit for almost a decade. As if that wasn't enough, there's the small matter of promoting some of the largest events in the Midlands. Amazingly, he's managed to find a spare 72 minutes to compile some of Back2Basics' biggest tunes for our cover CD.

The first thing that strikes you about Jason Ball is that he's extremely laid back. Surprisingly so, considering his hectic schedule. With so many job titles competing for his attention, what does he see as his priority? "Studio work, definitely. To be honest, the label almost takes care of itself these days. The first stage is putting the music together, and that's my preference anyway. Sometimes it is hard to get the balance right, and the odd bit of paperwork might get put aside until I get a tune finished."

JB obviously has his priorities right. Classic anthems like 'Dred Bass' and 'The Way' helped him get his foot in the door during the early days of drum & bass and he hasn't looked back since. "The funny thing about 'Dred Bass' is that it didn't really drop at first," he reveals. "We did the tune, gave the plate to a few local guys and it didn't really take off at all. We were going to scrap it, but decided to give it a chance and see how it did. It ended up selling 47,000 copies on Moving Shadow."

What makes this feat all the more remarkable is that Back 2 Basics have been based in Birmingham from day one. 21st century drum & bass may have evolved into a truly global phenomenon, but for a long time the scene was regarded as very much a 'London Thing'. JB agrees that their location meant that everyone at Back 2 Basics had to put in that extra effort to achieve success: "It is harder being based in the Midlands. It's only really ourselves, DJ SS and Doc Scott, so we don't have the networks and connections that you'd get in London."

However, this isolation did have its advantages. JB believes that the absence of competition has made it easier for Back 2 Basics to create their own distinctive identity and sound: "Sometimes it's good to be away from the politics and gossip that you might get in London. We've been able to create our own thing without interference, and we're not competing against other labels."

This monopolisation of the local market has led to Back 2 Basics becoming synonymous with drum & bass in the West Midlands. When Kool FM were looking to expand their legendary London radio operation to the Midlands, it was obvious that they'd hook up with the Back 2 Basics crew: "To be honest it was Spice [JB's partner and fellow Back 2 Basics artist] who first got involved with Kool FM. She was the first lady on the Midlands station back in 1995 and things just progressed from there. I only got involved after filling in for somebody, it was only supposed to be temporary but I've been there ever since."

As well as giving him the chance to bring the Back 2 Basics sound to a wider audience, the connection with Kool FM led to JB's involvement with Music First: "When I met Justin, we realised that there was a massive demand for decent raves in Birmingham. We put on three parties at the Que Club, and the money we earned from that went into setting up the shop."

The Music First events have been particularly popular in the area, and the forthcoming Bank Holiday event boasts one of the strongest A-list line-ups seen north of Milton Keynes in many years. JB is understandably excited about the prospect of hosting Midlands raves that can at last hold their own against the largest events in the country: "The crowds are just loving it round here at the moment. From low key club events to massive raves, everywhere is full to capacity. The scene is just vibrant at the moment, it's flourishing."

Despite the success of ventures such as Music First, JB is first and foremost a producer and it's when discussing his music that he is at his most animated. Back 2 Basics have been busier than ever recently, with the 'Classic Remixes' series proving particularly popular on dancefloors and record shop shelves alike. The scene seems to be going remix crazy this year, and Back 2 Basics have come through with some of the best of the bunch: "Crowds definitely respond if you drop a remix of an old tune. The older generation will recognise the sample, but the younger ones love them just as much. It's always good to regenerate the classics and give them a 2002 slant."

A further instalment in the 'Classic Remixes' series is planned, but JB and the rest of the Back 2 Basics crew have more than enough original material in store for us. As well as his solo efforts, JB has linked up with partner Spice and vocalist Dark Angel to create 3 Dimensions. This has allowed JB to experiment with a more vocal and soulful sound: "Our next release is a tune called 'Me, Myself and I' which Roni Size has done a mix for. We put it together about 18 months ago and back then the scene wasn't really responding to vocal stuff. We played it at Movement last week and the place just blew up."

With vocal driven tunes like 'Shake Ur body' and 'Got Me Burning' attracting mainstream attention, is this something Back 2 Basics are ready for? "I suppose vocal tunes are more likely to make that crossover, but then 'Bodyrock' hit the top 40 and there's not a vocal in there at all. As long as the music isn't compromised or watered down, I can't see anything wrong with it. Not necessarily for money reasons, it's just that everything is so house and trance dominated these days, it would be nice to get a bit of recognition."

Things are definitely looking promising for JB, Back 2 Basics and Music First. With some tasty sounding tunes ready to unleash, the biggest Music First event yet planned for June 1 and an expansion to the record shop all in the pipeline, the future is undoubtedly bright. What is JB particularly looking forward to? "Where do I start?" he beams proudly. "Hazard is definitely one to look out for, he's doing some really exciting stuff. Spice has got a couple of big tunes that she's finishing off at the moment, as well some other things, so it's all looking good."

On a personal front, it's clear to see that JB relishes the opportunity of giving the recent Reprazent/Rahzel collaboration 'Out Of Breath' the remix treatment: "I love the tune and it would be nice to repay the favour to Roni for the remix he did for us. I've been working on a tune recently, and whatever I tried, I couldn't stop the bassline sounding like 'Out Of Breath'. I mentioned this to Roni and he suggested that I turn it into an official remix. It's nothing definite at the moment, but I'd love to give it a go."

Whatever the future holds for the Back 2 Basics crew, it's inevitable that JB will have his hands full. With a variety of ventures to keep him occupied it's hard to predict exactly where he'll have his greatest success, but he seems to have more than enough enthusiasm to see it through and a genuine desire to put the UK's second city on the drum & bass map.

JB & Spice take us through their mix:

Horns 4 94
As the title suggests, this was released in 1994 on 12". Smashing dancefloors all over the globe. Definitely a landmark tune in the drum & bass scene. This was also available on B2B's first LP, 'Explicit Bass'.

Think - Northern Connexion
Again originally released in 1994. A little Amen roller that samples a bit of Whitney Houston. This tune is now deleted.

Deeper Life (Northern Connexion remix) - Chimeira
The original of this tune shook up dancefloors everywhere. Made by Toby Scopes & Marc Clements of which toby now works for Nu-Urban Distribution and Marc is part of Cause 4 Concern.

World Of Music (remix) - Dred Bass feat. JB
Another landmark tune. This version was released on 12" in 1995. It was also available on the 'Explicit Bass' album.

Ya Rockin (VIP mix) - Swoosh
Wow, we all remember this tune with that distinctive guitar intro. This version was only available on the Swoosh LP 'Believe The Hype'.

Step Off - DJ Spice
This was a big tune for the female drum & bass DJ / producer that goes by the name of DJ Spice. Released in 1998 and re-released in 1999 with remixes from DJ SS & JB.

Say What - JB
This was released in 1999 and smashed up clubs all over the globe and is still getting played now in some DJs sets. Another landmark tune from the B2B camp. Watch out for a remix of this on the forthcoming 'Classic Remixes vol. 3'.

Morpheus - Dred Bass
This tune sampled loads of sounds from a pirate copy of 'The Matrix'. Rolling breaks, phat bass and good production as you would expect from the Dred Bass boys.

The Bom Bom Track - JB & Spice feat. Dark Angel
This is the first vocal tune to be released on B2B. With the unmistakable voice of Dark Angel. This was available on the '3 Dimension EP'.

You Ready - JB & Spice
Again, a tune which was featured on the '3 Dimension EP'. A cheeky little number that always sounded great on a big sound system.

The Way 2K - JB
Well, we all know this tune. This has been rocking clubs and dancefloors since 1992. This is the most recent mix which was only available on 'Classic Remixes vol. 1'.

4 Play - DJ Spice
This was a tune that cemented DJ Spice as the top female drum & bass producer. A non stop roller of pure sexy bass and fuel injected funk.

It's Love - DJ Spice feat. Dark Angel
This girl can do no wrong. People still can't believe Spice is female, as her production shows she does it just as good as the men. Spice goes from strength to strength.

Vizion - JB aka Dred Bass
We move towards more recent releases from the B2B camp; 'Vizion' was released in October 2001. Raw beats and analogue bass with a distinctive sweeping intro.

Bedtime Story - JB
This was released in December 2001, one for Christmas as they say. JB taking things a little different this time, as he adopts a more laid back approach to this cut.

Remember Me (From The Bronx) (Twisted Individual remix) - Benny Blanco
We all remember the original to this. Benny Blanco has come out of retirement with the help of Twisted Individual.

What Kind Of World (DJ Hazard remix) - Ascend & Ultravibe
The original of this was massive. You couldn't go out to a club anywhere in 1994 without hearing this tune. This was remixed by a brand new talented Midlands producer DJ Hazard and again this new mix got heavy rotation.

Real Love (DJ Spice remix) - Ascend & Ultravibe
People would always think Lee & Warren were brothers due to them having the same surname (Smith). Another tune they produced which got a lot of dancefloor action.

Me, Myself & I - JB & Spice feat. Dark Angel
This tune is going to be massive. This is looking like getting an August release. A fine vocal tune, that is going to be released with this, the original mix, and the huge Roni Size remix.

This Style - JB
This is the tune that is currently getting played on the DJ circuit. On the flip side is the 'Smurf Track'.