Artists
Distal
HARDCORE // RAVE // BREAKCORE // JUNGLE // ACID Dj’ing 10 YRS // PRODUCING 3 YRS
Atlanta based producer, and part-owner of EMBASSY RECORDINGS Distal has found himself rapidly building an internationally familiar brand in 2010.
Combining time travel with dance music Distal breaks down the more ambiguous sounds from the past and fuses them with thoughts and equations of the future. Because of this non-traditional approach to Dubstep, Funky and Techno, Distal has been forced to take a few risks, but along the way has created a very specific and friendly sound for himself.
Bridging the gap between techno, breakbeat hardcore, house, funk, gangster rap, and even pop culture, is a tricky formula to entertain. This enthusiasm has already gained the attention of many well-respected shamans and pioneers working in Dubstep and Techno today. Most recently his first two releases under Embassy have graced the track listings of Appleblim, 2562, Joe Nice, Moldy, Ramadanman, BenUFO, Julio Bashmore, Breakage, and Moldy The list of recognition is set to grow in March 2010 with three releases due out ( Rogue Dubs, Car Crash Set, and Embassy ).
Mite
ACID HOUSE // BREAK BEAT HARDCORE // JUNGLE
DJING 8 YRS // PRODUCING 4 YRS
Cutting his teeth as a rave and club DJ all over Atlanta in the early 00s. Mite remembers, “I started out being a really jaded purist only wanting to play the most cutting edge Jungle and Drum + Bass.” But as his tastes matured he became heavily interested “in the classic genre breaking selectors Larry Levin and Danny Krivit,” he states. Mite became more adventurous with his programming. Keen on weaving half-time snares of slowed down Hip Hop in and out of the multi-layered complex breaks prevalent in Drum + Bass.
“As the boundaries of Drum + Bass became stricter crowds in Atlanta were less interested in a DJ truly blending different genres,” he states. The splintered genres of EDM were coming back together through mid-tempo rhythms and everything started embracing the subbass that Mite had grown to love in Drum + Bass. Citing an interview between Fabio + Grooverider on Drum and Bass Arena as a turning point; “hearing about the countless raves and clubs Fabio + Groove played in the late 80s and early 90s playing pitched up Breaks, Hip Hop and Jazz on top of Acid House and Techno further inspired me to seek a tempo where that harmony would be seamless.” After a friend had recommended the GRIME compilation circa 2004 on Richard D. James’ imprint Rephlex Records, Mite had found his breath of fresh air somewhere in the grey area of Grime and what was later to become known as Dubstep. “I knew I’d found the outlet for the sounds of Jungle I loved and the familiar tempo of Break Hardcore I missed so dearly.”
With DJs such as Wonder, Mayhem, Cobra Krames and Moldy currently showing support I don’t doubt we’ll hear more of Mite in the future.
Bill Sewell contributing editor, yourblogsucks.org