There are a handfull of underground artists today that are taking full advantage of the ever growing, most powerful source on the globe, something that we all admit we can not live without, the Internet. Artists are gaining momentum like never before and are holding outstanding, world breaking numbers that the music industry as ever seen. Ghostwriter, storyteller, and passionate artist Rules has skyrocketed through the interweb, gaining many listeners and fans simply with relatable emotions, portrayed only by music. Right here in our home town, Washington, DC, this UK garage, R&B inspired bass producer, Rules, is an artist that only cares about connecting with an audience emotionally and getting the right feeling at the right time. It’s about those dark nights, where you don’t want to go home, but you want to enjoy music with another soul, connect, and then part ways. Blisspop was lucky enough to connect with Rules and learn more about this organic, talented artist.

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We had the pleasure of chatting with South London Ordnance before he his DC debut this Saturday night at U Street Music Hall, alongside Hotflush boss Scuba and Lxsx Frxnk. In a relatively short amount of time, the law student turned full-time producer has created quite a stir throughout the techno, house and bass music circuits; appearing at Dimensions, Boiler Room and regularly guesting on RinseFM.

1. You recently interviewed Juan Atkins for Fact Magazine – how did this come together, and what was the experience like?

I work part time in a record store in central London called BM Soho. Billy Nasty who also works there on a more regular basis rung me up and asked me if I wanted to support Juan with him at a Bloc. event. Obviously it was a no brainer and when I agreed the Bloc. guys sorted the interview to help promote the event. It was a dope experience – obviously a little daunting, and you can’t please everyone with the questions you ask someone of such fundamental importance to the state of dance music today, but I was pleased with how it came out. Juan is a cool guy.

2. You’ve got a new EP coming out on Hotflush, and the video for “Revolver” debuted this week. What was your inspiration for this video and how does it relate to the song?

I do indeed. It’s just a series of images I shot on my phone wandering around South London where I still live. I guess you could maybe relate the close reverbs and metallic sounds to some of the industrial imagery I included – but I guess it’s more about me as a person and where I live and grew up.

3. You were credited as directing the video – have you directed other videos for yourself or others? Did you study film as well as law?

Ha – I mean I wouldn’t call it directing, I did spend a bit of time tearing my hair out on iMovie stitching it together though… I find that program fantastically counter intuitive.
I did not study film, no – never done any other vids that I can immediately think of to be honest.

4. Since finishing school have you used your law degree in the music industry? Or are you doing music full time now?

Ah… no, actually – still waiting on someone to try and sue me or something exciting. I do music full time, yeah.

5. Tell us a bit more about your new EP coming out on Hotflush – influences, inspirations, the process of creation. Are you still just using Logic or have you expanded?

Yeah – still using Logic. I mean – it’s always quite amusing when people say “just” Logic – it’s a pretty mind blowing piece of kit when you get really stuck into it – but yeah, I know what you mean i.e. I’d love to get all kinds of gear but I don’t have the space at the moment.

In terms of the EP – as is often the way with releasing music on independent labels with a busy schedule, the tracks are about 6/7 months old. With that in mind – I was really just experimenting and fucking around with sounds and ideas at that point. Both tracks are based around prominent samples so I guess that was probably the starting point. From there I developed the structure and the sounds kind of came of their own accord.

6. It’s been pointed out that you don’t particularly like to upload your own songs to your SoundCloud – do you feel as though that takes away some of the mystery? Some would argue against it, saying it stunts the hype…

Ha – yeah I mean I used to up things, then take them down real quick when I started. I tend not to do that now – I have a platform to showcase new music in the gigs that I play, or the mixes that I do so there’s no need to be honest. I’m wary of uploading anything these days – everything gets old so quick, it be a shame to put something unsigned on SoundCloud and watch it rot. You might get 1000 plays or a 1000 comments, but you know probably a 20th of those people would even consider buying the record…

7. What advice would you give to young producers who are looking to create buzz (aside from the typical, “be at the right place at the right time…”)?

Focus on your art – the rest will come.

“Washington is a weird city because it’s kind of transient. It’s a city where people come to work or study, and once they’re done, they’re out. There are few people who actually stay here long enough to build a scene”, is what world renowned DJ/Producer Martyn stated in an interview with The Guardian. Well, Martyn and the nations capital are in for a big surprise this Thursday when Deep Sessions DC brings U Street Music Hall the biggest and most deep rooted bass show it has ever seen. Not only will Martyn provide the well known “Martyn Music” sound but he will be accompanied by two profound and legendary artists that have become staples in dubstep all over the world.

Making his DC debut, Manchester’s Biome, has become known for his atmospheric, organic dubstep sound, and will provide a spacious vibe with his collection of mid-range energy. Biome has the ability to build deep-dark beats and create a cosmic trip on the dance floor. His tracks has been played by inspirational artists such as Icicle and Youngsta, and it is no doubt that Biome will continue to make his mark with this powerful genre making him one of the leading forces of dubstep.

Listen to Biomes “Nocturnal” here and grab a free download:

Having one of the most reputable names in the bass music scene today, DJ Youngsta has been one of the biggest influences in this genre to date and is well known for being a dubstep veteran. Also making his DC debut, Youngsta leads his success with his popular radio show Rinse FM, Youngsta has made monumental discoveries that go down in music history that has made an everlasting impact on the deep rooted music we hear today. He also represents Tempa Records, which holds releases under big names such as Skream, J:Kenzo, Headhunter, Coki and Truth. Youngsta continues to be the voice of dubstep worldwide as well as creating consistant momentum and lasting memories.

Listen to LX ONE and Youngsta’s new track “Responsibility”, forthcoming on Tempa Records:

In a interview with RA in 2008, Martyn states, “Well, bass is – that’s also sort of a physical thing for me.” For years, Martyn has made bass music a physical, emotional and mental thing for his audience. Beautifully blending all genres like techno, dubstep, garage, and house, Martyn tells his story on the dancfloor while continuing to push new forward thinking sounds. His label 3024 holds EPs from some of the biggest names in electronic music such as Jacque Greene, Julio Bashmore, and Instra:mental. Martyn continues to be a moving force within the bass scene by pushing boundaries and ideas.

Listen to one of Marytn’s classics here from his full length album Ghost People titled “Viper”:

Don’t miss out of history being made this Thursday at U Street Music Hall! Here’s where you can get your tickets: http://www.ustreetmusichall.com/event/183749

Gaurdian interview
RA interview

Artist, producer and pioneer FaltyDL provided forward thinking momentum once again at U Street Music Hall while opening for Montreal’s  20 year old Jacques Greene. Blending a collection of genres, such as UK funky, garage, 2-step, and bass music, FaltyDL got the crowd warmed up and ready for Greene’s headlining performance. This Red Bull Music Academy event provided monumental influences and inspired everyone on the dancefloor.

Going right in with New York and Chicago sounds, FaltyDL starts off with a perfect, sexy and chill vibe to start the night off right. He introduces a couple of his new tracks off his new album titled Hardcourage, where he plays tracks like “Bells” and of course his hit single “Straight & Arrow.” He incorporates a bright collection with the right mixture of jazz, garage, house and 2-step. After the very uptempo soulful start,  he keeps the dancefloor moving by picking up more on the deeper side of things by playing colorful sounds of post-dubstep, similar to his track “Korben Dallas.” FaltyDL tells a perfect story within his sets.  He kept telling his story, moving the crowd into a perfect build up into Jacques Greene.

In a recent interview with Pitchfork Weekly, FaltyDL stated that he wanted to improve on his DJ sets for 2013 by playing more diverse genres and more of his own music. He has definitely delivered that at U Street Music Hall and will continue delivering that through this up coming year.

Want more? If you haven’t heard his recent Ninja Tune & Blueberry Records release Hardcourage, then listen here! Don’t forget to grab yourself copy:

http://ninjatune.net/faltydl

Making an entrance is nice and all; usually, you jump into the scene not quite comfortable yet, still learning the ropes and finding your niche; but that’s not necessarily the case with new house producer Cassio Kohl. Residing in Nottingham UK, Cassio Kohl is making his debut with the release of four extremely impressive tracks that can easily bypass an awkward introduction. The tracks have formed his debut Broken EP that will be available Monday courtesy of Amadeus Records.

“This release was crafted for the DJ, structured for the everyday music listener, and dressed up for the main room.”

Consisting of deep bass melodies progressed alongside esteemed vocals concludes a thoroughly powerful debut for this newcomer. Take a listen and get accustomed, Cassio Kohl will be moving up the charts fast and he’s just warming us up.

Cassio Kohl – Broken EP (Promo)

Track listing:

• 0:00 – A1. Broken
• 2:34 – A2. Legendary
• 5:05 – B1. Always Existed
• 6:57 – B2. The Realist Love