Betting on Breakspoll: Beatportal’s analysis

Betting on Breakspoll: Beatportal’s analysis

13 February, 2009 | 5.21PM

• Written by: Caleb Rakes
• Filed under: Music News: baobinga, breakbeat, breakspoll, jmekka

The annual Breakspoll awards always seems to be dominated by the might of Finger Lickin Records who consistently walk away with Best Label, whilst the Plump DJs and Krafty Kuts consecutively pick up the Best Producer and Best DJ awards.

Kudos to Breakspoll’s organisers then, who have decided to focus their awards ceremony this year on new, upcoming talent within the breaks spectrum.

With Breakspoll just round the corner (February 28th), Beatportal’s Caleb Rakes decided to investigate some of the potential main contenders up for awards and get their analysis on who they think deserve to win this year.

In the first part of our Breakspoll analysis series, we asked ‘Ghetto Jackin’ Baobinga and iBreaks’ JMekka to share their opinions.

Since last year’s event what do you think has changed within the breaks scene?

Baobinga: Interesting question. I think that influences from the best of breaks have cropped up in a lot of different genres - for instance, stuff like Fake Blood or Drop The Lime wouldn’t be seen as traditionally breaks artists, but they definitely have some elements in there.

The B-More sound, while easily rinsed out, has also brought a bit of a focus back on breakbeats and non-house sounds, which is also good.

Within the breaks scene itself, I’m not sure how much has changed; the big names are still the big names, for better or for worse, and I’m still crying out for more breakstep. Might have to resurrect Pablo Beatz.

JMekka: I think in the last year we’ve seen certain changes mainly in some new names leading some of the breaks charts around.

2008 was clearly the year where some of the established names are coming down in the Breakbeat charts and some other new names are coming from below with loads of strength.

Who do you think will scoop up the best producer award?

Baobinga: Aside from the Stantons or Plumps, I would say NAPT, as they have nailed their sound, it’s very accessible and well produced and seems to have sold shit loads. Swizz Beats should win for ‘Swing Ya Rag’ though, or Ron Browz for ‘Pop Champagne’. 

JMekka: If you ask me Far Too Loud or NAPT both have loads of chances.

For you, what was the standout record of the past year?

Baobinga: I probably get the most enjoyment out of Die & Clipz ‘Indian Summer’, and pretty much anything Dress 2 Sweat put out, plus all of Joker’s releases.

Oh, and I think the debut solo 12” from I.D. on Cool & Deadly was excellent, particularly ‘Flay’ which is great to double drop with. Or possibly Radio Slave ‘K Maze’, which I am worryingly in love with, still.

JMekka: A few to choose from, I’m gonna say ‘Play It Loud’ by Far Too Loud and ‘I Don’t Think So’ by MKM & GBX (iBreaks Bass). Both extra large releases last year.

Who would get your vote for best DJ?

Baobinga: Me and I.D. should get this, because I don’t know any other people who mix up the amount of styles and sounds we do and who regularly go into full-on three deck sessions.

But it’s more likely to go to someone who mixes the outro of one big tune into the intro of another big tune. Sigh.

JMekka: If you ask me, I’m gonna have to say JMekka. Catch one of my sets one day and you’ll see why!

Best Newcomer?

Baobinga: Reso, or Joker. 

Jmekka: MKM & GBX, Digital Base, 4Kuba, Funkasaurus, pretty much all the new team of iBreaks in full.

Who do you think should get best label?

Baobinga: Dress 2 Sweat or Fabric. Clear Skyz didn’t put out a lot but what a great start they had.

JMekka: Funkatech Records

Standout album?

Baobinga: Bit biased but I would say The Body Snatchers ‘Feeling Good, Looking Nice, Smelling Right’ on Passenger was pretty special.

JMekka: Bit disappointed in this end, in 2008 there was nothing that I could recall as outstanding so no winner in this section for me.

Who are you looking forward most to seeing at the awards?

Baobinga: The vast crowds of attractive women who love my music and want to pleasure me en masse as a way of showing their appreciation for what I do. 

JMekka: The whole new bunch of artists who will gather in this new fresh mentality edition of Breakspoll 09, it’s gonna be fun!

And finally what with the recent heavy influence of dubstep and electro on the breaks scene where do you think the sound will be heading too in 2009? 

Baobinga: My personal tastes in music are such that I think the influence of dubstep can only be a good thing (sub bass! interesting rhythms! quick mixing! wooo!!), and the influence of electro house can only be a bad thing (bland obvious ideas! cheesy hooks! a general sense of being three years behind the cutting edge! booo!!!).

Put it this way if I hear another D Ramirez-style epic synth riff rip off… (retreats into grumpy old man pose, shaking head).

JMekka: I think the sound will look to its own past and will find a new fresh approach to develop breaks as a very important part of the dance industry.

Breakspoll Awards Ceremony

February 28th will see all eyes and ears within the breakbeat community descend on London’s Fabric club which is holding the 8th annual Breakspoll awards ceremony.

Hosted by Janette Slack, the line up includes Stereo Type, Bassbin Twins, NAPT and others.

• (1) Comments
• (821) Views
• Check out the top breaks on Beatport now