Cratedigger Essentials: D1

Cratedigger Essentials: D1

25 October, 2011 | 4.00AM

• Written by: Sean Lewis
• Filed under: Music News: cratedigger essentials, d1, dub police, tempa

Dwayne Marsh is a formidable looking type—by all appearances, not one you’d likely think responsible for melodies like ”Joy” or ” Lovin’.” But, as the old adage goes, looks can be deceiving, and Marsh is indeed man behind the amazing and eclectic productions under the name D1.

A classically trained musician in his youth, Marsh joined dubstep’s premier league back in the genre’s formative years, and through his early releases on Tempa and Dub Police, D1 became a regularly listed name in dubstep mixsets. Since then, D1 one has evolved with a unique and dynamic style that progresses without dislodging the roots that grew from his underground beginnings.

As D1, Marsh’s explorations into the darker and heavier tracks balance with the more melodic and lighter side of UK bass music. It’s established him as a leading authority for more progressive mixing in the genre. October 31st will see the release of his second installment in his mix series, My Style 002, courtesy of the Dub Police imprint. His style and knowledge made us eager to bother him for selections that would make his list for Cratedigger Essentials. Check below to discover his detailed list of picks. 

Mala, “Bury Da Bwoy”

This tune for me is actually quite important because I remember being at DMZ hearing Mala dropping it and I was blown away.  It actually gave me the confidence to start to experiment more with the 4/4 sound within dubstep, which through that has grown into the sound I’m making now.

Benny Ill vs. Hatcha, “Highland Spring”

This tune really got me into dubstep. I was buying stuff already, but when I heard this I knew this was the music I wanted to make and be involved in.

DJ Abstract, “Touch”

I still play this tune in sets sometimes. It came out on the first Dubstep Allstars on Tempa and it’s just a pure classic. When people talk about the real roots of dubstep, this track has to be mentioned.

Benga & Coki, “Night” [Tempa]

This track was the first track I feel to really blend styles and genres. I remember people coming up to me going, “Have you heard this new funky track?” and I would be like, “Na, that’s a dubstep tune.” Lol. It really paved the way along with a few other tracks to start this whole hybrid sound, which is not quite dubstep not quite house. I suppose it’s where my music is at the moment.

TRG, “Broken Heart (Martyn Remix)” [Hessle Audio]

This tune is just a timeless, beautiful piece of music. I still chill and listen to it now. When it first started being played, a lot of big DJs got behind it, and it was good to see at that time something that may not have been considered the sound at the time being played everywhere. It really showed that dubstep as a sound can always be pushed.

Get D1’s music on Beatport here.

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