Introducing: Slugabed

Introducing: Slugabed

22 June, 2011 | 1.45AM

• Written by: Dan Cole
• Filed under: Music News: ninja tune, slugabed

Recent Ninja Tune signing Slugabed unveiled his first EP for the label earlier this month, giving bass and beat music a good-natured kick in the pants.

Having previously graced the plates of labels such as Ramp and Planet Mu, Slugabed’s style has often been compared to that of Jamie Vex’d and Samiyam, ultimately bridging the sounds of the UK and Los Angeles. With big things in store for this Kingston-based 20-something’s future, we caught up with him to find out about his fondness for finger snaps and, erm, “firm buttons.” Read on.

Can you tell us a little about your background? Where did you grow up, and where are you based now?

Born in London, grew up in Bath, lived in Brighton for a year, now live in Kingston.

How did you get started DJing and making music?

Always loved music—well, everyone loves music, but I’ve always been really into making it; I like making, anything really, art, photos, music, poems (my poems are kinda not good though). I used to play music 2000 on Playstation and then upgraded to Fruity Loops. I also got some decks and started playing music with them.

How would you describe the music that you make?

I make all sorts. The stuff I have released recently though is kinda beats with colourful synths and snares with finger snaps and stuff.

Do you DJ, play live or both? What are your sets like?

I just DJ at the moment; my sets tend to cover all areas. I like to switch up tempo and atmosphere a lot on the whole, though. It’s kinda hard and danceable, but not hard dance, ya know.

Did you have any mentors when you were starting out? Anyone to show you the ropes, as it were?

Had some great support from a bunch of people, the Stuff Records guys, Starkey, Mike Paradinas, Ramp, and a whole bunch more, but I’m tired and I forget. Sorry if it was you, person reading this.

How did you end up at Ninja Tune?

They asked me if I wanted to release some music records with them and I was like, “Totally.”

Where do you record?

We got kind of a spare room with my shitty excuse for a studio in it.

Do you currently have a favorite piece of gear/software?

Ive recently got back into my SP-404 which I used to use loads. We had drifted apart but now we’re very close again. I like the effects and the firm buttons.

Are there any records out there you wish that you had made?

I wish I had made “The Smurf” by Tyrone Brunson. I also wish I did more stuff like Hermeto Pascoal and I wish I could grow a beard, but I did not, do not, and cannot.

If a wrecking ball was headed for your house, which *one* record would you rescue before it hit?

I’d take my f**kin’ computer bro, that’s got loads of records on it

What records are you currently hammering at your gigs at the moment?

Jonwayne – “Beady Bablo” [Alpha Pup]

Jon Phonics – “The One”

and a whole bunch more....

When you’re not making or playing music, what’s your preferred pastime?

As I said before, I like doing art, like drawing or doing collages. I also like cooking and eating. And drinking; booze. I like sitting around on grass with food and booze and superb people.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing with your life?

Stressing out.

Tell us about your upcoming gigs and releases…

Go on my Facebook instead, yo: facebook.com/slugabedmusic.

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