12TH PLANET
According to Wikipedia “the growing disruptions in our present day weather patterns, increased earthquake and volcanic activity, the gradual slowing of the Earth’s rotation, reports of magnetic deviations, and other anomalies are being precipitated by unique and unrecognized forms of energy being released from the core of the Earth due to the approach of the 12th Planet.” If we are talking about John Dadzie a.k.a. 12th Planet, Wikipedia is not lying – global warming on the dancefloor, bassline earthquakes, volcanic eruptions in the crowd, slow head-bopping, and low frequencies causing magnetic deviations in the club are common symptoms of every 12th Planet public appearance.
Having hustled in the bass music industry for a decade, 12th Planet is now well-equipped to bring the heat, causing explosions all throughout the universe. Shortly after one of his mind-blowing performances, we had a chat with him on the roof of the Standard hotel (standard for John). How was this planet born? What course of orbit is he planning to travel? And how on earth does he always manage to get free drinks?!
interview by Katya Guseva
How long have you been doing this?
Well I think I first identified myself with music when I was three or four, being at my grandmother’s house and hearing my cousin play 1080KDAY and old Eazy-E albums. I think it was that energy that hooked me into the music and subculture. I can remember my mom buying me my first singles when I was about five or six – Michael Jackon’s “Bad”, Young MC’s “Bust a Move,” and Kool Moe Dee’s “I Go To Work”. As I got older I started playing in bands and writing lyrics for fun. I discovered the rave culture when I was about 14, and I started really gravitating towards hardcore/gabber and jungle/ drum & bass. I think I got the passion for dubstep about three-four years ago through the inspiration of the Mary Anne Hobbs radio show, and Tech itch. Then I got into Skream, Benga, and the DMZ movement and from then on I was sold.
Chris (Plastician): You obviously like your fedora hat. If you could own a fedora hat made of any material in the world, what would it be?
I think chimp skin would be nice. YEEEEEEEAH a Monkey hat! That would be mad! Or a fedora made out of Doritos! No! Fedora made out of macaroni and cheese!
Drew: What corporate sponsor would it take for you to admit that you’ve totally sold out?
I think some cigarette company. Maybe even a weapons defense company. Now that I think about it, if Weapons Defense approached me, I think I’ve officially sold out.
Ivy: What is your secret recipe for getting everyone to buy you a drink?
A magician never reveals his secrets. [Laughs]. You have to start with a hearty “Daaamn, duuude, bro…” and then make Drew buy it.
