DUB FILES
Dub Files DVD is the first dubstep documentary, which takes a look inside the world of dubsteps most prolific DJ’s, MC’s and Producers. Run by Gary Jugdeese of Static Media, A+ Troy Miller of the Media Gang and Gary McCann (DJ Caspa), Dub Files took the very short history of dubstep music to the whole new level. Documenting indepth and personal interviews with the scene’s top players, they bring fans, listeners and music lovers closer to the DJ’s, MC’s and dubstep Producers, finding out their likes, dislikes, roots, influences and production tips.
Interview by Katya Guseva
“If it’s a good tune, it’s a good tune. and that’s the bottom line.”
How did the idea of DUB Files come about?
Gary: It was something I wanted to do for along while. I had previously worked on a few underground documentaries (Practice Hours MediaGang) before, so it was a natural progression. Also Gary (Dj Caspa) had the vision to make it happen.
Caspa: There is a lot of talk about dubstep and its producers, so we just wanted to give the people, who buy and listen to the music, a chance to find out more.
What’s your mission and vision?
Gary: The main aim was to try and put the face to the names. We wanted to give the fans and music lovers a chance to see the “not so pretty” faces of the people behind the scene. Ha ha.
Caspa: We just want to push the scene and give people a chance to find out more. At the end of the day it’s all about the producers, MCs, labels and music, we want them to do all the talking.
What were the challenges so far?
Caspa: Trying to put the DVD together – I don’t think people realize how hard we worked on this. It took a lot of time and effort to make this happen! A lot of the DJ’s/Producers are really busy, so it was difficult to get some free time with them.
Gary: With a zero budget it was always going to be hard to complete this project. Arranging the interviews was also a little bit of a nightmare – the guys are very busy. Now the product is finished. It was all worth it though. The problems now are dealing with the people that are stealing our hard work by downloading/uploading the product instead of buying it. Why?
On the topic of dubstep, how do you see the future of the genre?
Gary: The dubstep scene is still growing. It’s less than 10 years old. So much has been achieved, but there is plenty more to come. I feel the scene will go through a few transitional changes. It is now at the stage where people are finding out about the genre and getting excited. The test will be whether this new interest is for the love of the music or is it just a fashion?
Some people think the current dubstep is a repeat of everything that’s been done before. What do you think about that?
Gary: There are similarities in dubstep with other music scenes, but I feel the repetition or similarities are only positive factors. If dubstep, as a scene, can learn from all the other mistakes made by the other genres, then the future will be bright.
Caspa: Like I said, it’s always been about the music and that has always done the talking for this scene. I didn’t know dubstep has been done before? This scene is here to stay. It’s come too far and spread wide to just dissolve now!
Do you see a difference between UK and the US dubstep sound?
Caspa: Nah, if it’s a good tune, it’s a good tune and that’s the bottom line.
Gary: Dubstep started in the UK, so things tend to happen here first – but the listeners and fans are sometimes over critical here in the UK scene. I have not been exposed to the US scene much, but I love the way the people are so open-minded and excited about the music. The music has spread globally in such a short time. it is scary! I feel the sound can only become more uniform. Over time the US sound will complement the UK sound and vice versa. Big up man like Joe Nice, he is joining the gap between the UK and the US.
What is dubstep for you personally?
Caspa: Dubstep is where people can express their personality with no musical boundaries.
Gary: Dubstep is a rainbow of musical influences. It has all the different colours, running along side each other, trying to find the pot of gold. Drum and bass – red, reggae – blue, hiphop – green, dub – yellow etc… Each listener gets a chance to listen to their favourite colour. When I am listening to Dubstep, it’s like I am making my way to the end of the rainbow (cheesy I know).
How would you describe today’s dubstep producer as compared to 4-5 years ago?
Gary: Today’s Dubstep producer is the international Globetrotter. They are taking the sound all around the world. They are showcasing their beats along side, playing the best from the other top producers. It has become more apparent, that the producers want to play the music, as much as making it. The production is getting more exciting each year, I can’t wait to see what happens in the next 2 years. Let’s hope they don’t get stuck in any routine churning out the same old stuff. That would be a shame…
How would you describe today’s dubstep listener as compared to 4-5 years ago?
Gary: The listeners now are not as specialist – As the music get more popular there is an influx of new people paying attention. The crowd and listen still remain intelligent with that element of urban nerd about them, trendy anoraks lets hope it stays like this.
What was your favorite interview while you were working on it?
Caspa: Definitely Hatcha, ’cause he’s a good character, you know what I mean! Ha ha ha.
Gary: All the interviews where good, it was a new adventure every time we switched the camera on, the guys all had something different to bring to the table. N-Type was cool. He is such a joker – he is the real personality of dubstep. Rusko’s interview was more like a chat with a new mate, not an interview. SLT Bandits hat that makes me laugh everytime. Caspa interview, the uncut version, was a laugh. I nearly got put in jail… long story.
Caspa: We all got handcuffed out side Chiswick park station, while filming my interview. The police thought we were terrorists… crazy!!!
Gary: Oh yeah! I can just remember the breakfast in Bristol, after we filmed Pinch, not that weird, but that was a good greasy spoon (fry up).
The Ultimate dubstep track is…
Gary: Too many tracks to mention, but if I must Jugdement – Benga & Skream, Big Apple label, green Vinyl. Sick tune.
Caspa:Caspa – Marmite
- My wildest dream is…
Gary:My dreams are not wild enough to mention yet. By the next DVD I should have got more sleep, so I might have a story to tell… lol
Caspa:My wildest dream is to drink 20 pints of beer and have the biggest curry from Annapurna Curry House before I die! - Big up to…
Gary:…Mum love you forever. Jo, A+Miller and Caspa.
Caspa:…everyone who made this project happen!
