Wednesday, March 22, 2023

'THE GREENROOM' Guest Mix from AARON JAY (Celebrating 15 Years of Influence Records) - March 29, 2023





On WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29th, STUNNA closes out the month in 'THE GREENROOM' on BASSDRIVE Radio with a very special return visit from seasoned DJ AARON JAY, as he unveils a brand new DRUM+BASS mix celebrating 15 years of his UK-based INFLUENCE RECORDS imprint.

STUNNA recently caught up with AARON to discuss music, life, and all things INFLUENCE RECORDS...

• Originally launched in 2008 as a vinyl imprint, your label, INFLUENCE RECORDS, really hit the ground running from the start, showcasing a truly global lineup of Drum+Bass producers. With names in its first dozen releases by the likes of BROTHER, RAW Q, ICR, SINISTARR, KJELL, BAL, DATA, DAVE OWEN, EVESON, SOUL INTENT, MR JOSEPH, and RANDOM MOVEMENT, you seemed to tap into a new class of burgeoning artists that have since gone on to become quite established acts in many corners of the larger bass music scene. Fifteen years later, in a vastly more digital music landscape, how has your approach adapted or changed in terms of signing and releasing music?

"It's harder now because finding artists on the internet or through social is a minefield. You’ve essentially got to find the DJs, producers and labels you love and follow everything they do so you’re on the pulse. You blink, you miss something. Back in the day, we all had AIM and I would come home at the end of the day, and I would have 150-200 tracks from producers from all over the world. Those days are gone, and you’ve got to reach out to artists, remind them who you are, and then go from there. That being said, the quality now is just incredible and finding music that suits the label in some ways is easier because there’s more choice or an excellent standard – we’re definitely in a golden era again where creative ideas are met with high production standards."

• Your tenure as a resident at FABIO’s famed ‘SWERVE’ night in LONDON in the 2000s must have kept you on your toes in terms of culling fresh new music for each session to play for educated club regulars. Did the continuous access to producers’ unreleased tracks eventually spark a desire to start your own label?

"Yeah, I mean that place was like a mecca for music in the 00’s. Everyone wanted a piece of FABIO. He was on BBC RADIO 1 (pre-digital stations), leading DRUM+BASS through a golden era of LIQUID FUNK and 'SWERVE' was this place where everyone wanted to be and be seen. Everyone from MARCUS INTALEX, SHY FX, GOLDIE, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, to TONY COLMAN (LONDON ELEKTRICITY) would just rock up, grab a drink, network and party. I got to meet and got to know loads of heads. It was a mid-week club night so it wasn’t just a normal weekend crowd. This was for your die-hard D+B heads and they kept you on your toes because they knew their shit.

The INFLUENCE label came about after I became friends with STEVE LYNX, and he played me what was an early version of 'DISCO DODO'. He actually gave me the first version of it at 'SWERVE' whilst I was on the decks. I dropped it, and it of course went off. FABIO rocked up sometime later and we had our usual chat before he went on the decks, and I was like: ‘Yo, FABS, you need to check this tune LYNX has done. I played it tonight and wow, went off!' Next day FABIO messaged me like ‘Yo, lock it down, I’ve signed it for CREATIVE SOURCE.' When it finally got released and I saw how well it did, I was kicking myself that it slipped through my fingers, but I wasn’t in a position to release it myself. The following week, I called SRD and arranged a meeting to discuss my idea for my label INFLUENCE RECORDS. After that, all the unreleased music I had started to become really exciting: I could do something with it. The rest is history."

• While each of the artists on INFLUENCE has their own unique, signature production sound, I personally have noticed throughout the years that each new release has been congruent to the last: an organic mixture of Techno-influenced elements. This progression seemed to be encapsulated succinctly in 2022’s ‘AARON JAY Presents: DIARIES FROM DETROIT CITY’ compilation. This finely-curated collection of tracks showcased offerings from LYNX, BUNGLE, SEBA, EASY, CONRAD SUBS, FLACO and more. Do you plan on continuing this series in the future?

"You’re right, and it’s been a bit of a conscious effort from me to have that sound in there. I’ve always loved D+B, but I think when I heard early INTALEX, my love deepened. Like many, his original tracks and releases on his SOUL:R label defined a new type of D+B. When he passed a few years ago, coupled with the slow down of output from CREATIVE SOURCE, I felt a responsibility to keep the LIQUID sound I’ve always loved alive and wanted to make sure I included that sound more heavily going forwards. This timed with me restarting the label and getting more involved in the scene again, so I had a clear direction where I wanted to take the label and I have just stuck to my guns. I don’t know if I’ll do another DETROIT style album again, but future releases on the label will still have those flavours. I’ve just finished working with FLACO and BUNGLE (separately) on two double EPs, and they are in the same vein. I think you’ll like them, I’ve included a lot of them on this mix."

• In 2015, you welcomed J:SKEPTIK to INFLUENCE RECORDS as label manager. Are you both involved in signing new artists and music, or do you each have specific roles in the general day-to-day running of the label?

"J is amazing! He’s a brilliant DJ and his knowledge of the scene and tunes is crazy. I mostly take care of A&R: finding the artists/tunes and briefing them on ideas for tunes, EPs, remix projects and generally steering the sound of the label. J’s my second pair of ears and handles artists relations like contracts and organises the release schedule, liaising with SRD on releases and exclusive partnerships, as well as making sure the designer does our artwork on time. He has a lot to do and loves being part of the label. I’m dyslexic and organisation skills are not my strength so I really couldn’t have the level of output we do if J wasn’t helping to drive the releases out the door. He’s a great label manager. Also shout to STEVE LYNX who masters all our releases. He’s a good guy to have on your team!"

• Can you give us a preview of what to look out for from the label throughout 2023 and into the future?

"INFLUENCE turns 15 this year and I’m slowly building up tracks for a celebratory album which should come out later this year. I’ve just signed new artists to the label including FLUIDITY, InsideMan, Sl8r, and MOTIV, as well as working with some of my more established artists like EASY, BUNGLE, FLACO, A-AUDIO, L-SIDE and LYNX.

I’ve got new material coming out from HLZ, a remix from ZERO T, BUNGLE's 'UNDER INFLUENCE EP Part 2,' the 'FIRE EP 2,' a two-part EP from FLACO ('4 TO THE FLOOR'), a killer single from A-AUDIO and JAYBEE, and so much more. It’s exciting times as every release feels special. It’s great to be in that place where the quality just feels organic and consistent.

Big shout to STUNNA for having me again – also, J:SKEPTIK, my wife BECKY and my kids AVA and PHIN, all the artists on my label, FABIO for the continued supprort, Voicemc (my favourite MC right now), and all those that make it happen behind the scenes at SRD. I hope you enjoy my mix!"



Please join us this session as AARON JAY celebrates 15 years of his INFLUENCE RECORDS imprint with an exclusive guest mix featuring new and forthcoming tracks on the label.



*For more information on AARON JAY and INFLUENCE RECORDS, visit:

• AARON JAY on Facebook
• INFLUENCE RECORDS on Soundcloud
• INFLUENCE RECORDS on Instagram
• INFLUENCE RECORDS on Facebook
• INFLUENCE RECORDS on Beatport
• INFLUENCE RECORDS on Twitter





'THE GREENROOM'
Hosted by STUNNA
Live from Chicago
Wednesdays
www.BASSDRIVE.com


Wednesday, March 8, 2023

'THE GREENROOM' Guest Mix from SECTION (Celebrating 10 Years) - March 15, 2023





On WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15th, STUNNA unveils another very special installment of 'THE GREENROOM' on BASSDRIVE radio. In this week's broadcast, STUNNA welcomes back talented producer/DJ/label owner SECTION to the program, as he celebrates a decade of releasing original music under his moniker.

Hailing from WORTHING, UK, SECTION (aka JAMES BARCLAY) is a DRUM+BASS artist who's released music on various labels including AUDIO ADDICT, DREAD, FORMAT MUSIC, REBEL MUSIC, SERIAL KILLAZ, and his own LOCKED UP MUSIC imprint. MARCH 2023 marks 10 years of releasing music and to celebrate, JAMES has curated a 10 track LP featuring some of his favourite tracks from the LOCKED UP back catalogue (10 YEARS OF SECTION | LOCKED UP MUSIC)). JAMES will be donating all proceeds from the LP to the LOVE YOUR HOSPITAL charity (www.loveyourhospital.org) that supports the hospitals where he works as a physiotherapist.

During the past decade, SECTION has firmly cemented himself within the scene that he loves so much, and he’s not stopping anytime soon. With new and forthcoming releases on NO REALITY MUSIC, FORMAT MUSIC, and REBEL MUSIC, SECTION continues to move strength to strength in 2023 and beyond. Join us this session as SECTION unveils a new guest mix filled with exclusives from himself and other like-minded producers from around the globe. Tune in!



*For more information on SECTION, visit:

• SECTION at Linktr.ee

**For more information on LOCKED UP MUSIC, visit:

• LOCKED UP MUSIC at Linktr.ee



**Due to DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME, listeners in NORTH AMERICAN will tune in ONE HOUR LATER than usual (ie: 3-6PM CHICAGO, rather than the usual 2-5PM slot)





'THE GREENROOM'
Hosted by STUNNA
Live from Chicago
Wednesdays
www.BASSDRIVE.com


Wednesday, February 22, 2023

'THE GREENROOM' Guest Mix from ASYMMETRIC (DISSYMMETRICAL MUSIC) - March 1, 2023





On WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023, STUNNA kicks off a brand new month of broadcasts in 'THE GREENROOM' on BASSDRIVE Radio. During this week's edition, STUNNA welcomes established producer, DJ and label owner ASYMMETRIC to the show for a special guest mix showcasing his own productions as well as the catalogue of his DISSYMMETRICAL MUSIC imprint.

A few words from ASYMMETRIC (aka EVGENIY SERGEEV) himself...

"I was born in a small town near SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. Since childhood, I was interested in music as a listener. I spent all my pocket money on CDs and audio cassettes. I liked to listen to IDM, HIP HOP, soulful and atmospheric DRUM+BASS, JUNGLE, DRUMFUNK, FUNK, JAZZ and DISCO music. When I was 18 years old, I started to make music and buy vinyl. I am producing soulful DRUM+BASS, JUNGLE, DRUMFUNK and FOOTWORK JUNGLE. I have released music on labels such as: RESPECT, OPPOSIDE, OMNI MUSIC, PINECONE MOONSHINE, DANGER CHAMBER, MONOCHROME, EASTERN PROMISE, JUNGLETRAIN, BURELOM, ANCHORAGE SOUND, PLUSH, BEYOND ELECTRONIX, DYNASTY SHIT, DIGIBEAT, and more.

From MAY 2013 to NOVEMBER 2018, I hosted the 'DEEP IN THE PROGRAM' internet radio show with BreakZoff on the JUNGLETRAIN.NET station.

In MAY 2016, I launched my own vinyl and digital record label DISSYMMETRICAL MUSIC. To date, the imprint has released one cd, six vinyl offerings, and thirty digital releases (with a 31st now in the making)."

Please join us this session as ASYMMETRIC unveils an exclusive, extended mix spotlighting his own music and sounds from the ever-growing DISSYMMETRICAL MUSIC catalogue. Tune in!



*For more information on ASYMMETRIC, visit:

• ASYMMETRIC on Soundcloud
• ASYMMETRIC on Mixcloud

**Fore more info on DISSYMMETRICAL MUSIC, visit:

• DISSYMMETRICAL MUSIC on Bandcamp
• DISSYMMETRICAL MUSIC on Instagram
• DISSYMMETRICAL MUSIC on Facebook
• DISSYMMETRICAL MUSIC on Youtube






'THE GREENROOM'
Hosted by STUNNA
Wednesdays
2-5PM Chicago/8-11PM London
www.BASSDRIVE.com


Wednesday, February 15, 2023

'THE GREENROOM' Guest Mix from ALHOX - February 22, 2023





On WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023, STUNNA closes out another action-packed month of broadcasts in 'THE GREENROOM' on BASSDRIVE Radio. In this week's installment, STUNNA welcomes burgeoning producer and DJ ALHOX to the program for an exclusive guest mix on his inaugural visit.

KOSOVO-based artist ALHOX's (aka ALIXHAN HOXHA) career in DRUM+BASS music began in 2020, with the release of his "ARRIVAL" EP on ROTTERDAM-based label CELSIUS RECORDINGS. Not long after, he progressed to FOKUZ RECORDINGS, with his "ACID DROP" EP. Since then, his tunes have been played and supported by some of the most prestigious names in the global DRUM+BASS scene and one can expect more great musical offerings throughout 2023 and beyond.

Inspired by his background of classical music education, ALHOX's soulful, LIQUID atmospheres blend with minimal, dark synth textures to create his own unique sound. One can expect a wide range of smooth and rough vibes from ALHOX as a DJ, as he takes his listeners on a perfect atmospheric journey every time.

Join us this session as ALHOX presents an exclusive guest mix created especially for this edition. Tune in!



*For more information on ALHOX, visit:

• ALHOX on Linktr.ee
• ALHOX on Bandcamp
• ALHOX on Soundcloud
• ALHOX on Instagram
• ALHOX on Facebook
• ALHOX on Twitter
• ALHOX on Spotify






'THE GREENROOM'
Hosted by STUNNA
Wednesdays
2-5PM Chicago/8-11PM London
www.BASSDRIVE.com


Wednesday, February 8, 2023

'THE GREENROOM' Guest Mix from nCamargo - February 15, 2023





On WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2023, Stunna presents another very special installment of 'The Greenroom' on Bassdrive radio. In this week's edition, Stunna welcomes back established producer and DJ nCamrgo as he returns with an exclusive guest mix in support of his brand new 'Blossom' LP released this month on his very own NCounter Music label.

Since his birth in 1994, Brazilian-based nCamargo (aka Nicolas Camargo) has surrounded himself with a vast array of musical influences. Discovering a focused interest in electronic music in 2000, a few years of development and exposure would lead him toward a genre that fascinated him: Drum+Bass music. Being an avid listener of Bassdrive radio around the year 2009 would eventually lead to his entrance to the D+B production ring in 2010.

With a burgeoning discography of finely-tuned, polished productions, nCamargo has developed his own sound in the past thirteen years and turned a lot of discerning heads his way during the process. With successfuly releases on high-profile labels such as AGN7 Audio, Celsius, Chronic, Fokuz, Liquid Drops, Lunar Records, Offworld, Prestige Music, Soul Deep, V Recordings, and Weapons Of Choice, 2023 sees nCamargo release a new album on his NCounter Music imprint. Written between 2015 and 2022, the 'Blossom' LP (a collection of tracks all developed during the evening hours) maintains a theme of music with both chill and calming vibes, suitable to both home and dance floor environments alike.

Please join us this session as nCamargo unveils a special guest mix that showcases tracks from the 'Blossom' LP, as well as some of his favorite tracks doing the global rounds. Tune in!



*For more information on nCamargo + NCounter Music, visit:

• NCounter Music on Bandcamp
• NCounter Music on Soundcloud
• nCamargo on Soundcloud
• nCamargo on Instagram
• nCmargo on Facebook
• nCamargo on Twitter
• nCamargo on Spotify






'THE GREENROOM'
Hosted by STUNNA
Wednesdays
2-5PM Chicago/8-11PM London
www.BASSDRIVE.com


Wednesday, January 18, 2023

'THE GREENROOM' Special Feature on "USA vs UK: A FRIENDLY EXHIBITION" ALBUM from LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM with PFM + BIG BUD Guest Mixes - January 25, 2023





On WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25th, STUNNA closes out the month of programming with a very special installment of 'THE GREENROOM' on BASSDRIVE Radio. In celebration of the recent release of the "USA vs UK: A FRIENDLY EXHIBITION" ALBUM from the LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM label (an imprint created to raise awareness and provide essential support to people affected by AUTISM in rural areas of underserved countries), STUNNA highlights tracks from the compilation and welcomes legendary producers/DJs PFM and BIG BUD to the program, as they present exclusive guest mixes in support of the cause.

Released to worldwide acclaim in NOVEMBER 2022, the massive 50 track "USA vs UK: A FRIENDLY EXHIBITION" ALBUM was carefully curated by LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM founder DR. MICHAEL LAFASAKIS and SOUL DEEP RECORDINGS label head SCOTT ALLEN as a means to create awareness of AUTISM through the healing powers of LIQUID FUNK in the DRUM & BASS music world. The album itself picks up where the imprint's first label compilation "REDEFINING THE SPECTRUM" left off, and offers a wide array of cutting edge sounds from around the globe, including tracks from this show's guests PFM and BIG BUD, alongside offerings from Low:r, SEATHASKY, SoulTec, A-SIDES, MC FATS, EDWARD OBERON, CHLOIE, DAVE OWEN, ANTHONY KASPER, FURNEY, SCOTT ALLEN, BACHELORS OF SCIENCE, PHIL TANGENT, ALPHA RHYTHM, RANDOM MOVEMENT, ADRIENNE RICHARDS, COLOSSUS, FLACO, DJ SPIM, T.R.A.C., IMPRESSION, NATUS, SUIZ EYE DOCTOR, BLADE, ATLANTIC CONNECTION, BAILEY, SECRET STRUCTURES, DJ SQUAKE, MADCAP, DAVE SHICMAN, STEREOTYPE, JRUMHAND, TEKNICAL, BUZZ RAVE, MARBLE ELEPHANT, PYXIS, AL PACK, GEETY, and STUNNA himself.

Join us this session as STUNNA provides information on the ongoing work LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM continues to provide (especially, how you as a listener can help/donate), and unveils guest mixes from PFM and BIG BUD created especially for this edition of 'THE GREENROOM.' Tune in!



*For more information on LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM, visit:

• LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM Main Website
• LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM Music Shop
• LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM on Soundcloud
• LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM on Instagram
• LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM on Facebook
• LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM on Youtube
• LIQUID DRUM & BASS 4 AUTISM on Twitter


**For more information on PFM, visit:

• PFM on Soundcloud
• PFM on Instagram
• PFM on Bandcamp
• PFM on Facebook
• PFM on Discogs


***For more information on BIG BUD, visit:

• BIG BUD on Soundcloud
• BIG BUD on Bandcamp
• BIG BUD on Facebook
• BIG BUD on Discogs





'THE GREENROOM'
Hosted by STUNNA
Live from Chicago
Wednesdays
www.BASSDRIVE.com