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Big L of jungleravers.com, the UK's premier Drum and Bass Listings site spoke to DiS about his hopes and passion for DnB
How would you describe drum and bass to the more unacquainted among us?
It is an expression of many music forms combining different elements such as ragga, hip hop, soul it started off in the UK but has now spread through out the world. Its' a type of music that grows on you the more you hear it, the music is changing all the time. People tend to love it or hate it!
How did you get into this music?
I first heard drum and bass at an under 18 event called 'Juicy Bass' at Options nightclub, Kingston-Upon-Thames with people like Nicky Blackmarket, Riddla, Hyper D. I didn’t appreciate it back then when I was 14. But as I got older and started going to Raves such as United Dance, One Nation at Bagley’s and listening to tape packs, I started realising the atmosphere it creates, I started to really get into it. The more I listened the more I liked. It grew on me like an addictive drug. Now it’s the only music I really enjoy and understand.
So how large is your record collection?
I don’t DJ, but I do grab the vinyls I really like. A very small selection of my favourite tunes with a very wide range of both old ad new.
What would you say was ‘The’ classic tune?
I would say 'Pulp Fiction', 'Chopper', and 'Lighter' are the classic tunes for me although I prefer the newest beats my untestable favorite tune is an older classic called 'Trust Me'. The tune of the moment for me changes week to week as the newer one comes out. Although what I am about is the new up and coming artists, i would say the same people that made the best tunes several years ago are making the tunes of the moment.
So what made you set up Jungleravers.com?
Around where I live are loads of Drum and Bass fanatics, some of which DJ and MC. I originally started the site for them meaning it to be an Internet station broadcasting live shows but it didn’t work out like that. I originally made the site for our crew: DJs: Semtex, Screamer, Dogs, Funx, Stealth, Jyve, Blade. MCs Kraft, Kraig Brothers, Tester. But since the crew has totally changed.
What are the roles of the crew?
The crew is expected to be committed to jungleravers.com, spreading the word of the web site, raves and the other artists. They all help with promoting events or anything I do. Also Diablo does our interview and Funx does our tune reviews.
So what is the function of your famous ‘totty page’?
Just a little extra thing for our male ravers to enjoy also all the blokes round here get there pictures on the site as they are DJ's and had that page so the girls round here can have there pictures up there too.
Have your had any successes through it?
Yes our success has been huge. Our artists are now playing all round the UK and outside the UK. Also their names are becoming more known than before.
What are your aims for expanding the site?
The site is and always will be based around the artists on it, trying to give them as much exposure as possible. Many bookings are made via the site every day. Also using the artists on it we have put on many raves and we have many to come. In the future you will see a record label, live streaming, and worldwide tour nights.
Who can you see making it big from your roster on the scene in the next few months?
Nobody in the next few months. However Eksman has now broken through and done very well and is living proof the the younger generation of artists can make it big.
What makes a good tune?
Slammin beats, a catchy b-line and rhythm!
Which tunes can you see doing well?
GRIMEY BY DILLINJA AND .... THERE ARE LOADS TOO MANY TO MENTION!!! WATCH OUT FOR DJ STEPPAS TUNES!!!
KASHMIR by SIMON BASS LINE SMITH
What are the best clubs in your expert opinion?
A lot of venues sound systems don’t seem to be able to play drum and bass loud and clear!! But I think the best large rave venue is the Sanctuary in Milton Keynes. But lets see what this Ocean is like then Best of British they it out next month. Telepathy and Best of British and jungleravers.com all got new and different things going on in their raves. But they are hundreds of great promoters across the globe.
Do you see dnb catching the mainstream like garage did?
No. Some tunes that are coming out are more popular and liked by what you call the main stream but a good Drum and Bass rave such as the ones I put on are aimed at the drum and bass ravers. Other promoters play drum and bass aimed at what you call mainstream. The fact that Drum and Bass is an underground music with people who love it more that what people love other music it will always be alive!........but yes it is getting more popular. JUNGLE RAVERS NEVER DIE, ALL WE DO IS MULTIPLY! People that love the music so much would not enjoy going to the sort of drum and bass nights aimed at the main stream.
