Krafty Kuts

Over a year in the making, ‘Let’s Ride’ is already gaining kudos as one of Krafty Kuts’ biggest ever releases, with the title track already having landed with a considerable boom earlier this year. The stage is now set for one of the breaks legend’s most raucous events to date, and with tickets already flying out at breakneck speed, fans are recommended to tie these down well in advance to avoid disappointment. You have been warned! Dan Prince will see you down the front…

Yo Martin welcome back to DMCWORLD. An exciting month ahead with the release of your brand new and long awaited album ‘Let’s Ride’ – talk us through the album, what are the sounds coming at us and who has collaborated on the album this time around?

“It has taken  a long time to put this one together but it’s worth the wait. It has all the usual Krafty elements Funk, Disco, Hip Hop, Breaks, Electro and more but pushes a few more boundaries musically than I have ever done before. I want this LP to stand the test of time so hence I did not want to rush it. Artists featured are of course Dynamite MC, Mike G (Jungle Brothers), Tim Deluxe, Sporty O, Featurecast, Nick Thayer, Zarif, DJ Assault, MC Flipside (Deadmau5), Stellar MC and more.”

So tell us about 2011 – have you been busy locked away all year in the studio making the album, how long did it take to complete?

“I wish I could have been locked away, but sometimes things are meant to happen for a reason and I am a firm believer in fate. My busy DJ schedule around the globe has kinda put a spanner in the works for studio commitments plus also buying a new house and family priorities make long studio sessions impossible. I would love to sit in a studio for 3 months putting together an album but sometimes you have to go with the flow, travel here and there listen to loads of music, watch other DJs and get inspired, for me it’s what makes me tick. To be honest, working on this LP for about 2 years I feel has helped create by far my best music to date. I am extremely excited about ‘Let’s Ride’ and am confident others will feel the same.”

What one song stands out for you?

“Hard question that one as I really am happy with the whole LP, but if I had to pick one it’s ‘Good Times’ feat. Sporty O, a funky rap tune that I honestly feel is the best tune I have ever recorded. It’s got a cool jazzy vibe with a slick lyrical flow, catchy baseline and a funky beat, it does the trick!”

Out and about – what have been the festival highlights for you this year?

“It truly has been the year of festivals and I have performed at some incredible ones this year. Camp Bestival, Shambhala (Canada), Kendal Calling, Relentless Boardmasters, Wickerman, Shakedown (Brighton), Glastonbury, Glade, Clapham Common but by far the most outstanding show was Kendal Calling in the Lake District it was, well…. MAGNIFICENT!”

What are the current top 10 tunes you are spinning right now…

1. Krafty Kuts – Bang The Underground – Instant Vibes
2. Marten Hørger  –  Go F**k Yourself – White
3. Krafty Kuts & Dynamite MC – Pounding (Deekline & Dirtyphonics Remixes) – Instant Vibes
4. Mickey Finn – Some Justice (Marten Hørger Remix)
5. Wolfgang Gartner – Shrunken Heads (Krafty Kuts Re-Rub) – White
6. A.Skillz vs Lyn Collins – Think – White
7. Krafty Kuts vs The Edge – A Krafty Edge – Instant Vibes
8. Deekline – Shake That Ass (Marten Hørger Remix) – Hot Cakes
9. Krafty Kuts Feat Nick Thayer & Featurecast – Dance Craze – Instant Vibes
10.Rack n Ruin Feat P. Money & Koast – Signal (Torqux & Twist Remix) – Black Butter Records

Do you think 2011 has been a good year for music – what new artists have stood out for you the most?

“2011 has been an interesting one for dance music. It certainly has been dominating the charts and seen the phenomenal rise of Skrillex and popular British acts such as Example, DJ Fresh and the whole Dubstep movement that has slowly become the most influential musical genre in the world right now. Skrillex without doubt has been a highlight especially with his sound and visuals. A.Skillz just keeps getting better and better along with Featurecast. Jazzy Jeff never seems to fail with his jaw dropping DJ sets. Camo & Krooked, Flux Pavilion and Doctor P have been putting out some incredible Dubstep and Drum & Bass while Marten Hørger has been making some of the most groundbreaking breakbeat I have heard in years.”

A big night ahead of you at Cable in London, who are you most looking to see performing?

“I always look forward to a funky party A.Skillz DJ set, DJ Yoda is full of tricks while Adam F has some seriously amazing new music he will be showcasing. For me though one of my favourite DJ’s ever is Mex Black Grass, a great friend and wizard behind the turntables, come check him out he’s the master of cut n’ paste DJ-ing, truly awesome.”

Who were your early musical infleunces that paved the way for a life in dance music?

“Roy Ayers early Kool & The Gang (1969-76), Parliament, Funkadelic, James Brown, Africa Baambataa, Hashim and many artists from around the early electro period in the mid 80’s.”

What album would you never sell?

“I have a pretty big record collection so this is a very difficult call to make but it will probably be The Moon People ‘Land Of Love’ an amazing latin funk boogaloo extravaganza http://www.technodisco.net/moon-people/land-of-love-2730311.html check it! The original I have is worth a cool £30 – £50.” 

Where has been THE Krafty Kuts set of 2011?

“Had a few but it would be without a doubt Bestival Isle Of Wight – technically my best set, the crowd were in fine form that night, but I also had my twin boys with me which was really cool!”

If we were to come back to yours after a club, what are the 10 Back To Mine tunes you’d play us to chill?

1. Tyrone Brunson – The Smurf
2. D – Train – Your The One For Me
3. Roy Ayers – Searching
4. Nas – Nas Is Like
5. Moon People –  Happy Soul
6. Snoop Dog – Signs 
7. Juice – Catch A Groove
8. Major Force – Return Of The Original Artform
9. Unknown DJ – 808 Beats
10. Delegation – Oh Honey

Have there been any new DJs that have blown you away this year?

“There are so many talented artists around at the moment but here is a few people who have been exceptional for me this year…

Marten Hørger
A. Skillz
Jazzy Jeff
Skrillex
Utah Saints
Zane Lowe
Jaguar Skils

…to name just a few.”

What has been your summer anthem?

“My big summer tune has been :Mugwanti – Mujave (Marten Hørger Mix) Put Your F*****g Hands Up. A tune that smashes it every single time,  amazing response.”

What has been your travelling hell experience of 2011?

“Had a few this year; tight plane connections, stuck on runways, terrible landings, cancelled flights, horrid car journeys. But the one getting back from Scotland was by far the most nervous, the driver was late picking us up and the train station we had to get to was miles away. The traffic was horrendous, he took a detour and it just got worse. Myself and Peo De Pitte were panicking counting every second. We made it into the station completely out of breathe with literally seconds to spare…bloody menace taxi driver, awful experience!!”

DMC is known around the world as the DJ Community – what are your tips for all of the aspiring DJs and producers reading this who want to follow your footsteps onto the worldwide stage?

“Make sure your musical path is the correct one, study the music you love, watch others you respect and learn about the history of music your playing i.e. the roots like Hip Hop, House, Electro, Drum & Bass and Dubstep. This is important to know exactly what are the classics and who to get inspiration from. Go watch other DJs from any genre and learn from them, get creative and practise your every move behind the decks. Take a step extra and learn to use the equipment  to it’s potential i.e. the filters, scratching, serato, traktor, and be the best stand out from the rest.”

Good advice. And finally, apart from touring the album, what else has 2012 got in store for us all from the Krafty Kuts camp?

“Too early too mention yet as I have to concentrate on this forthcoming project i.e. tours, record label, merchandise, artists etc. but I can tell you now I have some outstanding plans for next year involving things that will put a smile on your face for sure. Also some cheeky Krafty collabs, more tours and the relaunch of my old label Against The Grain…so another busy year ahead again and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Free music alert!

Download ‘A Krafty Symphony’ Feat. MC Dynamite here
http://soundcloud.com/kraftykuts/krafty-symphony/s-q2NBM

Krafty Kuts ‘Let’s Ride’ Album Launch
November 5th @ Cable, London Bridge, London
Krafty Kuts, MC Dynamite, Adam F, A.Skillz, Elite Force, Nick Thayer and His Majesty Andrew. 
http://www.cable-london.com <http://www.cable-london.com/>

Buy DMC Krafty Kuts releases… 

Krafty Kuts – Back to Mine http://www.dmcworld.com/store/music/compilation-cds/back-to-mine/back-to-mine-krafty-kuts.html

Krafty Kuts – These Are The Breaks http://www.dmcworld.com/store/music/compilation-cds/dmc-presents-krafty-kuts-these-are-the-breaks.html