Exclusive with the Ram Records superstar as he releases two pieces of drum & bass magic
Mark, welcome to DMCWORLD towers young man, ahead of a bonafide winter smash ‘Need To Know’ coming out on Ram Records in a couple of weeks. Let’s rewind to where it all began though and your ninth birthday. Most kids at that age get a new football – you however knew music was your destiny and asked for a drum kit. Who were the rock bands you were digging at such as early age?
“It was a bit of rock and funk that made me want to be a drummer! Average White Band, Guns & Roses, Red Hot Chilli Peppers…I had a passion for funk breaks and tight beats so I guess that’s got to be linked with musical path I’ve taken now.”
Fact or fiction. You once played a gig with your band at an old peoples home?
“Fact! Yeah there weren’t many ‘hands in the air moments’ but we did a lot of community based stuff like fairs, warm ups for bands. It kept my parents busy on the weekend, lugging my drums around in the back of the car!”
It was five years later when you thankfully discovered dance music. Was there a record that changed your life?
“I guess it would have to be the curiosity of sampling. High Contrast – ‘Twilights Last Gleaming’ blew my mind! But then a mix tape my brother gave me just got me hooked on the sound.”
You must have the nicest parents in the world. Not only did they buy you a drum kit which the neighbours must have loved (!!), they then allowed you to build a home studio in their own house! Are they music lovers themselves, do they come to your gigs?
“Haha! Yeah I’m sure it drove them crazy. Fortunately I found a studio space down the road so I work from there now. They love music but I don’t think they’re that into Drum & Bass – although they always say they like my tunes, I think they’re just biased. My mum listens to Abba when she’s cooking on a Sunday and I standardly buy her a Susan Boyle CD every Christmas. They haven’t seen me DJ yet. Maybe I’ll take them to a festival next year when I’ve got an early set!”
It was the mighty Hospital Records that gave you your first break release wise, that was until you received a life changing phone call from a certain Andy C who had received a folder of your tunes and wanted a meeting. What was that experience like?
“That was a crazy experience! It was a dream come true after about 8 years of writing music. I never thought they wanted to sign me exclusively to the label, I though maybe a release on Frequency or something. So when they told me they wanted to offer me an album deal on Ram I was pretty shocked!”
The labels have two different sounds, Hospital is more smooth, Ram more attacking – was there a change in production style from you around there or were you still trying to find a middle ground?
“I think I’ve found a middle ground. I love getting technical with a tune and going in on the production and I also love making dance floor tunes so there’s no doubt Ram was the home for me.”
What were the tunes in the folder? Was it all drum n’ bass?
“It was mostly Drum & Bass bit there were a few different ideas on there. None of the tunes have ever been released although I have taken a few hooks and samples from them and put them in new tunes.”
Who were the producers you were giving props to back then?
“That would have to be Sub Focus, Logistics, Culture Shock, Chase & Status. I loved the diversity of the tunes they were making and the production standard.”
How much advice has Andy and Ram given you since then – or do they leave you alone?
“I have in depth conversations with Andy about all the tunes I’m making. He plays a massive part in the way I build a tune and taught me a lot about adapting my tunes to work better in the clubs.”
It was Cyantific who helped get your music to Hospital – are there plans for future collabs?
“Yeah I guess so, me and Cyantific work in studios next door to each other so we are always giving each other feedback on tunes and stuff. We’re both busy on our own projects at the moment but I’d love to do a tune with him on my album.”
Where do you find inspiration from when making a track?
“I think it’s all about taking time out of the studio and being inspired by things outside of music. I’m very visual when I write a tune and usually think of melodies as colours and patterns. I cant write tunes when I’m stressed out so I tend to keep myself chilled out.”
Your career has exploded since then, you tour the world DJing and have remixes the likes of Chase & Status and Example. Was there any nerves approaching re-works for such seminal artists?
“I only ever remix tunes that I know I can come up with an idea for. Chase & Status wanted something with a similar vibe to my tune ‘Moonwalker’ so that one came together quite easily.”
What are the big tunes you are spinning right now?
“Other than my own tunes it would have to be, in no particular order:
Culture Shock – Trogladyte
Cyantific – The Tomorrow People
Dimension – Synth City
Cyantific – Inifinty
Loadstar – Black & White (Hamilton Remix)
Loadstar – Vatican Roulette
Flosstradamus – Roll Up (Baauer Remix
Where have been the stand out clubs for you in 2012?
“They would have to be O2 Academy in Bournemouth, Fabric in London and some club in Auckland that I can’t remember!”
What are the release plans for 2013?
“I’ve got another single coming out in February followed by the build up to my album that drops in May. And then a year of touring I guess!”
And finally, you’ve had your drum kit, so what do you want for Christmas in 2012?
“A onsie.”
RAMM126: Wilkinson
A. Need To Know ft. Iman
AA. Direction
Release Date: 3rd December 2012