B365's best club night of 2008 was Ruffnek Diskotek and that was thanks in no small part to it's hard-working promoter and incredible DJ, Dub Boy. Dub Boy has been making his presence on the local scene for some time now - and with his series of outstanding mixes its not hard to understand why. He's just released the second volume in his Rooted & Grounded mixes on the mighty fine Spannered website, and it is pure fire. Get on it!

Tracklisting:

• Shinehead – Billie Jean (African Love)
• Bounty Killer, Nitty Kuchie & Angel Doolas – Go Away (Kingston 11)
• Biga – Nah Buss Mi Gun Fa Nuhum (Furybass)
• Colonel Maxwell – Heart Attack (Furybass)
• Carl Meeks – Help Me Jah (Furybass)
• Mikey Melody – Stand Up & Chant (Furybass)
• Laroz & Ranking Levy – Rootsman Party (........)
• Zion Train ft Dubdadda – Boxes & Amps (Wadadda remix) (Universal Egg)
• Minoo – December (Universal Egg)
• Zion Train ft YT - Life That I Choose (Universal Egg)
• Omar Perry – Daily Bread (Universal Egg)
• Zion Train ft YT – Skank That I Choose (Prof Skank remix) (Universal Egg)
• Carlton Livingston – No Answer (Universal Egg)
• Zion Train ft YT – Baby Father (Weeding Dub Remix) (Universal Egg)
• Ranking Joe – Satan Bites The Dust (Jah Warrior)
• Macka B – Warrior Style (Ariwa)
• Mungo’s Hi Fi ft Brother Culture – Ing (Scotch Bonnet)
• Vibronics – Long Time Version (Scoops)
• Dub Invasion – Guide I (unreleased)
• Mungo’s Hi Fi – Around The Redub (Scotch Bonnet)
• Mungo’s Hi Fi ft Soom T – DJ Killer (Unreleased)
• DanMan – Jah Rain (RSD Remix) (Ranking Records)
• Jah Warrior – Star Of David (Jah Warrior)
• Mungo’s Hi Fi – Warm Up (Unreleased)
• RSD – Jah Way (Punch Drunk)
• Clouds – Elders (Wadadda refix) (Jahtari)
• Mungo’s Hi Fi – Dubplate Fi Dem (Scotch Bonnet)
• Mungo’s Hi Fi – Babylon Glitch (Unreleased)
• Mungo’s Hi Fi ft Benjammin – Mexican Bean (Scotch Bonnet)
• Mungo’s Hi Fi ft Ranking Joe – How You Bad So (Scotch Bonnet)
• Mungo’s Hi Fi ft Murrayman – Mash Up (Scotch Bonnet)
• Mungo’s Hi Fi ft Lyricson – Grudge & Vanity (Scotch Bonnet)
• Kenny Knots & The Roots Squad – Too Much Gunshot (Jah Tubbys)
• Johnny Clark – Declaration Of Rights (4-4 High Steppers Mix) (Mafia & Fluxy)
• Kyla – Do You Mind (Lovers Rock Remix) (Ariwa)

BEST DJ 2008 - CHEEBA

Cheeba used to be Bristol’s best-kept secret, a turntable virtuoso whose ability in the mix was breath-taking. Just like in the good old days though, Cheeba came up through the ranks and earned his rep the hard way, through sheer graft mixed with undeniable talent. Every year though, he gathers more fans and slowly but surely his influence has spread out of Bristol into the capital and beyond. Without a solid base of productions to exploit for gigs, this feat is all the more astonishing in this day and age - a man who made it on merit alone.

Ninja Tune brought him into their collective this year and with good reason; he represents the vibrant and eclectic spirit of the label like few have in recent years. Given that turntabalism can be quite dry in terms of celebrating technique over entertainment, Cheeba is a refreshing break from the confines of the craft’s past failings. He’s also a DJ who utilises technology in the best way possible; to further expand the music’s horizons but also never failing to get a party rocking. BUG caught up with Cheeba recently for a chat.

An edited version of this interview appears in Venue Magazine.

B: How's 2008 been for you?

C: 2008 has been better than 2007, and that was better than 2006. At the time I thought 2006 was as good as it could get, so what I'm trying to say is, "its been insane". Everything I ever dreamed of is snowballing (not that sort of snowballing) beyond the wildest reaches of my conception. I think it dawned on me what a crazy year this would be when Soundcrash invited me to support DJ Food at Cargo; the show was a sell-out and Strictly Kev was coming on stage telling me he didn't want to play, saying, "How do I follow that".

I figured I was doing something right and have since scored a residency with them, taking me back to London as often as I can handle. Playing Dance World East at Glastonbury and warming up for Roots Manuva at the Big Chill to 5000 people was far out. I have been gigging a Rage Against The Machine routine that was causing moshpits; so far I have resisted the urge to stage dive, maybe in 2009.

B: Break down what you play and how you play it.

C: Erm...without trying to sound pretentious: I really hope the music and other stuff I play cant be pigeon holed. I think DJs or artists who abide by the boundaries of genre are curbing their potential. I think the style in which I present my sets is what people remember rather what I play. Yeah, I have routines, and I enjoy doing them - when I become really comfortable with what I'm doing that's when I really have fun performing.

With technology like Serato SL I can browse my library and have two copies of a track on the decks in seconds - everything can be remixed on the fly and I add a twist of turntablism for good measure. It’s not because I like showing off, I just feel like a lemon stood behind the turntables not keeping busy.

B: Tell me some more about the your involvement with Ninja Tune.

C: Many years ago Detectives Of Perspective hosted a sell-out show on board the good ship Thekla with DJ Food, after which we managed to secure Bristol a much needed regular Ninja Tune presence in the form of bi-monthly Solid Steel club nights in the intimate caves of Timbuk2. Once this was up and running, I had the platform to perform in front of my piers. Two broadcast Solid Steel mixes later (one of which came second in their 'Mix of The Year'), I had their attention and they were requesting not to play after me again.

Then at Videocrash (Soundcrash's now legendary AV night) this year, supporting Hexstatic, Pest, Food & DK, I was invited to join as one of three faces of Solid Steel's new skool, along side Money$hot and Boom Monk Ben. I was choked, chuffed and more importantly inspired to step up and continue to impress those that had been an inspiration since my teens.

B: Tell me some of the highlights from your career so far.

C: Oh man, I have so many highlights - most of which are just random moments when everything just came together through circumstance. Big Chill I mentioned in the first question, other than that I loved going out to Serbia with the Bristol Stage and playing with Task and Bear which is always special for me, as they were my inspiration to get into DJing in the first place (they still don't believe me when I tell them this)

B: What does Detectives Of Perspective and Ninja Tune mean to you?

C: The DOP are my friends, its always fun partying with your friends, right? That what the night was all about, bringing the acts we wanted to see to Bristol so we could party together while enjoying the music we loved. Money has never been a driving factor for DOP, we rarely get into profit but I guess that is easily forgotten when seeing people like Steinski, DJ Food, Luke Vibert, Coldcut and the rest of the Ninjas perform in venues as intimate as T2.

Ninja Tune opened my eyes as a teenager with their early compilations, the combination of dancefloor friendly beats, cunning use of samples and those infectious scratchy noises grabbed me from the outset. My brother introduced me to the label but wasn't best pleased when fingerprints and scratches started appearing on all his vinyl, he's still cagey about lending me any. Seeing Kid Koala and Coldcut together at Sheperds Bush Empire sealed the deal – I wanted to DJ, not just mix songs. I wanted 10 turntables, no headphones, the broadest beats and the speed of a puma.

B: Where do you see your future going?

C: I hope I can continue to improve. There is no limit to turntablism, there is no limit to technology and I plan to embrace both to the full. In 2009 I am gigging loads more abroad, thanks to the Solid Steel hook up and a new agent, and I will be premiering my new audio-visual three-deck live show in London and Bristol and hope to take it to as many summer festivals as I can possibly squeeze in.

Until then I'll be hiding away in the studio finishing more Solid Steel mixtapes, and getting through the mountain of video editing I am doing for this new show. It’s going to be a lot of time in front of the computer, but hopefully followed by some fun live gigs and loads more travelling and new experiences.

DUB BOY

With his club night Ruffnek Diskotek, Dub Boy took the progression of bass-heavy music to new heights this year. But one thing that should never be overlooked is his own abilities as a DJ. There are very few DJs like him, not just in Bristol but the UK as a whole. His creative approach to programming a mix and his all-round enthusiasm for the music he loves shines through in every track he drops. Its no small wonder that he’s played a huge roster of gigs around the city this year as a result, but Dub Boy is deserving of a wider audience for his talents – 2009 should hopefully see the rest of the UK take notice.

BLAZEY

The man responsible for so much in Bristol in terms of the evolution of the underground community also knows how to destroy a dance with flair. He’s as at home mixing down Dubstep as he is Grime, Bassline or any number of insane party beats. BUG has witnessed him create havoc on many happy occasions, and he plays with the nominal structure of sets like no other DJ in Bristol. Going back and forth with styles and sounds, always in control and also a huge advocate of new music from up and comers across the UK, there’s a reason Blazey is still one of the most formidable DJs around.

THE KELLY TWINS

Sean and Dan Kelly love music, and it shows. Every time BUG hears them play it’s a joy to behold – they have no concept of the faultlines that exist within genres, preferring to ride roughshod over the rules of what governs Djing. Be it disco, house, techno, garage, fidget, and wonky or any other name we can make up – there’s never a dull moment when they take to the decks. If there was any justice in the world, The Kelly Twins would be huge – and with any luck in the coming year they will be.

PLACID

Placid is the walking encyclopaedia of electronic music; a man who probably produced more mixes this year thanks to his radio show than any other DJ in Bristol. His depth of knowledge means his mixes are crammed full of obscure sonic jewels that demand to be re-discovered. A tireless work ethic saw Placid have a good 2008, and long may his success continue into the future.

ROSSI B

Now resident in Bristol, Rossi B is a DJ who has no fear when traversing around the sonic parameters of genres, be it solo or teamed up with his partner in crime Luca. He’s a scene veteran who is still as vital to its progress as he was almost a decade ago. BUG this year has seen him energise otherwise static dances, and those raves that were already live we saw him escalate to hysteria.

JUMEAUX

The Shake & Pop promoters and DJ duo saw their craft evolve with terrific results this year, imbuing their performances with increasing confidence. Two relative newcomers to the scene, they’ve carved out a name for themselves quickly with a healthy disregard for genres and a big appetite for party vibes. Expect big things for this pair in 2009.

JACKOV & KALLENDAR

It seems to BUG that this DJ duo were slept on in 2008, which seems crazy given their incredible work rate; they were releasing mixes every month with no dip in quality, their abilities grew and grew, they took tentative steps into production with great results, they destroyed every party BUG had the good fortune to see them at. Jackov & Kallendar are party DJs, that’s no secret – and it seems this approach garners them as many detractors as it does fans. For BUG though few can come close to them in igniting a rave the way they do; they have an intuitive ability to entertain people that can’t be taught.

THINKING

Thinking’s played an integral part in bringing Dubstep to Bristol back in the first half of the decade, but its only one facet of the city’s very own renaissance man. DJ, label owner, writer and all round raconteur, Thinking’s role in the local scene has been vital. As a DJ, he bears no comparison; Bristol is blessed with many creatively talented DJs but Thinking stands apart as a man who can create mood and texture in a set like few others. It’s a sad fact that he doesn’t get booked more often but BUG would like to see him play out more in 2009 to demonstrate his amazing abilities.

EWAN HOOZAMI

Ewan Hoozami probably plays out more than most national DJs; his gig list is normally longer than the Old Testament. This is all for good reason though, given that he’s a DJ who cant put a foot wrong in his chosen path – a party DJ like no other who’s work ethic is something to truly marvel. He has a natural enthusiasm that makes his sets a real pleasure to hear, and it’s no doubt that 2009 will see him continue his ascent to the top of the DJ circuit.

BEST CLUBNIGHT 2008 - RUFFNEK DISKOTEK

2008 was the year where the culmination of four years hard work seemed to really pay off for Ruffnek Diskotek. The brainchild of DJ Dub Boy, Ruffnek has always been about the love of music first and foremost above all other considerations; with an esoteric attitude to its bookings and a consummate approach to the inclusion of both local and national names, it’s fast becoming a much-loved institution in Bristol.

Perhaps one of the questions that remained unanswered until 2008 was if they could translate the success of their smaller events to a larger scale venue; it’s the barometer of success that marks the evolution of most nights. They’d tested the waters this year hosting rooms at Motion for other nights, but going it alone is a whole different matter. When it was announced they’d be teaming up with the Fire crew for a massive rave at the Black Swan for the debut Monster Bass night, the line up left few in doubt they meant business – and ultimately led to a hugely successful party which cemented their reputation.

From their Bristol underground community nights at Cosies to their cutting-edge parties at The Croft and now tackling the big time raves too, the ongoing rise of Ruffnek Diskotek is assured. Simply put, Ruffnek Diskotek is all that’s good about Bristol. We caught up with promoter Dub Boy for a quick chat.


B: How's 2008 been for you?

D: A blur! Lots of good times, lots of late nights and lack of sleep, lots of hard work. 2008 has been a great year for me professionally. RD’s gone from strength to strength and I feel I’ve stepped up a gear with my DJing and been able to play some great gigs. The success I’ve had with music in 2008 has allowed me to start working part time in my day job, which is a real achievement as far as I’m concerned. But life is all about balance. What one hand giveth the other taketh away. I’ve been so busy working this year my personal life has suffered a lot. So I’m still trying to find the right balance between the two.

B: RD is now one of the most successful and longest-running nights in Bristol for providing bass-heavy music. When you started did you have any idea that it would become so popular?

D: Nah no way! I started RD because no one else was putting on events that were playing the mix of music I wanted to hear. So it was for pretty selfish reasons really ha ha! When we started I was programming Dubstep & Garage DJs as the main acts with Dancehall, Jungle and so on in the second room. Everyone used to complain that the Dubstep was too slow and it was boring and so on, and I should put the Dancehall & Jungle on in the main room. I’m very stubborn though and basically knew I was right so stuck with it.

I’ve never been interested in being popular though - my main motivation is to play and promote music that’s good, and that pushes things forward. Popular music is usually rubbish because it has to compromise itself - I’m all about the niches. So yeah, very surprised we’ve become this popular as our approach is totally uncompromising. It’s fantastic that we’ve become so popular without having to compromise ourselves. To me that’s a huge achievement.

B: Tell us some more about the RD history and how the nights came about.

D: The first party we did was in Feb of 2005. I’d met Beavis, who had a small soundsystem at that time. We put on a little party at Take5 on Stokes Croft which was great fun, and had a few of our mates down to play just for a laugh. We played what we play now basically - dancehall, dubstep, jungle, reggae, bit of electronica, some hiphop. Just a mash-up of bass-heavy soundsystem music. Originally I had thought of that as just as a one-off for fun.

Anyway it was my 25th in the August of that year, and after having so much fun with that first party I decided to have another one for my birthday. I’d had this name ‘Ruffnek Diskotek’ in my head for a while, so decided to use it for my birthday party. That’s how RD was born. We had about 170 through the door on a Thursday night in August, which was a total surprise. And then people started to ask when the next one was…so it just went from there. The whole process had been completely organic and totally unpremeditated.

B: What have been some of the personal RD highlights for you over the past few years?

D: Gosh, there have been a lot! Musical highlights are endless but special mention has to go to Peverelist in Oct 07 - an amazing set where he made a great impression on loads of people who hadn’t seen him play before. Pinch said on the night it was the best he had ever seen him play. Monster Bass in October 08 has been the best party we’ve ever put on, that was an incredible night with Mungo’s Hi-Fi on top form. I also really enjoyed The Heatwave & Rubi Dan whenever they’ve come to play - Gabriel Heatwave is my favourite DJ.

It’s difficult to single out musical highlights though, because the music at Ruffnek is always so good. Personal highlights include Monster Bass, our 1st birthday party, our linkups with [dissident] @ Clockwork and the Swanny, Jokers mum rewinding all his tunes down Cosies (LOL!), meeting loads of great people (DJs & punters alike), the very first party at Timbuk2 and of course being voted top club night in 2008!

B: How do you feel about the misappropriation by others of terms like "bashment"? It seems everyone is keen to stick it on a flyer but they dont actually rep that sound.

D: Hmmm interesting question. Bashment for me is two things. One, it’s a term for a party…a bash! But as it’s a Jamaican term so therefore the implication is that reggae & all its facets (and genres directly influenced by it) should be a major part of what is played. The other definition is of course the style of music. To me bashment is almost a post-dancehall style. It’s usually pretty fast and is quite clearly influenced by electronic dance music, Hip Hop & other non-Jamaican styles. So if you’re gonna put bashment on a flyer, you should really be playing bashment or at least something with it’s roots in reggae music.

To be honest I think people are sticking it on flyers because it’s just a cool word to use at the moment, and they think it will help attract custom. It seems they don’t actually know what it means. I’ve been to a few nights where bashment is on a flyer and I don’t hear any reggae or even any music influenced by it. It doesn’t annoy me particularly. Nobody ‘owns’ the term, so really people are free to use it as they want, whether they know what it means or not.

I consider myself a bashment DJ, though and my night is a bashment, so if you want to get to know what it’s really about then come and see me play or come to Ruffnek Diskotek! I play a very eclectic range of music, as does RD, but the foundations are always in soundsystem & reggae culture - hence why it’s always bashment. Others may well disagree with me about my thoughts here, but that’s how is see it.

B: How do you feel the local scene (and overall UK music scene) has changed in the last few years? Is it easier now to push these sounds then it was say four or five years back?

D: The Bristol scene has been amazing over the last few years! The main change is clearly the influence of Dubstep. It has allowed a lot of young producers & DJs to make their mark in music. Things had become quite stale, so the last few years have been very exciting. The challenge is to keep pushing forward and keeping things fresh. It seems Dubstep is falling into some of the same traps D&B did. There’s loads of great music being made, but as it’s become more popular the pressures from that have resulted in less experimentation, DJs having to play ‘bangers’ all the time.

What we’re trying to do is to keep peoples minds and ears open, which is easier said than done! So yeah it’s easier to push the sounds these days to an extent, but it’s still just as much as a challenge to push interesting, forward thinking music. The major change I feel has been that genres and styles are less pigeonholed these days and there is a lot of crossover, much like back in the Wild Bunch days. So it’s nothing new, but it’s great that that approach and attitude is so accepted at the moment. For an eclectic event like RD that’s obviously really helpful.

B: What does RD mean to you?

D: It’s my baby!

B: Where do you see the future of RD going?

Well more parties in the immediate future. We have our Bristol Bassmusic monthly at Cosies on the penultimate Saturday of every month there. They are always great sessions where we can play all the stuff we’re loving at that time, and it gives us a great platform to put on all our favourite Bristol artists.

Also there are gonna be more parties at The Croft & the Black Swan soon. I’m also very keen for us to keep getting bookings as Ruffnek Diskotek DJs or the Ruffnek crew. We are playing music no one else in Bristol (and beyond) is. We have in-house producers and great links with other producers, so we’re playing original material, dubs & exclusive tracks and are ‘artists’ in our own right. I would like us to start playing beyond Bristol and hopefully get involved with programming & performing at UK & European festivals.

Hopefully In the future we are going to be much more than a club night. 2009 will see the start of our label ‘Steak House’ as well. I might even finally get round to making some RD t-shirts and stickers ha ha! The hard work starts here!

B: What would be your dream line up?

D: Bob Marley & The Wailers (before they signed to Island)
The Clash
King Jammy’s Soundsystem (circa 1985)
Nirvana
Dennis Brown
The Specials
Smith & Mighty with all the singers & players
King Tubby’s & The Firehouse Crew featuring all the Waterhouse singers
Orbital
Blur
Me!

B: Give us a top 5 (of anything).

D: Shabba Ranks tunes…….

1. Get Up Stand & Rock
2. Trailer Load A Girls
3. Love Punaany Bad
4. Where Does Slackness Come From
5. Roots & Culture

RUN / HENCH

Its one thing to mastermind one hugely successful midweek night, but add to that the creation of another massive monthly midweeker too and you really have to respect the promotion team behind D&B party Run and Dubstep throwdown HENCH. It’s easy to forget Run sometimes given its weekly presence in the city, but without fail week in, week out it packs the ravers into Native to witness a seemingly endless conveyor belt of D&B royalty - on a Tuesday no less. Its one of the few nights in Bristol which has a reputation outside of the city, something which is becoming progressively harder to achieve in this day and age.

Discussing Run cant be done without mentioning its sister night HENCH, one of only a handful of genuine Dubstep nights in Bristol. HENCH has raised the bar for other promoters in terms of its bookings and vibe, and after moving from a mid-week to a weekend and now on to Native, 2009 is going to be a massive year for the twin promotions.

GIMMIE SHELTER!

Bristol is a city in a state of sonic flux right now, and the more traditional nights are losing crowds to the multi-genre super events where you can taste all your favourite rave flavours under one roof. So it’s heart-warming to witness the rising success of a genuinely idiosyncratic promotion that has character in abundance. Gimmie Shelter is another weekly event in an unlikely home at the top of the Hatchet pub, but promoter John The Mod has been tirelessly carving himself out a niche there for some years now. Offering up to two bands per week and then the eclectic selections of John himself, it’s a rare jewel in a city increasingly bereft of creativity and individuality.

PENGUIN DANCE

Personality is often missing in the multimedia viscera of promotion, where anodyne plaudits and nepotistic backslapping mask the empty gestures of an industry drip-fed on hyperbole. So it’s a rare treat when a night like Penguin Dance slips through the dire morass of identikit promotions – with a twisted sense of humour and a sincere sense of creativity in their work, the night has justifiably grown to become a success. Something they’ve never been afraid of is ambition – with large scale events and collaborations with growing audio-visual network Five|On|One already under their collective belt in 2008, it will be a pleasure to see what they conjure up this year.

SEASON FIVE

Season Five has grown exponentially from its roots as a mid-week D&B and Dubstep event to take on the weekend market with success. With a core team of dedicated and talented residents and an intelligent, progressive booking policy, the night has serious potential to go on to become one of the biggest and best nights in Bristol in 2009. As fewer and fewer genre-focused nights are emerging, it’s a brave move to concentrate on specific strands in sound. But Season Five has a clear identity about itself and one that will serve it well this year.

DISSIDENT

With only a handful of events this year to consider, what you have to look to is the amount of praise those events created. From a team who have the depth of experience and knowledge in the scene to create incredible promotions, everything about Dissident is on point. From the incredible, inspiring artwork of their flyers to the sheer quality of their line-ups and attention to detail, its no wonder Dissident has become one of the best-loved promotions in Bristol.

WEAPON OF CHOICE

Ostensibly a variation on the Secret Wars idea, Weapon Of Choice had a good year in 2008. The premise of live graffiti and live Hip Hop went on to mutate into utilising Dubstep and other genres, with the completed artwork being auctioned off at the incredibly successful Graffle events. From the ground up, Weapon Of Choice has a perfect combination of visual and audio alongside a well suited home in Mr.Wolf’s. Another mid-week event that belies its location in the week with a huge following, WOC promoter Cheba will have his hands full in 2009 if its increasing popularity is anything to go by.

BODYNOD

Pretty much the only dedicated garage night in Bristol, Bodynod has suffered in the past at the hands of the rampant ignorance present in the city toward the genre. However, as a genre revival of sorts followed in from 2007 to last year, the event’s fortunes were revived, first with a massively successful event at Warehouse, followed by two incredible parties at Native. Drawing together the best elements of the sound be it UKG, Funky, Bassline and beyond, the vibe at Bodynod is simply the best in Bristol. With a truly passionate promoter in Adam Telford organising the show, it’s a given that 2009 will see big things for the night.

BREAK!!!

Break has one of the strangest booking policies in the city, but is all the better for it. Whilst some nights are content to drop a pin in the latest list of an agent’s special offers and serve it up as something incredible, Break have trod their own path with some genuinely inspired bookings this year. 2008 saw some increasingly ambitious events from the promotion, not least of all it’s NYE link up between Clockwork and Blue Mountain. Its one thing to host large events but it’s another to take risks with that format; Break does both and has taken the formula off into bold new directions.

FUNK FROM THE TRUNK

Every month up at the Golden Lion, the Funk From The Trunk crew have been steadily building a loyal base of supporters with their blend of live music and quality DJs. It might not be the biggest rave in town, or play Dubstep on seven million speakers, but FFTT has a genuine desire to showcase the best music around and is all the better for it. 2008 was a consolidating year for the hard-working promotion team behind the night, and BUG fully expects them to take the event even further in 2009.

BEST MIX 2008 - APPLEBLIM : DUBSTEP ALLSTARS 6

If one of the key points to a good mix is how often you return to it, then Appleblim’s addition to the Tempa series must be fantastic, as it hasn’t left the BUG stereo since it was released earlier this year. With a mouth-watering tracklist – including a nice chunk of Bristol artists – all expertly blended together, its been the soundtrack for many of our late nights, early mornings and long days in between. From the soaring vocals of Pinch’s Get Up to the sparkling melody of Peverelist’s Infinity Is Now, as well as a TRG triple mix and perfect last track in Geiom’s Reminissin, it’s a mix that BUG has come back to time and time again to enjoy.

Tracklisting:

Peverelist - Gather
Peverelist & Appleblim - Circling
Pinch - Get Up
2562 - Moog Dub
Martyn - Suburbia
Jus Wan - Action Potential
2562 - Morvern
TRG & Selector Dub U - Harajuku
Peverelist - Infinity Is Now
Skream - Percression
RSD - Pretty Bright Light
Mungo's Hi Fi - Babylon
Komonazmuk - Bad Apple
Komonazmuk & Gatekeeper - Cheeky Herbert
TRG - Decisions
TRG - Put You Down (Ramadanman Refix)
TRG - Broken Heart (Martyn's DCM Remix)
Geiom - Reminissin' (Dubplate Version)

BUY APPLEBLIM : DUBSTEP ALLSTARS 6





CHEEBA – THE CASE OF THE MISSING RECORDS

How do you even categorise something like Cheeba’s mix? An insane mash of styles and sounds, it surely had a factor in him being inaugurated into the Ninja Tune camp this year. Some times turntabalist mixes can be tiresome, a showcase of style over content, but Cheeba always seems intuitively capable of holding your attention throughout the sonic odyssey he creates for you. Outstanding.

Tracklisting:

Ray Conniff - Perry mason Theme
Harlem underground - Smokin Cheeba
Zion I - Cheeba Cheeba
Los Marijuanos - Cheeba Cheeba
Tone Loc - Cheeba Cheeba
Method man Redman - Smokin Cheeba
Mantronix - In Full Effect
DJ Food - Spiral (Dub)
Coldcut - Give it Up
Art of Noise - Beatbox
Gorgio Moroder - Tears
Kraftwerk - Trans-European Express
Daft Punk - Robot Rock
Herbie Hancock - Rockit
West Street Mob - Breakdance (electric boogie)
RJD2 - Bus Stop Bitties
Quantic - Life In The Rain
Public Enemy - Bring The Noise (Accapella)
DJ Bombjack - The Lesson
Leftie Soul Connection - Bam Bam
Major Force - Re-Return (re-cut chemist mix)
The Mohawks - The Champ
Cameo - Word Up
Jurassic 5 - Acetate Prophets
The Breeders - Canonball
The Beatles - Sgt Peppers (reprise)
Alan Tew - The Peoples Court Theme
Unknown - Saphire and Steel Theme
Men From Atlantis - Billion Dollar Breaks
Task and Bear - Endurance Test
Hexstatic - Auto
Kraftwerk - Radioactivity
Coldcut - Just For The Kick
Kings of Leon - Knocked Up
Barry Gray - Theme from U.F.O.
PWEI - Home (orb sweet sin and salvation mix)
David Essex - Rock On
Led Zepplin - Kashmir
Clint Mansell - Pi Theme
Rush - Tom Sawyer
Saul Williams - List of Demands (Reperations)
Squarepusher - Planitarium
Squarepusher - Squarepusher’s Theme
Aphrodite/Wildflower - See Through It
Dissposable Heroes - Television, The Drug of The Nation
Steinski & Mass Media - We’ll Be Right Back
Aspects - Bristol Fingers
Cut Chemist - The Number Song (re-cut chemically by cheeba)
The Blues Project - Flute Thing
Beastie Boys - Flute Loop
FSOL - Amoung Myselves
Ennio Morriconi - Once Upon A Time In The West
DJ Vadim - Headz Still Aint Ready
Amon Tobin/Kid Koala - Untitled
Dr Rubberfunk - Apologetic Dub
Orbital - The Box
Dub From Atlantis - Things That We Do (dub)
Duran Duran - Watching The Detectives
Smerins A.S.C - Dr Who (Jah Humphrey’s Dub Explosion)
Coldcut - Doctor in The House

DOWNLOAD - Cheeba : The Case Of The Missing Records





KYMATIK – SUNDOWN

As Dubstep increases in popularity and the floodgates open to a whole barrage of frankly mediocre mixes (and mixing), its refreshing to see one of the long-time champions of the sound to come correct with a stunning mix of emotive, cinematic music that showcases the best aspects of the genre. From the beauty of Clouds’ Protecting Hands to the sublime textures of Hyetal’s Gold Or Soul – as well as a nice handful of Soul Motive tracks – it’s a pitch-perfect mix of atmosphere and mood. Beautiful.

Tracklisting:

Forsaken- Into The Sunset
Phaeleh ft Ngaio- Fires
Darkstar- Lily Liver (Starkey Rmx)
Clouds- Protecting Hands Pt 1
TRG + Dub U- Losing Marbles (2562 Rmx)
Clouds- Protecting Hands Pt 2
Peverelist- Infinity Is Now
Quark + Ruckspin- Sunshine
Forsaken- Last Saloon Swagger
Tekton Naggar- Moving On
Geiom ft Marita- Reminissin’
Hyetal- Gold Or Soul
Joker- Snake Eater
Pangaea- Router
Sully- Phonebox
Sines- Test 7 (Hyetal Rmx)
Martyn- Vancouver
Peverelist- CM3 Skank
Goth Trad- Genesis
Kryptic Minds- Minor 9 (Headhunter Rmx)
Cult Of The 13th Hour- Wickedness
Sharmaji- Break Your Heart
Silkie- Dam4
Coleco- Campfire Funk
TRG- Move Dis
Unknown- Untitled
Joker- 80s
Joker + Rustie- Play Doe

DOWNLOAD - Kymatik : Sundown





MR BENN – SQUARE ONE SOUND

One of the best party mixes of the year, every time this rotates into action on the BUG MP3 player it brings a smile to our face. A quality selection full of gems and refixes, as well as some truly inspired mixing (Unfinished Sympathy into Township Funk for one), you cant go far wrong with this assured mash-up of good time sounds.

Tracklisting:

Intro: Stop & Mix (Batman & Robin Style) – Dawbaz Band
Ain't No Rest For The Wicked (Wicked Devil Remix) – Cage The Elephant
Again & Again – Roots Manuva
Careless – The Magic Fly feat. Deadly Hunta
Cherry Pie Version / Ill Street Blues (Acapella) – Kool G Rap & DJ Polo
Girlie, Girlie – Sophia George
Long Time Skit
Long Time – Mr Benn feat. Blak Twang & Blackout JA
Western Soul – Parker feat. Rasco
Blud & MIA – Nice Up!
Gong Show – Tipper / Give It To Me (Acapella) – Masters At Work ft. Screechie Dan
Kinky – Stephanie McKay
Genius Of Love – Tom Tom Club
Rappa Rappa Rhythm – Tom Tom Club / Scream Out (Acapella) – Million Dan
Here Come The Girls – Ernie K Doe (DJ Andy Smith & K5 Re-Boot)
Sound And Vision – David Bowie
Bowie's Nuts – Mr Blennd
Riddim Killa – Parker vs Rodney P
Boogie On Reggae Woman (Jpod Remix) – Stevie Wonder
Used To Go Dancing (The Heatwave Remix) – Caspa Codina
Seaya Face And P. J. Body (Version) – DJ C feat. Johnny P / How High (Acapella) – Method Man & Redman
99 Hearts – Sham Sham
Dirt And Blood – Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
Can't Help Myself – The Bamboos feat. Ty
Unfinished Sympathy (Paul Oakenfold Mix) – Massive Attack
Township Funk – Mujava / Frenchapella - Deee-Lite
Rock The Beat – The Jamaica Girls
Bass Man – Black Grass
Ghost House (Suspense is killing me part II) - Boy 8 Bit
Respect (Mooqee & Russ Cuban Edit) – KW Griff
Bad Forward – Ding Dong vs. Michael Jackson
T.O.K Mode – Mr Blennd
Doobie Brothers Edit – Barrio Katz

DOWNLOAD - Mr.Benn : Square One Sound





MULDER – HARDCORE BREAKS MIX MAY 2008

Hardcore Breaks settled from its initial flurry of press this year into a steady groove but the mavericks of the style were still playing around with the template, chiefly Mulder who was still dropping mixes of raw power all year. A perfect opener with his own remix of No Reality to the euphoric vibes of Portal’s Feeling You as well as a cheeky refix at the end, it was another mix which for BUG was played week in week out.

Tracklisting:

Ram Trilogy - No Reality (Mulder Back To 93 Remix)
Modular - Dark NRG
Reckless & Sous Chef - The Wobbler (Turntable Pivot)
Mulder - Dread Notes
Modular - 2012
DJ Nee - All The Same
Mulder - Cue Burn
Mistabishi - No Matter What
Sike - Jungle Rewind
Running Man & Sous Chef - Choon Called Choon
JMT - Ego
Brainstormer - My Love
Malfunktion - The Answer
Portal - Feeling You
Stu & Nee - Heartbeat
Robbie P - Do You Know
Austin - Relics
Mulder - Electro Green Eyes

DOWNLOAD - Mulder : HCB Mix





JACKOV & KALLENDAR – RISE OF THE BAGMAN

Two of the hardest-working DJs on the local scene, it felt as if they were slept on in 2008 after establishing themselves over the last few years. Which is a genuine shame as they grew in terms of ability and selection this year to become two of the most formidable DJs around. BUG could have selected any of the handful of mixes they released this year, but Rise Of The Bagman was the most succinct in encapsulating their style, with the bonus of including spits from some talented local MCs.

Tracklisting:

J&K Intro
The Chopper - Andy C, Shy Fx Remix
Where I am - Bungle
Milky Way - Ram Trilogy
> Ewan Hoozami Spit
Shark - Cadence Weapon
Loose - Bangers and Cash
No More Blood - Ghislain Poirier
Oh Jah - Black Grass
Keep Movin - Bespoke/Krafty Kuts
Hasir - Modeselektor
>Blacksmith Spit
Sketchy Grammer - Natty
Eight Zero Eight - Bass Clef
>Sophisticated and Course (Accapella) - Ty
Karma - Virus Syndicate
Two Many Emcees - Phaeleh, feat Aggi Dukes
No Smokey Ganja - Subvert
Bounce - Starkey
West Coast Rocks - Matty G (Caspa remix)
Stop the Revolution - Meat Katie & D. Ramirez (Bassbin Twins Remix)
Blazin - Ghislain Poier (Modeselektor Remix)
Smelly - Bogeyman
>Stand Up Tall (Accapella) - Dizzee Rascal
Yes I - Time
Uprise - Tes La Rok
Iron Shirt - The Qemists
When UR Lonely - The Qemists
Enery - Nero
Missing Link - Nu:tone
Draw On Me - Mutt
Solitary Native - Alix Perez & Sabre
Eternal Optimist - High contrast
South West Sound - Deleted Scene

DOWNLOAD - Jackov & Kallendar : Rise Of The Bagman





PLACID – AFTER HOURS

Placid is another DJ whose work rate is second to none, his radio show constantly throws out amazing mixes, this one included. An ocean-deep mix of subtle techno styles, it was a perfect companion for the twilight hours and a clear example of his prowess as a DJ.

Tracklisting:

Psyche - Elements - Ten
Balil - Nort Route - R & S
E R P - Event Related Potential - Down Low
Juan Atkins - Track Ten - New Religion
Elegy - \P Switch - ART
Aril Brikha - Deeparture In Time - Transmat
Nuron / Fugue - Likemind 02
Stasis - Disco 4000 (Witness The Future) - Time is Right
Juan Atkins - Interpret - ULR
Kevin Saunderson - Force Field - Kool Kat
Link - Aurora - Simbiotic
Mevrouw Spoelstra - Ultra Low Tar - Airtight
Millenium to millenium - timeline - UR
E dancer - Powerbass - Incognito
Likemind 04
Juan Atkins - Tango - New Religion
Justin David - Light Years - Future Monument
Stasis - Monolife (Rebuild) - Likemind
M5 - Celestial Highways - Metroplex
The Black Dog - Tactile - Black Dog
Octave one - Nicolette - 430 West
Reel By Real - Distance - Interface

DOWNLOAD - Placid : After Hours





DUB BOY – ROOTED & GROUNDED

One of BUG’s favourite local DJs, Dub Boy rarely releases mixes but when he does they are something to definitely cherish. This mix for Spannered was an awesome selection, and a reminder of how accomplished as a DJ he really is.

Tracklisting:

Beenie Man — Pardon (Taxi)
Lady Saw — Married Man (Taxi)
Mr Vegas — Lean Wid It(Taxi)
Sugar Minott — Tune In (Taxi)
Sugar Minott & Bounty Killer — Tune In (Taxi)
Taurus & Jimmy Riley — Pull Up Selector (Taxi)
Shabba Ranks — Respect (Shang)
Barrington Levy — Murderer (Jah Life)
Carlton Livingston — 100 lbs of Collie Weed (Jah Life)
RSD — Murderah (Unreleased)
Mungo's Hi Fi ft. Mikey Murka — Back on the Scene (Scotch Bonnet)
Mungo's Hi Fi ft. Soom T — Did you Know? (Scotch Bonnet)
Mungo's Hi Fi ft. Rock — Inna Dancehall (Scotch Bonnet)
Mungo's Hi Fi ft. Brother Culture — Ing (MJ Mix) (Scotch Bonnet)
Mungo's Hi Fi ft. Carl Meeks — Higher Level (Scotch Bonnet)
Mungo's Hi Fi ft. Top Cat — Herbalist (Scotch Bonnet)
Junior Delgado — One Blood (Fashion)
Junior Reid — One Blood (J.R. Productions)
Junior Delgado — Dub School (Fashion)
Junior Byles — Fade Away (Jama)
Disrupt — THC 1138 (Werk)
King Tubby — Fade Out (Firehouse)
Disrupt — Riddim Grid (Werk)
Mikey Dread — Saturday Night Style (Auralux)
RSD — Prophecy (Angels Egg)
Luciano — Just Hold On (Charlie's)
Chezidek — I Won't Change (Charlie's)
Fantan Mojah — Hold Dem Heads (Charlie's)
McPullish — Dub Change I (Charlie's)
McPullish — Aerophonic Dub (Charlie's)
Henry & Louis ft. Prince Green — Love Like (2 Kings)
System Error ft. Michael Rose — Time Bomb (Universal Egg)
VC — Gone (Dig Dis)
Rootz Underground — Victims of the System (Rootz Underground)
Dark Angel — Cool & Humble (Boka)
Mungo's Hi Fi — I Love Jah (Unreleased)
Etherealites — El Toro (Roots Garden)
Nick Fantastic — Kingdom Riddim (Massive B)
Collie Buddz — Let Me Know (Massive B)
Chezidek — Call Pon Dem (Massive B)
Richie Spice — Rooted & Grounded (Star Trail)
Richie Spice — The Plane Land (VP)
Richie Spice — Earth A Run Red (Henfield)
Taurus Riley — She Is Royal (Cannon)
Disrupt ft. Mikey Murka — Empress (Scotch Bonnet)
Henry & Louis meet Blue & Red ft. Willie Williams — Plastic World (BSI)
VC — Deeds Dub (Dig Dis)
Gussie P — Chill Out Dub (Sip A Cup)
Steretyp ft. Tikiman — Fling Style (G-Stone)
Smith & Mighty — Brain Scan (Angel's Egg)

DOWNLOAD - Dub Boy : Rooted & Grounded





RICHARD CARNAGE – SPACE BOUNCE

Richard Carnage had a busy year in 2008 with his club night Tape and appointment to Resident Advisor as UK Editor. But before all that right back at the start of the year he dropped this gem of a mix, a hazy late-night voyage through the narcotic sounds of italo disco and other intergalactic oddities.

Tracklisting:

Alan Parsons Project - Voyager/What Goes Up
Asha Puthli - Space Talk
Six Cups Of Rebel - Kontroll (The Organ-Grinders Breakdown)
Owusu & Hannibal - Delirium (Morgan Geist Unreleased Dub)
Kevin Harrison - Ink Man
Skatebard - Marimba
Westpark Unit - Blaxrotation Suite Mix
Mudd - Spielplatz
Erik Rug - Tribute To My People (Vocal Version)
Ultra Nate - Love's The Only Drug (Adam Rios AM Shelter Mix)
Jay Shepheard - Live On
Cori Josias - Takin' It Straight (Dub)
Virgo - In A Vision
Black Devil Disco Club - Follow Me (Instrumental)
Magnus International - Kosmetisk
Linkwood Family - Piece Of Mind
Cristina - Blame It On Disco

DOWNLOAD - Richard Carnage : Space Bounce