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Q&A: BIG BUD
   He's travelled the World, served his D&B apprenticeship at legendary atmospheric label Good Looking, recorded three previous albums, set up his own label alongside DJ Element and collaberated with people from every corner of the globe! So, with his fourth album ready to hit the shops, DOA is eager to chat to Big Bud about rice'n'beans, going with the flow and his Fear of Flying.
DOA: Having spent the last two years travelling the World and recording your latest album, have you conquered your fear of flying?
Big Bud: Pretty much, yeah. I can't say I enjoy it but I can deal with it now. It was a trip to New Zealand that did it really, if you can do 23hrs then anything else is a doddle. Meeting heads from different countries and realising that music makes friends and opens doors wherever you go...that makes it worth the flying....corny but true!
DOA: You worked with a lot of different musicians and vocalists while recording 'Fear of Flying', was there anyone in particular that you knew you had to get involved as soon as you heard them?
Big Bud: Yeah, in Belize, definitely. I just used to tune in to a show called local vocal on the radio and then go and find the peeps we heard...my man in Belize knew where to find most of them so we'd head down into the ghetto and track em down. I'd like to say that all these collabs were part of a big plan but actually it was more chance meetings and coincidences really. The fact that I was actually in Belize in the first place was all down to a guy from Belize getting into a taxi in Southampton being driven by a good mate of mine...these things just seem to happen really and if you just go with the flow you never know who you're gonna meet or what's gonna happen. I just seem to meet musical heads wherever I go and I'm up for working with anyone. I like to let things happen rather than plan , its more exciting that way.
I'm the same in the studio, not much of what I've done is planned, I try and keep a random element in the process of writing tunes because I realised a long time ago that some of the best things to come out of my studio started as accidents or mistakes. Same as life really you can plan all you like but you never know whats round the corner and often the things that you have no control over turn out to be the best! Being dropped from my last label turned out to be the best thing that could've happened to me 'cause I wouldn't have done all the things I've done, met the people or been to all these amazing countries....so thats it, the secret of life.....go with the flow and let shit happen and just make the most out of it!
DOA:What has been the most amazing memory from the last two years?
Big Bud: Oh man, there's been so many! My son being born was very special, obviously. Musically, the month spent in the caribbean with my ghetto heads was unbelievable. Working with different singers/rappers/musicians every day, living on rice'n'beans, rum and weed and just soakin' up the vibe of that part of the world was an amazing experience! Seriously loud dub boomin' out of speakers everywhere, terrible poverty but I've never met so many happy people, opens your eyes up and makes you think about what's important and how so much of the shit that people worry about back here means nothing.
DOA:You're heavily involved in Soundtrax (alongside DJ Element) which has been pushing those cinematic vibes you're so well known for, is that an element you feel has been missing from D&B recently?
Big Bud: Soundtrax is the main focus right now and yeah we've put out some tracks on the cinematic tip but that's just one side of the story. I think because me and Element have quite different tastes when it comes to D&B this is the reason that Soundtrax' output is quite diverse. I've been asked this question a few times in interviews, what kinda label is Soundtrax? Some peeps seem to be a bit confused as to why we release so many different flavours, I don't understand why they ask the question. My answer is, why not? I think it can only be a good thing, D&B is a broad church and so is soundtrax :)
DOA:What's up next for Soundtrax and for you personally?
Big Bud: We've got some wicked new bits lined up from all over the globe. We're gonna drop two 12”s off the album any time now. Following that we have Motive aka 'The Boy Wonder from Down Under" coming with some dubwise flavours on 'Saviour Dub'. After him Germany represents with TGM, one of the most respected D&B producers in his country, we've signed 'Chainsmoker' by him, also from Cologne we've got DJ Amaning, definitely a name to watch for! Basic Ops from the USA follow them and the next phase is still under negotiation so just keep em peeled and visit our website for more info.Then look out for the Super8sound label later this year, which will run alongside Soundtrax (but don't call it a 'sub label'!).
For me personally; busy with the Fear of Flying World Tour, off to Australia & NZ next week for a month, then the States / Russia / Europe / Canada and then back in the studio for album no.5. I've also been in the studio with DJ Red lately, it's my first ever collab with another D&B head and it's goin well. It's really pushed me into another area, expect to hear the outcome later this year.
There's also plans for a Fear of Flying Remix Album towards the end of the year featuring mixes from Blame, Zero Tolerance, Nookie, DJ Red, Basic Ops, DJ Element, Paradox, Motive, TGM & Random Movement!
DOA:If there was a film about your life who would play you?
Big Bud: Hmm, I guess it would have to be De Niro, only 'cause he's got a coco pop on his face like me and he always looks miserable (unlike me).
DOA:And which 5 tunes would make up the Soundtrack?
Big Bud: Good question
Bobby Womack - How Could You Break My Heart
Don Carlos - Late Night Blues
Miles Davis - Flamenco Sketches
Ray Pollard - The Drifter
Photek - Rings Around Saturn
sound-trax.co.uk/ |
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Dogs On Acid > Comments > Q&A: BIG BUD
04-30-2005 12:04 PM
big bud fear of flyining tour australia
