| |
PHIL SOURCE
DOA: Many newer DnB heads might not know, but you're one half of the acclaimed duo Source Direct. You guys had critically acclaimed tunes and a seriously sick album under your belts – but then broke up. What was the reasoning for no longer working together?
Phil Source: I was a partner of Source Direct from the beginning as Sounds of Life which we started in 1991. We were together until 2000, so we spent a lot of our teens growing up together with music. After being signed to Virgin for a couple of years, which would have been around 1998-1999, we started to have musical differences. This happens with a lot of groups that start at an early age together as they grow apart. Things also change dramatically when they sign to majors because of huge amounts of pressure. It can drive the artists apart and change their views towards their music. I felt this happened to Source Direct and couldn't be mended!
DOA: After all of that, you started your imprint Vampire Records. What was your idea behind starting the label, and has it changed from when it first came out as a tool for your tracks to you signing tunes from other producers?
Phil Source: The concept behind Vampire Records is the relation between clubbers and vampires. The label since it started in 2006 has always put out a combination of Phil Source collaborations and other artists music from all corners of Drum & Bass. I have been focused on running the label more these days than being in the studio. Most of the later releases are established and new artists in the Drum & Bass scene.
DOA: You pick some truly timeless tunes, which is evident with the past releases are still selling. What do you look for when signing tracks?
Phil Source: I never look for something that works for a particular job. I am always open to all different styles of Drum & Bass. I like the experimental side of it a lot. I think this is paramount for keeping things moving forward and creating timeless music.
DOA: Do you have any favorites of the tracks that you’ve released so far?
Phil Source: My favourite tracks on the label so far are Teebee's "Snakestlye Practice", Bal's "Remembrance", System's "Planet Ogo" & Rift's "No Fear".
DOA: In 2009, you put out the Once Bitten, Twice High album, which turned into a two CD affair. Were you looking for a particular sound for this album?
Phil Source: On the 1st of April 2009, Vampire released its first label album Once Bitten, Twice High, which was a big success. The album featured some of the best tracks from the first 10 releases on the label, plus new and exclusive tracks from current and new artsits. The sound of the album was using all styles of Drum & Bass. We are not trying to be pigeonholed in anyway. The Vampire sound has always tried to push the boundaries.
DOA: All of this leads us to the new album, Drumz Of The Damned. This is another two disc compilation, with a lot of talented producers who push the envelope of today's Drum & Bass. First off, is there a theme going on with your titles?
Phil Source: The themes are obviously based around vampire life. There is definitely a lot of thought that goes into each project. We like to make people think about the music and the journey that each album takes you on.
DOA: What are some of your favorite tunes from this new album, and why?
Phil Source: Some of the tracks I like on Drumz of the Damned include:
Mindscape's "Reefer" - I really like this track as it takes you back a bit as well as moving things forward. The track uses the old "Phantom Force" breakbeat with a Euro electronic sound to bring it into 2010.
Nusense "Obsessive Compulsive" - I think that Nusense will be big for the future. This track has been big for me on tour. It is a great intro track to start a set and has a massive drop.
Bal "Remembrance (System Remix)" - This was one of the bigger tracks from the label. System has done a really good job on the remix. It is one of the rewind tracks on Fabio's Radio 1 show. I love the distorted bongos in this track. They also come in on the second drop.
DOA: Will there be a tour or any singles from this album coming soon?
Phil Source: There will be 3 album samplers that will be coming out in the next month:
VAMPDJLP2UK001 – Drumz of the Damned – Album Sampler
A) Bal – Remembrance (System Remix)
AA) Nymfo – Paperboy
VAMPDJLP2UK002 - Drumz of the Damned – Album Sampler
A) Mindscape – Reefer
AA) Soul Intent – Future Funk (Phil Source & Outrage Remix)
VAMPDJLP2UK003 - Drumz of the Damned – Album Sampler
A) Nusense – Obsessive Compulsive
AA) Soul Intent – For the Headz
DOA: You've dropped a lot of singles and two compilations on Vampire – are there any plans for an artist album on Vampire?
Phil Source: In 2010 we are going to try and get out some artists albums instead of singles and compilations. We have a few artists which are working on projects at the moment such as: Phil Source, Gremlinz, Edward Oberon, Method One and Nusense.
I'm also DJing around the globe again this year, taking the Vampire sound to new people all the time. All Phil Source/Vampire Tour bookings are made through Icon
DOA: What else can heads expect from Vampire on 2010?
Phil Source: If the next album goes as well as the first we shall be putting on some Vampire parties this year. We are looking to bring back bigger sound systems, crazy light shows, dancers and projections.
DOA: Are you still producing? If so, any chances of you dropping any material in the near future?
Phil Source: I am still producing. As I mentioned earlier I am making a Phil Source album in 2010. It will be my first album since the Source Direct Exorcise The Demons album, which came out in 1999. I am really enjoying being back in the studio. I am hoping it will be out just before Christmas 2010.
DOA: Outside of Vampire, what producers and/or labels are you feeling?
Phil Source: I like a lot of the stuff that is coming out on Metalheadz, Critical, Shogun Audio and Digital Soundboy. The artists I like outside of Vampire are Alix Perez, Icicle, Commix and S.P.Y.
DOA: How can an artist get in contact with you about sending demos or advice?
Phil Source: If people want to get in contact they can contact me at the following:
DOA: Do you have any final thoughts or shouts before we wrap this up?
Phil Source: I would like to thank Strago, Outrage and Qumulus for working with me in the studio form my LP. Peace.
*GRAB VAMPIRE RECORDS FROM THE DOA STORE
*GRAB VAMPIRE RECORDS TRACKS FROM DOA DOWNLOADS
Words: khal |
|
|
Dogs On Acid > Comments > PHIL SOURCE
03-08-2010 04:46 PM
