FOR THE CULTURE

Qu.1 – The Origin Story:

The intro to Champion Sounds VIP features that brilliant vocal explanation of sound system culture and sound clashes; it’s such a powerful cultural statement setting the vibe right away. What was the initial spark that brought you and Damion J together to collaborate on this remix of your original 2020 release of Champion Sound?

Initially Damion J heard the original tune on NRG Cardiff and liked it so much he wanted to put down some vocals and of course he smashed it out of the park. I did some re-arranging and the final piece of the vocals was actually the ‘yeaaah’ just before the drop. But really the majority of the work was spent updating the original instrumental.

Qu.2 – Sound System Culture:

The title Champion Sound carries massive weight, nodding all the way back to the original 1950’s sound clash foundations in Jamaica – before Reggae, Ska, or modern bass music even existed – as well as Q-Project’s seminal 1993 anthem at the very birth of UK Jungle and Drum & Bass culture. When you were putting together this VIP version, did you intend it as a direct homage to those deep, multi-generational roots?

Such a good question! The sound system culture core was always a priority. Keeping the drums and the bass at the very centre of the mix with vocals providing MC-esque backing blending live hype man and vocalist. Champion Sound itself as a phrase is synonymous with Jungle through its use in sound clashes so it was an obvious choice when making the original tune, given the flow and how easy it was to move to.

Qu.3 – The Collaborative Dynamic:

As a collaboration, how did your individual styles complement each other when you sat down to make this version of the track? Can you walk us through the creative process of how your heavy Drum n Bass production blended with Damion J’s vocal style to create such an epic remix?

Actually it was a breeze. We didn’t even need an in-person studio session; just a call and I gave Damion J full creative freedom to express what he wanted. Once I got the vocals sent through I knew it was a perfect match. But as I mentioned earlier, the main challenge was updating the 2020 version while keeping what made it unique. I ended up remaking most of the elements from drums and added basses with a little uplift on the rest to match the direction I’m aiming in.

Qu.4 – Studio Secrets & Atmosphere:

For the production heads reading this, what was the most challenging part of getting the final mixdown right for Champion Sound VIP? Is there a specific synth, sample, or bass-processing trick you used that defines the track’s heavy atmosphere?

Given my health situation, it wasn’t as easy to reference tunes as it was when I had my studio set up. So it was mainly referencing on as many systems as possible and getting feedback from people I could trust; Holsta, Mr Dubz and of course Damion J to name a few. But of course, my Mum and Brother are my most honest critics. Technical-wise it was keeping the levels in control while keeping that raw sound profile which proved most difficult, given the more contemporary vibe of the updated VIP. Knowing how your tunes translate onto systems and radio is the issue a lot of producers struggle with and this might sound cliché but keeping it simple and using good ingredients to start with reduces the headache when it comes to mixdowns. Removing low end from cymbals, under 200hz on snares, under roughly 110hz on synths, keeping sub mono and a healthy amount of clipping or tube warmth on master can really tighten up a mix and give it a more analogue feel. I like the HAAS effect with a high pass on a bus for cymbals, vocals and even synths. A short 7ms to 18ms delay on either left or right actually tricks the mind into perceiving the high frequencies wider and makes them pop.

Qu.5 – Live Play:

Have you played Champion Sound VIP live yet and if you have, what was the crowd’s reaction?

We’ve played it a few times through various stages of production for testing in a live setting. Most notably, since my break for health, was Pat Fulgoni’s event down at Marsden Mechanics with a stellar line-up. It went down a treat with the drums and basses relationship really translating well. The crowd went nuts in my humble opinion. Damion J can hype up anyone.

Qu.6 – The Sheffield Sound Culture:

Sheffield has a legendary, gritty history with electronic music – from old-skool warehouse raves to massive bassline and DnB movements. How much has growing up or being based in the Steel City shaped the industrial energy we hear in Champion Sound VIP?

With an industrial history like Sheffield I was always interested in the unusual, anything from Prodigy to Indiogenes, I was always looking for something new. For sure the steel works industry has inspired a lot of my sound and that’s probably why the Prodigy struck such a chord. But it wasn’t until my good friend Jean-Luc pointed me in the direction of Drum and Bass and the rest was history. I guess the architecture has always inspired me too, jagged edges and steep walks under streetlights on a cold night with the city backdrop leaves a lot of space for the mind to fill in the colour. But the music culture has always had a level of freedom in Sheffield that really lends itself to creatives. Being in such close proximity to so much got me interested in what else there could be.

Qu.7 – Huddersfield’s Reputation:

We once heard a quote that “Some people think Huddersfield is the music capital of the world”. Given your ties to the local area, the incredible local sound system history, and your link-ups around the town, what do you think gives Huddersfield’s music scenes such a massive, heavy-hitting reputation, despite it being a smaller town between neighbouring cities?

Huddersfield is a hidden gem sat right in the centre of three of the biggest cities in the UK. It might be a little out of the way, but it’s like a mutual meeting point of minds between Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester, which all bring their own flavours. But that’s not to downplay Huddersfield in the slightest. The amount of talented artists and hardworking passionate heroes in the scene are what makes Huddersfield so special. There’s also the university which every year brings an influx of fresh faces which add to the culture through simply coming to events, showing support, or even getting the itch themselves and we’ve seen many people do the same and go on to massive things. It’s a great place to network and meet people from all backgrounds. Venues are always changing but the soul remains as strong as ever.

Qu.8 – Artists supporting Artists:

Music scenes thrive when artists support each other. Are there any up-and-coming producers, DJs, or vocalists from your local area or the surrounding Yorkshire scenes that you think people should be looking out for right now?

There’s so so many I could mention but I can’t just write a full page so I’d say Tommy Lee, Leo Tribe, Freakstylez Art, Mr Dubz, Sarala Soul, Tani DNB, Beth Holloway, and Charla Green. They are all doing amazing things in music and art and if I could get all of these guys in a room together for an event it would be truly special. There’s a bunch more I could mention. So many talented people around.

Qu.9 – Local Club Staples:

If someone is visiting the Yorkshire underground music scene for the very first time, which venues, club nights, or record stores are an absolute ‘must-visit’ in your book?

Wow, I don’t really know where to start. My most life-changing places or events were the ones that felt unique and came from doing something different. I think Vinyl Tap record store is a must-go-to for Huddersfield, plus it’s right outside the train station. I would also be recommending Bassment but unfortunately it’s no longer with us. There’s Northern Quarter too which has been an absolute gem in Huddersfield and needs to remain a hub for creatives. As was Small Seeds. Parish is a great place for meet-ups. But for strictly Drum and Bass venues… The Foundry was putting on insane events and always worth keeping an eye on. Leadmill is now Electric Studios which I still need to check out as I’ve heard good things. Dryad Works is a staple in Sheffield music culture as is Forge Warehouse. There’s so many in Leeds and Manchester too but it’s best to just pick and experience for yourself as that’s where you make the memories for a lifetime.

Qu.10 – The Future:

What’s next for Ventus & Damion J? Can we expect a full collaborative EP or live collaborative sets in the near future?

Oh yeah! We’ve got other tunes in the pipeline such as ‘Gun Salute’; another homage to the culture saluting the symbol of Gun Fingers based on a dub exclusive to my patreon, with other genres and ideas waiting for me to get round to. I’ve got a huge backlog of my own tunes from the last 5 years that I’m working through and adding new ones too. As for live shows they had to take a backburner for me for the last year or two and I’m feeling better as time gets on. It’s so good to be able to produce again, even though I’m not fully back to myself. In time I’ll be stronger than ever and it’s going to be extra special because yeah, me and Damion J have to do more live-setting gigs. We were building a chemistry that’s unique to us and blending the old with the new in a way I’ve not seen many people do. Maybe that’s my inexperience with the 90s talking because of my age but we were getting great reactions from all ages and that’s ultimately what it’s all about. Bringing people together through the love of music!