Source Direct

Source Direct is a drum and bass act formed in St Albans in 1994 by Jim Baker and Phil Aslett, who started making music as teenagers. The duo also recorded as Sounds of Life, Hokusai, Intensity and Oblivion. Baker said their first tracks were released as Sounds of Life, and that their early approach drew on musical ideas they admired and the local scene. Source Direct released music on Certificate 18, Metalheadz, Basement, Odysee, Street Beats and Good Looking Records; Baker also established the group’s Source Direct Recordings imprint. The imprint began in 1995 with the track release “Fabric Of Space/Bliss” (SD001), and later released “The Crane” and “Black Rose.” Source Direct also released music on Razors Edge.

The EP Controlled Developments followed in 1997, before the album Exorcise the Demons in 1999. The track “Call & Response” appeared in the film Blade and was later included on both releases. Their music also appeared on Virgin Records and Astralwerks. Source Direct formed close artistic ties with fellow St Albans producer Photek, and their tracks were played by LTJ Bukem and DJs associated with Metalheadz. The act contributed “2097” to the Wipeout 2097 soundtrack.

Baker said the duo rarely took DJ bookings because he wanted to focus on making tracks and hearing DJs he admired, including Randall, play them. Aslett left in 1999 over musical differences, after which Source Direct became Baker’s solo project. After a long break from making music, Baker said he had returned to production with unfinished creative work to pursue. In a 2014 interview, Baker said he and Randall were working on music together.