Last summer, our special correspondent DJ Step attended the drum and bass festival Innovation In The Sun. This is the summer edition of the legendary Innovation event, which features dozens of parties in clubs, outdoors and even in a medieval castle. It takes place near Barcelona, Spain, in the seaside town of Lloret de Mar on the Mediterranean coast. Throughout the week, DJ Step not only partied and enjoyed authentic British drum and bass sound, but also interviewed several of the festival’s headliners and prepared a photo report. We present the first interview in the DROPTHEBASS.RU Innovation Report series: DJ GUV.
DJ GUV’s name is not yet particularly well known in Russia, so we will allow ourselves a few words about this promising DJ and musician. Having begun his DJ career on Kool FM radio in 2007, DJ GUV has come a long way from an unknown artist to one of the key players on the British jump-up scene. In 2013, he received the “Best Breakthrough DJ” award at the National Drum & Bass Awards and was also nominated for “Best Breakthrough Producer”. More recently, DJ GUV released his debut album, Warning LP, on his own label, Dubz Audio. DJ GUV’s current schedule includes tours throughout Europe, where he showcases his excellent DJ technique and presents his own music.
DJ Step: Were you at Innovation in the Sun last year?
DJ GUV: Yes, I was there last year and the year before that.
What do you think of the crowd at this year’s festival compared with last year’s?
You know, I think it’s practically the same. Every year, people who are on the same wavelength come here to hang out and have a good time.
How do festivals such as Let It Roll, Sun and Bass, Outlook and SunBeatz differ?
They are all good events, but I can’t really talk about them because I haven’t played at those festivals. Only at SunBeatz this year.
Is Innovation only a jump-up festival?
It’s not only jump-up, it’s everything. Innovation represents all styles of drum and bass; that’s its particular feature, and it’s a good thing. All styles of drum and bass are here.
Which style will be popular in drum and bass music next year: jump-up, neurofunk or something else?
Jump-up… hahaha, definitely jump-up. It’s breaking ahead.
Unfortunately, there aren’t that many producers in Russia who make music in a style similar to yours. It would be great if you came to us next year. Tell us, which producers are you most interested in at the moment?
There are many of them today, of course: Majistrate, Annix and, naturally, Hazard. They produce solid material all the time.
What do you think of P.A.?
I think P.A. is a very interesting producer, but not really my style.
What new releases are expected on your label, Dubz Audio?
Dubz Audio—remember this label! The next release is my first album, which will come out in November. That’s what I’m working on right now. We’re planning releases from Premium, Hedex and others. It’s difficult to say at the moment, but there will be a lot.
What do you think of Dominator?
Dominator is very good. I’ve worked with him before; he’s an excellent artist.
Who do you plan to work with in the future?
I don’t even know. Right now, I’m completely focused on working on my album.
How many tracks will be on the album?
About 12, but that may change.
Will you come to Russia?
Definitely!
What do your friends say about drum and bass in Russia, for example DJ SS?
I know that he often travels to Russia. Other artists say that jump-up is not very popular or well developed in Russia. It would be great to bring some real jump-up music and atmosphere over there. I hope your team at DropTheBass.ru will make this possible soon!
Interview: DJ Step. Russian translation: Mikhail Alexandrov. This English version was translated from the Russian text.
