Coming with an exclusive mix, Greg Packer, Perth’s latest export pauses
to consider the work he’s released for seminal labels GLO and others and
tell us about his path into dnb and the health of the overseas scene.
Releases?
I've had tracks on John B's label's Tangent & Chihuahua, Good Looking,
Phuturistic Bluez, Defunked, Phuturo, Gain & G2 Recordings and Nu Directions.
DJ?
I have a residency in Perth, West Australia at a night called Traffik
and play for most Loaded Dice events. They're responsible for most of the
drum & bass acts that visit Perth. I also tour the east coast on a
regular basis - Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide & Brisbane mainly.
Describe your music in 3 words.
Uplifting soulful rhythms
How did you get into making music?
It was a progression from DJ-ing really, I’d say I was mostly self taught
but a close mate of mine, Sardi has the same gear as me and gave me some tips
at the beginning to help me on my way which definitely sped the whole
process up a great deal for me.
Favourite piece of studio equipment.
Roland XV-5080 synth. It's great for strings, Rhodes, even bass after some
tweaking, most of the key elements I use in my tracks come from it these days.
Which tracks that you've written are you most proud of and why?
Touch Me – Good Looking (Studio X). It was my first signing to LTJ Bukem’s
Good Lookin’ and it's the only track I’ve made that really captures a
deep emotional vibe. It reminds me of the early Big Bud tunes which I love.
Also my ‘Ratpack remix’ seems to be a bit of a favourite on the floor and
had some requests for a copy from many big dogs in the scene which is all good!
Where do you live?
Perth, Australia is where I’m based now though I’m originally from
Northampton, England. Perth is the most isolated and the second windiest
city in the world. We have an extremely healthy dnb scene which I’m proud
to be involved in and have helped develop from the beginning - and we have
great weather in the summer. Very nice place to live!
What were you into before music?
I seriously can’t remember that far back. I’ve been hard into music since
my early teens and the birth of the breakdance era from the early 80's.
Since then music has ruled my life completely. I became a DJ when I left
school at 16 and was working in clubs when I was 17. Music is all I know.
Addictions?
Internet! Making tunes! My girl! Fast food!
Most treasured possession?
My record collection. I can look at it every day, it’s very organized into
years / genres and it constantly reminds me of where I’m from and
where I’m at. They are in the same room as my studio so I’m always inspired
to write beats.
Outside of d&b whose music are you feeling?
When I listen to non dnb music its always retro stuff, I love listening
to 80’s soul, 70’s rare groove, jazz funk, my old school hip hop and
electro. One of my fave tracks I always listen to is
Keni Burke – Risin To The Top it’s great for inspiration, I even
sampled it once!
What one LP should everyone listen to?
Makoto – Human Elements (CD version)
Favourite club?
Metropolis in Perth. We just had LTJ Bukem & Makoto play there,
I did the lead up set to over 2000 people. It has 5 levels and the club was
jammed full to the roof. They commented it was their best venue / gig of the
Aussie tour. There needs to be more dnb events there, Andy C would fill it up
no doubt. I also saw Grandmaster Flash play there recently which was amazing
Which DJ inspired you to start mixing?
Chad Jackson back in the UK, winner of 1987 DMC’s. He used to do these
marathon long hip hop mega mixes and that first made me want to learn to
beatmix and scratch. Old Red Alert & Chuck Chillout tapes from New York’s
Kiss FM in the 80’s also inspired me.
What got you into drum & bass?
I got handed a copy of a DJ Slipmatt mix from an old pirate radio station
which had tracks like ‘Renegade Soundwave – The Phantom’ and
‘Ragga Twins – Spliffhead’ which to me were the beginnings of drum n bass
/ the uk breakbeat sound. I’ve been hooked ever since that tape.
Why do you think it is that international producers are only now starting to
come to the forefront of d&b?
The fact that so many of England’s heavyweights are constantly touring the
globe has made dnb become so popular in other countries and it has only been
a matter of time before these other countries come up with decent tracks and
want to start their own labels and have their piece of the pie. Plus
everyone is so easily contactable these days via the internet which is so
much easier to communicate.
What do you think overseas producers bring to d&b?
I think the Brazilians are definitely bringing their own sound in. The rest of
the countries are not really coming with their own sound but are doing a great
job contributing to the scene. These days when you hear a big track its no
longer a surprise to find out it was made in USA or Australia or Germany.
What can we expect from yourself in the months to come?
Tunes to drop on Good lookin, Phuturistic Bluez, Chihuahua, Gain…and watch out
for the first release on my own label Interphase
以上轉錄自Drum And Bass Arena
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