Interview // SDM0

If you haven’t heard of SDM’s name in Portsmouth, you’ve probably been living under an extremely large rock. Resident DJ to Breakneck, Jub Jub and Portsmouth’s premier dubstep and grime night 10Ton, he’s also been running dnbforum.com since 2001. Southsea’s golden boy gives us a brief insight into how he got started and who he’d give his last Rolo to.

SDM!  What first inspired you to take up Djing?

I caught the bug for dj’ing from listening to Hardcore rave mixtapes from 94-97 throughout school, when I got a job that paid enough to buy some decks I bought my first set, Gemini PT-2000′s decks and a Gemini PS-626 mixer. I think I was just so into the music I wanted to give mixing a go myself, and that’s where the long and expensive road of dj’ing and vinyl collecting began.

What were your musical interests as a kid?

I honestly can’t remember what I listened to before rave mixtapes, I would guess just whatever was on the TV or radio, I certainly didn’t have a musical background.

What can you remember about your first proper DJ gig?

I think my first set out was for dj’s RJM and Ringle who ran the legendary Jungle/Drum & Bass night VURT at EQ, I can’t remember what year that was but I’d imagine it was around 1999-2000. I ran a website called “31seconds” back then and myself and two others played under that name for this event, we played the first hour when it was almost empty – that didn’t matter though, we were playing at VURT where we previously spent many a night raving to dj’s like Rap and Fabio.

First record bought …

I think it was two albums, both The Prodigy, “Experience” and “Music For The Jilted Generation”. I quickly realised most of these tracks were varying tempos and not overly mixable so I ended up moving on to something else quite quickly!

What’s been your favourite set you’ve played?

There’s a question and I’m sure there is a definitive answer but it escapes me right now, however playing on the Valve Sound System numerous times is definitely up there! Another set that springs to mind is the first time I played a Dubstep set to the Breakneck crowd in 2006, needless to say they all thought it was slow and rubbish and they stood around the side of the dance floor waiting for the next dj to step up and play Drum & Bass – I wouldn’t change that set for anything though, it was quite a buzz bringing in new music to the beloved Portsmouth crowd!

What tune are you loving right now?

Coki – “Tree Trunk”. Coki’s a bad man!

Tell us about the club nights you’re involved in Portsmouth with…

I’m involved with a few nights; resident dj since the very first Breakneck in 2002, co-promoter for 10 Ton – Portsmouth’s biggest and best Dubstep & Grime night, and JubJub which is a new night for the varying styles of bass heavy House music.

What’s the hardest part of being a DJ?

Playing to a crowd that aren’t feeling what you’re playing. I’ve never been one to play exactly what the crowd want to hear, I want them to hear what I think good music is, maybe even educate a handful, and chuck in a few crowd pleaser’s along the way. All killer, no filler!

What style of music do you like to play the most?

Definitely Dubstep and Grime, no question!

What artists do you find yourself listening to the most?

A very typical answer but I really do listen to lots of genres. I’ve recently been loving my 80′s power ballads but I’m currently listening to Mala and Goth Trad on Deep Medi – deep!

What’s your favourite iPhone app?

Most used is probably my text app, BiteSMS, but I’m very partial to GPush, Meebo, Sleep Cycle, Read It Later and of course, DoodleJump!

Fill in the blanks please.

When I’m at the bar I like to drink …Guinness, Fosters or amaretto and coke.

I’d give my last Rolo to …I’d probably eat it if I was on my own, but I’d certainly offer it out if not!

If I could have a pet it would be a …A Labrador!

When I grow up I want to be a …Dexter!

The animal I most resemble is a …I’d like to think a lion or tiger but it’s most likely a bear of some sort sadly.

I like to watch…Dexter! on TV

I get offended when …People don’t treat me how I treat them, manners cost nothing!

My fave film is …I don’t think I have a favourite but I like comedies like Anchorman and Superbad and I recently loved District 9, Harry Brown and Avatar 3D!

What head-liner you’ve been on the same bill with has impressed you the most?

Andy C, every time!

What do you like to do before a set?

Make sure Serato works!

Why have you switched to Serato?

Finally fed up of paying lots of money for vinyl and having to store it all. Digital dj’ing with Scratch Live is no different to playing with vinyl but means you can do exciting things with your set like making specials of tunes, getting new tunes an hour before you’re playing, and looping/effecting your music without the need for a special mixer. Lots of pros and not many cons.

Do you miss using vinyl?

Not at all, I’m in the process of selling lots! However I am very pleased I’ve done my many years dj’ing with vinyl, I wouldn’t change that!

How’s the producing going?

I’ve recently been learning Ableton Live 8 to start a fresh with my productions. My remix of Kry Wolf’s “Mucky” is being digitally released on Sounds Of Sumo in the coming months.

What’s your favourite place to eat out in Portsmouth?

It has to be either Sopranos or Rancho.

What’s in store for SDM in the future?

Producing music again I hope, some more releases would be good!

Thank you SDM, you sound like an interesting DJ.  Anything you’d like to add?

A tip: having recently moved house I’d highly recommend boxing up your belongings before your moving day, it takes a lot longer otherwise as I recently found out.

http://www.facebook.com/sdmdj?ref=ts

http://dnbforum.com

Photography – Char Ripley/Ursula Reynolds/Unknown/Stephanie Jane Bennett