Exclusive Interview with Snareophobe
Snareophobe is a forward thinking live/production/DJ from the UK. Since 2009 Snareophobe has built a reputation as an act that never fails to blow up a crowd with high energy live sets. Taking influences from Jungle, Hiphop, Garage, Breakbeat, Dubstep and Drum & Bass, mixing up heavyweight bass lines, samples, loops, FX and mashing up tracks over 4 channels, remixing on the fly. Snareophobe smashed 2011 to pieces with a string of shows and festivals throughout Asia, India, Europe and the UK. 2012 was packed full with relentless touring through Europe & 3 months (40 shows) in Canada, USA & Australia with Dub Fx & The Flower Fairy. Performances are guaranteed to be laced with dance floor killers including unreleased remixes and pipeline collaborative projects with some of the biggest names in the bass music community.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Snareophobe, shortly before his performance at Grease on Saturday 4th May.
How did you get in touch with bass music in the first place?
Roni Size - New Forms & illegal raves in the UK.
How would you describe your music in just a few words?
Bassheavy sounds from the UK with a hip hop & junglist feel.
Out of all tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I think ‘I Double L’ featuring Eva Lazarus is a big Snareophobe track. People seem to love the BD Films music video and it drops heavy in the club. The remix of Ill-Esha & Roomate’s ‘Holla Down’ is also a winner. I really love the sound of that one!
Last year you toured Canada and North America with Dub FX. How did you guys meet and how was the tour?
I met Dub Fx in the street, years ago in Manchester, before he was Dub Fx. I was the first promoter to book a Dub Fx set for a large club event. I had booked the Stanton Warriors and Dub ended up hosting the night after playing a set between DJs. We have been friends and worked together for almost 7 years now. He features on the Snareophobe album and we have loads of tracks in the pipeline. I’m currently in Melbourne working on his new album.
The North American tour was amazing. We travelled the entire continent, pretty much, with Cade, Flower Fairy, Dub Fx + a few of our friends. We smashed all the shows and spread some nu skool music to people who are usually hearing very different sounds to what we provide. We delivered a 3-month dub education, let’s put it that way!
Obviously you travelled a lot lately. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
I always have my laptop for making beats! Toothbrush, clippers, earplugs, mp3 player, and neck pillow is the essential list. I really don’t miss anything much from home to be honest...I love being on this endless mission cruising through the galaxy with my friends.
Also last year – in August - you released your debut album. What can you tell us about the album?
The album coincided with the North America tour and features Convoy artists Eva Lazarus (Dub Mafia), Lil Rhys, Marf (Congo Natty/La La & the Boo Ya), Mc Idle & Dub Fx. It is a journey through basslines, starting with some summer vibes and ending with tearout dancefloor beats. Go check it out at www.snareophobe.bandcamp.com
What’s up next on your agenda? What are currently working on?
Currently I live in Dub Fx’s treehouse and I’m working on producing both his forthcoming album and a new Snareophobe EP. Heavy beats & bass coming through this year!
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
The best gig I have ever played is a really tough one! There are some really awesome, massive capacity shows and festivals that have been amazing. I’ve been DJing for 14 years and playing events most weekends, playing repeat shows in 22 countries over the years. I couldn’t possibly pick one. The worst gig I have played has to be at Glastonbury Festival where the power to the stage cut out after 10 minutes and my saxophone player was passed out from a hayfever attack. Eek!
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Again, a combination of shows. I reckon I laugh until I feel ill most times I go and play shows - DJing on an armored monster truck soundsystem, naked hippies, crowd surfing, blow up chair races on ski slopes, Polish people, mushroom shakes on Koh Chang...I cant reveal any more in case my mother reads this :) Too many good times and comedy moments to pick one… sorry!
You not only remix tracks of other artists, but also recipes. There is a “Jamie Oliver Vs Snareophobe Pie Recipe” remix on your website’s “In The Kitchen” area. Are you passionate for food?
Big time! All my crew are wizards in the kitchen. Flower Fairy is the best cook I’ve ever met. I love to cook everything though… sharing food with good people is one of the greatest pleasures in life!
Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?
I love Thai food... I cook it at home and I make any excuse possible to come to Thailand, just to eat curry and noodle dishes every day! Amazing! I always try get my hands on some good local food and make sure the rider isn’t Mc Donald’s or anything like that... goes without saying really.
On 4th May you will perform live here in Bangkok at Grease. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?
I have been to Thailand 4 times already and now I’m looking forward to playing a Bangkok show for the first time. I usually play at Maya Bar parties on Koh Tao and recently DJed & hosted their 2 day festival with the Dub Pistols, Phil Hartnol & a load more wicked DJs. I’m sure we can make the Dubway show in Bangkok go off with a bang! I hope they have a good soundsystem! I like LOUD noises!
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Grease?
Expect bouncy, lively, junglist vibes laced with hip hop and ragga. It’s going to be hyper! Hopefully I will get 2 hours + to spin. I have too much new music that needs to be unleashed. See you on the dancefloor, Thailand crew!