Exclusive Interview with DJ Zinc
DJ Zinc is probably best known for the virtually undisputed 1995 anthem "Super Sharp Shooter," a fierce, energetic hip-hop/jungle fusion that by year's end had become the very definition of a rinsed-out track. Zinc's career as a DJ and producer, however, stretch quite a ways further back, sketching the steady evolution of hardcore from its house and rave roots through ragga and hip-hop-styled hardstep and beyond. He's worked with a broad range of labels, done time on the pirate radio circuit, and DJed as a resident at some of London's most popular underground clubs.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with DJ Zinc, shortly before his performance at Grease on May 22.
You are mostly associated with Drum&Bass, but you released a variety of productions outside the Drum&Bass genre that enjoy notable success likewise. In 2008 you started focusing on a fusion of Deep-, Funky- and Fidget House – which you named “Crack House”. What made you take this new direction and how would you describe that new “Crack House” sound to someone who’s never heard it before?
I decided to start making and playing house music in 2008 because I was bored of the Drum&Bass sound - I felt like a change! I called the music I started making ‘crack house’ because I thought if I just said ‘house’ people might have their own preconception. I’d describe it as bass heavy house music.
In the Drum Bass scene you are famed for tracks such as “Super Sharp Shooter” and “6 Million Ways” (released under your alias Dope Skillz), “138 Trek” is a 2-Step track that became a Top 30 hit and “Stingray” (a collaboration with A-Trak) is one of those new “Crack House” tracks. What other tracks - out of all tracks you have made - would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I guess those ones, and ‘wile out’ with mms dynamite - that covers the different kind of music I’ve done.
What are you currently working and focusing on? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
Working on new music, I’ve got a release on rinse in few weeks then will release an up on my label after that.
Your career started in 1993. Looking back on over 20 years as a DJ, which were your personal highlights, what was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
There are so many highlights its hard to pick one or 2 - some of the big festivals I’ve done have been pretty breathtaking, but then some of my favorite DJ experiences have been in dark little clubs. Thankfully I can’t think of really bad things that have happened. Funniest thing - I don’t know really, there have been a few things like falling off stages and stuff like that. People getting on stage and doing crazy stuff!
You live in the UK’s capital London. What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife in London? Do you have any nightlife related suggestions for first-time visitors?
London has world class clubbing - I live near Dalston and Shoreditch which both have some great clubs like The Nest, XOYO, Dance Tunnel and loads more, from really grimy places to very flashy clubs. London clubs are pretty forward thinking music wise, so you can hear good ds most nights of the week.
You last visit in Bangkok was in 2010 at Bed Supperclub. This May 22 you return to Bangkok to perform at Grease, alongside local talent DJ Dragon. Did you keep your last show here in good memory? What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
Bed Supperclub was fun - it was cool to work with dynamite MC on that tour. This time I’ll be playing a mixture of music old and new that I really love - some of the new house stuff I’m making (I just finished a track with Marky that I love playing!!) mixed with some old Jungle and Drum&Bass and everything in-between.