DJ Hype Interview

A man that defined the sound of a generation, we speak to DJ Hype ahead of Innovation in the Dam this in November. Find out what the DnB/Jungle heavy weight has to say on the closure of London raving institution Fabric and the highlights of his summer.

DJ Hype Interview

Hey Hype, thanks for speaking to us, what are you up to today?
I am going through dubs and promos sent to me this week.

Cool! What have we torn you away from to speak with us?
I was building a boat in my garden made from natural materials all salvaged from the forest.

That’s amazing! So, busy as ever – what’s new at Playaz?
We have a great project out now from Tyke, followed by guest release from Majistrate and Turno – plus we have a fantastic project from Annix about to be promo’ed. Also I have just started to get back in the studio myself and hope to get some projects out in 2017.

Any cool artists or tracks we should be watching out for?
Too many to mention! I love the way new and fresh artists are popping up everywhere, showing our scene is healthy in all its styles.

So it was a busy summer for you playing Exit, Mallorca and also Fabric… speaking of which, what are your thoughts on all of that bother?
Summer festival highlights were without a doubt Glastonbury Arcadia stage and Boomtown section 6 stage back to back with Hazard! And the closure of fabric was the low light! 15 years of Playaz at Fabric was bought to an abrupt end and naturally I was upset at the pass of the club but it’s been amazing how the whole music community is supporting the fight to get their license back and hopefully they will win that fight.

What do you think of London’s DnB scene nowadays? Do you feel its lost its edge of the 90s and noughties?
I love the way drum and bass / jungle music just keeps evolving. Our scene has grown over the last 20 years and London is still as important as it always was, London is the unique cultural heartbeat.

Where would you say are the best places in London to hear proper DnB?
Up until July this year I would have said Fabric of course, but there are loads of other nights that happen throughout the year from the likes of Jungle Fever, Hospitality, Breakin Science, Awol, Soul In Motion, plus loads more…

You’ll play Innovation in the Dam in November – how did you first get involved with Inno?
I think they called my agent and booked me but I have known Loyd for years and is a totally generous giving person that I am loyal to.

When touring what 3 things do you need to always have with you?
Phone, computer, incense sticks.

What do you most love about living in London?
The diversity of people and music.

What are your top 5 drum n bass tracks that put you in the zone?
Can’t tell you as they are all dubs with no release date from my label, so I am keeping shush!

When you’re looking for new artists or music which platforms do you rate?
I don’t usually hunt for artists much, I seem to be quite organic in my signing for new artists.

Thanks for taking the time out for us Hype!

Catch Dj Hype at Innovation in The Dam on the 25th – 27th November. For tickets click here