Hamilton Interview

They don’t come more hard hitting in drum ‘n’ bass circles than the UK’s Hamilton. The Ram Records’ mainstay have been in the game for over 20 years now and he is still as relevant as ever. As a DJ, he’s well renowned for his damaging three deck sets at events in the UK and around the world, and as a producer he has been responsible for many scene favourites. On the verge of a comprehensive Australian and NZ tour we caught up with the legend for a quick chat…

How did you get into drum ‘n’ bass and when did you start producing it? How has the music you produced in drum ‘n’ bass changed over the years?
I’ve always been into drum and bass since back in the jungle days, but I didn’t start producing it until around 2008, just messing around really and it took me around a year to make anything even passable. D&B has changed a lot since the 90s obviously, but in more recent years it’s definitely become more technical and the production demands are much higher.

Who are some of your influencers in music – from any genre?
Honestly I don’t listen to that much music, but influences can come from anywhere, film, tv, game or just life in general. If I’m in the car I tend to listen to the classic radio stations as its always good to hear anthems from decades past, and also gives a little break from electronic music!

Having been in the electronic music scene for almost 20 years now, what has been a standout moment for you?
Probably a couple of times in the past when tracks I’ve done have gone on to create a big buzz and get snapped up by major record labels. It’s a nice feeling to be in demand and exciting to see your music go in to do well in the charts. It’s not happened for a while though lol!

Has being exclusively signed to RAM Records restricted your output in any way or has working with Andy C regularly been advantageous for you?
It doesn’t hurt to be on one of the top d&b record labels for sure, but still that doesn’t guarantee anything so much anymore. Music has a very quick turn around these days and it’s very easy to be forgotten as there’s so much music released every week.

In your eyes, who is the best up-and-coming producer in drum ‘n’ bass?
I don’t really know any up-and-coming producers that are up-and-coming any more. All the guys I rated recently are now pretty well established.

What was the last music event you went to for pleasure?
I’m not sure, it was probably a long time ago!

What is your favourite drum ‘n’ bass track of all time?
Tough call but I’d have to say Dillinja – Twist Em Out

It’ll be summer when you come down to Australia and New Zealand, what will you be doing in your down time? Any favourite places you like to visit in Australia?
Well the tour is going to be pretty full on and the only downtime I have is in Perth. I have a good friend there so I’ll probably be at his house playing ping pong and maybe hitting up his studio.

Hamilton Australia & New Zealand Tour Dates

Thursday 12th November: Grumpy’s, Melbourne
Friday 13th November: HQ Complex, Adelaide
Saturday 14th November: Villa Nightclub, Perth
Wednesday 18th November: Cassette Nine, Auckland
Thursday 19th November: Dux Live, Christchurch
Friday 20th November: Chinese Laundry, Sydney