LiveMusicDaily Exclusive Interview

Drum & Bass Icon from London

It was an honor to speak with one of the most iconic international DJs on the Drum and Bass scene. While his answers indicate how humble he is, it is widely known that he is one of the most influential D&B Djs alive. His music has been heard globally and he’s still down to play some of the more intimate venue while on tour.  Andrew McConnell spoke with Bailey to discuss his current artistic pursuits, his favorite producers, DJing on BBC Radio & Ministry of Sound Radio, and much more.

LiveMusicDaily is proud sponsor of the upcoming event this Sunday August 17th 2Tuff presents Metalheadz DC at U Street Music Hall w/ DOC SCOTT, Bailey Intabeats, T.R.A.C., & Slant. Buy Tickets Here.

Andrew M : You are well known in the D & B scene and a common name in the UK, Europe, US, and all over the world. As an artist who has accomplished a great deal, how do you keep things fresh & interesting on a personal level. What are your current artistic ambitions that will help you further push the envelope in the D & B scene?

Bailey: Finding the next new D&B producer I’ve never heard of with amazing music is part of what keeps it exciting for me. They are boundaryless with nothing to prove so what you usually get is undiluted emotion. I don’t listen to Drum & Bass all the time though. That way I can keep the new music I get fresh for each time I DJ. I’d like to get into production more myself now that my confidence is growing.

Currently I run a new bi-weekly, free Drum & Bass night called Soul In Motion. It’s at Basement which is underneath an upmarket hotel in Central London called Edition. I run it alongside Need For Mirrors. We felt in London culturally, D&B heads needed somewhere they could go to absorb and embrace new styles ahead. That’s what I’m working hard on at the moment.

You have been a long-time radio host and presenter for over 10 years with BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, and now you have a weekly show on Ministry of Sound Radio. How have you developed such a strong listener base and following? What are your favorite aspects of presenting a radio show versus DJing in clubs?

I think my following comes from a loyalty to the core sound of Drum & Bass/Jungle. Sure I may have played a number of more commercial offerings during my 1Xtra stint but only to highlight how broad D&B is musically, draw in new listeners and encourage them to delve deeper. I never thought I’d like presenting as much as I do now but it’s so nice to have an audience I can talk to directly to. I get the chance to explain and educate about music the played, some of which might not be as suitable for the average D&B club dance floor.

Metalheadz is a renowned label, what are the opportunities you find in being on a team of like-minded artists on the same record label?

It’s definitely inspiring. Since becoming resident DJ for the Metalheadz in 1995, it’s legacy as a label set up to push the limits of what you can do with sound is what has taken me around the world. I would never have thought back then that’d I’d be deejaying in places like America, Costa Rica, Japan or South Africa.

What are you currently listening to that some readers may not necessarily immediately associate with your style of music?

I listen to 80’s pop, Glitch Hop, Neo Soul, Deep House and anything that gives me a vibe. I’m definitely no expert on these genres. Most of the time I stumble upon styles new to me and follow them through to discover more.

The industry has changed drastically since you began your career, artists can interact with friends in so many different ways because of the internet & new social media platforms. How do you keep up with all of the social media, promotions & business work while you are on the road touring? Also, what is your favorite social network and why?

I just do! If I’m touring like I am now, the first thing I do at each hotel is ask about the wifi. Failing that, I’ll use my cell phone. I like to keep people updated with my ventures and take a look at what’s happening out there too. I think facebook is still my favorite social network. It’s less limited in terms of posting text, video and multiple pictures.

*Special thanks to Daniel Slant & Andy Cerutti for their help.