Skream talks of dubstep's future and fans

We all Skream for (or about) dubstep

​Dubstep. Just say the word around a music lover and watch them gush about their favorite producers or scorn its unstoppable rise to popularity. Considering the genre's chokehold on the western world's twentysomething culture, the polarizing effect isn't so surprising, but if you're looking for a man to blame -- or high-five, depending on your preference -- look no further than London-based dubstep producer, Skream.

Along with Benga and Artwork, Skream formed one of dubstep's most recent critical successes -- a trio called Magnetic Man -- whose approach to dubstep production is more song-based and not stuck in the ideology that the baddest and best make the most brain-rattling wobbles (here's looking at you, Skrillex). Solo, Skream and this somewhat anti-dubstep approach has sat atop the throne longer than most, with his first full length debuting in '06. Anticipating his upcoming set tonight with Benga at local dubstep haven Skyway Theatre, we called Skream up for a chat, and from his London rooftop, Oliver Jones parted with wisdom on this fascinating/frustrating genre, its fans, and its future. 

With you at the center of where dubstep originated, are you seeing any sort of new phases or trends in the genre?

The new phase seems to be that everyone wants to sound like Skrillex at the moment. I love him, he's my boy and I play a lot of his stuff, but everything I'm getting sent by new and old producers, it's all replicating Skrill, but not as well.

You're on the more melodic side of dubstep, which I appreciate.

Yeah, me and Benga like to make people crazy, but we like to be more melodic and song based. We always try to make sure we keep all the angles covered to make everyone happy. We kind of just try to make it all. I've got loads of aggressive stuff, but at the moment I really enjoy more songy stuff. I've made instrumental music so long now, as a musician it's a lot healthier to keep balanced. It keeps you working rather than just being known for sequesnces of basslines.

It seems as its popularity has grown, dubstep has drawn a line in the sand among dance music fans.
 
That's happened here as well, but over here, there's so many strands of dubstep that are appreciated. You've got the techno influenced stuff by Pinch, Addison Groove, 2562, and then you've got the original sounds like Digital Mystikz and people like that. But in America, it seems like it doesn't cater to any other souls, it's just for college frat boys and kids with glowsticks and candy bracelets and shit. You don't really see that here. It's more of a rave culture, as in, let's all just dance in a big room.

Knowing that, does it make you hesitant to play U.S. crowds?

No, I fucking love it! Playing to amped crowds at the start of a new genre is amazing. I played Redrocks in Denver with Pretty Lights a few months ago and it was fucking insane crazy. From a DJ's perspective, you can't not like it, kids go crazy. But sometimes, how do I put this, it's not so much the substance. It doesn't seem like they're listening to it, you know what I mean? They just want to go mad. They just want face-melters. But over here, it's different. They want the set to have a bit of a bend to it, more dynamic. I'm not trying to say all parties in the states are like that, but the bigger shows are.

Skream & Benga

​Tell me about your relationship with Benga.

We don't fight, we're like brothers, really. We might not talk and sit in separate areas of the plane sometimes when we're hungover. Airports are stressful. The whole Skeam & Benga thing is sort of based on how we used to always make records for each other. Over the last 12 years, I don't think I'd be where I'd be if Benga hadn't been there, and I think the same is true vice-versa. Benga met me through my older brother. He was the only other person in my area in Croydon who was making music in his bedroom. There wasn't dubstep at the time - what we made ended up being tagged as that -- but we came off the back of UK Garage. That sound could be quite cheesy, but we were always into darker, more instrumental stuff.

What's next for Magnetic Man?

We're writing the new record in 2012. There's no info on it yet but it's gonna happen. At the moment, we've got to get this tour completed and then Magnetic Man shows will happen after the record's done.

What are a few things to always keep in mind while on the road? Any tips or tricks?

We do party pretty hard on tour, we're kind of renowned for that. I just try to eat some good foods, that's my one thing that I really enjoy about touring. I love seafood! 
 





IF YOU GO: ​