March 23rd 2013, Dub Temple Records sets up shop at Swinging Safari on the Gold Coast for another instalment of House of Shaolins. The lineup includes
Green Nose, Provis, Samedi Soundsystem, Science Project, Sauce, and Heaprize. Recent addition to the roster Heaprize will be showcasing tunes from his February release Quench. The night runs 7:30 til midnight and will be laced with visual treats from DTR artists Atlast and Sujamma.

Together with Vintage Youth and 4zzzFM, Dub Temple Records are holding a special edition Sidewalk Sound System this Friday 8th March, out the back of the 4zzz carpark, adjacent to 283 St. Pauls Tce in the Valley. 6pm - 11pm. This is a BYO event!! powered by deaftoll sound system!!

Last year Dub Temple Record's tour of South East Asia ended with a bang at the XXX gallery in Hong Kong with Blood Dunza and the Heavy sound system crew. This week DTR's House of Shaolins launches its first official instalment in Hong Kong with special guests from the Philipines and Taiwan. The legendary producer, DJ and MPC master Caliph 8 from Manila's Dubplate and B-Side collectives will be showcasing his emotive, esoterically layered beats while demonstrating his Shaolin skills on the pads. Dj Chamber will be mashing it up with the mixing skills and production that have earned him respect worldwide, notably as best new breaks DJ in the world at Breakspoll 2011. This is sure to be another solid night of forward thinking bass music at XXX gallery with supports from Rebearth and Dub Temple artists Hope One and Blood Dunza.

Catch DTR's VOODOO DRED, SCIENCE PROJECT and PROVIS at Brisbane's premier monthly Bass event 'Seathe' alongside DUST STORM JOGGER and WEAKLING. At WASTELAND's Saturday March 23rd, presented by DANK MORASS, visuals by ATLASt.

Brisbane meets Melbourne as DTR throws down another heavy instalment of the House of Shoalins this February 8th/9th/10th. A massive line up hits B.east, Ferdy Durke and The Horn over 3 nights to deliver a diverse array of forward thinking sounds, accompanied by the visual exploits of Archi Lancaster and Atlast.

One of the founding fathers of the Dank Morass crew that brought this small town to a place musically it had never been before, by being the first to bring out such names as Flying Lotus, Gas Lamp Killer and many more. He has, after many years of keeping us entertained with his eclectic choice of tunes, turned his attention to making some of his own.

Weaver EP out on Dub Temple records released on 1st January 2013 is an intricate mix of Walrii’s Jazz, Bebop, Electronica and Hip hop influences tightly wound into a stellar release. Not falling into any specific genre (as it should be) the release seeps expression from its every being and for that reason will be an immediate hit with the heads!

As you may have guessed I’m a little biased having known the Walrus for some time, but don’t let this stop you from listen all the way through this EP by everyone’s standard it is gold!

Get your teeth into it!

you can check the little review of this release @potholesinmyblog here

Rufio - Cold Walks, Sweet Talks
album : For Lights
location : Tokyo, Japan
Shot & Edited by : Warren Handley aka ATLASt

"I CAN IMAGINE ANYBODY WITH A GOAL OR IS IN SEARCH OF SOMETHING CAN RELATE TO THIS BEAT TAPE"
Posted By Rebecca Florence

Rufio is an up-and-coming beat maker from the suburbs of South Sacramento. Now living in LA and inspired by his quest to accomplish goals and search for truthful living, the young producer has created a fresh and hip-hop-leaning tape that invokes the idea of living your dream. Check out his SMALL TALK with us and the wonderfully shot promo video he created for For Lights.

My name is… Rufio aka Ru (AREYOU)

My new beat tape is called… For Lights

Some of the things that inspired it are… for me to create For Lights is the continuous search for the limelight in: the beautiful struggle of accomplishing goals; the search for truthful living and love; and fame. Whether it’s for personal satisfaction or for people to witness. At first I was just going to bang out beats and put it out, but as I got more into it, I wanted to build some sort of story with the beats. Almost like a soundtrack to a movie that hasn’t been produced yet.

I can imagine anybody with a goal or in search of something would relate to this beat tape. Even though there are no lyrics, the title and arrangement of play will paint their image of what they’re listening to.

The cover art is… simply what I explained above. The experience I went through definitely took action to perfect this project.

My favourite mixtape would include… right now would be Kendrick Lamar’s Section80. Anything from Kendrick Lamar I dig.

When I’m not making music I’m… dancing, tricking, and listening to music. I consider myself a student of my craft, so I’m constantly finding ways to better what I do in life.

The last thing I downloaded was… Lakim’s Esoteric EP. Hella old school vibe with that new school bang, if that makes sense. Good shii Lakim!

The next project I’m working is… is called Don’t Trip it Slaps with Yae of Fly High. (Peep the homes out! FHOD! Yae is a dope rapper, hella funny and a homie of mine too!)

Science Project.The duo behind Brisbane’s Science Project have been churning out futuristic beats for a good stretch now and under their own Dub Temple Records label they’re now exploring more earthy grooves with touches that fall somewhere between tribal drumming and introspective hip hop. Check out the new one Shoulders Of Giants with another local talent Voodoo Dred. link

There's some super fresh talent coming out of the Queensland beat scene at the moment with labels like Ender, Dub Temple and Dank Morass releasing and promoting some absolutely killer futuristic bass and electro tinged ghetto anthems.

Representing the off kilter patchwork end of the spectrum comes the amazingly talented Gold Coast soul star Sauce with a banging beat tape comprised entirely of his own exclusives and remixes! Creating a seamless fusion of old school boombap, spaghetti westerns, yardie slang and future proof FM wonk is no easy task, in the hands of a lesser man the mish mash of styles could come out looking somewhat like too many pints of lager followed by a seedy kebab. But fear not as Sauce has got the nightwatch workout on a lock with club ready synth jams to bend your mind and shake your soul. Make sure you check his releases on bandcamp for more bent bass goodness coming soon.

Interview with Sauce

TS. Tell us a bit about yourself mate, how did you get into producing?

S. I live on the Gold Coast via regular trips to Brisbane on the weekends. Started making beats in 2009 using Ableton 7. Really got into music at 11 years old, mainly Primus, Mr Bungle & Parliament. Then at 14 got bitten by the Jungle/Drum n Bass bug for 10 years whilst also listening to Aphex Twin, Luke Vibert & Amon Tobin. Drum n Bass ran its course (once Pendulum started to get cocky!) & I caught early dubstep - Digital Mystikz, Loefah, Skream, Kode 9 etc. Regrettably brostep came along which left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Always searching for new music, i heard Flying Lotus 1983 which gave me massive inspiration. Although these days I lean more to the Knxwledge, Mndsgn sound but generally love the forward thinkin, wonky, future beat, bass stuff :)

TS. I've heard tell of an urban myth that you mix down all your tracks on an old pair of hifi speakers. That's the sort of thing that drives pro audio gurus nuts you know...we're all supposed to mix down on ultra flat reference monitors in acoustically treated and hermetically sealed acoustic chambers...any truth to the rumour?

S. Haha, yep thats true. My Sony 3-disc changer i got for my 21st (im 29 now) has served me well. Although in January i acquired some Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones. Has taken a few months to get used to it but I'm starting to figure them out - sort of.

TS. There seems to be a really healthy beats scene in Queensland at the moment with the likes of Ender, Dub Temple, etc. putting out some amazing music and artwork. What's it like being part of that crew?

S. Queensland is definitely standing up in the electronic scene. Brisbane folk from Dub Temple, Ender, Dank Morass have been just what this bedroom producer from the Goldy needed :) Brisbane has a great sense of community. It's big enough to have a healthy scene but small enough that everyone knows each other & can catch up at gigs, beat sessions to collab or discuss what they're making/listening to at the time. Must also mention the White Rhino boys & Silo are doing great tings!

TS. You were telling me about your live show with Knxwledge recently, how have you been putting the show together and how has the response to it been?

S. Yeah playing the Knxwledge gig was damn sweet. Really wouldn't have happened if not for Isaac (Walrii) of Dank Morass for at short notice finding a venue and giving me a support slot. I'd only Dj'd twice before. So yeah my 'live' show is really just me using Serato - I'm not technically proficient but I make a point of only playing my tunes. As with this mix, it's all Sauce.

TS. And releases and shows in the pipeline then....what Saucey goodness can the people expect in the near future, a southern states tour perhaps?

S. Well, I make about 5 tracks a week so I could probably do a release every month but I'm loyal to Dub Temple Records, they're my mentors, inspiration, fans & family when it comes to music. I have a few remixes up my sleeve so we may be doing a "Sauce..remixes" release at some point.
I have a release with Ender Records coming Sept/Oct with the 'Chupi' remixes, I believe there's a Brookwise one in there too :)
As for shows, I would like to learn how to play live with Ableton but that may be a way off yet... my friend Green Nose uses an Sp-404 which looks rather interesting?
I would definitely like to play some shows interstate, so keep an ear to the ground for that!


Download Sauce Mix Here

Roots, reggae and sun-soaked beaches – the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the tunes of The Upsteppers.

Having played their first Island Vibe in 2007, the Brisbane band have become a regular fixture at the North Stradbroke event. James Douglas, the group's vocalist and guitarist, says the festival is a dream to play.

“The festival is roots, reggae and soul, which are all styles that I love, and it means that the audience that comes is just going to really enjoy the sort of stuff that we’re putting out,” Douglas says.

“The festival is on quite a large park that’s almost on the beach, so you can walk out the main door of the festival and within 30 seconds be in the ocean. It’s a really amazing location.”

However, according to Douglas, the roots and reggae outfit has been tinkering with new sounds since their last appearance at Island Vibe.

“We’ve been playing a lot more instrumental dub and putting out instrumental dub releases. When you strip out the vocals, it really shows what’s going on underneath and it helped us not only to recognise what sounds we really love, but it also helped us to recognise some of the areas we need to listen to a little bit more.”

Douglas says The Upsteppers have some surprises instore to accompany their dancefloor shaking show.

“We’re really excited about where the band’s at right now, so we’ve been working up a bit more of a new show featuring some new tunes that we’re about to release between now and then. We've also got a new single that's coming out just in time for the festival called 'Turn Them Around,' and it's gonna be a vinyl-only release. We're very excited to be able to showcase that song in particular at the festival.”

The Upsteppers play Island Vibe, which takes place at Pt. Lookout North Stradbroke Island, October 26-28.

                                                                                                    Tiffany Calver | theurbanplaylist.com

Hip-Hop is a genre that is expanding and developing more sections within it’s title on a daily basis. The fans are all searching for something different, something fresh and original. Hip-Hop is becoming more experimental and therefore generating young producers so talented that they could outshine the artist on the track without difficulty. Introducing Rufio.  A Southern-Sacramento producer who resides in Los Angeles pursuing his dream.

Having worked with a handful of other talented people in the industry, Haz Solo being one of them, Rufio has developed a skill so unique that it is hard to locate what sector of hip-hop his creations would fall into.

Now, releasing his beat tape ‘For The Lights’ via Dub Temple Records, we get to witness the originality in his sound for whatever price desired. He leaves the judgement up to you.

Proving there’s more to the Gold Coast than sandy beaches and questionable film clips is the talented producer, Sauce. His new LP, Giblets & Gravy, is all about smooth beats and soul samples, and he gets down for some Small Talk with us.

My name is… Quinton Nicholson

I live in…  Gold Coast

My EP is called… Giblets & Gravy

Some of the things that inspired it are… My friends are a major inspiration on my music. I’ve been lucky to surround myself with some musically inspiring folk recently. That and the weather.

Its cover art looks like… Canned Giblets & Gravy. This will be the first product on my Sauce merchandise line!

My favourite track is…  Been Workin’. This track was put together in just a few hours, straight after a massive day of landscaping in QLD heat. The sample says it all, but I am particularly happy with the percussion. I love wonky beats and with this track, the layers of percussion all conflict with each other but are living in harmony… if that makes any sense.

The person I can imagine listening to it is…  Everyone, hopefully! I aim to create tracks with a raw underground sound and a popular sensibility. Bridge the gap.

My favourite mixtape would include… Mike Patton, Raymond Scott, Knxwledge & George Clinton.

When I’m not making music I…  am competing in motorsport with my old man, getting my landscaping business off the ground and crashing on everyone’s couch on my regular (weekly) trips to Brisbane.

The last thing I downloaded was…  Sango’s Da Rocinha, and  Knxwledge’s, Hexual Sealings vol.2

The next project I’m working on is… I am looking to collaborate more with musicians and vocalists. A track from my release, Chapter, was a joint effort between myself and a talented jazz pianist, Ed Ruben. His keys are the shit!

The diverse Voodoo Dread can cite a lot of experience to his musical style. Born in Mexico City to Haitian parents, but growing up in Sydney, Brisbane and Darwin, then later Melbourne, he has toured as an MC and singer, as well as playing various instruments. The multitalented artist now makes tribal-influenced dub inspired by his love of discovering old African beats and vocals. He answers some questions for ACCLAIM and links us to a free download of his latest EP Racine, below.

My name is… Vadim Juste-Constant; VJ the Nomad; Voodoo Dred!

I live in… the beautiful Sunny Coast

My EP is called… Racine which is a Haitian creole word for ‘roots’

Some of the things that inspired it are… Haitian ‘roots’ rythms and their connection with africa, so almost all the tracks have a bit of haiti in them and also the love of discovering old raw african beats and vocals before outside influences came in.. so you’ll hear some ethiopian vocals on ‘Under the Veil’.. Congolese pygmy chants in ‘V’ and even vocals from Madagascar on ‘Inner Visions’

It’s cover art looks like… is an earthy, fiery, spacey geometric kinda thing done by the multitalented Atlast…

My favourite track is… called Mothership it’s probably the one I spent the most time on. It has 3 movements and is inspired by a lot of things I’ve been reading and also from listening and watching some stuff on ‘Sun Ra’ and ‘George Clinton’ – so the first bit is like the ‘take off’; the second part is breakin’ through the earths atmosphere and feeling the awe of space; and the last bit is landing on some strange planet and hearing twisted music that sounds strangely familiar.

The person I can imagine listening to it is… hopefully young kids who know there’s more to music than Lil’ Wayne or Skrillex! And anyone interested in hearing the start of a new international movement down under!

My favourite mixtape would include… a Nigerian girl called Nneka did a mixtape with this DJ called J.Period. Real conscious lyrics on some old Mobb Deep beats and stuff like that… and I also liked the ‘Dead Prez’ revolutionary gangstas mixtape. Real lyrics spit over unsuspecting beats.

When I’m not making music I… do a lot of reading, taking things apart and tryin’ to figure how to put them back together.. changing nappies.. oh and listening to music of course!

The last thing I downloaded was… Flying Lotus pattern+grid world… can’t believe that one got past me.

The next project I’m working on is… currently working a remix for one of my boys ‘Green Nose’ I’m also going to b designing and building a mobile sound system to go on the back of my truck inspired by Jamaican and Brazilian sound system culture. So I’ve been revisiting some Uni notes and tryin’ to figure out electronics, car amps, speakers and batteries. Hopefully by summer Sidewalk Sound System will be doin’ an east coast beach tour!

RED-i is a dj/producer from Manila.main influences are dub, reggae, beats, bass and hip hop. He is one of the co-founders of Dubplate Manila and B-Side which always pushes the boundaries of music.RED-I is playing at Hong Kong to launch his latest release with supports from DTR fam Hope One & Blood Dunza.check out their facebook event for more info

Sidewalk Soundsystem is a creative arts project in Brisbane that ‘brings underground music to the people’. Speaking to one of the curators Jad Dapat, he says it reminds him of the stories of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ early days in Jamaica. No radio station would play their music, being too involved with what was popular in the US and UK, so they put speakers on their trucks and drove around Kingston playing their tracks.

“We got shut down a couple of times by the council, and once by the police,” says Jad, and they were even pelted with eggs by the people in the near-by apartments.

But proof of Brisbane’s desire for good music is that the project is steadily growing, and drawing larger crowds. Free from the pretension of clubs and everything that comes along with music venues and drinking, it’s for people that ‘really just dig music’ – and as you can tell from the video, some rather bemused passers by.

“It’s like tapping into that old Jamaican culture, which is now world-wide,” says Jad, “There’s heaps of Street Soundsystem’s going on around the world – Brazil, Germany, Angola – everywhere! It’s time for Australia to partake on that world culture.”

4C Arts Collective
Dub Temple Records

April started with DTR taking it back to the roots with the release of 'Upsteppers in Dub'. Ten solid dubs from Brisbane producers/engineers of local heavyweight roots crew, The UPSTEPPERS.

DTR founders 8man and Grimes introduced the first installment of SCIENCE PROJECT's 'Foundation Sounds' series, with Vol. I up for free download as of April 20. The single 'Beat Boppin' features vocals from Monk of Melbourne's Ethiopian-Jazz crew THE BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE and CULTURE CONNECT.

May 4 will see the release of the single 'Tooth and Claw Dub' by the Upsteppers, with remixes from  HOPE ONE, VOODOO DRED, SCIENCE PROJECT & WALRII.

We're launching the single May 6 @ The Joynt, with a special performance by the UPSTEPPERS of their album 'Upsteppers in Dub' with guests SCIENCE PROJECT. SCIENCE PROJECT will aslo be collaborating with VOODOO DRED for the first live VOODOO SCIENCE set.

Come May 11 VOODOO DRED will be dropping his next release followed by remixes of the GREEN NOSE album 'Hyper Colour T-Shirts' later on in the month.

March is turning out to be a mammoth month here at Dub Temple Records. Starting with the debut release from Brisbane’s DATAPARTY we also have the much anticipated follow up EP ‘Loop Experiment’ from 1988 (USA) coming March 23.

In our endless endeavor to bring bass culture to the streets of inner city Brisbane, Dub Temple Records in conjunction with the 4C Arts Collective presents the third SIDEWALK SOUNDSYSTEM Friday April 13. Selectas: VOODOO DRED, SPEAKER WRATH, and SAMEDI SOUNDSYTEM

Our very own 8bit master GREEN NOSE was featured on themeanderjournal.com, check out the photoblog of his studio here...

One half of Brisbane-based, London-bound Speaker Wrath answers ACCLAIM’s small talk questions about their latest EP State of Flux. 

My name is… Jordan King aka Syntax

I live in… Brisbane

My new EP is called… State of Flux

Some of the things that inspired it are… My friends mostly

It’s cover art looks like… Amazing ethereal digital comicbook art

My favourite track is… On the EP, Uptown Grief or Chronicity. Ever?… a fine question… going by my iTunes top 50 most played it would seem to be Raw Shit ft Talib Kweli by Jaylib.

The person I can imagine listening to it is… Intensely awesome with amazing taste. Hahaha sorry…. (my comment stands)

My favourite mixtape would include… Dilla, Jonwayne, Machinedrum, DFRNT, dBridge, Shankles, Peter Gabriel….. This list will be different tomorrow.

When I’m not making music I… Listen to music, dance, hang out with the lads (and ladies).

The last thing I downloaded was… Meditation in Dance EP on Respect Records from Russia.

The next project I’m working on is… A little something with my mate Alex in London. Not entirely sure what it’s going to be, but it shall be FUN! I dare say that some drum’n'bass will be involved.

Heavy Hong Kong celebrates its 6th Anniversary with the return of Bristol's Legendary Dub Innovator: RSD (Smith and Mighty) UK(More Rockers/Tempa/Tectonic/BlackBox/ReggaeRoast/SteppaRecords) Supports from Hidden Dragon, Blood Dunza, Sensi Lion and Hope One.

The first ‘House of Shaolins’ presented by Dub Temple Records and Dank Morass is set for Thursday April 19. Come see the exciting talent on Dub Temple’s roster with sets from heavyweights SCIENCE PROJECT, SPEAKER WRATH, VOODOO DRED, and WALRII as well as from the nu blood SAUCE and ATLASt.

_Its been a busy few weeks here at Dub Temple as we gear up for a big year. Last week saw the release of the 'Pack up and Walk', the first single by Dub Temple's resident graphic artist/vj ATLASt. ATLASt kicks off the single in his jazz -tipped, future beat style, followed by remixes from Dub Temple regulars SAUCE and 8MAN, as well as a footwork remix from newcomer PROV!$.

_


Yesterday HOPE ONE dropped the first installment of his beat tape series based on the work of the dub innovator 'Scientist'. The beat tape captures the character of the Scientist, while adding to the growing beat based dub sounds which have been coming out of the Temple as of late.

_


Coming up in February we're looking forward to releases from the Gold Coast's SAUCE and Brisbane heavyweights SPEAKER WRATH. As usual they'll be up for free download, so be sure to watch this space. To stay up to date with all the latest from Dub Temple including previews of future releases make sure to 'like' us on facebook. Big thanks to all.

Sauce

Speaker Wrath

_
Just before Christmas ATLASt was in the NTS studio for their weekly radio show; The Jus Like Music Show. ATLASt was over visiting from Brisbane, Australia and played  a deep selection of beats-oriented music from artists and labels based in Australia.

Jus Like Music crew also had a chat on air with ATLASt, aka Warren Handley, about his involvement with the scene is Brisbane as a producer, DJ and multi-talented visual artist. check out the Stream and download via the Jus Like Music podcast…

One year ago, we here in Brisbane were blessed as the gentlemen from DANK MORASS brought us FLYING LOTUS with THUNDERCAT, GASLAMP KILLA, and HERMITUDE to bring in the new year at the Tivoli.

It was a stellar night bringing out the best of Brisbane. Among them was Dank Morass Dj's , ATLAST and ARCHIE LANCASTER on live visuals, while 8MAN, GRIMES,WALRII & VIVANDIERE brought it home at the After-party.

For the full story of that night, check out this write up from our friends at THE BOOKERY COOK, who hosted the BRAINFEEDER crew during their time in Brisbane. you can also check the video of the night here

photos by Megan Cullen

_
Bunda’s self titled, debut release on Dub Temple Records had me sold at the first listen. The whole project is a great mixture of boom bap stylistics and wonky effects, all of which are approached by the Brisbane producer in a spacey, borderline lo-fi manner that allows the tape to drift along inside of a strange, distant soundscape. This tape honestly feels as if it should be played out of a boom box in the middle of the desert, with each beat seeming to have a vast feel that adds a bit of atmosphere to the tracks. I’m personally a big fan of the beat music that is coming out Australia at the moment, with producers like Electric Sea Spider and Option Command creating some really great material to contribute to the Australian beat scene. This is also just one in a nice little cove of gems Dub Temple Records is slowly compiling on their bandcamp and aside from this release I would strongly encourage listening to some of the other tapes they have curated. Check out the track “Bouncefort” and grab the rest of the album here.

Respect: Dub Temple Records

_Photography By David Spiers Interview By Rebecca Florence Ablett

__ Brisbane’s burgeoning underground hip-hop scene continues to give us some stellar artists, one such act emerging from the shadows being Science Project. Comprising of 8man and Grimes (or Jad Dapat and Andrew Grimes to their mates), the duo run Dub Temple Records, releasing beats and mixes that smoothly transcend the hip-hop, dub and electronic genres. They’ve played gigs around Australia and are setting their sights on touring overseas. Science Project talks to ACCLAIM about how growing up overseas has shaped their sound, the current Brisbane beat scene and what’s next for them.



With the scene for alternative dub and future beats in Australia growing to reach bigger audiences, what is unique to Science Project’s sound?

Jad | I guess both of us being from overseas brings certain advantage in terms of knowledge of other musical cultures and styles.

How did you guys end up forming Science Project, did you have any previous musical experience?

Andrew | We met playing in the rhythm section of Aussie/Afro hip-hop crew Culture Connect back in 2006 when they were based in Brissie.

When my family came to Australia, we were living in Darwin. I got pretty active playing in the scene up there, and got to know all the Culture boys pretty well. When I moved to Brisbane for uni they were all down here and needed a drummer, so I took the job.

Jad had just migrated from the Philippines, where he was playing rhythm guitar for a well-known dub/reggae band called Jr. Kilat. Not long after he moved here, he started playing with Culture Connect. During that time I was obsessed with the old Dub Masters like Lee 'Scratch' Perry, King Tubby, and Linton Kwesi Johnson. Jad had come from a really strong dub background and he was always throwing these crazy dubs my way and suggesting tunes to check out. At the end of ‘08 the rest of the Culture crew had moved down to Melbourne, we just started making beats together and that was the beginnings of Science Project.

You’re both from overseas, but why the move to Australia? And do you think it has influenced the way you sound at all?

A | I'm originally from the United States, but I spent my childhood growing up in eastern Indonesia mainly in Maluku and around West Timor. My mother is an anthropologist and my father a linguist, and they'd been doing fieldwork throughout Indonesia since well before I was born.

In 1999 we were living in Kupang, the capital of West Timor, when East Timor was finally successful with their independence referendum.  After the Australian troops went in, the TNI and the Indonesian-backed militias were chased over the border into West Timor and they were pretty furious. Things got pretty real, and we had to get out of there fast. That's how I ended up in Darwin.

As a kid I was pretty musical, and fortunate ‘cos the islands are a great place to grow up – you’re always surrounded by music. I happily absorbed all the sounds around me. We spent several years living in a village called Wa Ha Olon on the Island of Buru, where traditional music was used as part of everyday village life. As a small child I used to join in with the old men playing rhythms on dear-skinned drums and gongs. Then there were the times when we'd be in the provincial capital and I'd be bombarded with all the classic island sounds, UB40, Marley, Shaggy, Michael Jackson. These things have absolutely shaped the music I'm making. 

J | I moved here with my family in 2005 from Cebu City, Philippines. I grew up with a really musical family. When I was growing up, my mum was in a choir from church, my dad is a jazz guitarist and my grandma was a piano teacher as well. So I grew up with people who are really staunch about their music. Also in school, I learnt some traditional Filipino instruments and was exposed to traditional Filipino music. When I was at uni, I was exposed to dub music, and couple of years after that I started making beats and started mashin’ my influences.

You’ve supported crazy acts like Mount Kimbie, Gaslamp Killer, Tokimonsta and Nosja Thing – what was it like to meeting international artists and playing for other crowds?

J | Yeah, I feel blessed to meet and share a stage with those guys; I’m a big fan of their music.

Everyone describes the whole ‘beat music’ ‘underground hip-hop’ scene a different way – but what does the music mean to you?

A | To me it’s essentially a return to first principles at a time when hip-hop has been so utterly absorbed by the mainstream. In the way that the rhythm and bass is put front and centre you can also see it as an evolution in dub culture. It’s about taking the principles of hip-hop and dub and applying them to who ever, where ever, and when ever you are.

You recently played at Horse Bazaar and Section 8 in Melbourne, how did it differ to playing in the scene in Brisbane?

J | I used to live in Melbourne a few years ago so I know Melbourne’s always got mad love for new shit. Brisbane is really interesting at the moment because it’s growing, it’s fresh and there’s a different kind of excitement. While in Melbourne you know there’s already a large group of people who support these kinds of things.

You’ve recently released the 1988 EP for free on your bandcamp page – what’s next for you?

A | Well we just released Jad’s solo stuff 8man - Loops last week which has gotten a lot of interest both here and overseas, then in a few weeks we’re releasing some Hong Kong future roots from Blood Dunza. Also there’s a coming release from Kirvy, who’s based in the Philippines, dropping some lush soul beats. And from here in Queensland we’re releasing an EP from local beatmaker Bunda. With our own productions we’re in the process of finishing up a collaborative album called Voodoo Science One, involving Science Project, Hope One and Voodoo Dred.

You guys also run Dub Temple Records, which is “conceptualising the roots of remix culture in a series of beat tapes that pay tribute to the greats of Jamaican music”. What made you create it other than a love for dub music?

J | When it started I was just reading some blogs and came across some free beat tapes, and thought this is sick, I’m gonna do this. That was around February 6th, Bob Marley’s birthday, so I decided to make the beat tape as a tribute to his work. Later I was talking to Hope One, who does A&R for Dub Temple, and we decided to make it a collaborative compilation. We put the word out to the different beatmakers we knew and that’s how it happened. 

Your influences seem to range from dubstep and post-dubstep to Jamaican reggae, but is there something that inspires you the most?

A | The music we make is inspired and informed by so many things both musical and non-musical. Natural things, cosmic things, social things, future things, ancient things, sound system things, and of course beautiful women. Musically speaking, everything we do is grounded in dub, hip-hop, roots traditions (soul/reggae/jazz), and tribal sounds. I’m mostly inspired by the way these things blend together, not just musically, but also how these cultures blend with time and place.

When I was at your gig in Melbourne, even the bartender said to me that you guys ‘moved together’. Do you put a lot of work into how your live show will be received by an audience?

J | Definitely. We try to keep as much of the set as live as we can, but with electronic music, that requires a lot of preparation. You have to plan out every sound you want to use, then arrange them as effectively as you can, then practice the routines, then figure the best way to piece the whole set together. By the time we get to the stage, we pretty much know what both of us are supposed to be doing at every point in the set, which I guess to the audience translates as us bobbin up and down in eerie unison.

We’ve also had the good fortune of working closely with some pretty talented VJs, namely Warren Handley and Joe Baker. Their work with the live visuals contributes a lot to the way Science Project sets come across.

What do you see for the future of Science Project?

A | There are so many exciting things on the horizon. By the end of the year we’ll have released Voodoo Science One, as well as the third Science Project EP. 2012 we’ve got big things planned, including an Asia tour and the release of our first full-length album.

Check out the music of Dub Temple Records here and Science Project’s EP Under the Sun is available for free download via bandcamp.

_Promo video made by Warren Handley for the collaborative EP 'Voodoo Science One', involving Voodoo Dred, Science Project and Hope One.
Voodoo Science One will be released the 4th of November, 2011, through Dub Temple Records, and will be
available for free download at
dubtemplerecords.bandcamp.com/​

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Blood Dunza - A Change is Gonna Come
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
RAVE Magazine
Written by James Farell
Blood Dunza | A Change is Gonna Come | Dub Temple Records

A Change is Gonna Come, the latest in a string of heavyweight releases from independent Brisbane Label Dub Temple, sees Heavy Hong Kong’s Blood Dunza dropping a punchy and nicely varied platter of Dub rooted beats. As his name would suggest Blood Dunza has one foot firmly planted on island soil, with beats littered with classic reggae samples, dub echos and easy skanking vibes, but there’s also a sophisticated, forward thinking approach to these productions that set them apart in a way somewhat reminiscent of releases from the likes of Jahtari and Deep Medi.


The eponymous opener sounds like something Quest or Silkie might cook up for a heaving London dancefloor. The percussion is particularly on point, forgoing the balls-out-heavy kick snare standard dominating today’s stagnant Dubstep Scene, choosing intricate tribal patterns and percussive swing instead. Poor Man Stands Strong is laser targeted and locked on to the dancefloor, upping the tempo and bringing in Jungle snares in to great effect. It comprises the most upfront cut on this E.P and would be a handy tool for anyone looking to get a crowd moving, as well as proving that big impact needn’t rely upon massive wobbles and over serrated bass lines. The latter two tracks take a step back into more reflective territory, coming home far more on the Dub side of Blood Dunza’s approach, but are no less potent for it. Silver and Gold is particularly on point; perfect hypnotic head nodding material for end of the night skank out massive.


Whilst it’s only his debut release, A Change is Gonna Come is an impressive opening statement for Blood Dunza, ably demonstrating a wide range of influences without making concessions to genre or style expectations. This is the sort of musical approach that other less scrupulous producers would do well to heed, and as such seems right at home on Dub Temple with its current trend of forward thinking, reggae infused party music. Highly recommended for those that like their bass music with a bit of character and class, get on it!

A Change is Gonna Come is out now and available for free download on Dub Temple Records: http://dubtemplerecords.bandcamp.com/

_Promo video Warren Handley made for 8man (one half of Brisbane's Science Project) EP "Loops"
forthcoming on Dub Temple Records which can be downloaded for free over at >>>

dubtemplerecords.bandcamp.com

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8man 'Loops' (Monday, 17 October 2011)
RAVE Magazine
Written by Phoebe Baker
8man | Loops | Dub Temple Records

Roll yourself in the blanket of soothing sounds that is 8man’s Loops and you will find surreal pleasure.

All four flawlessly composed tracks are a welcome escape with its relaxing waves of pleasure, in this too-short compilation. The obscure yet serene opener “Relax” sets the tone for 8man’s first ever solo release, as you journey through the loops.

What is interesting is that Loops’ tracks are short in length. These tracks are like teasers, getting a taste of each unique hip hop variation throughout the total seven minutes of the EP. 8man seems to effortlessly string together an array of different hip hop styles which bring forth a comforting aural bliss.

The first track featured on the album, “Take Your Mind Away”, certainly achieves that; softly plummeting into a calming hip hop-based track and making you absorb its serene sounds. “Layers” then takes you to an entirely different plane with its abrupt shift into a jagged, but chilled hip hop tempo.

Once more, you are unexpectedly driven into a different hip hop landscape, with the introduction “Nova”- undeniably his best track. “Nova” takes you on a secluded journey through calming island vibes, with its myriad of varying percussions that is bathed in cool double-bass rhythms and swaying vocals.

At the eclipse of Nova’s waves, Loops then transcends into its final track, “Africa”, which plays up to the gentle but powerful effects a simple piano chord progression can have on a person’s state of utter relaxation. Reminiscent of the styling of J Dilla, this track is beautifully composed and has all the elements of sublime tranquillity – soothing vocals, rhythm shaping keys, and a steady swaying beat.

So lie back and think pleasant thoughts as you absorb the relaxing sounds of the mind drifting surreal pleasure that is Loops.

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Voodoo Dred
DANK MORASS
Written by: Isaac Ismail
Voodoo Dred | Voodoo Dred  | Dub Temple Records

We here at the Morass, having followed the merging of hip hop and electronic music for many years, are extremely excited to see this EP released in a world where so much music lacks a lasting resonance. The Voodoo Dred EP is deeply personal and conceptual, put together with spirituality, soul and intelligence.

Born in Mexico City to Haitian parents, VOODOO DRED a.k.a. Vadim Juste-Constant moved to Australia when only 3. Music was a major part of his family life, his father being a well renowned touring singer throughout Haiti and Mexico. Mainly growing up in Sydney, Brisbane and later Darwin, all impacting on the developing artist VOODOO DRED. In 2007, he arrived in Melbourne, looking for a new channel for his compelling/dynamic love for music. He has been touring as a diverse artist since 2000 not only as VOODOO DRED but as an MC/singer and musician playing instruments from drums, guitar, bass and percussion in bands such as Culture Connect and Gorilla Step with DJ Dexter.

“The concept of what I want to create is to continue the west African tradition of a Griot but in an urban, contemporary sense. Going back to traditional African beats and translating them into a hip hop context, I believe traditional African drumming is the original “trance” music because back in the day they would play these rhythms for days on end and literally get into a trance.” – VJ

Damn DT you’ve done it again…

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Science Project - Under the Sun
SCENE Magazine
Written by: Jonathan Schrauwen
Science Project | Under the Sun | Dub Temple Records

Stepping up with a very mature offering for what is only their second EP release, ‘Under The Sun’, are the Brisbane-based two-piece, Science Project.

The duo, formed in 2008, meld their diverse musical backgrounds in production and performance to create a truly winning blend of dub, hip hop, bass and electronica. This variation of style is evident across the five tracks of their EP with the boys successfully mixing up the moods, tempos and tones of each of the tracks while deftly maintaining an element of cohesion throughout the release.

The EP’s title track opens proceedings with a percussion-driven, hip hop beat that nestles amongst a barrage of sci-fi synths to create some seriously cosmic overtones.

Pitching it up a notch, ‘Another Spring’ is a simple but effective, bottom-heavy, dub jam that’s destined to inspire much dancefloor skanking while ‘Dawn’ sees the group on a more relaxed tip, complete with echoed vocal snippets and a warm bottom-end.

The centrepiece of the EP, though, comes in the form of ‘Waves’, a sweet, soulful tune that drips jazzy keys and a mesmerising Billie Weston vocal contribution over a gently rolling, bass swell that’s should become a live favourite.

Weston’s guest spot, in particular, is a somewhat inspired contribution that suitably complements the aesthetics of the instrumental track by channelling the vocal stylings of regular FlyLo and Bonobo collaborator, Andreya Triana.

Rounding out the EP is a smooth drum & bass remix of ‘Waves’, much in the same vein of LTJ Bukem or Calibre.

‘Under The Sun’ is continuing proof of the burgeoning Brisbeat scene that’s spawning a stream of talented local artists (Blunt Instrument, Speaker Wrath, Tigermoth to name a few) producing world class material.

Available as a free download on Bandcamp through the group’s label Dub Temple Records – be sure to get your hands on this EP!

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