Exclusive Cyrus Interview
Cyrus is a dubstep veteran who has been in the game since the very begining. Way back in 2003/4 he started his label Random Trio and release his first EP; Lost City, a track that Hyperdub head honcho, Kode 9, battered at dubstep institution Forward. Since then Cyrus has been championing the dark, sub-heavy sounds, from Rinse FM in the early years to the site Getdarker.com, now. We caught up with Cyrus and asked him a few questions…
Names: Cyrus or my close friends call me Sir…
Age: Still 21…
Location: Croydon
Can you remember the first time you heard dubstep?:
It was not called dubstep at the time but the 1st time I heard a track that I would consider the 1st “dubstep†tune would have been around 2001/2 and that was by Benny ill from Horspower.
How long have you been producing dubstep and how did you get into it?:
I’ve been involved in Dubstep since its inception. I started out trying to produce dark ukg (as it was known then) for my radio show. I started producing around 2001/2 with former Random trio member Omni. (I say producing..I was really just sitting there not having a clue). My 1st solo production was Lost City in 2003 which I brought out on my label Random Trio in 2004.
How do you start writing a new tune and what influences you whilst producing?:
I start by writing my drums and build from there. I rarely have influences when I’m writing these days. I tend to do a number of different loops till I find one that gets my attention. On the odd occasion I’ll find a sample i like and build from that.
What soft/hardware you use?:
I use cubase 4 with a bunch of vst’s . I use a cubase CC121 as a controller which is pretty decent.
Who are you top favourite artists of all time (non dubstep or dubstep)?:
It’s a bit cliché but I’ve always been a big fan of Bob Marley. I usually listen to some Bob when I need to kick back . I’ve also always been a fan of UB40 and more recently Kings of Leon.
What do you get up to when you arent busy producing?:
If I’m not producing or Djing I will be at home with my family. On the odd occasion im allowed out I’ll be in the local having a few beers with my pals.
Where’s the best gig you’ve ever played and why?:
I’ve played a lot of great gigs. To pick any one in particular is hard. If I had to pick a couple that stand out though it would be my 1st time in LA playing for Smog. I was the 1st uk artist to play for them and was also my 1st time in the states so it was a big deal for me. Also playing Dubwar in NYC was amazing. Club Love where they held it may of been the best club I’ve played in. Subsonic floors and monitors worth more then a car.
Are there any producers you want to collaborate with?:
I’ve been lucky enough to have collaborated with most of the people I respect in this scene. People such as Distance, Skream, Tunnidge, Kromestar & N-type. I started something with loefah way back in the day that never got further then the idea stage. I also done a tune with Benny ill which was a huge honour as he was one of my main inspirations when I started out. Unfortunately he had a power cut in his studio and we lost what we had done. We’re planning on doing another soon. I ‘d still like to get in the studio with Mala and Benga.
What are you views on the future of dubstep?:
Unfortunately I feel The sound is so misrepresented at the moment . I hope people see beyond your typical so called dubstep what is now. There’s so much more to the sound then the generic stuff that is currently clogging up the scene. However I do see things changing with the likes of Getdarker pushing the whole spectrum of the scene.
Top 5 Tunes at the moment?:
In no order:
Cyrus – looking back
Distance - The knowing
Tunnidge – Control
Kromestar - Clearly distorted
Lost & Hatcha - Al barsha
Are there any artists you’ve picked up on that we should watch out for in the rest of the year?:
He’s not an artist I’ve just picked up on but Tunnidge is definatly one to watch in 2011. I’d say to look out for Killa & Instinct and Commodo aswell. These guys are coming with some serious beats. Especially if you like it deep and sub driven.
Shoutouts?:
Out to my family and everyone that’s supporting my music. To Distance, Tunnidge, Mala , Benny ill , Beezy and of course Darkside and Ashley @ Getdarker.com
Big up Cyrus!
Dreadman.
About the Author (Ben)
Bass.
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