Juno Download Selects Volume 1 & 2
DJ Liondub View Top 20 Chart
Firstly we’d like to thank you for giving Juno Download the opportunity to get involved in helping to curate this release, it’s been a lot of fun helping you put things together and we really appreciate being a part of such a great compilation.
My pleasure, Juno has been very supportive of the label over the last 12 years, so it was only right that we put a project together and come up with something special to showcase our mutual respect and love for the music.
For those not familiar, can you give us a little background info around the liondub labels? (International & Street Series); When did the labels first launch and who are the people behind their inception?
Yes of course, I started the Liondub International label in 2008 with Marcus Visionary as an outlet for Ragga Jungle music, and especially Marcus’ songs as we both came from similar musical backgrounds and loved similar sounds, especially reggae, dancehall and of course Jungle. In 2012 Marcus branched out and focused more on his own and productions, building his own labels, and I took over the label completely and set the direction forward. In 2013 I started the Liondub Street Series which is as an outlet for more up and coming, complex and evolving Drum and Bass sounds bringing in both new and established talent on a very “open minded” platform.
From the Launch of the Liondub Street Series in 2013 the label has seemed to go from strength to strength. Did you have a particular goal in mind with the launch of The Street Series?
Yes, the Street Series is intended as an outlet for much more wide-ranging styles of drum and bass and jungle. Essentially the Street Series was formed as a way to showcase new and upcoming talent and give them a strong platform to shine on without limitations. It’s been an incredible process and we are releasing volume 52 this month. Because so many rising stars have come through the Street Series gate (Macky Gee, Upgrade, Sub Killaz, Bou, Brian Brainstorm, Motiv, Kumo, Dutta, RMS, NC-17, Jayline) many more established artists have asked to be a part of it. It doesn’t hurt that everyone gets a really dope portrait from the cover illo as well!
We see from your previous releases you have worked with some legendary artists from Dancehall legends like Beenie Man and Ward 21 to UK Grime royalty like Riko Dan, who have been some of your favourite artist to work with over your career?
Johnny Osbourne, Ward 21 , Navigator, Ranking Joe, Riko Dan, Ragga Twins, Spyda, Demarco and Red Fox are just a few vocalists that were great to build with and many of the producers have also been “bucket list” type artists that I was really excited and honoured to work with over the years. Having producers like Marcus, Bladerunner, Serum, Voltage , Benny Page and older producers like Cool Hand Flex and Ink come through and bless the label has been a fantastic experience as well… but even some of the younger artists bring so much to the whole experience and the sound of the label that they deserve mention: Phaorah, Lost City, DJ Hybrid, Toby Ross, Motiv, and Kumo,….feels like they have, and will all play an active role in solidifying the label as a top grade international platform moving forward.
With well over 10 years’ experience of running successful record labels you must have had some very memorable moments; can you share any standout high or low experiences you have dealt with over the labels lifetimes.
Well it can be challenging working with so many artists over time, and when taking on larger projects sometimes the work can be draining especially when the artists are demanding or not easy to build with, but I have learned so much from this process to be fair and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The difficulties and obstacles I have encountered in this respect, and in the industry have just taught me the right path to take moving forward and made me really appreciate the kind and easy going artists and producers who are in it for the right reasons. These are the people who make my life easier by contributing on a very progressive and humble level, usually out of love and respect for the music, not for some vain reasons.
Ok so for the compilation, what was the decision behind giving us the keys to the castle and allowing us to choose the tracks for half of the compilation?
To me, Juno Download is the premier platform for Jungle and Drum and Bass music. Your charts are more relevant than any other site and I feel like the sound of the charts and music that you feature and push has always been more authentic and connected to the real sound of Jungle and Drum and Bass in the UK, the true focal point of the music. Because of that, I have always strived to develop a strong working relationship with Juno over the years and I believe that Juno has done more to give my label and all of our artist a powerful and exclusive platform that helps us to shine and really stand out in the sea of music that is constantly coming out. You have all been instrumental in our growth and supportive of our music that it only made sense that we collaborate on an amazing project as this. So thank you, from us all. You’ve given us a platform that has really encouraged us to keep going forward, with passion.
Our choice of tracks came mainly from best sellers, most charted, but also a little personal preference. Did you select your tracks using a similar method or did you just choose your favourites?
I actually didn’t choose any tracks for the two LPS, they are all from your picks. I wanted this to be representative of what you felt was the strongest and most important material from the main label and the street series over the years that we have worked together!
What else can we expect from the liondub labels for the future?
Well the Parly B LP just released and that’s a monster album that im very proud of… there are over 2 dozen new street series already in the bag, loads of new material from some of my favourite artists like Jayline, Sub Killaz, Pharoah as well as dozens of new tracks from Rumble (Liondub & Marcus Visionary) and there are many outstanding releases that are going to be different for us, but very exciting….the recent release with Spaow is one, the forthcoming Tesen, Bassface Sascha & DJ Phlex, Prestige, Exile, Toby Ross EP, Addicted, Joely, Burnzy, DJ GAW and Lupo Eps are all next level. And we will be pushing out more singles and a full LP from Lost City as well as a full LP from Pharoah, DJ Hybrid and so much more. It’s a landmark year for us with over 60 releases out by January and we have no intention of slowing. I want to say big thanks again to you for supporting us over the years, a million thanks to all the artists and producers who have contributed to the label and salute to all the people who have supported our music over the past 12 years. Without all of you we would be nothing and we are working harder than ever to bring you more fantastic material! Thank you!
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Nicky Blackmarket View Top 10 Chart
Good day Nicky, thanks for taking the time to chat with us about your Liondub International mix and chart.
Liondub has mentioned that you were the first person he met in the Jungle Drum & bass scene and that he bought his first vinyls in the UK from you at Blackmarket Records in Soho. When did you start at Blackmarket, and how did your experience there shape the music scene and your work as a dj and label owner?
I went into the shop in 1990, it was very different then as Jungle hadn’t exploded yet, but you could see the destination was def there even then. We was speeding up house and garage records at the time and the traditional house DJ’s of the time said…….WTF U DOIN? LOOOOOOL. We was at the forefront of what was going on and it was great to help the scene out all along the way!
Do you remember the first time you heard of Liondub and his record label? Any fond memories of working with him or experiences that may be insightful for people who love the label and the music?
Yeah, it was WIIIIIIIIIIIKED doing a B2B clash with Liondub & Remarc against Congo Natty & Chopstick Dubplate in Croatia. Was Nuts in a big Valley. I remember it started raining har and everyone in the wet, nobody cared, LOL
What are some of your favorite tracks from the Liondub International label and can you briefly talk about the 10 track chart that you’ve provided for us in celebration of the label?
Oh Gosh, just to many wicked ones, just have to put a selection down and so wicked to have the diversity of our music on the label! RAGGA, ROLLERS, JUNGLE JUMP UP WATEVA!!!
You made a mix for Liondub recently as well, what do you think of the labels output over the last few years and what artists and releases stand out for you in the mix?
Again its really hard to point out 1, or 2 or even ten, just so great how diverse the catalog is!
Any thoughts on the way this record label has affected Jungle and Drum and Bass on an international level? Do you think that Liondub and his label have a place in the DnB scene the same way UK based labels do?
Liondub International defy cemented a piece in the DNB wall and is needed just as much as the UK labels. Liondub and his label is just as important!
Lastly, Have you any advice for individuals like Liondub who have come in to the scene from other countries and want to contribute to the genre on a production or label level? And where do you see Liondub International in another ten years?
I think you have to live this music if you want to make something of it.a way of life.you have to push the new-gen which is very important they are the future, as liondub has always done.
Lastly, ay shout outs, projects or advice that you’d like people to know about or consider moving forward in these very unusual times?
Currently the project in studio with liondub we started is sounding very interesting, Lookin 4ward to Goin back on to Kool last Sunday of the month. My label kartoons which we have Krucial as next release and on-goin projects with the 360 project which is Fatman D, Profile and me. Wicked, thank you!
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Brian Brainstorm View Top 10 Chart
Brian Brainstorm, Thanks for talking to us about your connection and work with the Liondub International label over the years.
You started working with Liondub years back, and were signed to his street series early out. How were you initially connected to Liondub and signed to the label? How has your experience been working with Lion and the label over the years?
Back in 2013 I started releasing music on the UK label Roll The Drums Rec. and it was the first label I worked with which sent out promos to a huge mailing list. Luckily Liondub checked out those promos and apparently recognized some potential. So one day he hit me up to ask me for some unsigned music. A few months later the Street Series EP Vol. 13 “No Mercy” was finished. We received some wicked feedback on that EP and I think we also sold one or two copies… Liondub Intl. has always been and still is my favourite label in the game so obviously I was totally excited to work on more projects for this label.
You have released a loads music on the Liondub International label, are there any memorable releases that really stand out for you, or remixes that were especially important or groundbreaking to work on?
Yeah, the opener of my first Street Series EP “Already Dead” with my good friend Brother Charity on the vocals is definitely a special one for me cause we originally wrote that tune for a soundclash. We played it in the final round and kicked out the other team. For the release we edited the lyrics a little bit and it was the bestselling tune on the EP. We still get requests for custommade dubs of that one from time to time tho…
Another project which was very groundbreaking was the “Forward EP” which was one of my biggest successes. Especially because these tunes got a lot of support by some of the biggest names in the scene and on Radio 1. One year later the EP got the remix treatment by producers like Serial Killaz, Bou, Hybrid and Bassface Sascha. A huge milestone for me personally.
You’ve provided a 100% Liondub International mix, tell us a bit about it. Did you focus on a specific sound and did you discover some gems from the catalog that you didn’t know existed?
I was really happy Liondub asked me to record this mix, it was a lot of fun checking out this huge back catalogue and trying to showcase the full range of the label: Raggajungle, Rollers, Amen smashers, Jump Up bangers and Dancehall riddims. Since the first releases by Marcus Visionary in 2008 this label offers a great diversity of styles so it’s really inspiring to compile a set like this.
You gave us a chart for the Juno Takeover, what do you think of the labels output over the last few years and what artists and tracks really stand out for you on the label?
The labels output has always been and is still absolutely sick. Of course, there are a few other labels who also release every few weeks but Liondub’s releases are always top notch quality. Accordingly, it wasn’t that easy to select only 10 tunes for my chart… But the Serial Killaz remix of “Inna Mi Draw”, the Interface remix of “Never Find” and “Heavy Like Tank VIP” by Phantom Warrior are some of my all-time favourites without any doubt.
Do you think that the Liondub label will go down in history as an important international label, or have a major impact on the scene and the music over time?
Liondub International is already one of the most important labels for Jungle Drum & Bass worldwide. If you consider how difficult it can be for a US label in the UK scene… it’s really impressive that it’s almost every Junglist’s favourite label today. I’m pretty sure Liondub will still release that typical quality in ten or twenty years and I’d be happy to be still on board!
Whats has your experience been working with the label and with Liondub on your music? Its important to find people who are supportive on a creative and professional level, would you say that the label has looked after you and delivered results that pushed your career forward?
Without Liondub I wouldn’t be where I am today. Everytime I send him new unsigned music, he takes time to listen to it a few times, to hit me back with constructive feedback, suggestions for vocalists and to talk about the release schedule. We’ve known each other for a long time now but I know he supports new artists that way aswell.
What projects do you have on the table with Liondub moving forward? Anything we should be looking out for?
I’ve been working hard on new music for Liondub since April this year. One of the new tunes will be released on the next Jungle To The World compilation and at the beginning of next year I’ll release a brand-new EP. There will be a few wicked vocalists featured on that EP and it’s probably the most important project in my career so far… but that’s all I’m allowed to tell you for now…
Thanks again for your time, the mix and the top ten chart. Forward!
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Sub Killaz View Top 10 Chart
You’ve provided a 100% Liondub International mix, how did that come together and how was it choosing tracks from one catalog instead of form all over? Did you focus on a specific style or sound?
You know, it was a lot of fun being able to go through a specific collection and find a way to make them all become a lil journey. Normally we're all across the board in style and also could comfortably mix a 100+ tracks in 60 minutes on 4 decks and all that jazz or whatever, but for this one I thought it'd be cool to pay a nod to the fellow New York based jump up DJ's whom some of our earliest influences as DJ's stem, basing the set around very few (to none) breakdowns. Takes us back to the beginning when it wasn't how many doubles you could do but instead focusing on the blends and the journey of the mix.
You started working with Liondub years back, and were signed to his street series from nearly the beginning, whats the story behind you connecting and starting projects together?
All these years later it would be tough to pinpoint exactly when and how we began working together, though it was certainly early on. We had been following Liondub, both the label and himself as an artist and as we saw a lot of artists we looked up to veer towards his label, we knew something had to be good about him. And to this days Eric is hands down one of the most sound dudes we’ve ever worked with in this scene, period.
Over the years you guys have pushed out a lot of music, are there any memorable releases that really stand out for you or releases that really had a fantastic response?
It's tough to say with all the tunes over the years, but keeping within the Liondub lifeline, I would probably have to say our tune "Frost" has been one of the most commonly brought up tunes from our collection with the label. Brian had written that, and to this day I love it. It still just has the sickest wiggle to it haha. "Anthrax" & "Breakdown" have a special spot in my heart as they both just have a vibe, I don't think most people would expect from us.
You gave us a chart for the Liondub International Juno Takeover, what do you think of the labels output over the last few years and what artists and tracks really stand out for you in the chart and on the roster?
As a label, Liondub has done a phenomenal job pumping out a wide variety of drum & bass. For a genre of music that can catch of many different vibes and styles, the music that comes out on Liondub International could even be used as a testament to the amount of diversity within the music itself. If you had a friend who never fucked with drum & bass, you could hit shuffle on their back catalogue and you're bound to find something for everyone.
Any thoughts on the way this record label and Liondub has affected Jungle and Drum and Bass stateside? Do you think that the Liondub label will go down in history in the US, or have a major impact on the scene and the music there?
I think it's undoubtedly monumental for the US DNB scene and I think it even hits a level so wide speaking globally that most people probably don't even assume it's ran out of New York. And he's been steady killing it for years. You know how many artists have come in after Liondub started the Street Series EP's, then gone away yet the series keep coming. In the states, the idea of quitting probably comes up more than we'd like as stateside artists without much to offer in bookings (thus money) Liondub tho...that's a UK man's work load coming from the states and that's not an easy level to get on.
What has your experience been working with the label and with Liondub on your music. Do you enjoy the process and has the label looked out for you over the years? Do you see yourself continuing to work with the label moving forward, and why?
Yes, while we of course love working with Liondub, with 4 EP's, various remixes and a few singles out on his label still just isn't enough haha. And Liondub himself has always just come through and made it a wonderful experience both as artists that respect each other and also from a business perspective.
If so, what projects do you have on the table with Liondub moving forward? Anything we should be looking out for? We loved your last release series Block Party & Ghetto Blaster...More in the pipeline like that or something different?
Ahh I appreciate that man. As of right now we're constantly working and grinding away with a few projects coming up on various labels so there's always something going on. The next EP we'll have out on Liondub International is a lot of fun and we're excited about it. It's got a good variety of tracks plus a free bootleg we're really looking forward to getting out as well.
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Devious D View Top 10 Chart
Thanks for talking to us Adrian. thanks for taking the time to chat with us about your Liondub International mix and chart.
You made a mix for Liondub recently as well, what do you think of the labels output over the last few years and what artists and releases stand out for you in the mix?
Over the recent years the amount of consistent top quality tunes that has been coming through from this label has really breathed new life into the current jungle scene. There has been so much quality come through with new artists that haven’t been heard before that the tunes from this label are beginning to dominate my selections as there are too many good tunes to leave out of a set. Very recently there has been a selection of tunes from Parly B who I had not heard of before on Jungle Dnb and they are on point and really stand out right now. But the one tune that absolutely blew me away when I first heard it was War Start by Patexx. To me that is the strongest Jungle tune that I have heard in the last 5 years or so.
Do you remember the first time you heard of Liondub and his record label? Any fond memories of working with him or experiences that may be insightful for people who love the label and the music?
I do remember the first time I heard of Liondub International label and it was whilst I was in a club and a tune came on that really stood out that I hadn’t heard before, then after breaking my neck to find out who made that track I was told it was from Lion Dub. That was way back years ago and since then I always look forward to tunes from this label as I love the flavour that it brings. Theres been a couple times that Liondub and I have played at the same events in Germany and also in the UK for a boat party. Also LD has helped me to get specials of LD International tunes and also put in the work to get them produced properly as he is good like that.
Do you remember the first time you heard of Liondub and his record label? Any fond memories of working with him or experiences that may be insightful for people who love the label and the music?
My favourite tracks from the label, as I mentioned before - War Start that tune just drops ridiculously hard and is a dancefloor killer, Rock it Tonight Featuring Johnny Osborne is another one that kills any dance that I play it at. The production and the way that Johnny drops his lyrics makes it fit together exceptionally well. Lyrics Spree – The new Parly B track is also off the hook with bare vibes throughout the track with Daddy Freddy and Tippa Irie on it as well these are next level Jungle tracks that are clearly leading the way forward right now. The ten tracks in the chart that I have put together are the tracks but have been doing damage in the sets that I have played over the past years and on the radio and it shows the evolution of this label as its clear to see that it is growing and moving from strength to strength forward.
Any thoughts on the way this record label has affected Jungle and Drum and Bass on an international level? Do you think that Liondub and his label have a place in the DnB scene the same way UK based labels do?
LD International has brought a much needed freshness and vibe into the scene and has very much helped it grow across the world. This is clear when you look at all the artist that are being brought into the music with LD International releases. Its not just quantity that the label is bringing its quality and everyone can see that so they are a massive help in terms of taking Jungle music forward and spreading it around the world. Other labels will for sure be looking at what is going on here and will know that they have to up their game and that can only be good for the music.
Lastly, Have you any advice for individuals like Liondub who have come in to the scene from other countries and want to contribute to the genre on a production or label level? And where do you see Liondub?
Anyone coming into the scene looking to get into Jungle, I would just say that they should have a good listen to the scene and learn exactly what is going on and then they should think about how they can bring their style and influence in to it. Moving forward I can see LD International as one of the leading labels when it comes to Jungle. The way that its expanding right now and collaborating with all the right people on multiple projects theres only going to be good things to come in future as its clear that they are making giant steps forward and that is increasing the brand.
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Navigator View Top 10 Chart
Respect Navi! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us about your Liondub International takeover chart.
Liondub has mentioned that you met on the streets of NYC back in 2005. What's the story behind that?
Thanks for inviting me for this interview I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective of our story, which I remember very well. Liondub became known to me through a ragga vocalist/artist called Bass Nacho from Florida, his father is a Jamaican singer called Kenyatta whose biggest hit is “Bad Boys Bad Boys whatcha gonna do”. Nacho had invited me to record a track for his album as I was flying into Miami for Winter Music Conference in 2005. When Nacho played me the beat I was supposed to voice it was a Jungle beat; which kind of surprised me! After the recording session Nacho started to play me more music from his album, which again was all Jungle, with a lot of old reggae songs and samples that I grew up on but I had never heard done over in Jungle yet. Anyway, Nacho plays this one song called Kingston 11 originally sung by Prince Lincoln & The Royal Rasses (a song I loved as a youth growing up in London + Prince Lincoln was a famous Jamaican singer who coincidentally owned a fish shop in my hood Tottenham, on West Green Road). So I asked Nacho who made these beats and how do they know about these original tunes? He said they were produced by Chopstick Dubplate by two guys Liondub & Jacky Murda. I said where do they live? He said New York and he also said he had a direct link to Liondub, so I said I’m coming back to New York with you & you take me to meet Liondub okay? He agreed and a few days later we flew back to New York where Nacho took me to a club somewhere in Manhattan. We park up and Liondub was outside the club on the road, so I walk up to him and said “are you Liondub?” He said “yeah who wants to know!” I said I’m Navigator from London and I heard your beats and I wanna work with you, he said sure thing. Then later that week we went to the studio and I voiced a feature verse on Kingston 11 with Bass Nacho as the main artist on the track and that was the beginning of our friendship and musical partnership which has thus far spanned nearly 16 years.
Over the years you have released loads of music on Liondub International, produced dozens of tracks with Liondub himself, and even created the Liondub-ODT Muzik imprint back in 2015 culminating in your first full length LP. What was the impetus for the joint label and please tell us about the “Alignment” album.
In 2005 I started making an album with Roni Size called Against all Odds which unfortunately never saw the light of day. After a five-year gap Liondub suggested that we should do a solo Navigator album together. I told Liondub about the Roni size album and sent him a zip of MP3s which was all I had in my possession at the time. He told me that we needed to record everything again to get the proper quality for the release, so we started to make new tracks and re-record the old tracks. During the process of recording we decided to release EPs with remix packages and in doing so we subliminally started to promote the eventual full album release. The first track of note we collaborated was a 2011 remix of Inequity Worker a cult jazz/jungle track I recorded back in 1994 which Liondub said was one was his all-time favorite Navigator tunes, he asked Noah D to remix the track and Noah nailed it. We then shot a video in Berlin and launched the album project in February 2011. Subsequently we recorded more tracks and made more videos to accompany other releases whilst we were preparing the old tracks to complete the final track-list. Whilst doing all of this I also established my own label/brand ‘On Dis Ting Music’ we then went on to form a merger label called Liondub-ODT Music to facilitate the release of the singles and eventually the album. Six years later after many releases we wrapped up the final masters for a 21 track album which came out on my birthday in 2017. For me this was a major accomplishment in my career after having so many single releases and hits on various labels with videos, but I had never released a full body of work of my own. I have to thank Liondub for his perseverance, support and his investment of time, energy & money to make this whole project manifest into reality. We got Mixmag album of the month and the following year in 2018 I subsequently won best Jungle MC at the UK Drum & Bass awards. So for me the whole experience of dropping that debut album Alignment was a feeling of great accomplishment which solidified my reputation and credibility as an artist.
How has your working relationship with Liondub and his labels affected your career?
I am glad to say that working with Liondub has enhanced my musical career and expanded my knowledge as a label owner, artist and producer. Over the years we have grown together after collaborating on many successful projects and we have developed a very good working relationship which I am certain will yield many more successful endeavors.
What are some of your favorite tracks from these collaborative efforts?
I think my favorite collaboration is the track on my album called “Junglist Sound” featuring Ranking Joe, a veteran reggae MC who has an extensive back catalogue of music that I grew up on. I told Liondub I had grown up listening to Ranking Joe as a kid and would be honored to have him as a featured artist on the track. Liondub had always known and worked with Joe in New York, hooked it up and the final result was amazing. Eventually we met up in London and shot a video for the single which was an exhilarating experience and I have to say that my personal interactions with Ranking Joe have shown me that he is a very talented humble, laid back person who shows respect to people who have mutual respect for him. Then there is “Sound the Alarm” featuring Skarra Mucci who is like a big brother to me and a very talented artist. We already had a draft of the track which we originally recorded with veteran DJ producer Bassface Sasha from Germany in 2010 but we needed a different version of the hook and Skarra came with the goods. We shot a video for it and released it in 2005 as the first proper single off the album to very positive critical acclaim, the Serum remix won Best Video award in an American Jungle DnB poll and it was very well received by the Junglist massive.
Can you briefly talk about the 10 track chart that you’ve provided for us in celebration of the label? Any favorite artist or tunes that really have made an impact?
It was hard to pick this list because there are so many tracks that I love from the labels catalog, but all of these tracks I’ve listed mean something special to me for various reasons. Could be that they make me wanna jump 10 feet in the air when me and Liondub are performing on stage, or the lyrical content has a profound meaning in life and gives me a sense of discernment as I’m listening to it. It could be that I’ve had a hand in the development of the artist or backing track that gives me a proud feeling or it could have some emotional attachment to it coming from personal experiences. Might be music I’ve grown up listening to that was reworked with great effect into Jungle DnB. It could also be that the bassline moves me or it has some familiar musical riff that sparks a warm feeling inside or just something that reminds me of some monumental event or place I’ve been to that gives me goosebumps whenever I remember it. Every track I’ve listed here are in my humble opinion certified bangers in their own right and because in my little world, music is the essence of life I hold these tracks near and dear to my heart.
Liondub International has a very serious output with artists from across the globe contributing to the imprint, any thoughts on the way this record label has affected Jungle and Drum and Bass on an international level?
Liondub International is definitely one of the biggest Jungle DnB record labels in the world. Liondub has been consistently putting out quality product and content for the last 12 years with no relent. He is currently one of the leading purveyors of Jungle music with no intention of slowing down for the foreseeable future. He has launched many producers careers and has supported the development of many artists, he has also been instrumental in innovating many new facets of Jungle music and it’s also responsible for pushing out a lot of different underground genres that might not get the recognition they deserve from other affiliated labels on the Jungle DnB scene. He is also fully committed and dedicated to his mission regardless of the naysayers and these are the things I admire about his integrity and resolution, because he is a man of his word.
Do you think that Liondub and his label have had an impact on Jungle music or contributed something special to the scene overall in the UK or the world? Is there a place for Liondub International in the DnB scene and history books, the same way UK based labels have?
There are many people who are out there in the world that love Jungle Drum & Bass and produce it very well, same goes for vocalist, singers & MCs. These guys are always looking to get their music out there, but because of the stiff competition and dismissive attitude of some of the established producers & labels it’s not easy to break through. Although Liondub is a stickler for quality he is still open and honest and always on the look out for something that has a fresh spark to it, even if it’s not fully on point when he hears a track he will still give constructive critical advice to help that individual to at least try and get the desired end product. This is where a label like Liondub International stands out for me, who I regard as a shining beacon in relation to the future development of young underground talent and the longevity of the vast array of established veterans on a global scale. You have to give credit where credit is due and I know from personal experience and from being involved hands on from the relaunch in 2010 that this label has been relentlessly building itself and new artists & producers for the last decade. If that isn’t a good enough reason for Liondub to be given the rightful recognition as a formidable consistent contributor to what UK/JA music is all about then I rest my case and will buy him an engraved gold trophy and hand it to him myself to show my sincere heartfelt appreciation.
Lastly, any shout outs, projects or advice that you’d like people to know about or consider moving forward in these very unusual times?
Look out for my label ODT Muzik through these tough times coz we are coming with the healing music, our current release is a dancehall banger called Ghetto Strugglaz Riddim produced by PSkinna & Mixmaster Jay featuring various artists which has received support from Rodigan, Seani B & Bobby Konders, keep it locked to our social media platforms for more fire coming in 2021.
I think it’s very important to stay focused on what you love doing and continue to be creative during these testing times. My message to everyone is this, “Don’t let this current situation steal your Joy!” Turn off the TV and make use of your thoughts and hands in a constructive, creative way. In the words of the great Bob Marley, “Have no fear of atomic energy, coz none of them can stop the time”
Loud shouts reaching out to Liondub, Alaska MC, David Boomah, Nev G the Weather Girl, Mix Master Jay, P Skinna, Ragga Twins, David Rodigan, Seani B, Bobby Konders, Soultrain Lokomotive, Marcus Visionary, Ras Demo, Sid Young, Rob Stush, Deeproots DMDC, Bandulu, Blackout JA, Lost City, Nicky Blackmarket, Stevie Hyper D (RIP), Seanie T, MC Blacka, Spookasonic, Steve Therapy Social ‘King Kong’ Security, SMK, ErbNduB, Ranking Joe, Lone Ranger, Phase One, Senator O, Unity Hi Power, Fatman HiFi, Moses & DJ Lee from First Choice, Skiffington, Raymond Naptali, Roy Ranking, Festus Irie, Ribs Executive, Brian Belle Fortune, Wilbur Wilberforce, Simon Goffe, Beat Culture London, Kool London, Rough Tempo, Pyro Radio, Thames Delta Community Radio, FIGHT KLUB, Jungle Cakes, Profit Berlin, Mannheim 68er Massive and all of the people who have had an input into my career (excuse me if you feel offended because you don’t see your name here, trust me I appreciate you) so if you have helped me in anyway whilst I’ve been progressing through the many phases of my life I salute you all.
Manners & Respect
Navi
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Marcus Visionary View Top 10 Chart
Thank you Marcus, thanks for talking with about your connection and work with Liondub International over the past 12 years.
You started working with Liondub back in 2008 and were a part of the label from the beginning, whats the story behind you two connecting and starting projects together?
I met Liondub at a gig in Toronto. At the time I was running a label called Liondubs. We ended up having alot in common as Lion had connections to legendary Reggae & Dancehall artists we both wanted to work with. We decided to join together for Liondub International and it's been 12 years now.
Over the years you guys have pushed out a lot of music, are there any memorable moments in the label history that really stand out for you or releases that really hit home in your opinion?
The Printa Riddim LP is special for me as we got the co sign from our heroes Steely & Clevie. We got a feature in the Jamaican Gleaner. It was also embraced by Rodigan and many DJ's worldwide. It was also great to work with many current as well as legendary Dancehall artists. The Jungle remixes will be forthcoming. Another special one for me is the relationship Liondub has built with Suku from Ward 21. Gyalis with Suku and Mr. Lexx is doing really well right now. I'm really excited about what we have in store for 2021 & beyond.
You gave us a chart for the Liondub International Juno Takeover, what do you think of the labels output over the last few years and what artists and tracks really stand out for you in the chart and on the roster?
Erik (liondub) is a machine. I don't know how he manages to deal with all of the vocalists as well as the artists. He has an iron will but also has a very professional and honest approach. You can't run a label with that much output if you don't have the trust of the artists. We have a great relationship with many of our resident artists. Blackout J.A is probably one of the most professional and on point artist in the scene today. His vocals are always perfectly recorded and he's a hit machine. Suku from Ward 21, Johnny Osbourne, Kandiman, Bunny General, Navigator and more recently Patexx who for me is the one to watch for. War Start & Caan Done was one of my favorite singles of 2020.
Any thoughts on the way this record label has affected Jungle and Drum and Bass on an international level? Do you think that Liondub and the label have a place in the DnB scene the same way UK based labels do? Do you think that the Liondub label will go down in history like many of the seminal Jungle labels from the UK?
As we're not from the U.K sometimes we get left out of some conversations. It was an issue for us for a little while as we're really trying to contribute to the thing we love. It was a hurdle that we had to cross. Since then we've decided to just get on with what we need to do. The punters and the ravers and the music lovers are the ones that matter at the end of the day. We have a core group of DJ's who love our sound who support us and that's all that really matters. We know that we'll leave a strong legacy like the labels we admire. At the end of the day no one can deny a strong discography and I think that it's getting stronger every year. We have no plans in stopping anytime soon health prevail.
We know you and Lion started a new production group back in 2017 call Rumble. How did that come about and what are your feelings about what you’ve accomplished with Rumble so far?
We've always talked about collaborating but Lion was extra busy playing out in NYC and also running the label which in itself is a full time job. A few years ago we took the time out for me to fly down to NYC and build some riddims that we wanted to get voiced by some of our favorite artists. Lion took that to a whole other level. There are Rumble tracks I've yet to hear because he voiced so much material. I'm really strongest as a remix artist. I know my strength as I guess that comes from playing out over the last 30 years. It's the new projects that excite me in the studio and we have a good 3 years of projects already lined up that require Jungle remixes. I'm really excited about what's forthcoming. Lion managed to link almost all of my favorite artists. The Printa Riddim LP, Gyalis & Siren with Suku, Weed Weed & Dancehall Crown with Blackout is just the beginning.
What projects do you have on the table with Rumble, Liondub or for the Liondub label moving forward? Anything we should be looking out for?
We have so much in store. Printa riddim remixes are up next. I wish I could give away some of the artists we've already voiced but I'll just let that be a surprise ;)
Lastly, Have you any advice for individuals like a younger who come in to the scene from other countries and want to contribute to the genre on a production or label level like Liondub has? And where do you see Liondub International in 10 years?
For me personally. I don't do this for the money at all. I work on music projects that inspire me. Some of them I know full well I won't see any money from. Obviously when there is money it's a great reward but for me it's not the goal. Labels like Studio One & King Jammys made there best music over the years and money wasn't the intention. The music was made with love and so it stood the test of time. I always make sure I'll collaborate with people who put the music first. For younger Producers: learn the history of the music, listen to many genres, absorb the culture, study your favorite producers, only make music you feel 100%, if it feels like work don't do it and also familiarize yourself with how the business side of the music works. Hopefully in 10 years we'll be looking back at the label with pride knowing we did everything we could to contribute to the music we love.
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