Fresh

How did you first get into producing?

I started learning the piano when I was 5, got to grade 6 then discovered computers, and early acid... I later met a guy at university who introduced me to the guys at Scandal FM in Kingston; I played on there and Fresh FM for a while back in about '97... it was during this time I met my other partner in crime, Aaron Ross (1 Extra). Others on the station included Donna Dee, Deekline and Ruxspin (Universal Project).

I worked on a couple of projects at the time (I was 19), Lady Miss Kier (Deelites) album for Electra, and Moose's album for RCA which unfortunately didn't make it to release. During this time a mate played a tape of my tracks to Clayton at Renegade Hardware, it was there I met the other Bad Company guys... the rest is history!

You've recently moved to New York, what were your reasons and how is it going so far?

I went to NY to work with Adam F on an album; the project is on hold right now, but whilst I was there I hooked up with some guys who produce for Roc-A-Fella (Jay-Z's label) and have been working on a number of projects for big name hip hop acts in NY. I've just come back to do something with Adam for Seal and also to help get Pendulum's new album together for release on the label; also finishing touches to my and Adam's new single 'When the Sun goes down', the first Breakbeat Kaos album 'Junglesound 2' and my single with Mc Darrison 'All that Jazz' for V Recordings.

You're using Nuendo on the G5, what were your reason for switching over to Nuendo after all these years?

Predominantly the foresight of Rob Swire, the genius behind Pendulum... the audio editing features are much more dynamic for making drum and bass tunes.

Being a big fan of virtual instruments you have Arturia's Minimoog V - your perfect VSTi?

It's a great copy of the original... the Minimoog V is one of the most faithful reproductions I've heard so far... I made the lead reece sound for signal in an analogue Minimoog, its one of my favourite synths!

Tell us some drum 'n' bass production techniques that we should all know... and surely you use a few Akai samplers?

Adam still uses the Akai sampler, I'm almost totally 'on-board' now, although I sometimes use external gear routed through the Apogee interface. As far as the technique goes - there should be no technique... it's all about progression and originality; something that for people like myself is a challenge year in year out, but for up and coming producers it's a must.

Working with many other artists since moving to New York, have you had to adjust your writing / producing style?

Hip hop production is very different from drum and bass, I think much more simple on the most part, but the vibe is much more difficult to catch especially for someone who lives out in the country in England!

Native Instruments Reaktor and Kontakt are two of your favourites as well...

Reaktor is a beast, nuff said ... Kontakt is also great, I love the pitch/timestretching feature, it's great being able to play chords with vocals! ...I used to use the Roland VP9000 for this (on tracks like Submarines), Kontakt has taken that to the next level.

Tell us a bit about Dogs On Acid.

It's the busiest dance music forum on the net; it's a great resource for producers; myself and many of the other big names in the scene post on there, and theres some great production tips and resources; its also the central gossip source of the dnb scene... I advise people to check it out, but be prepared.. freedom of speech is heavily advocated!

At 27 years old you still have many years (hopefully!) of producing ahead. What will Fresh be doing in 5 years time from now?

Hopefully in 5 years time I will be kicking it in the Carribean... although I've got a feeling I'll more likely be spending 17 hours a day sitting in front of a pair of computer screens like a cabbage .. I guess we shall see!

Thanks Fresh!