London Paper 6

londonpaper6, originally uploaded by chantelle.

On The Scene
Words: Chantelle Fiddy

DUBSTEP

Sat on a Northern line train last week, a suited and booted man was overheard telling a colleague he was going out for a night of dubstep which “has like these deep, bass lines. Mate, they can give you an upset stomach...”

And that’s one of the unique qualities dubstep as an underground scene has to offer; the more recently acquired clientel don’t always have a bloody clue, (well that or they have weak stomach’s), but they sure as hell love the music. If you’re a regular reader of the Sunday papers, style magazines or the music press, then chances are you’ve already come across a mention of dubstep the current genre creeping up the hot lists. Perhaps you’ve already been enlightened. But unlike a lot of buzz words and trends, dubstep isn’t actually anything new, nor is it a passing fad.

Undoubtedly the club night synonomous with the birth and growth of dubstep is FWD which, as you may recall from these very pages, are now in their fifth year of business. Back in the early days at the Velvet Rooms, Charring Cross, when grime wasn’t called grime and dubstep wasn’t called dubstep, Ms Dynamite was the resident mic hogger and DJ’s included Zed Bias and Oris Jay. The crowd were dedicated street music producers, independent record label types, wannabe MC’s and any one else who had dusted UK garage off their shoulder in favour of something gritty and edgey. FWD’s unique selling point was that, musically, anything went. The best in street beats, It was where DJ’s and producers alike went to showcase their latest tracks, many of which were fresh out of the studio that evening. While elements of FWD have changed over the years, it’s now found at Plastic People on Curtain Road for one, this freshness remains imperative to the winning formula.

Tonight, DJ Wonder, responsible for the Dizzee Rascal ‘Respect Me’ track and ‘What’, amongst other underground greats, is the latest in a line of producers having his album launch at FWD. Also on the bill are Benga, Geeneus and D1. Due to the limited space, if you want to guarantee entry and aren’t on a long arse wait outside, go early. An alternative for you tonight, a slighty harder one at that, running from 10pm-6am, is Yardcore at it’s new venue Jacks, Crucifix Lane, London Bridge. Supplying the dupstep, breaks, jungle, breakcore, electronica, acid, hardcore, gabba, dancehall and beats ‘n’ pieces will be Tech Itch (playing his first dubstep set), Milanese, SI Begg, PCM, Warlock, Luke Envoy and MC Mash Clan.

If you’re one of those really organised clubbers put November 24th in your diary, Hospitality At Heaven have roped FWD into Room Three. Doing the honours are Youngstar, N Type, Hatcha, Headhunter, Crazy D and more. Room One and Two on the D&B tip sees High Contrast, Andy C, London Elekricity, Doc Scott, Marcus Intalex and MC GQ.

On a final note, may I reassure you that any sightings of dubstep revellers throwing up are yet to be confirmed.