INTERVIEW + MIX: DOWNBEAT

Tell us about NY based breaks label, Downbeat Productions.

Downbeat was established on the concrete streets of NYC in the year 2000. Founded by a crew of DJs, graphic artists and party promoters we wanted to form our very own musical platform in order to push the sound of Breakbeat. We were all playing the music, but felt it was time to get our own signature brand out there for the masses to play. The main focus behind the label was to push the sound of bassline Breakbeat using quality worldwide producers. We’ve pretty much stuck to our initial game plan and after 10 years it’s really paid off. We are now one of the biggest labels on the East Coast pushing the sound of breaks. As time went on we also released a bit of Dubstep along with some funkier melody based Breaks in order to keep the label sounding fresh and up to date. Our aim is to stay true to the sound we love, while keeping the reputation of Downbeat intact.

Downbeat is already working for 10 years. What are your achievements?
Whose talent was discovered by you?

We currently have over 40 releases including singles, EPs and albums. That alone is a great achievement that I’m very proud of. We’ve also thrown many parties around NYC while also traveling the world showcasing our DJing talents. As for producers being discovered, we spotlighted the likes of Ribs & IG88, Backdraft, Dub Elements, Eskmo & Pete Samplers to name a few. Recently we discovered a new talent from Spain who goes by the name, Obscene Frequenzy. His single was our first release of the year and has been doing really well.

Are breaks popular in NY?

There is a Breakbeat following in NYC as well as in the surrounding areas for sure. We have some good monthly parties and one offs around the city to play and attend. There are also other mixed genre parties that host Breakbeat DJ’s along with DNB and Dubstep. There is a healthy scene here, even if I wished it was a bit bigger sometimes.

What’s the different in the Breakbeat music in America and Europe?

American Breakbeat has more of a party vibe with it’s electro, Miami Bass and bboy background. These tracks usually have a happier attitude with a lot of bounce in the bassline. European Breakbeat, has a darker sound which comes from it’s hardcore, dnb, and garage backgrounds. These tracks are faster paced with a more aggressive up in your face attitude. Both styles work well and can be played together when the time is right.

Which of the Downbeat releases were the most popular?

I’d say our most popular original tracks are, Dub Elements – ‘Midnight Bizness’, which killed it last year, Dom Almond’s anthem titled, ‘Somber Siren’, FactorFunk’s techy, Nu Skool roller,’ Mobi Dick’, The haunting sounds of D-Ranged – ‘Raise The Dead’, the two big badbwoy rollers, Ribs & IG88 – ‘Riot Gear’ and Backdraft’s– ‘Headcharge’. Our most popular remixes to date are, Ribs & IG88 – ‘Riot Gear’ (Specimen A & Shodan Remixes), DJ Mutiny – ‘Responded ‘(Under This Remix) and Backdraft – ‘Headcharge’ (Ribs & IG88 Rmx). These tunes really did the rounds and are still fan favorites.

What do think about Breakspoll 2011 results?

When it comes to Breakspoll, I find myself agreeing with the majority of the winners, but some I do question. Seems to go that way every year so, it’s nothing new. With that being said, Breakspoll is still a big event in the Breakbeat community and they do give credit to those who push the sound. Plus it’s a good way to spotlight new talent. So even though I don’t agree with some of the votes, in the end it’s still a great thing.

Who else is really doing good breaks today?

The producers that are constantly releasing a fluid amount of quality material and who are really doing it for me these days are. IMETIC, RackNRuin, Pyramid, Access Denied, Left/Right & Digital Pizza, Vent, Dom Almond, Kultur + Colombo, Under This, Ribs & IG88, BSD, Specimen A, DaVIP, Elite Force, Bill Vega & New Decade, The Wrongstars, Backdraft, Afghan Headspin, Dub Elements, Gella, Bassbin Twins, Freerange DJ’s, Factorfunk and BETA.

What are the next label’s releases? What are the plans for 2011?

Up next, we have a single from Dom Almond which is a mixed bag of funk, plod, tech and tearout. As usual, Dom’s done a killer job and the release screams for main floor use. We also have releases on the way from Left/Right & Digital Pizza, DaVIP, Afghan Headspin, Sylus, Access Denied, Kid Digital, Ribs & IG88, IMETIC with many more to follow. Later in the year, we’re also planning to drop an EP titled ‘The Downbeat Allstars’. This will consist of one exclusive track per artist that we’ve previously featured on the label.

Any advice for the breakbeat-news readers?

Buy Downbeat, wash regularly, moonwalk at least once a day and always be nice to people who serve your food J

Breakbeat News Mix

01.Dub Elements – Midnight Bizness – Downbeat
02.Ribs & IG88 – Riot Gear (RackNRuin) – Downbeat
03.Access Denied & BSD – Ultimate – Ibreaks
04.Bassbin Twins & Stanton Warriors – Rhythm Rocks The Blue (Elite Force Mix) – U&A
05.Freerange Djs – Drop That Beat – Ape
06.BSD – Total Cucumber – Ibreaks
07.Under This – Re-Active – Ibreaks
08.Dom Almond – Original Selecta – Downbeat Dub
09.DJ Sharaz – Through You – 941 Electro
10.JFB – Nose Job – Skint
11.Heavyfeet – Parking Meter (Club Mix) – Stamp Beats
12.Dom Almond – MF – Downbeat
13.Dom Almond – Somber Siren – Downbeat
14.Dom Almond – The Shakedown – Downbeat Dub
15.DJ Mutiny – Responded (Under This Remix) – Downbeat
16.kultur + Colombo – Nothing Can Stop Us – Metamorph Muzik