Legendary promoter Terry “Turbo” Stone has been away from the drum & bass scene for a while acting and making films, but he’s back with a documentary about his One Nation event, ‘United Nation, three decades of Drum & Bass’. Directed and produced by Terry and Richard Turner, the raw original archive content speaks for itself, with tell-it-all interviews from DJs and MCs like DJ Fresh, Andy C, Sigma, Hype, Ragga Twins, Adam F, SASASAS, DJ Rap, Grooverider, Fabio, Jumping Jack Frost, Nicky Blackmarket, Ray Keith, DJ Brockie, Rat Pack and many more. The premiere takes place at The Troxy on February 15, so we spoke to Terry to find out why he’s back and what to expect.

How did you get involved with the rave scene and club promotion?
I started off as a raver back in 1988 and worked for a company called the Flying Squad handing out flyers. After a fall out with them over money I started my own firm, Turbo Promotions and I also started selling tickets for all the big one-off rave events which meant I could earn a living from the rave scene. After a while, I set up a rave magazine called The Scene that was a big success and then that led me up to December 1993 where I put on my first ever rave, One Nation at the Roller Express in Edmonton, north London.

For some of the younger ravers out there please give us some background on One Nation…
It was one of the first large scale drum & bass events that started off big. Our first event was for 3,000 people, we didn’t ever do anything small. We were the first company to do a worldwide tour using our One Nation brand, and we were also the pioneers of back to back DJ and mc sets. we did a sell-out 20,000 rave at Wembley Arena. I don’t think any drum & bass event topped that.

There’s also a book coming on Junior Tomlin who did some of your early flyers, how important was he to your visual identity?
When I started One Nation there were two artists that I liked: Junior Tomlin and Pez. However, I felt that Junior’s work was more in line with the One Nation vibe, so we met, discussed and agreed what we wanted and he designed our first ever flyer and many more thereafter.

Why did you end your involvement with the rave scene?
It got silly towards the end, clubs were shutting down, certain DJs and MCs weren’t allowed to play, the gun crime went off the scale, and the fun for me fell out of promoting, so I decided to do something else.

Why are you coming back?
I think the scene now is a good as it was back then, the nice vibes are back, and now I’ve made a film covering the last three decades. It’s given me a taste to do a world tour with the film and put on some old skool jungle nights with our residents.

What can you tell us about the documentary?
Yes, it’s a 90-minute journey where young and old can experience the inner secrets of the drum & bass/jungle scene, what went on: the sex, the drugs, the violence and the unadulterated fun.

What can we expect at your premiere at the Troxy this weekend?
It will be a proper red carpet affair with the who’s who of the drum & bass scene, alongside 250 celebrities from the world of music, TV and film mixed in with anyone who wants to buy a ticket and experience how the old parties used to be done.

Any forthcoming films or acting jobs you can tell us about?
Yes, Rise Of The Footsoldier 5 The Tony Tucker Story is happening this year and Once Upon A Time In London and Rise Of The Footsoldier 4 Marbella are both being rolled out around the world which is very exciting. There will also be a garage documentary about the Garage Nation days coming out later this year.

If you can’t make it to the premiere at Troxy then there will be other opportunities to see the film and listen to Q&As after:

• Friday 21st February, 6.30pm, Ritzy Brixton – Terry Stone & DJ Jumping Jack Frost
• Saturday 22nd February, 8.30pm, Hackney – Terry Stone, DJ Brockie & MC Det
• Sunday 23rd February, 7.30pm, Fact Liverpool – Terry Stone, MC Mad P & Top Buzz aka Jason Kaye
• Monday 24th February, 8.30pm, Cameo Edinburgh – Terry Stone & DJ Kid
• Thursday 27th February, 8.30pm, Theatre Royal Stratford – Terry Stone, Fabio & Grooverider

The post One Nation returns with documentary appeared first on Kmag.

We catch up with Nathan Hanley, head honcho and general legend of Bloc2Bloc Entertainment Radio, the hugely popular drum & bass and underground music platform, which has been going from strength to strength. Nathan (fan of his favourite catchphrase ‘cheeky’) talks to us about the history of Bloc2Bloc and his ever-expanding empire, in particular, the launch of their new Youtube channel which focuses on bringing the best in new underground, signed and unsigned drum & bass.

“Bloc2Bloc Entertainment was founded back in 2012 as a music and nightlife Youtube channel, a means to capture the heart of Manchester music, escape the stresses of life and a way to give back to the youth in the community,” says Nathan.

Fast forward to 2020 and the Bloc2Bloc team have undisputedly made their mark in the Manchester underground bass scene and beyond. As a double award nominated internet radio station, a combined social media following of over 120,000 and events featuring star-studded regular line-ups, it’s not hard to see why Bloc2Bloc are the go-to platform for many up-and-coming DJ/producers.

In the last few years, Bloc2Bloc has seen the likes of Bou, Indika, Kaz and Jazzy-lioness all make a serious impact on the drum & bass scene through the Bloc2Bloc platform and, consequently, they’ve all gone on to do massive things and continue to rise through the ranks. Simply put, Bloc2Bloc is quickly making a name for itself as the home of new talent.

“We’ve now decided to venture out into uncharted waters with BLOC2BLOC MUSIC, a new music-based YouTube channel,” adds Nathan. “The idea behind this is to simply give back to all the producers who are constantly supporting the Bloc2Bloc team and all the DJs by creating a hub to share brand new music with the world. Unfortunately, it’s very clear that without the right support, social media & promotion, some amazing producers aren’t getting noticed or being given the credit they truly deserve. So here we are, BLOC2BLOC MUSIC on YouTube is committed to bringing the best new undiscovered, up-and-coming sounds from around the world.”

In the future, they’re looking forward to adding guest mixes to the channel from some of the biggest names in the game including the likes of Chimpo, Bou, Indika, Kaz, Dub Phizix, AC13 and many more.

In other news from the Bloc2Bloc camp, they’ve recently sealed a deal with Unity Radio to host their very own fortnightly show. In turn, giving them a whole new audience and an even bigger reach to push new producers and music into the spotlight. They also have their own merchandise range. Bridging the gap from pirate radio to official channels, it seems Bloc2Bloc is everywhere you look, be it in Manchester or on social media.

The post Bloc2Bloc Music launches new Youtube channel appeared first on Kmag.

As you hopefully know by now we published our 25th-anniversary book in December. Now we’re ready to announce the next phase of our celebrations by announcing the line-up for our special party at state-of-the-art venue FOLD in London’s Canning Town on 21 February 2020. The event will be one of the first drum & bass events at the 600-capacity venue and will test the bespoke sound system to the limit.

Musically the night will explore the past, present and future of drum & bass with a diverse line-up of old favourites and rising stars. Headlining are a pair of special guests who we can’t announce, but we can say this – they’re two figureheads from Metalheadz doing their first-ever exclusive back-to-back set. It wouldn’t be 25 years of Knowledge without a special treat! Also on the line-up are Total Science, DJ Flight, Bryan Gee B2B L Side, SP:MC, Apey and Tenth Letter. A special guest from Commercial Suicide will also be appearing but we can’t announce them until February 1.

Tickets are only £6 to £10 and we’re also doing a special package deal of a ticket plus a copy of the book for only £30 if you collect the book on the night (the book normally costs £30 alone). The first 30 packages also include a free 25th-anniversary tote bag.

The post 25 Years Of Knowledge at FOLD appeared first on Kmag.

Sophia Rosa, AKA Decibella, has been mad about jungle, D&B, dubstep, garage and hardcore since way back when. She learned the ropes at Knowledge Mag as an intern at age 15, and has been raving, DJing and producing ever since. Then after sending over her demos to Mantra at an EQ50 producers workshop, she exploded onto the London scene with the support of AKO Beatz, Rupture and more. On top of that, she’s one of the most friendly and humble selectas I’ve met. Read on to get to know the absolute babe that is Decibella.

Hey Decibella! I heard you were an intern at Knowledge Mag back in the day, how did that come about?

I was 15 or 16 years old, and it was a 2 week work experience thing. My mates were going to work at their mum’s insurance companies, haha. At the time I had started going out raving and would buy Knowledge Mag every month – so I was like I’m gonna write to them and see if they will let me do it there. And they said yes… I was buzzing!

That’s easily the best school work experience I’ve heard of! What did you get up to while you were there?

I was creating stuff for the magazine…researching people, writing articles and reviewing music. I was also there when they were doing the cover shoot for the Ed Rush & Optical issue which I helped with. I’ve still got the mag!

I was so into drum & bass and going into an office where they’re wearing their own clothes and playing D&B and following their passion was very cool and really motivational at that young age.

Sounds like it was a huge influence on you and your music. What else influenced you to get where you are today?

I just wanted to be closer to the music…to be a part of it. It didn’t cross my mind that I could be a DJ or producer at first, just because I hadn’t seen any women doing it. When I went to raves, all the artists and MCs were guys. So I thought writing about it was a way to be closer to it.

Then I came across a DJ Rap tape, which I connected to in a different way… in a more emotional way. So I was bigging up DJ Rap, saying “he’s my favourite DJ. He’s so sick”. But then I was corrected and was told Rap was a woman! That’s what really planted the seed in me to begin to dream about being a DJ and making music. Reading the All Crews book also opened me up to loads of new information about the music and the history, the artists and labels, and allowed me to connect all the dots. This was before the internet was like it is now! I loved that book.

Decibella, captured by Jagoda Kotlarz (@Melancholik)

When I discovered the underground music scene in London it had a huge impact on me. I knew I’d found something special that was gonna change my life. It awakened a passion and joy in me I never knew I had. I fell in love with it, it seemed to give my life new meaning and purpose and direction. The music and my experiences of raving have given me beautiful moments of feeling connected to myself and my emotions and my spirit, and to people, and I just wanna share that, and maybe help create those moments of connection for others in some small way. It has given me so much I just wanna give it back with love.

And how old were you then?

Not long after the time I was doing work experience with Knowledge! It was when I was really getting into it – started to become a bit obsessive about it.

Haha yep, the obsession is real!! So maybe I’m just living under a rock, but you seem quite mysterious like you’ve exploded onto the scene. But you’ve been doing this jungle D&B thing for a while?

I’ve loved it for a long time, as a lover and a raver and a fan. I was going out DnB and Garage raves and listening to pirate radio from really young, like 14! Then bought decks when I was 21 and started buying vinyl. I was buying a lot of early dubstep at the time actually. Going to FWD and DMZ nights, I was really into that sound. Always buying old Jungle records though and listening to loads of old jungle and hardcore sets, I particularly loved that sound and felt so sad that I was too young and missed it. The early dubstep sound & movement reminded me of a bit of jungle. When I started learning to produce, I just naturally started making jungle, hardcore and garage.

Decibella, captured by Jagoda Kotlarz (@Melancholik)

It’s weird how it’s all happened really. It’s all coincided where I’d already been making jungle and playing and collecting records. And in the last couple of years, there’s just been this explosion of new jungle and hardcore producers and labels and nights and newness. So, it just feels like it’s happened naturally, in a synchronistic kind of way.

I find it difficult to send people my music because I care about it so much and can be overly critical of my stuff, which is why I hadn’t done it before. It’s taken some time to put myself out there.

You’re definitely not alone, but we’re so glad you did it because your tunes are sick! I’d love to hear more about your tune Outta London coming out on AKO this year. I’ve heard DJs playing it everywhere. What’s the inspo?

Hearing people play my music on a big system is such a crazy feeling when you’ve grown up as a raver! I’m so grateful for the love and support the release has been getting. Flight & Mantra were the first DJs who played it out – they dropped a really rough version of Outta London at Rupture on International Woman’s day and it was such a buzz. The sample is from a 90s soundclash between Love Injection and David Rodigan. As soon as I heard it I was like YES. I wanted the tune to feel how jungle feels to me, it has all my favourite elements of a classic jungle track. 

Did you just have it on your computer for quite a while before you sent it out to anyone?

Yeah, I had a rough version of the track for a while. Then at the first EQ50 meet-up for women in drum and bass, Mantra did a call out for producers to get feedback on their music. I sent them over to her and she called me, really buzzing about them and really feeling it. 

Decibella, captured by Jagoda Kotlarz (@Melancholik)

Is that how you got involved with Rupture and AKO, by sending your tracks over there?

Yeah! Sending those tunes over to Mantra at the EQ50 event kick-started me becoming visible. Mantra played my tunes to her partner (Rupture co-founder) Double 0 and they were really feeling them. They have both been amazingly supportive and encouraging with my music. She played my tunes to Stretch and he said he wanted to sign them straight away, which was mad, and that’s how I connected with AKO.

Mantra is a big inspiration to me. She’s become an awesome mentor, and now a friend. I feel very lucky to have connected with her and the other women who are part of EQ50.

Then she invited me to play as a guest on Sherelle’s Reprezent show, it was an EQ50 takeover with Chickaboo, Flight, G Magikal, Sweetpea and me. When Mantra heard me on the radio she said ‘you’re definitely a Rupture DJ! Would you like to come and play for us?’ Which was incredible. Stretch came to check out my set at Rupture and liked what he heard and asked me to play at AKO.

Wow, huge shout out to Mantra, EQ50 and Stretch then! I love that Mantra heard your tunes and immediately knew to send them to Stretch. Outta London is such an AKO tune.

Yeah, it fits with the label. AKO10s are the ones I love most in my heart and my soul. For me, to be on the AKO10 label is amazing, they’ve got that old school new school vibe. Massive shout outs to Stretch for all his support and belief in me. 

I feel lucky to have connected with Indi [Mantra], Dubs and Stretch. They’re such good people. It’s so special what they’re doing with Rupture, AKO and the community around those nights and labels. That passion for the sound, driven by a real love.

It’s our soul tribe for real!! So on a side note, I’ve gotta say this, your fashion is always on point. You’re always reppin’ some serious Moschino and trainer swag… how would you describe your style?

Aw cheers mate! You always look so dope! I’m just living my London teenager rude girl fantasy hahaha. Cos when I was younger, the older girls in the raves had all the Moschino and I really wished I could wear that – but I was so young and had no money! But now I’m doing it, I’m living the Mosch dream haha. It’s just London… Fashion is a part of rave culture, whether you’re wearing Mosch, a tracksuit, or reppin’ your fave record label t-shirt. What I love about jungle raves is you can wear what the f*** you like and no-one really cares. Just do you. I always dress to dance, and to be comfortable. The 90’s fashion is really coming back now and I’m loving it. Oh, and I’m all about the air max 90s. They’re my favourite trainers.

Decibella, captured by Jagoda Kotlarz (@Melancholik)

Haha that teenage dream is definitely relatable! What else is in the pipeline for 2020?

I’ve got the release dropping on AKO in Feb which is so exciting. Next couple of gigs are Brighton for AKO’s 25 years party, and Fabric for V Recordings at the end of Feb with the WMXB 2 collective – check them out they are doing amazing things! And I’m gonna be on the Rupture Rinse FM show in February too.

Damn, it’s gonna be an exciting year for you Decibella!!! We’re all so here for it…

You too babes, this Knowledge Mag/Rave Report collab is amazing. It’s gonna be brilliant following your journey too. I love that it’s 2020 as well. It’s all about THE 2020 VISION!

Follow Decibella on Soundcloud, Instagram, Facebook 

The post Decibella is the Rupture and AKO junglist you need to know appeared first on Kmag.

As the demand for our recent 25th-anniversary book has shown, the drum & bass scene has a passion for words in print. The ability to hold a magazine has always made its message seem more real and, regardless of the medium, physical products undoubtedly have the qualities so often assigned to them by vinyl lovers and tape collectors alike.

“We think that, for drum & bass fans, the relative lack of focus on the drum & bass scene within more mainstream dance music publications only enhances that feeling,” says Ben Hunter from the Downloads & Reloads newsletter. “To consistently improve the coverage of the scene is why we started our weekly newsletter almost two years ago, and it’s a gap we hope we’ve gone some way to filling for our 650 subscribers. With the amount of not just quality music but general news and innovation, there is absolutely space for another outlet entirely focused on covering events at 170.”

This is why they’ve now launched their quarterly print zine, a 30-page magazine dedicated to drum & bass. They’re publishing every four months and have just sold over 100 copies of their first edition. This month features music reviews of 2019’s best releases, interviews with Mystic State and UKF founder Luke Hood, guest columns from El Hornet, Charli Brix and more.

“If you like drum & bass we’re certain you’ll love it and we’ve just re-stocked, so please feel free to order yourself a copy,” adds Ben. “We also have some super excited things in store for the next edition, including our first cover feature, so please get (and stay) in touch on Twitter and Instagram.”

The post Downloads & Reloads launch magazine appeared first on Kmag.