Wobble

Introducing - DJ Raider

It's been a large twelve months for Wobble. There's been some insane parties; a 4th Birthday, a night dedicated to B-sides and rarities, a label launch and even a night where the crew were playing so hard the roof almost came down on us.  As another year goes by another generation of Bassheads pop out of the woodwork. This month it's all about the new kids on the block. The line-up is oh so diverse including the likes of funk master Philosoraptor, Label Boss Tommy Dub and a young man by the name of Louis Peake aka DJ Raider. Raider has been working hard the past few years establishing his name in Melbourne as both a DJ and a valued member of the DnB community. His record collection is massive and his taste is impeccable. He hosts his own online radio show (BASS INVASIONS, 5pm-7pm, www.stradio.org incase you were wondering). It was only a matter of time before we saw his name on a flyer. Check him at Wobble: The Next Generation this Saturday. Check out the link to his latest mix below.

And right now, in this interview! (Words by Rick Dirk)

DJ Raider September Mix - Recorded in one take using 2 x Technics 1200's and Allen Heath Mixer. No post-production or editing.

RD: DJ Raider! New records arrived today I hear, whats in the mix?

L: A lot of new Calibre tunes, the man is dropping on all sorts of labels and such diverse sounds. Loving it. Also some new Liquid V and Renegade Hardware bits. Oh and the newest from the one like TC, A personal favourite of mine over the years.

RD: Very tasty. Calibre is still killing it after so long! You've been collecting vinyl for years now, and yep this question has been rinsed. But what was your first purchase?

L: Will never forget the answer to this one. Valley Of The Shadows by Origin Unknown. Such a classic and I'll never get sick of it, Ram Records baby! Pretty much my biggest influence as far as labels go.

RD: Hows it's condition? I'm sure you've spun that one a few times over the years?

L: Haha yeah it's definitely got a few battle scars. Each mark is a memory though, that's why I still play records, each one has its own story and brings a smile to my face every time I spin them.

RD: I hear many things about your record collection, one thing being you have a lot, how many?

L: Wow I haven't counted in a long time, it grows every week haha.

RD: Your taste is vast and also mature, what did your diet consist of when you first discovered DnB? I know a lot of heads (including myself) are introduced through the likes of Hospital & Ram. How did you first fall in love with DnB?

L: My brother Sam is 7 years older than me and was heavily into DnB around 2000-2002. He was a big Full Cycle fan, Die, Krust etc. The first dnb I heard was the Full Cycle Live CD from 2001 recorded live in Bristol. Not much excites me as much as that sound to this day it really is amazing music. The whole Bristol sound.

RD: Always refreshing to see one of the younger crew with so much knowledge already. Just as you've been collecting tunes, you've been DJ'ing too. However, until fairly recent times you haven't really pushed for gigs a hell of a lot. From what Melbourne has seen of you so far we know you're pretty tight behind the decks. Is there a reason you've been biding your time to break into the scene?

L: Well the truth is I've only been mixing for a few years now. Since my boy Cubist had his studio in my house around that time and I was fortunate enough to get the use of his decks. So I guess part of it has been confidence, and also just it is a hard scene to break into too. There's a lot of talent and it's quite competitive really. But believe me, I've got a huge hunger for gigs, any gigs and I'll definitely be putting myself out there!

RD: And while there are some small teething issues for bass music in Melbourne, there are some amazing aspects of the scene aswell including the people within it. What do you love most about what goes down in our fine city?

L: So many international names coming through the city and drawing a big crowd. Was so great to see Goldie pack out the HiFi for example. Amazing that DnB can do that in this city. I also love the way the scene has grown so much already but seems to have so much potential still. It's a very positive thing. Also, I cannot go without mentioning how lucky we are to have Heartical HiFi in this town. Not all cities in the world get to experience bass music the way we do. Big ups to Derek. Cannot wait to get my chance to make those bins move!

RD: Which you'll be doing on vinyl of course. Big up yourself! Nights like Wobble and many others around town are super keen on keeping the vinyl dream alive, how do you think it will fair in years to come considering how much has changed already?

L: It's definitely more difficult these days. A lot of great music is coming out Digital only these days. Especially in the Jump Up scene. I think it's a shame, although I can see how tempting the convenience of things such as Serato is. I think vinyl has some life in it still though. I know I'll be there till the last record comes off the presses. I love it.

RD: Will you ever play a set on cdjs?

L: I already play a few cds in my sets. Purely for unreleased and not-on-vinyl tunes. Maybe 3 or 4 in my set. I don't honestly ever see my self playing cds exclusively. Vinyl is my passion, it's who I am.

RD: Ahah, the vinyl mentality eh?

L: Haha I suppose. I hope no one ever sees me as an "elitist" or anything like that. I respect real DJs and there is more to it than just what medium you play.

RD: Your face is a familiar one at many nights, WOBBLE especially. I know we've all been wondering when we'll be seeing Raider behind the decks there. It's your time this Saturday night at WOBBLE, along with a few other young guns, what should we expect from both yourself and the night as a whole?

L: The night is all about the sound when it comes down to it. Heartical Hifi rolls out the bass like it was designed to be heard. Will be great to see some new faces, big ups Philosoraptor cannot wait for your set mate, watch him for the deeper groovy side of dubstep. This lineup really will be very diverse all across the spectrum of dubstep and dnb (and jungle). From me... well my style is to mix it up. Expect everything from Ram Records to Full Cycle to some jump up and everything in between. Oh and I'll be playing the first dnb tune I ever heard... that one is a surprise though ;).

RD: Free beer on the night for the person who guesses it! My man it's been a wonderful internet date with you. Finally, any shouts?

L: Haha that bet is on! Shout outs to my brother Sam for introducing me to this world of drum n bass, shout outs to Cubist for all the support, Heartical HiFi, Miller for my first gig back in the day, my parents for instilling a love of music all my life, and last but not least my lovely girlfriend, Jess. Also big ups to you Rick for everything you've been up to lately and this interview!