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Genre originator, constant innovator

DJ SS brings the World Of Drum ’N’ Bass to Whistler
dj-ss
DJ SS

Who: DJ SS

What: Jungle Love

Where: Savage Beagle

When: Monday, Sept. 5

He’s an originator who continues to be an innovator. A DJ, producer, event promoter and global ambassador for the deep, dark genre at the end of the electronic music spectrum known as hard drum ’n’ bass.

British DJ SS (real name Leroy Small) is one of the hardest working men in electronic music, jet-setting around the world from giant rave events in Eastern Europe to humble club nights in Whistler, recording for Formation Records with two other labels – Reform Records and World Of Drum & Bass Records – under his own direction.

Born, and still living, in Leicester, England, the 35-year-old artist has stayed true to his roots, both geographically and sonically.

A frequent visitor to Whistler with his World of Drum ’N’ Bass ensemble tours, Pique caught up with SS in the virtual universe before his return this Monday, Sept. 5, to shake up the weekly Jungle Love club night at the Savage Beagle.

Pique: You're one of the original old-schoolers in drum ’n’ bass. What's kept you in the game through the years?

DJ SS:

Well we started this thing from day one and I’ll be around for the end if that ever comes. So I’m here for the long haul, through the ups and downs.

Pique: What's the scene like now compared to when you first got into it?

SS:

It’s very different. Back then it was all about the party vibe. Nowadays people don’t party like they used to. I think the vibes were way better then ’cause it was all fresh. But we still do what we have to.

Pique: Sometimes it seems like drum ’n’ bass is the heavy metal of the electronic music world. Do you see it this way?

SS:

Yeah, I know what you’re saying about this rock bullshit. It’s getting way over the top. But it’s about to get back to what it’s supposed to be. If people want to hear rock then they will go to a rock concert. Not DnB. We need to get the soul back into this again.

Pique: As well as a DJ/producer you're also somewhat of an ambassador for DnB, staging events all over the world. You were recently in Russia. What's the scene like there?

SS:

Yes, right now its all about Russia and Estonia. The East is on fire at the moment, but DnB is worldwide. Too many places to mention. It’s getting bigger and that’s why we’re doing the World Of DnB project – to spread the word even more.

Pique: Your upcoming visit will be one of many you've made to Whistler. What keeps you coming back here?

SS:

It’s one of the few places in North America that has the vibe. That’s mostly (because of) the Jungle Souldier promoting proper. And if they want me, I’ll always come back.

Pique: There are definitely girls that love your sound but it's still a boys club. Why do you think that is?

SS:

It’s all down to the music, really. We kind of lost the groove. We need to get the soul back to get the girls back.

Pique: Being an international jet-setting DJ means you have a constant opportunity to party. Do you go for it, or are you more the clean living type?

SS:

Me, I’m clean. No drink, no drugs, no smoke. I get my buzz on the music.

Pique: How long are you going to keep this up?

SS:

As long as I can still play the music we created.