After the enduring success of 'Rave Digger', Danny Byrd brings you the third single off his critically acclaimed LP. It's been a manic few months for Hospital's heavy hitter, with a packed release schedule, two A-List hits on Radio One and a well deserved break into the Top 40. We managed to grab a few minutes and an interview with the man himself. Check it out!
2010 has been a big year for you. Can you pick out some highlights for us?
Nice of you to say so! Yes there are some definite highlights, one of them being the first time Annie Mac played 'Ill Behaviour' on the radio and rewind it at the top of her show! I was driving at the time and was punching the steering wheel! It was one of the moments where a years hard work was finally paying off and seeing fruition. Also getting playlisted three times with 'Rave Digger' album tunes was pretty special :)
You were one of the first artists to sign to Hospital Records with a release in 2000, did you ever imagine back then you you would score a top 40 hit with a Drum & Bass track?
Well I think back then no, I think I probably thought it might be with some other style of my music but not a straight up D&B track, but when you join all the dots together and Radio 1's great support of indie dance music it doesn't seem that far fetched.. although I still can't beleive it to be honest!
Were you huddled round the radio with friends and family when you heard?
Of course! Someone on the inside text me before 7pm on Sunday to let me know it was in the Top 40, so I did know, but not what position. It was great because so many people text me, and I hadn't told them to tune in, so yes it was a very special moment for all of my family and Hospital!
How was it working with Netsky on Tonight? Did you guys collaborate in the studio together or sending files back and forth?
He came to down to my home studio in Bath for 2-3 days and we just sat down in the studio. Always the best way really, because you can't beat that interaction and vibe when things are going right. I think working online basically is a way of getting your own way more, but a true collab should be started at least in person. Boris had a good time in Bath apart from my boiler breaking down, he had a cold shower and didnt tell me till later! haha... sorry mate! :(
Did you enjoy making the video too? Can you talk us through the concept behind it?
The concept is basically the fact that not everybody's idea of a great night out is clubbing/drinking/bars etc. So it focuses on what a good night out would be for some over 70's OAPs! And of course the number idea was "Hospitality Bingo with Danny Byrd". The video was great fun to make, and gave me a idea of what I'd actually look like with some proper time in the sun! Big shout to the Burning Reel Productions for making such a great vid!
Other than the computer / laptop what is your favourite / essential studio tool or plug-in?
I just got this wicked plug in from native instruments that Roni Size tipped me off about. It called "The mouth" and basically triggers internal synths and effects from a audio file.. so you can hum a bassline, record it in as audio via a mic and then put the mouth plug in to generate basslines, synths, effects.. Its really cool.. Also I just got Izotope's "Stutter" plug in, which is pretty mental! I need to explore that more!
The track 'Tonight' is taking from your 'Rave Digger' artist album which is noted for its revival of classic dance music sounds and early hardcore / breakbeat. What made you decide to revisit these influences for 2010?
I guess it was turning 30 and wanting to return to my youth somewhat! Rave has been revisited in a lot of dance genre's but not really in D&B so much. So I thought I'd go back to all those old pianos and hoover sounds. It's been great actually because I've had quite a lot of the hardcore community saying they love the album, so maybe it opened up my music to a slight new audience.
Name one person from Drum & Bass and one person from outside Drum & Bass that you would love to collaborate with and why?
From D&B it would be High Contrast I think, his sound is classic and have known him for many years but have never seen how he works so I think that would be quite interesting considering he is the Welsh wizard! Outside D&B I'd say someone like MJ Cole, massive inspiration for years.. you can't beat his reverse chords! (He also did a amazing remix of Tonight! Thank you!!)
Is DJing still as important to you as the productions?
Yes I think of DJ-ing as my live performance and put a lot of practice into my DJ-ing. The two don't always mix well, and it is important to take a few months from gigging if you want to get any solid tunes done, but I think the next stage is taking the album live.
And what is your weapon of choice when stepping up to the decks? CDs, Vinyl, Serato / Traktor?
Vinyl and CD's, I find this the most safest route. Serato users always seem to fuck up the previous or next DJ on. I wouldnt want to piss anybody off or subject my laptop to that kind of heat in a club. Although I do think serato/traktor works well for the multi genre DJs.
With such a massive year behind you what have you got planned to make 2011 even bigger?
Trying my hand at some other forms of music, but more as a producer behind the scenes. Its something I've been going on about for ages, but im finally getting demos and showreels together for different artists. 2011 is time to have a bit of fun with D&B with no album pressure for me, so lots of collabs, remixes etc.
Finally, any thanks and shout outs you want to mention?
Thanks to Track It Down for always supporting UK dance music and being a great legal hub for the latest mp3's! :)
Much respect out to Danny Byrd! We've always been massive fans here at Trackitdown and urge to download and support his new single out now on Hospital Records!
