TAKE 5 FEAT: GRAYFOX

Grayfox has been a strong contributor to the Drum and Bass community for years. Whether it be by providing up to the minute content for DNBTV, PHILLY DNB or keeping up his company DIGITAL FOX STUDIOS Gray can be unreachable at times, but for good reason. Read on as we drop a "Take 5" on him and don't forget to check out some of the heavy Drum and Bass mixes on his site as well.


1. Is Drum & Bass dead, dying or thriving?


Ah, the dreaded question!!! I've been in the scene for well over 10 years now so I've been able to see things in their prime as well as at their lowest point. And since I grew up in the Philadelphia scene, I've seen the highest of the high. Hell, I got to see Dieselboy on a weekly basis plus 1-2 UK headliners for $7 bucks! But then again, that was 2002.


The Drum & Bass scene is an ever changing flux. There are gonna be high points and low point through out it's life span. I think the real question is just that. Can Drum & Bass stand the test of time? I personally feel that the music as a whole is more diverse and dynamic then many of genre's. The level of production value has risen with the evolution of technology but for some reason, there has been a major lapse in overall support in the community. Why? Not really sure.


I know from a personal point our local scene here was one of the strongest in the US for many years but as time passed, the amount of under 21 parties started to fade away. I keep saying this to people when talking about this situation, "If someone has to wait till their 21 to start getting into Drum & Bass, they are gonna have a harder time accepting it". I guess I'm putting a lot of stock in under age kids being overly impressionable and taking a chance on something new oppose to someone who's fairly set into what he/she likes. The lack of a new generation is what I like to call it. I know when I first got into Drum & Bass there was a 'clique' of established party goers & dj's that brought knowledge to us younger folk (Jason Magin & Armen were my mentors here in Philly) and made sure that we appreciate what we've missed and to take in everything that was in store for us. They would lay a foundation for us to follow to help improve the scene and make it grow. But as of right now, it seems that my generation doesn't have a group behind us teach and pass down the information that we were taught.


With no younger generation coming into play to carry on and follow in our footsteps, things have gotten to a point where they are now. Events are dropping left and right, highly established parties are calling it quits all over the US. I recently flew down to Atlanta to catch and Evol Intent Live show and my god, that party alone restored my faith in the US. Thousands of people all having a great time, signing along, drinking and just flat out enjoying the time. It's how things were. Not about what dj played what dub or other shit like that. It was about alot of people having fun with each other with the music they loved. And from the looks of it, that same vibe is coming back! There is a new monthly event here in Philly that is bringing back the good times. It's called Bedlam (http://www.phillydnb.com for more info) and it's about seeing great talent, getting sloppy drunk, dancing with girls and so on. And I'm taking notice that alot of other cities are doing that. Atlanta, Boston, Seattle...really trying to bring that flavor back that made this genre so damn appealing.


So long story short, the scene was dying slowly for a couple years but it seems that it's back on the rise and I can't be happier. Bring it the fuck on!


Yikes, I really took that question and just ran with it, didn't I? LOL!


2. What's in store for DNBTV?


It's been a long year so far...and it's only August, lol. It's been tough for all of us at DnBTv recently due to alot of people that run it having a lot of personal situations that needed to be handled. From having children, to finishing school and moving, so many things have come up this year that have held us back from taking that next step with our site. Luckily we have a strong fan base and dj line that keeps us going. Sure we don't have the radio listener numbers that a Bassdrive has, but then again, no one does, lol. But we still like to think that we have way more to offer then almost any other site out there. I would think that D&B Arena would be our only true competition.


But as for what's in store, we have a lot of things planned! We just went out and purchased some new hardware (servers baby!) and are currently locking down some new interviews and video sets! You know, all the good shit we're known for, lol. We've been kicked in the balls with some many technical issues recently that it's gonna be good to have all new WORKING equipment that will allow us to bring nothing but fresh new content on a more consistent basis. Also we now have our very own DnBTv Podcast! If you are on iTunes you can subscribe today and instantly have access to a great set of videos, interviews and exclusive studio mixes! We're so late to the podcast party but god damn it we're here!


3. Would you ever play Trance music live in a clown suit while eating a hot dog?

Are you serious? Like, com'on...seriously? No...for real? Like, all I can say is that I'm worried that some is spying on me cause I did this last Tuesday and I thought it was just me, the goat and the tranny that were in the room. Wait, do you know the goat? Did he fucking rat me out? I swear to go I'll fucking slit tha......................


...uh, moving on. o_O


4. It's 4 AM in Philly. Where is the best spot to eat.


So like, the entire Philadelphia area is gonna keel over and moan when they read this but...JIM'S MOTHER FUCKIN STEAKS SON! That is my cheese steak spot of choice next to the world famous Tony Luke's but that's a bit out of the way when you're at the clubs or on South Street. Everyone that comes to Philly I take the Jim's and every time I tell someone from Philly that I took the guest to Jim's, they just say "Why?". I don't know, I think it's one of those things that people around here have had it sooooo much, that they just don't like it anymore. But not me. I can live off this shit. I've taken guys like Evol Intent, Ewun, Gein as well Mr. Phrenik and all have had rave reviews.


Man, I'm hungry now. :-(


5. Current top 5?


It's been a pretty fucking good year for DnB, imo. Here are the top 5 that are always being played:


1. Kemal - "Hostile" (Lords Of Dong Remix)
2. Evol Intent - "Take That" (Ewun & Mental Sharp Remix)
3. Mason & Noah D - "The Product"
4. Apex - "Hench"
5. Geier - "Solar" (Misha Remix)