Dekko Interview – Chalice Anthem Release

We caught up with Dekko back in January. Dekko is one busy bee usually working on multiple projects so literally had to take him away from a project he was working on, so thank you for your time Dekko!

Dekko’s new track is soon to be released on Flexout. It was first played out at Flexout club night in Plan B Brixton back in January when Dekko was involved in a back-to-back set alongside his brother Subterra. Blending together the sounds of jungle and reggae, this unique track brings out fire in the crowd.
Hold tight for this release party people!
What inspired you to get in to DJing and producing Dekko?
A few things inspired me to get into DJing but mainly my older brother Subterra.
I’ve been DJing since I was 16, so about 9 years now. I remember going to a club, seeing my bro DJing and remember feeling like that’s something I’d wanted to do. Making beats quickly started taking over after I got a copy of the music software ‘Reason’
How would you describe your sound?
The tunes I make are really quite varied so it’s difficult to say. I like to keep lots of projects on the go but generally my DnB is quite techy… Though I still try and maintain a nice groove so it’s not just in your face with crazy reeces and bass sounds!
What labels, DJs or producers get your respect?
Break I think is a great DJ, he always brings the deep rolling mixes and you can never fault one of his tracks. Calibre is another one who gets big respect.
Calibre is actually one of the inspirations and influences that brought me into Drum and Bass. His ‘Second Sun’ album was a favourite of mine, it’s quite deep and takes you on a journey with its nice vocals, strings and piano.
You had a set at Flexout in Plan B on 30^th January with Subterra, do you usually play out together?
Not all the time but we have played a lot together in past. To be honest it had been a while since we’ve played together, so it was great fun to re-live the old days. I was chatting to Tom AKA Retraflex and he got us on the line up. Big ups Tom!
I have played at Plan B before but that was about two years ago now, so was really looking forward to playing there again. The vibes are always great at Flexout.
Tell us about your new release soon coming out on Flexout.
The A side is called Chalice Anthem. I created it with my mate Ren a few months ago. It comes out 16th March 2015.
Ren found a wicked sample and was like “we need to make a banging jungle tune out of this” and the whole track was finished in a seven-hour session! The track is mainly Reggae and Jungle but there’s also a little bit of Footwork in there as well, which is a sound I’ve been into for a while now.

Flexout Facebook Page
In your perception, describe Footwork?
Footwork is a pacey genre first developed in Chicago I believe and it’s got a lot of urban influence to it. Originally made for people to do crazy footwork dancing to hence the name ‘Footwork’. Loads of heavy 808 bass and rhythmically interesting rap acapella chopping are signature sounds of the genre. It’s fast paced and gets you moving. People adapted the tunes to make them faster but at the same time it’s still very soulful.
What are your plans for 2015? Do you have any creative projects on the horizon?
That release is due to be out soon and I’ve been thinking about making a sample pack. But I’m aiming to get some more DnB releases out in the near future with Flexout so keep an eye out!
How long have you been producing?
I’ve been producing for about eight years now. My brother and I used to write a lot of DnB together. I love the freedom that comes with creating tunes on a computer, you’re not limited and you can do whatever you want. I used to play the drums in a band a long while back but I felt like I wanted something more. More control of the melodic side of things and to experiment with other sounds too. When I make tunes, sometimes I have a rough idea about what I want to do. I might listen to a sample or create a synth sound and then it just rolls out some kind of vibes – you can then start taking it from there.
There have been a lot of popular clubs closing down around London recently, what are your thoughts about that?
I think it’s bad because London is central for club culture. There is a large group of people from all around the world that come to London just for the nightlife. It’s a shame because they are taking institutes away and it’s strangling the underground music culture, which has had such a profound effect on people’s lives.
What has been the highlight of your DJing lifestyle so far?
My bro and myself, we got a release out on Noisia’s label ‘Invisible’ and I have good memories DJing in Vienna, Austria.
Where can peeps touch bass (not base) with you?
Soundcloud
Facebook
Chalice Anthem can be purchased on Flexout:
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=432902331 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small]
If anyones wishes to purchase any of my other tunes please go:
Beatport
Red Eye Records
Is there anyone you would like to give a shout out or big ups to?
Shouts my bro Subterra and big ups to Ren & Retraflex!