sweetpea
sweetpea
sweetpea
How did you get into mixing and what was your introduction into Drum and Bass?
I started mixing from the age of 12, as there was a family friend who had a set up and played Garage. I was intrigued as a child and keen to know what it was. I saved up my paper round money for a year and got my own, my first decks were the 'Numark Decks in a Box' belt drive plasticy decks. No idea how I mixed in them now, but it's not what you have, it's what you do with it.
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I had always been a fan of the dnb I heard on the radio and more commercial stuff like ShyFX, Pendulum ‘Hold your Colour’ LP was a big influence also tracks like ‘If We Ever’ by High Contrast and ‘Hurt You’ by Chase and Status were my gateway tracks. I started going raving at 18, then the rest is history.
This month you released your EP ‘System Broken’ on Sofa Sound Bristol - what inspired the concept of the project?
After my collaborative EP with Iris the year before, I was keen to write something solo for DLR. The title track with Gus set the mood for the EP. He sent some ideas through and after listening we had a chat. I wanted the direction of the lyrics to be more about what’s going on in the world today.. then system broken was born. It’s just about everything going on right now, the whole system is broken and needs renewing top down.
I’m a DJ at heart ... I knew to progress further I needed to get music out there."
You also released your energetic ‘90s Baby’ EP on Hardcore Energy in August, how was the process of creating it?
I had been writing a few different jungle tracks that year and this EP came together really easily. The track '90s Baby' started off as jungle but was missing something. I turned it into a hardcore 4/4 beat and that gave it its legs. Once the old rave sample was added I knew it was gunna be an ode to my childhood and being a 90s baby.
How did you get into producing music and how was the transition from DJing?
I had got to a point in my career just as a DJ, many people had said about me producing early but it wasn’t something I was initially interested in, I’m a DJ at heart. Around his time, I knew to progress further I needed to get music out there. I had always been messing around on Logic, but after my Med School release, it really lit the fire. I’ll always be thankful to Chris Inperspective for making it happen.
I had a good start to producing, as a dj, I knew the template for a track. I sat with people for many years learning and collaborating and tbh only in the last couple years have I been happy with my solo stuff. Production is hard to learn independently and isn’t as quick as learning to DJ.. but I feel I’m getting there and am proud that I haven’t taken any short cuts or had a ghost producer or engineer like a lot in the scene.
Since you’ve been running your Kool FM show The ‘Pea Pod’ Cast, who’s been your favourite guest, so far?
I think my fave show has to be the System Broken Launch. We were live in the studio and it got recorded. Was on a Friday night with some beers, good vibes and slight carnage Minor Forms, Crystal Clear, Brain, Trakker, Kalane, Kathryn Brenna, MC SAS, Gusto.
What are some of your favourite radio shows/stations you would recommend?
The whole Rinse umbrella really has something for everyone.. I’m happy SWU is back. I love listening to the Planet Wax Show, as they do themed era shows. I like shows that think outside the box and isn’t just a mix show of bangers.. I guess I have an old school approach to what Radio is and should be. Aside from that, I like listening to Mi Soul- it’s a lovely mix of soul, house and early 90s/ rave music. It’s like Magic and Smooth but not the commercial stuff - the old tracks you haven't heard for ages.
"when I do go out to let my hair down, it's to Rupture ... it's the perfect example of how a diverse line up reflects a diverse crowd."
You’re also a huge vinyl fan, what’s the most prized one in your collection?
What a question.. maybe too hard to answer. I have every Shogun and Critical release between the years of 2010-2013 which is quite a feat!!
What’s been your favourite set of the year and why?
Had to be Sofa Sound at Boomtown, Wrong Side of the Tracks stage. It was the biggest crowd I've ever played to in the UK and it was a pure rinse out with Hollie May.
What are some of your favourite events at the moment in the DnB scene?
I don't go out as a punter much anymore but when I do go out to let my hair down, it's to Rupture. I think a lot of events could learn something from how Indi and David run it. Rupture is a melting pot of all ages, genders and colours.. it's the perfect example of how a diverse line up reflects a diverse crowd.
How has working with EQ50 been and what have been some stand out moments this year with them?
Being a part of EQ50 has been great. We had a goal to change the landscape of the dnb scene, and we did that. We made history. It's lovely seeing how many more crews, panels, mentorships and workshop days have come since we started. Despite it going backwards a bit, it was nice to see attitude changes and labels actively looking for people for their label.
What’s coming up for 2025?
Starting off the year with a NYE gig in Bristol at Motion, it's been ages since I played out on NYE so looking forward to that. Will be back at XOYO and Fabric also, soon to be announced.
I have two remix's coming out early in the year for Phase Records and Sleep Less Records. Another release with Crystal Clear, a vinyl release and working on something for Kathryn Brenna for Sofa Sound.
I'm in talks with 2 new labels, I haven't released with, for some releases also. So, another jam packed year for music hopefully.
