Fr
ench producer and dj Von D burst onto the UK dubstep scene last year, with his tune 'Show me' featuring Phephe becoming one of the biggest hits of 2009. If you haven't heard this, where have you been for the last year? A year onwards, Von D's music is growing strong, with releases on Boka records , Argon, Soul Jazz, Black Acre, Subbalicious and Lutetia Dubz. After his amazing set at Manchester's very own Hit & Run in February, example was lucky enough to catch up with him and talk beats, travelling the USA, nicknames and condiments….
Example: When did you start producing?
Von Dizzle: I started producing when i was 16. My first set up was at a friend's house in my hometown Cergy in France, It transformed into a studio with 10 people inside all day making beats on hardware, using S1000/Analog synth/atari midi controller etc … I feel like i'm an alien here, so It made me feel more relaxed and free about producing music, I learned a lot of things during this period. I love my town, it's very inspiring for me as it's very multicultural and nobody here really knows electronic music, I mean they know it but only the mainstream part of it.
Example: Were you producing music before you starting making Dubstep?
Von D: Yeah, I was producing at my friends place because I was too poor to buy hardware equipment!
Example: Who would you say has influenced your sound?
Von D: I'm influenced by a lot of different types of music, but in terms of electronic music without any doubt I would say Dillinja has been a major Influence for me. The first Photek album "Modus Operandi" was a shock for me in 97 and also the French House Producer Pepe Bradock is another major influence… but by the way theres too many people to mention …
Example: How would you describe your sound?
Von D: I can't describe it, the only thing i can say is that I'm making music that i love .
Example: What can we expect from Von D in 2010?
Von Dizzle: Some fresh music and feelings. The most important thing i'm working on at the moment is my album for Argon. I have a lot of releases on different labels but Mainly on Argon, Black Acre, Subbalicious, Lutetia Dubz , Boka , Disfigured Dubz etc etc
Example: What producers are you listening to at the moment?
Von D: Hard question … I try to listen other types of music so I don't feel bored with dubstep, but in the dubstep scene i like to play tracks by; Mr lager , Jay Kenzo , Dj Madd ,Harry Craze, Quest , Phaeleh , Joker , Noah D , 12th Planet , Matt U , Malilone , Gemmy , Mensah , Absurd , Funkethics , 501 , Vivek , Nibe , Riskotheque ,Dogboy,Mr casual , Niveau 0 etc … too many to mention
Example: What is the dubstep scene like in France?
Von D: The scene is growing so fast, all the people are so nice here, it's cool because everybody knows everybody and the people are very friendly.
Example: You've collaborated with DJ Madd on two tracks - what was that like?
Von D: It was very nice to work with him, he's the kind of person i like to work with. Everything is so cool and flowing with him, we've done a 12" for Boka (out now) we also have another 12" coming out very soon on another label so keep an eye on it. I also love to make music with riskotheque.
Example: What do you think of the manchester music scene?
Von D: I think there is a massive and beautiful scene here, when i played at the Hit and Run night it was so massive. It was the best gig i have done in the UK along with Brighton and Bristol. I would love to send a massive big up to Mr Rich reason :-)
Example: Where do you see the genre going in the next few years?
Von D: I'm not a medium but I really feel positive about it . I think it will become more and more diverse, which is a good thing.
Example: Do you like Marmite?
Von D: Haha. I wonder how a company can produce something like this and how people can eat it! The first time i saw Marmite was in Bristol and after opening the jar I thought it was a rotten product, but it was not loll.
Example: What tune can't you live without?
Von D: Junie Morrison - Nagual's Theme
Example: What's your favourite tune you've ever made?
Von D: Show Me Lol
Example: Will you consider changing your name to 'Von Dizzle?' :D
Von D: First it was a Joke between me and Riskotheque but now everybody is calling me it, especially during my USA tour, which is funny :-) i do like it.
You can purchase Von D vinyl now at or check out his music on his soundcloud!
Bestival
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