Cable

Shogun Audio up the ante each and every time they take over at Cable and Saturday night was no exception. El Hornet & MC Verse performed one of their revered Pendulum DJ sets and completely killed it with a forward-looking truly underground selection. It was hands in the air throughout with another trademark Friction performance - his first at We Fear Silence since taking over at Radio 1. As you can see from our snaps Cable was packed out and in complete meltdown.

Check out the next Shogun lineup; Shy FX, Friction & more at Cable - Saturday 16th June.

For the people out there who dont already know you, tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do...

My name is Seven. I'm DJ and Producer from London. To describe my sound, I'd say its a universal mixture of dark minimal groove based rollers and techie smashers, with a slight B-Boy element to the beats, whilst retaining a dance-floor edge people could really get down to. I like to make music I think people will enjoy listening to past a certain era and not just during a musical trend or phase within a scene. But above all, its not just a collection of noises.

You were originally a drum and bass producer, what made you make the transition to where you are now?

I had a drum n bass career spanning over 5 years and 15 releases on some prestigious labels. Even though I was quite well established i never felt like i found my true sound, but when i started experimenting with dubstep, my SEV3N sound just seemed to come naturally and fell into place for me. The tempo of dubstep allowed me to write the kind of grooves that i found hard to fit into the drum n bass, which opened up a whole new avenue for me that i wanted to express my self through musically.

What are your thoughts on the current 'dubstep' scene in the UK ?

It's thriving right now. I think its bigger than it's ever been. There's so much good music out there and constantl up and coming talent.You can't compare it to the stuff our US cousins are repping, its a whole different thing entirely. We just share the same name.

Who are you down with? Who do you rep?

I'm down with and repping Black Box Records, Wheel and Deal, Tempa, Subway and Aquatic Lab and represented by Archetype Artists Agency.

What was the first tune you played during your last set?

Seven - Twilight Horizons - Evolution LP - Black Box Records.

What projects are you working on at the moment? What can we expect from you in the near future?

I'm just about to release my debut album on Black Box Records. Its titled Evolution and will be out in May this year. It features 13 tracks on the CD and a triple vinyl pack with a full CD release inside it too. Also on release day we will be releasing a digital single called "Came to Play" which is full vocal track featuring Alys Be.

I have just started my second album for Black Box Records too. Things are really busy right now.

What's been your favourite tune to drop recently?

Such a tough question to answer. I don't really have 1 favourite. i love all the tracks i play so much. Just to narrow down all the tunes i get sent into a 26 track hour long set is a mission in its self, as well as all my own tunes. Sometimes i just don't have time to play even half of the ones i would like to. Ruff House smacked it though.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I get restless. I'm not a lay in bed person, unless i have a girl with me.

What has been the worst set you've ever played?

I got really drunk on tour once and thought I played the best set ever. i listened to the recording the next day and it was terrible. Technically thats probably the worst one i have played haha! Everywhere i get to play is a blessing though, so there isn't a worst place, the party is what i make it i guess.

And the best?

Wow, all of them. I remember mixing in my room on friday nights wishing i was out playing clubs. So to be booked and playing real events is like a dream come true. They are all a blessing. Cervantes in Denver for Submission is fire!!!! I also played this place recently called Bratski Krug which was sick, one of the best crowds i have played to so far.

Who's your 'one to watch' DJ of 2012?

Chewie. Trust me he's a badman!

Subdub - Friday 27th April - Cable, London
Follow link for info & tickets:

Since signing to Hospital Records back in 2003 Nu:Tone, born Dan Gresham, has been on quite a roll. With 3 highly regarded albums already on the street plus a further LP out this week, we thought it perfect timing to catch up the busy beatsmith. We discuss sibling rivalry, kids and what we should expect from him tonight at Swerve.

You were signed to hospital records back in 2003, how did you hook up with them?

It was very old fashioned - I sent them a CD with a load of new material and they invited me for a meeting. When I went to that, I took along another two CDs of unreleased stuff. By the end of the day I was pretty much sold!

When you first broke onto the scene you had a lot of big and established artists supporting your stuff. Do you return the favor with current up n coming acts?

I was very lucky to have advice and support from some of my favourite artists - people like Fabio, Marcus Intalex, Calibre, Matrix, John B, Grooverider. These were all artists that I would travel just to hear them play, let alone playing my music! I always remember the first time I got genuine feedback from Marcus, it was a huge help and really pointed me in the right direction. I always try to do the same for up-and-coming artists, although it's impossible to get back to everybody. My approach is that if I hear something - anything - in a track that I think has real potential, I'll always try to let the artist know, and give them a few pointers where possible. I'm really loving new stuff by Harvest and Level

Last year you released your highly regarded third album ‘Words and Pictures’. What inspired you to release it and when will we be seeing a follow up?

It was a long project working towards that last album. I wanted to create an entire album of vocals, and anybody who's worked on an original vocal tune will know that that's a lot of work! It's hugely enjoyable though, and I'm really glad I've done it. The next album will be different, but to be totally honest I'm not sure how just yet. I'm starting on a load of new collaborative work with my brother Logistics under our Nu:Logic name. That side of things had to take a backseat while Matt was finishing his album, but now we're both able to throw ourselves into that again.

Your kids mean a lot to you, how would you feel about them wanting to follow in your DJ/Producer footsteps?

I'd love it! I think anybody is delighted if their kids show interest in what they do. Mostly, I hope that they grow up as happy, confident people, whatever path they choose to take.

You have two successful producing brothers; Logistics and Other Echoes, is there any sibling rivalry between you all?

Any rivalry is friendly – we all enjoy each others success hugely, and I get a huge buzz out of the fact that I get to work with my family on a regular basis.

How do you normally prepare for your performances? What can we expect from your set at Swerve?

I'm pretty old school in my approach to DJing really, I'm in the studio during the week working on new music and picking up tracks as I go along. Then before a show I'll draw together what I've collected over the week, burn off a few CDs, and then that's me sorted. Although I have huge respect for DJs who plan spectacular 1hr performances, I tend to freestyle my sets completely. It keeps me on my toes and makes the whole experience more spontaneous. Most importantly, it allows me to adapt to the crowd where necessary.

Anything else we should know about?

I have a new album out this week, under my 'Danism' name – it's a side-project that's been knocking around for nearly 10 years now. It consists of me and another guy called Dan, and we produce house music. Danism - Sine Of The Times


Catch Nu:Tone spinning at Swerve - Wednesday 25th April

Although Tendai's initial route into Drum & Bass was as a promoter, he's already notched up a solid decade of experience on the turntables. Recognition was almost instantaneous for the budding spinner and after smashing it alongside Goldie, Grooverider and Andy C he locked down several high profile London residences including Grooverider’s Grace night as well as Fabio’s Swerve.

Since then, the man can boast world tours, gigs up and down the UK and regular RinseFM shows. It's great, then, that Tendai is a regular here at Cable as he holds forte in his role as Swerve resident.

Swerve at Cable with Tendai, Nu:Tone & Fabio - Wednesday 25th April click here for details

Diplo well and truly conquered Cable's imposing arches, Lil Silva killed it, Rattus Rattus was on top form and Offkey, Benny Digital & Sai all made their mark too. A massive thanks to everyone that made the trek over from the Major Lazer gig in Shepherds Bush and also to everyone who just ended up skipping the main event to party with Diplo here at the after show. This was a party of epic proportions and as you can see from the snaps, Cable was packed out and going off!