Exclusive Interview with Kode 9
Scottish Dubstep DJ/Producer Kode 9 is originally from Glasgow, but based in South London since 2000. Kode 9 set up the record label Hyperdub in 2004. He has recorded 2 albums of his own with vocalist Spaceape; Memories of Future (2006) and Black Sun (2010) and released 2 DJ mix compilation, Dubstep Allstars vol.3 (Tempa 2006) and DJ Kicks (K7 2011). For 5 years, he hosted the weekly Fwd>> show on Rinse FM, London’s leading pirate radio station, and was one of the rotating DJs at DMZ, and Fwd>>, the seminal early dubstep nights in London. Kode 9 has performed at Sonar Festival, Sonar Tokyo, Mutek, Glastonbury, Unsound, Melt and Coachella.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Kode 9, shortly before his performance at Cosmic Cafe RCA on 29th July.
You have a Ph.D in philosophy, are a lecturer in music culture at the University of East London and wrote the book “Sonic Warfare” which explores the uses of acoustic force as weapons… you are also one of the founding members of the early dubstep scene. Besides that your record label Hyperdub is regarded to have to have put out some of the most important records relevant to Dubstep history. How did your musical journey begin and how did you get in touch with bass music in the first place?
I started DJing in 1991, and my style has mutated every few years - I first discovered jungle music in 1993 and was solely djing that until around 1997, when i started playing uk garage until around 2001, when I started playing early dubstep and grime until around 2009 when I was playing uk house music - now I play a bit of everything.
How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
Subbass/Samples/Polyrhythm/Synth
You have recorded 2 artist albums “Memories of Future” (2006) and “Black Sun” (2010) and you were the DJ behind the 34th edition of the highly respected DJ-KICKS DJ mix album series. What are you currently working on? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
Well I've just released 2 12"s, one on my label Hyperdub called 'XIngfu Lu/Kan' and the other on Rinse called 'UH/OK' and I just mixed a DJ compilation for Rinse [RINSE:22].
Out of all tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Probably my new stuff so people can hear where I'm currently at, but generally '9 Samurai', 'Black Sun' and my remix of 'Skeng'.
In the beginning of this year you uploaded over 25 mixes covering the last eight years of your career on your Soundcloud page. Could you name us 2-3 mixes that you especially recommend and tell us a little bit about them?
This is the most recent one actually. Lots of chicago footwork, a guest mix by Mark Pritchard and some new Hyperdub releases at the end. [Click here to download the mix as MP3]
Apart from that one, you can hear my DJ Kicks mix from a few years ago on that Soundcloud page.
What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
My phone is what I have with me at all times, and I miss my cat when I'm on tour.
What were your personal career highlights and what was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
Playing to 9000 people at Sonar last year and an amazing trip to South Africa were highlights, and I've lost count of the bad ones.
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
I played a beach festival in Italy about 5 years ago. Our stage was completely empty apart from a black dog sitting in the middle of the dance floor. It just sat there staring at us as we played, then took a shit, and walked off.
On 29th June you will perform live here in Bangkok at FISH (Cosmic Cafe RCA) at Dubway Sessions. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?
No, this is my first time both to visit and to play.
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to? Do you enjoy Thai food?
I'm most looking forward to the food on my trip. I'll have a coconut something in everything washed down by coconut juice.
What can Bangkok expect of your performance?
Energy and a collision of styles.