NEWS
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In conversation with DJ Zinc
Drum and Bass | Wednesday 16th December 2015 | Arren
DJ Zinc is a household name here in the UK. A master both music production and DJing. He has scribbled his signature sound on several styles and genres and proved that you don’t only have to be representing one sound and style.
He built a reputation in the 90s with stacks jungle and drum & bass music that conquered the drum & bass scene and are even still played out today. Though it was a random garage release, 138 Trak that changed the lane that Zinc was running down.
Its huge success and popularity gave Zinc a unique opportunity to try something else. He went on to create the Crank House sound and nowadays its not surprising to hear any sound or style with the name Zinc on it.
We had a catch up with him,
Hey, how you doing?
Great thanks! 10 / 10
Describe your current mindset?
Very good thanks! I’ve been at a seminar for the day so its back to school!
In what ways has the music industry changed since you started out? For better or worst?
The digital change has been the big thing, I’d say 90% better, 10% worst.
So you’ve become a leading light in UK electronic music and have made a name in house, garage and drum & bass. You’re also well known for switching between the styles in your sets. Is it better to be versatile in today’s music industry?
I’m not sure if its better? I make what I’m interested in at the time, but not sure if its better or worst.
You have a tight touring schedule, and amongst the many bookings is the occasional genre specific set. Do you prefer a set that’s specific to one style or ones that bounce between them?
I love mixed sets as it can go anywhere. Although it is nice when a promoter asks for a specific year of jungle, then I can really have a dig through some old tunes!
You have a regular mixtape on your SoundCloud ‘Trust Me I Was There”. What inspired you to do that?
I was digitalising my old tracks and wanted a way to show the old tunes to a new and old audience.
Do you think the younger crowds are fascinated by the old skool sound?
Erm I dunno. I think there seems to be a lot of love for the ‘golden era’ of jungle.
You were a member of the legendary group, The Ganja Kru with DJ Hype and Pascal. How did that come about and has that shaped the Zinc we know today?
I met Hype and Pascal through record shops and nightclubs so it made sense to work together. Defo shaped the sound of my music!
Its been 20 years since you first released Super Sharp Shooter, since you’ve released big tracks like Wile Out, 138 Trek and Nexx. Was it hard to first break out of only being a drum & bass DJ/producer?
Not really, I did 138 Trek and it did so well that it opened the door for me to make all the other stuff.
Your performing at Rinse’s Boxing Day bash at Ministry of Sound and you regularly appear on their station, what’s your relationship like with them?
I’ve worked with them for years, they’re very inspirational the way they are dedicated to underground music, and still growing and evolving.
If there was any gig you could play, anywhere in the world where would that be?
Hmm, I really enjoy what I do – I don’t have any ambition to play anywhere else. The places I play already are great!
If you were on a desert island what instrument would you take with you?
Mini Moog.
What ideas have changed your life?
I think making stuff other than dnb was a great idea. I loved dnb but have really enjoyed doing more varied stuff.
What’s your favourite track of all time?
Amy Winehouse – Love is a Losing Game.
Catch Zinc at Rinse FM’s Boxing Day party at Ministry of Sound
Zinc – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud
