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From graffiti on the wall to one of the heaviest duo's in drum & bass.
Drum and Bass | Tuesday 3rd May 2016 | Arren
Not long ago, Level 2 and DJ Chap combined their efforts. Under the name Alibi they join a wave of wicked new talent on the iconic V Recordings.
They had already starting turning heads individually, each getting releases on a number of big labels. It was in 2015 when the name Alibi first starting releasing and already they've become an essential part of the V Recs crew. The Brazilian's dropped a huge EP on the label and followed it by mixing the Planet V Vol 2 compilation, now that's not something Bryan Gee just gives out to anyone!
So what's next, the pair are featuring on the renowed Hospital series The Future Sound Of, and have a beastly EP in pipeline forthcoming on V Recs. They join the ever growing squad of Brazilian drum & bass superstars, so we had a chat with them both to see what's happening.
Hey, what was your first thought this morning?
Damn it, we need to go to work!
We feel you! So Alibi both DJ Chap & Level 2, how did you first meet?
We are not sure, but it was almost ten years ago at some drum & bass party in São Paulo. Since we met we've been friends, was very easy!
What is it that you like about each other?
Chap: I don't like anything about Pedro! No I'm just kidding, Pedro is a very nice guy. He's happy and motivated, I always learn something new with him.
Level2: Me too, I don't like Fabio, and I'm not kidding!
Chap: Come on!? You love me, I know!
You're one of V's new talents, what's it been like working with them?
V Recordings is one of the most important labels in drum & bass history. Bryan Gee is a living legend, we respect his history so much. For us it's more than a pleasure to work with the V Recordings family.
How did working with them first come about?
Bryan has always had special attention on Brazilian drum & bass, along with DJ Marky, Patife & DJ Andy are always supporting the new generation. So we can say; it was a combination of things that happened and now we are here!
You mixed the Planet V Vol.2 compilation to.
It was very nice for us! Bryan is always giving us motivation and we felt very proud to record the CD. It's nice to know that he really trusts us to make things like this.
You're based in Brazil, any plans to move up to Europe?
We really enjoy our country! But if we have the chance to move to Europe to get more experience that'll be nice!
How is the scene down in Brazil right now?
The drum & bass scene in Brazil is solid, we never stop! Maybe we need more investments coming from the media channels. Also we think that the club / party / festival owners need to open their minds when the subject is drum & bass. We had the chance to play outside Brazil, and it's an amazing sensation to play every week to a big crowd of people that really enjoy and know the sounds you are playing.
Talking about the artists though, and the scene is growing up! A lot of great producers like L Side, Critycal Dub, Unreal, Urbandawn, Nitri and Andrezz are doing a very nice job. New faces like DJ Sound Energy, Shotik & J-Brown and DJ Dogface are improving their sounds everyday! Each day something new appears and it's great! And we can't forget to say names like S.P.Y & BTK; these guys live outside of Brazil but they are always supporting the Brazilian scene.
Does the scene differ much in Brazil to here in the UK?
Yeah, for sure. If you are a drum & bass DJ in Brazil, especially in São Paulo where the scene is the most concentrated, you can play anywhere in the world! It's because here we need to play all kinds of drum & bass at one party. Outside of Brazil, in Europe, it's awesome because of the variety.
When did you first discover drum & bass?
Chap: 2000? Because of a wall! Wrote on the wall was the following words - DRUM N BASS in red ink, and I thought 'what the hell is this?'
Level2: Some friends invited me to go to Marky's party, it was my first contact in 2001. So inspiring!
What did you like about it?
Drum & Bass is magic and has changed our lives. Drum & Bass is all about love, about respect, about friendship - it's a lifestyle.
What is the message you would like to get across in your music?
Have fun. Enjoy your life, friends and all the good moments.
What was your proudest moment?
Our first time at Sun & Bass festival, such a special moment for both of us.
What is the worst job you ever had?
We played at a open air party in the countryside of São Paulo, the promoter was a very nice guy and he was very cool with us. But the way he organised the line up was not cool. We played very late after a hip hop group and they sang very weird songs. The crowd went away and when we started to play our set some musicians who were playing after us began to tune their instruments - producing very loud noises! We stopped, the promoter apologised and we left.
If you could play a gig anywhere in the world - where would that be?
A big party in front of the Pyramids in Egypt. Would be amazing! Or a big drum & bass rave over the Brazilian littoral in the summer.
What are you most in love with right now?
We are very happy to participate of the new Hospital records release The Future Sound Of Brazil alongside S.P.Y, Bungle, Urbandawn, Simplification, Translate & +. We are loving these new things that are happening to us!
What ideas changed your life?
The main changes comes when you realise that life is too short.
What's the worst thing you have a reputation for?
It's not our fault, but we are Brazilians and have the reputation of always being late.
Who would be in your ultimate band?
Drums - Richard L Spencer (The Winstons) Amen break!
Bass - Flea
Guitar - Hendriz
Vocals - Diane Charlemage; MC Fats; MC DRS; & Cleveland Watiks
DJ - Marky
Producer - Quincy Jones
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