[mixcloud https://www.mixcloud.com/TheRealPhantom45/west-fest-24-redux-directors-cut/ width=100% height=120 hide_cover=1]
Let’s take it back a bit. You were working at a record store when you first came across drum and bass. What was your first impression?
I was working at Hot Jams back in 92. it wasn’t D&B that I ran across, because it wasn’t even born yet. I did come across early breakbeat hardcore records though. I think it was Acen Trip to the Moon. I remember the clearest (this was the 90’s, I threw it on the turntable and couldn’t figure out if it was a 33 1/3 or 45 record. The breakbeats sounded too fast at first at 45 and the vocals too slow at 33. After listening to it a bit more I got what was going on and loved it. That was the step one in this long journey. After that, I dove into researching and ordering as much of this “new style” of music as possible. labels like Tone Def Records, Reinforced, Basement records, Ram, Moving Shadow, Suburban Base……etc. The thing that made this special to me at least was the hunt. This was before the Internet was utilized for ordering, so it was on the phones with distributors in NYC, taking risks on tunes, but it also was an avenue for promos which was a BIG thing to have back then. You could be the only one in the city or even the country with a certain tune. So my first impression was instant addiction to this music.
Tell me about the Chicago scene. What was it like at the beginning? How did it build and is it thriving now?
Jungle/D&B was always Chicagos little problem child back then. We had to fight tooth and nail to get on shows. If there was a rave, let’s say at the Oak Theater, jungle was in the hallway. So the next step was for Jungle to be thrown by jungle promoters. That is where Roger from Ripe stepped in. To be honest if it wasn’t for Roger and Ripe, drum and bass may not have been as big as it became in Chicago or possibly the Midwest. That’s a fact.
Who are the artists that have most significantly shaped your sound and style? Drum and Bass or otherwise.
I’ve always picked from all genres of D&B, but it would say that Wormhole sound is that main spine of my style.
What is the biggest influence on your technical blending style of DJing?
I always followed my own style but it was great inspired the old Wild Pitch style that was popular in NYC deep house dis. Lots of long blend and thought out sets. Much different than these new cats that just slam it in and play a track for 45 second. I mean there’s a place for that, but it’s not my cup of tea. It’s very juvenile in my opinion, BUT it also rocks a party. My thing was to always sound original with track selection and blending style.
Describe your DJ setup.Â
What spawned you to sell all your records and dive into production?
It was weird, one day I was sitting on the couch and just got up and started pulling out all the boxes that have been in storage for the past 10 years and started to sort them for the intent to sell them. If there is ever a D&B museum that collection should have been in it. It had everything from the most popular to the most obscure white label. it got spread out throughout the country pretty well which I liked. I would rather sometime use it than it just sit there. The main chunks of it went to Gramophone records in Chicago, a lot of that was mailed out of that store. The other half ended up in a store in Detroit. I’m not sure of the name. I am just glad it is out in the public for the djs that love that older sound.
Looking back through the years in the drum & bass scene, what’s been the coolest accomplishment?
I think the whole thing has been an accomplishment personally. I have people come up to me all the time saying I got then into D&B and they seem so excited about that. the whole purpose of this is to connect with people and that is accomplished in a very deep way for some. I feel like I did my part in spreading what started as a passion for me to others that feel the same way.
If you could collaborate with any drum and bass artist (past or present), who would it be and why?Â
Minor Forms, Amoss, Crystal Clear, Break, DLR….the sound that these guys put out is pure actual D&B at its core in my option. I like that raw dangerous sound. I definitely am not going for heart hands and feel good music these days. its all kick in the door and put your fucking hands in the air this is a stick up vibe these days.
What’s the story behind your name? How does it describe you as an artist?Â
When I was young it was Nasty Boy B, lol. This was 87, everyone was a “boy” “Hotmix” “Getdown” “Rocking”. you get the picture. Phantom 45 came from watching old Drumcore videos. Drumline guys. These guys were amazing.., there was a group called Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle corps. if you’ve never seen or heard of them I suggest looking them up on YouTube. Good stuff. So that where the Phantom came from and the 45 just makes the while thing roll off the tongue.
How has the game changed from mixtapes to Soundcloud/Mixcloud and the like?Â
It’s lightyears than the way it was in the 90’s. the internet changed the game in everyday life but monumentally in music. With mixtapes, you had to record your mix on a DAT tape, take it to get duplicated, get actual handheld artwork done, take them to stores…..etc Now I go on the internet surf music sites, pick up music for a fraction of the price back then, record it right on my controller and upload it on Mixcloud. This can all be done within hours. except for the art work may take a few days. I praise my art guy all the time, he is integral to this whole journey. with stellar mixcloud art. posters for to nights at Beauty Bar and logos and branding. so thanks till the end John Mork!
What crucial lessons have you learned throughout your career that you would pass on to new artists?
Tell us about the exciting projects you’re currently working on.
Are there any upcoming releases, shows, collabs?
I am grinding on making music finally. there is a lot to learn and I’m such a perfectionist with my mixing style it rolls over to production, so being so new to production its never good enough. I can say I have improved greatly in the past year, but as far as having anything ready for the world I am happy with is an unknown at the moment. My problem is comparing my stuff against guys like Break who is a master and has been doing production for decades. we will get there eventually. There is no stopping in my mind.
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