Tasha (Medium) Interview | Drum and Bass, Dubstep
Tasha, FD and Sigha formed Medium back in 2007. The midweek night’s music policy has proven to be popular, so much so that this Friday will see Medium make a move into the weekend. Joining forces with the people at Sin City they’ll be debuting their rebel bass sound at Cable. In the meantime check out the interview with Tasha, one of the talents pushing this movement.
What did you listen to growing up?
I listened to all sorts whilst growing up; my parents were really into Motown, Funk & Soul, Dub/Reggae and Rock! So I grew up listening to the likes of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Gill Scott Heron, Ann Sexton, Sly Stone, Bob Marley, Augustus Pablo, Lee Perry, Pink Floyd, Jimmy Hendrix, Radiohead, Simple Minds, David Bowie, The Beatles and many more.
I remember me and my sister proper vibing to Michael Jackson’s album ‘Bad’ when we got it on cassette! I spent most of my youth in Norfolk. In my teens I listened to old tape packs, I got really into dance music, particularly House and Garage at one stage! I used to stay up late listening to Radio 1 and Vibe FM just so I could hear quality music! I also listened to a lot of hip hop, including artists such as Slum Village, Nas, Jeru, A Tribe Called Quest, Jehst, Braintax and many more… I still do.
So this is where it began, how have your musical tastes evolved?
I love bass! I think that’s what attracted me so much to Drum and Bass! I don’t think my music taste has changed much, music is always changing and I guess I’ve adapted with it. I’d like to say I’m open-minded when it comes to music and always want to hear something fresh that doesn’t sound the same as everything else! In terms of Drum and Bass, I’ve been exploring and discovering new sounds since I got into it, but generally it’s always got to be deep and dark! I am really feeling the deep and minimal beats at the moment.
When did you start mixing? What got you interested in it?
August 2001. I always wanted to mix, originally house! I had a go at mixing house but it wasn’t the one! I remember in my first year at uni, my friends ‘Reeda’ and ‘Digga’ gave me a couple of mixtapes and I was vibing. I was pretty taken by tracks, The Specialist/Razors Edge by Future Cut and Cool Out by Digital! I played these tapes to death and enjoyed going raving.
I explored FD’s record collection by selecting at random to find what I really liked. I got a real taste for producers such as Loxy & Dylan, Ed Rush & Optical, Future Cut, Digital, Spirit, Krust, Konflict, Marcus Intalex. I discovered Calibre and was really into his unique sound. All I wanted to do was mix and discover more! So I started buying my own records at Dance2 in Guildford, where I used to go every week, pretty much without fail until I moved to London!
Also, there’s nothing better than going raving and hearing well constructed sets, filled with incredible tunes that I want to get my hands on! I loved this whole concept and wanted to do it myself. Kemistry & Storm’s DJ Kicks mixtape was also a massive inspiration and still is.
Tell us about the first time you played out.
The first time I played out was at University of Surrey at a Drum and Bass night called Presha! I was extremely nervous, I hadn’t been mixing for long, but I loved it. I get nervous every time I play out. It actually helps me get in the zone!
What have been your most memorable sets and why?
I have had a few rather memorable sets! The best thing about playing out is seeing people going off to the tunes I love to play. I played B2B Bekah at HQ in Oxford a few months back and really enjoyed our set, we were vibing off each other’s selection and so were the crowd! It was a lot of fun.
I got to play a few gigs in Australia and New Zealand when I was travelling in 2005. My first booking for The Junglettes in Brisbane was the most special. I was headlining! The venue was a beautiful, old converted church and there were a few different acts booked. It was a wicked party everyone got in the vibe and was feeling it.
Another memorable set was the first time I played out in Graz in Austria with the Feline crew. I was so nervous about the big stage! All this nervous energy got my adrenaline going. It was such a sick party and a real buzz. Chickaboo was on top form over my set, we got the crowd going and I was in great company. Big thanks to Elli for having me and for getting me back again this year!
Are we going to hear any productions from yourself?
Possibly yes! I have been getting on the beats a little bit and I’m really enjoying it.
Medium is a well respected midweek night, when and how was it formed? Who is involved?
Medium was formed in February 2007 by FD, Sigha and I. We felt that there weren’t many/any nights that catered directly for what we like and wanted to hear so we decided to start Medium to try and fill this void. We also wanted to provide a medium for DJs to play whatever they like and sets that they wouldn’t normally play.
Your also a regular for the Rupture nights, how did you meet Double O and Mantra?
I used to catch Mantra playing on Rude FM on a Saturday afternoon. I really enjoyed her shows; her mixing and selection were always on point. We chatted via private messages on a forum back in 2006! I went to Rupture when it was at 6ft Anda in Shoreditch and it was a great party. I met Mantra & Double O and gave Mantra a mix CD. We got on really well; she checked my mix, was in it and booked me for a Rupture a few months later! We’ve been good friends ever since and are big supporters of each others events. I love going to Rupture, the music and vibes are always wicked. I’m actually playing at Rupture @ Corsica Studios on Sat 20th June 09. Aba Shanti is headlining! It’s gonna be BIG!
What are the plans for Medium in 2009?
We are going to stay doing our usual thing down at Plastic People on a Wednesday, once every quarter – next event: Wed 12th August 09! We also have our first night at new club Cable on Fri 19th June 09 where we will have Instra:mental, Jamie Vexed, Fierce, El-B, Pangaea & Ben UFO playing for us.
Which producers are you looking out for at the moment?
I’m particularly feeling productions from Rockwell, Instra:mental, Sabre, Icicle, Zero T, D Bridge, Alix Perez, Consequence, FD, Khanage, Raiden, Ulterior Motive, June Miller, Data, Loxy, Nolige, Spectrasoul, Linden, Ramadanman, Sigha, Pangaea, Untold. There are a lot of talented new producers out there at the moment coming with some amazing beats.
Out of those that have established themselves, is there anybody you look up to or have great respect for?
Kemistry and Storm, the pioneers… Flight, Loxy, Alleycat, Zero T, Fierce, DBridge, Doc Scott & Randall.
Where can we hear you online?
I play every now and then on the Rupture sessions on Jungletrain. I recently did a mix for June Miller’s Connex Show on Jungletrain on 22nd May. Also, Hades show on Kunnin Mindz Radio, I’ll be playing next on 11 June ’09.
I played B2B with Mantra on D&BTV along with the Feline crew (Storm, Flight, Alleycat & Miss Pink).
and… of course the Dubstep Flex mix for Nerdbanite.com.
In 10 years time, where do you hope to be?
Still vibing!
Press shots by Rachee B
By alley cat, June 16, 2009 @ 9:05 PM
gwarnnn tasha!
By Murk, July 20, 2009 @ 1:44 AM
I remeber when i first meet Ms Tash, i got home from work and she was there at my flat playing on my decks !!! she killed it !! stoked we meet when you came to NZ tasha !!
Ezy, Yella !
By Tasha, September 4, 2009 @ 3:57 PM
Big ups!