A Glimpse Into The Underground: Words With Daniel Dubb (Exclusive Interview)

It doesn’t get much better than hearing a classic hip-hop track reworked with an electronic beat. Toronto resident Daniel Dubb  recognized that, and now his deep house original rework of  ‘I Got 5 On It‘ is receiving global support. The record rocked through Amsterdam Dance Event and is currently climbing Beatport’s Deep House Top 100.

Dubb’s various releases and remixes out on ViVa, 8Bit, Rejected, Supemature, Saved and Plastic City have caught the attention of International icons such as Steve Lawler, Nic Fanciulli, Danny Howells, and Joris Voorn. Daniel is someone to watch amongst the underground scene. We were able to catch up with him to talk about his track ‘I Got 5 On It’ and what we can expect from him in the future.

Daniel Dubb – I Got 5 On It | Beatport

1. Your remix of Luniz’s 90s class ‘I Got 5 On It’ is climbing up the charts, currently #5 on Deep House and #16 on Overall Beatport Top 100. What was your motivation/inspiration in reworking it?

Well, one of my biggest musical influences growing up was 90’s hip-hop.  I was listening to my iPod one day and that tune just happened to play, and I thought to myself, “I would love to be able to play a version of this in the club, I bet people would enjoy it too,” so one night I just got to work on it. I originally intended it to just be a bootleg for my own use, but then I had several friends/producers tell me I would be crazy not to put this out. So after that, I decided to get the wheels in motion to make it official.

2. Your new label, DV8, has had nine tracks reach a number or charts. Tell us a little bit about the sound of the label, which artists can we should expect to see release records on it in 2013?

The sound of DV8 right now is mainly my own influence.  I really wanted to make music just for myself and not cater to any other labels or label owners sounds. I would consider the label to be of an “organic nature” meaning that the tunes on the label have a very live instrument kinda feel opposed to being very electronic and synthy. I am in talks with some artists right now for works in 2013, but am gonna keep those hush hush for now 🙂 On our next release in December however, there will be music from myself alongside the legendary Danny Howells, as well as a great friend and fellow Canadian talent Maher Daniel.

3. Looking through labels represented in today’s Overall Beatport Top 100 we’re seeing chart regulars like Axtone, Cr2, Musical Freedom, Hot Creations, Toolroom and Interscope. Then we see DV8. Did you expect your label to run with the big boys this early on?

To be honest, I assumed that DV8 would have a strong start. I have worked really hard on the stuff for the label and been very critical of the output. I believe that if you are able to be constant in what you do, then people will notice that, and I believe that people have noticed. I mean, I am super pleased with all the support Beatport has given us as well as all the people out there buying our tunes, so I am really excited for the coming months as I believe that the best music on the label hasn’t even been released yet!

4. Now that we’re nearing the end of the calendar year, which gig was your favorite in 2012?

Always a tricky question to answer, with all the different places you go in a year and all the different people you meet. I find it difficult to say one is better than the other.  I have had a few stellar gigs in Montreal this year which have actually led to me getting geared up to start a residency out there in 2013.  This will be the first city that I will launch “DV8 Nights,” which I am very excited about as it is something I’ve been thinking about for a while now. I was waiting for the right people to bring on board, and I have definitely found that in Montreal.  The basic concept of the parties will be bringing in international talent that I have worked with, in particular another fantastic duo in Montreal known as In2Deep.

5. DJ equipment aside, what’s an essential item you don’t leave home without when on the road?

My fluffy teddy bear. I never leave home without it. LOL no I’m just playing. In all seriousness I always try to bring some form of entertainment with me whether it be movies or a TV series — something to keep me busy while in the hotel or in the airports. Otherwise you’re left twiddling your thumbs while traveling, and that can make things go by very slowly.

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