about DJ K

Posted by D.I.S on July 23rd, 2005  Loading ...    

Style: Jungle, Raggajungle, D&B, all kinds of BreakBeat
Start: 1999
Outta: ottawa/canada
Website: thirtyoneseconds.com
Mixes/Releases: Link

About:
Since a very early age, Andrew Matsubara tinkered with mixing tapes, records and CD’s in an attempt to create a DJ sound that was unique, high-energy and enjoyable to listen to. He was known for making personalized mixes and remixes which he recorded, handed-out and broadcast at his school. A passion for playing musical instruments and sequencing electronic music saw him kicked out of music and computer rooms countless times through highschool. In the late 90’s, he moves out of his parents house and starts to collect records and equipment with the goal of becoming a DJ for local parties. Jungle grabs his attention as the electronic music of the future, a limitless outlet for unique and progressive tracks and mixing.

Large raves peaked in Ottawa at the turn of the millenium and this is where DJ K started getting bookings. A few monumental performances and DJ K began residency spots at afterhours clubs. Spirit and Illusions became the stomping grounds where DJ K tested his new material and learned to work the crowd with his brand of jungle. A sponsorship deal with Norml Clothing was signed and DJ K began sporting their newest designs and playing at norml events. DJ K persued his passion of making mixed tapes, which were perfected and given out as fast as they could be copied. Many years of producing poised DJ K to complete one of the most serious ragga jungle anthems of all time: Championz (N2O Entertainment - Los Angeles). This landmark release took the world by storm with its relentless amen programming, piercing bass hits and a new school fury never heard before - rough, clear and with 2 killer drops. The new sound created by this release paved the way for following productions and made a lasting impact on the new ragga jungle movement in North America.

Already getting recognition and support in different drum & bass circles across the world through filesharing and NAVD distribution, DJ K makes new contacts with artists which have similar interests. Gigs were piling up locally and in neighbouring cities, creating a small following of enthusiastic supporters, especially in Montreal and southwest of Toronto. DJ K plays guest spots on local radio station, CKCU. DJ K sets to work on new mixed CD’s, which incorporated dubplates, newschool drum & bass and oldschool bits. Side-projects over the next 2 years on mixes featuring oldschool, jump-up, breaks, UKG, dancehall and breakbeat are completed to add to the growing catalogue of mixes. 2 breakbeat tracks are released on private labels, one being a larger-than-life remix for local band, Lovenbodyparts.

Spring - bloodclot ragga jungle vol.2 CD is released. The concept behind vol.1 was to have hard-to-find ragga jungle tracks and dubplates with an oldschool amen program - things that didn’t always fit into usual DJ K sets. Vol.2 took it a step further, by collecting 24 original UNRELEASED ragga jungle dubplates, with that same amen programming feel, from all the biggest names in the scene. Negotiations took several months between the producers and finally a digital mix was spliced and burnt and given out in Toronto at DIRRTY, where DJ K played vs. General Malice. Although previous mixes from DJ’s were being released featuring some dubplates mixed with old and new records, a mix on this scale had never been attempted before. Popularity of this mix and the subsequent release of almost half of the featured tracks from the mix speak for itself on the success of this compilation and concept, pioneered by DJ K. DJ K founds KILLA Records, an outlet for his brand of aggressive tech amen-influenced non-ragga tracks. A label launch party featuring RYU with giveaways from KILLA and Norml. The first LIVE mix is recorded (featuring countless dubplates & antics) and starts KILLA off with a bang. KILLA001 is released and is distributed to eastern Europe, North America, Japan and New Zealand. KILLA clothing manufactured and distributed in 3 runs & designs (spring/summer/fall) sold to north america and Japan.

Summer - a peak point in the new ragga jungle movement, DJ K tours with N2O, playing alongside Capital J and R.A.W. Big Cat Records releases “murda” and “respect”, 2 slamming DJ K releases featuring clear, bouncy drum programming and rough soundclash shouts. Fall - DJ K and Shannon create ottawajungle.com, and are recruited to organize jungle night at the Ottawa urban music festival. DJ K completes the CD “fucking shit up”. An extremely aggressive jungle & ragga jungle mix incorporating releases, dubplates, live bits, shout-outs and a strong tech-rolling sound distinctive of DJ K sets. All tracks featured on the mix are 100% north american jungle, a bold move showing his support of the new sound as a DJ and dedicated producer. The mixing style pushes forward the signature high-impact cut-and-drop method used in recording and his live performances.

Winter - Big Cat Records releases DJ K’s newest tunes “on a mission” and “flyin”, a ragga-jungle track incorporating rock, guitar and soundclash shouts. The full press follows adding “surf the volume” to the b-side. Flyin creates a stir in the community (most people just aren’t playing it), but rock vs. jungle projects start appearing here and there. Record stores are selling out of DJ K vinyl releases everywhere and Big Cat 9 hits the Breakbeat Science top 10 seller list in NYC. Bootlegs of DJ K CD’s can be found at DJ stores across the world and a demand for products pushes DJ K to establish his online store: a one-stop website to purchase all music and merchandise made by DJ K. Spring - DJ K interviewed on ragga-jungle.com, speaks on his influences, inspirations and direction. The CD mix “fucking shit up vol.2″ is completed featuring a new slew of growling tech-rolling records and dubplates, once again using 100% north american content. Summer - KILLA002 released, pushing forward the DJ K new amen sound. “suffer” and “pounding dronez” can be heard on DJ mixes across north america. DJ K wins digitalbombing.com mix contest and plays live on the radio in an exclusive interview - speaks about music and the scene. Fall - N2O-54 charged released, featuring DJ K’s aggressive track “hypocrites” fusing punk rock and ragga jungle. DJ K released “bitches”, featuring rock & industrial influences, takes some time to think about the future of music.

Winter - DJ K completes live mix and new tracks with MC TRIGGER. DJ K digs deep into his roots and completes the tearout anthems CD. DJ K takes some time out to experiment with new music and spend personal time.