Dreadzone

"Giving away music has become a necessity but the work of the musician or artist must have value, it's how you achieve that, the traditional role has reduced but others have sprung up so we must adapt and go with the flow. Download is the future."

Festival stalwarts Dreadzone return to Dublin for another expectantly energetic live show, on the rather dry stage of the Academy - weather not-permitting.

With a sixteen year history behind them, the group have just released their new single, which marks a stark departure from their previous work. We caught up with writer, producer, DJ, drummer and general 'holding things together' lynch-pin of the London dub-dance outfit, Greg Dread, to talk music, line-ups, USB sticks and other such ramblings.

In the last sixteen years, a myriad of styles and musical trends have come and gone, yet Dreadzone remain. How would you say your music has changed since you set out? How would you describe your music today?
The change has been more song orientated I guess, the first album was more linear, instrumental and sample driven, as we progress there is much more live instrumentation, lyrics and melody. We have always kept our principles of rhythm and sound pretty much the same. I would say we are more driven by writing the perfect pop song at the moment, and why not?

The new download For a Reason is quite accessible and radio friendly, what kind of reaction have you had to it so far?
The reaction has been extremely good, everybody seems to be liking it and accepting that we can be diverse in our approach. There is nothing wrong in being accessible, we have fans of many ages and walks of life, as the income from music dwindles, we need to cast our net wider.

For a Reason is download only. What are your thoughts on downloading vs. more traditional modes of releasing music?
Giving away music has become a necessity but the work of the musician or artist must have value, it's how you achieve that. The traditional role has reduced but others have sprung up so we must adapt and go with the flow. Download is the future.

You released a Dreadzone USB with music, pictures, artwork and videos. Where did that idea come from?
I believe it has been done before by some people, it just seemed a natural idea to sell them as merchandise. We thought it would be good to fill the USB with decent Dread stuff. But we also found that people have yet to become used to this format.

Will you be showcasing much from the forthcoming album at the Dublin gig? Any hints of what to expect at the gig and on the album?
There are many new songs in the set and updated versions of older stuff, we shall always provide something new and exciting for the crowd. The songs have been developed during our shows and have been the better for it.

You've created music from a home studio previously. What freedoms or limitations have you found with working from home?
I did have a home studio for a while but this current album is being put together in a space we have rented in central London, I have found it rewarding to get up and go into work everyday and set out to achieve a certain amount. It has a great live room so have been capturing some good performances from people; it's a good place for rehearsing for shows too.

You've two new members in the band, Chris Compton and Chris Oldfield. What have they brought to the group dynamic?
Both have brought good ideas and a calm Zen like approach to what they do, they believe in the band and have given so much good stuff. We had to re-invent the band and were able to do that easily with these guys. There is a good feeling of positivity in the group right now.

You've had quite a lot of line-ups. Do you find it easy to slot in new members/energies?
We find it easy to work with people, as long as the chemistry and ideas are there. They haven't really changed that much, I'm still working with Leo from Bad Days, and can't imagine playing with another bass man, and Earl 16 has been with us for a long time.

Have you any plans to re-collaborate with any vocalists you've worked with before?
I am always on the look out for good people, we are currently using a very talented female singer called Marcie Arnold who has an incredible range and versatility, and found it hard not to use her on many tunes.

Are any future remixes under the alias Mafia Tone in the pipe work?
Mafia Tone was something that represented the work I did with Ben Balfonic in the earlier part of the decade so won't be doing anything under that name anymore.

Are you still running Dubweiser in Notting Hill Arts Club?
No, but we are thinking about starting another club night in London somewhere. We have some good ideas for it and we have great bunch of people who could come together and make it work. This would be another strand of what we do to keep the energies flowing.

You've become known for your obscure samples, particularly from film. Are you a big movie buff?
I do love movies and explore the many genres as much as possible, and always have my sample seek radar on. I just collect them and run through bits when I am looking for something in particular.

What's next for Dreadzone? Any ballpark date for the album release?
More new music (free and for sale) more shows, live and DJ, a summer full of festivals and a challenge to overcome the financial problems of all business, including our own. One thing sticks out for the future is utilising the internet. Watch this space for an expanded online version of the Dreadzone experience. We plan to get the album out for this year but as it's not finished yet so I can't really give an exact date.

Dreadzone play The Academy on February 20. Support by Breakology.

www.dreadzone.com