Dub Pistols – Alive Remixes 2013 + Exclusive Interview

First of all, for anyone who still doesn’t know, could you tell us a bit about yourselves?

Formed in 96 and still going 

You made your debut in 1998 and released your first LP ‘Point Blank’ in the same year, how did it all come together?

I was in another band at the time, signed to Charlie Chester’s “Cowboy Records”. We had just had a hit after being on the cult TV show “The Word” with a track called “Why Why Why” which was a cover version of an old Balearic classic by a band called The Woodentops. After that I became bored of the sound that was around at the time. Everything seemed so formulated. It was at that time i heard a track by the Dust Brothers  called “My Mercury Mouth” The band soon changed their name to Chemical Brothers, but it was that fresh sound that they where creating that made me want to change my direction. I started hanging out at the Heavenly Social and The Wall of Sound nights and started making tracks under my new name DUB PISTOLS. We then signed to Concrete records. Our first single “There’s Gonna Be a Riot” was championed by Steve Lamaq on Radio 1. It was also an NME single of the week, but it was our single “Cyclone” that really put us up there it was play-listed on Radio 1 and Tony Hawks signed it for his Playstation game. Suddenly we where on a roll…

And how did you make the transition from the studio to being a fully-fledged live act?

My first album Point Blank was more a collection of dance floor singles cobbled together to make an album. It wasn’t until after the big beat backlash that we got signed in America and started touring the states. That’s when we started concentrating on writing songs and gradually integrating musicians into my DJ sets, which then developed into a full band 

Is there a memorable or favorite moment from all the years of live gigging?

There have been so many amazing moments over the years and a few I’d rather forget. I guess if I had to pick one show, it would be the time both Terry hall and Lynval Golding (of The Specials) joined us on stage at Bestival. The Specials have always been my favorite band, and Lynval and Terry hadn’t played together in over 10 years i believe. So for me to get them together and play with us was a special special moment, one that made the hairs on my arms stand. It was a very emotional day for me, and one I will never forget.

Of the albums you have done, is there a personal favorite?

Every album when you make it is like your new favorite  But I think if I’m honest, my two favourite albums are “Speakers & Tweeters” and our last album “Worshiping the Dollar” but my favourite Dub Pistols track is on our “Six million ways to Live” album, and is the track “Problem Is” feat Terry Hall

You’ve worked with so many artists, too many too mention here but was there anyone you really enjoyed working with and still do or would like to in future?

Obviously working with Terry Hall from the Specials was a dream come true, but to be honest it’s been an honor to work with all the collaborators that we have had the chance to work with. From Busta Rhymes to Horace Andy, Gregory Isaacs, Lindy Layton etc. The artist we have had most fun on the road with though is Rodney P. He is a “Hip Hop” Dub Pistol for real. He spent a good few years touring with us through good times and bad, but he always kept laughing and knows how to party like a Pistol, a true legend!

In a era of genres, sub genres and sub genres of the sub genres, how do you describe yourself musically?

I hate pigeon holes, so I will pass on this one 

And which artists do you rate and listen to at the moment?

There are so many artists and DJ’s that I’m into across the board if its breaks then I’m loving the Marten Hoger and Mafia Kiss productions. Future jungle/ D&B: King Yoof, Gold & Aries, Serial Killaz, Benny Page, House: Eats Everything, Hot since 82, Gentleman’s Dub Club and Rudimental.

What can we expect from a Dub Pistols DJ set as we hear you have been doing quite a bit of DJ’ing lately?

My sets vary from show to show. I’m as happy playing a breaks set or a D&B set, as ghetto funk set or mixing the whole lot up. I’ve never been a purist. I’m all about the party and being eclectic. To me, a good record is a good record, and a good DJ is all about rocking the party.

Many thanks for taking time to talk to us, any last words, big ups and shout outs?

Just want to say thanks to all the people that have supported us over the years. Rob Da Bank for signing us when no one else was interested, Sunday Best, my label for their patience and continued support, On The Rise promotions for the amazing job they are doing, and all the festivals that keep bringing us back to their amazing events especially Bestival, Snowbombing, Beatherder, Blissfields and Kendal Calling where we have now almost become family.

Dub Pistols-Alive 2013 Remixes Is Out Now, get It Here And From All Good Download Stores

Dub Pistols-Alive Remixes 2013 + Exclusive Dub Pistols Interview