Today we feature the winner of our fairly recent collaborative remix competition (with Top Drawer Digital), Champion Breaks. He has steadily been building his name up with some heavy hitting acid breaks remixes and originals and banging DJ sets. His remix stood out from all the other entries with production skills way above the rest, slamming breaks and his unique acid lines he has become so well known for.

I caught up with Pete to find out a little more about him and his music. Read through to the end of the interview for an exclusive FREE TRACK and music showcase from his Soundcloud.

Madacp – Acid Chant B/W Champion Breaks Remix is out now. You can purchase HERE.

1. Congratulations on winning the remix competition. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, for those that don’t know, who are you, what do you do and what style(s) of music do you play?

Thanks Mike. I am very honoured to be doing this. And likewise, my sincere thanks to Lucas (TDD), Elliot (Madcap), and to all at Free Breaks Blog. And I have to mention Elliot again, for making the track available for remixing in the first place. It is just sublime! A “producer’s” track, if you know what I mean.

As for me, my name is Pete (or “Bad Boy” to my friends J) – and I play Acid Techno, Hard Tek, and Hardcore (Old Skool).

From a production viewpoint, it is currently Acid Breaks (see my remix of Madcap’s “Acid Chant” for a flavor) and good old London Techno and Break Tek (breaks infused 303 Gabber). You can hear current DJ mixes of my own production and original tunes on https://soundcloud.com/champion-breaks

2. Tell us a bit about what you’re working on now, any releases on the horizon?

In terms of releases, I think this Top Draw Digital release, and the forthcoming track on Vinyl Junkie’s We’re Not Dead album is just unbelievable! Of course I also have to mention the Kut Off guys for being open minded and supportive from day one.

In terms of work, well, I have been quite busy for the past 2 years, “cooking” up the Acid Breaks sound in my studio, and it has been hard, but fun and rewarding! I released 24 fully mastered WAV tracks via Soundcloud and my website (www.championbreaks.com) in March 2013, and I am encouraged with the reception and feedback I have received so far. What it has meant, of course is that I have started looking into the future on how I can develop the sound further…and I have some ideas that I am currently experimenting with – and I hope to get feedback for these prototype tracks through your blog very soon!

3. What other artists have you been feeling recently and who has inspired you to become a producer?

Well, as far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a producer (in my best Henry Hill mobster voice J). In terms of inspiration, it has to be my initial exposure to the TB303 or Acid sound. So, I’m afraid, the blame squarely lies with Hardfloor’s “TB Resuscitation” LP for everything people have had to put up with from my studio J.

In terms of DJing, it HAS to be DJ Hype all the way. I remember watching him in parties and just analysing every single aspect of him J I used to watch every single move of his hands, and even his lop-sided grin. I used to idolise him. I remember spending hours with my Wood Allen (Airport 89) record and my dodgy cross fader (for those that know the record for what it contains!). I even used to have this scarf with “DJ HYPE” in big letters, which someone knitted for me way back in 1992. I loved it, even though no one else had a clue what it even meant!

4. What have been your musical highlights so far??

Well, personally, speaking, I haven’t had any highlights yet (I dream big J)…and I am still working towards them. But setting up, and running a vinyl label in London from 2002 (Getafix Records), releasing my tunes and remixes on some top Techno Labels, including a Carl Cox CD Compilation, and playing out in parties in London and Europe was a proper eye opener!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Hv1caYyPqY

5. What’s your production setup?

The best advice I got from an acid techno pioneer with a massive studio and a professional mastering suite was to get a nice pair of studio monitors, as this is what stands between sonic perfection and mud soup! I have a basic MIDI school boy setup in my studio…What I do have is access to some other proper studio heads…the guys who get turned on reading Sound on Sound! I usually beg them to help me out when I need it!

6. What are your best/worst DJ experiences?

OK – the worst first: Well, I was about to come on at 6AM in this techno squat party (behind Liverpool Street about 12 years ago). A French Hard Tekno DJ called Jef Amadeus was on his last tune (tune: Crusty Mills SH101, by Lawrie Immersion on a label called Prolekult!) and all the boys were standing around giving him the big ups. I opened my record box and found that I had brought the wrong bag…it was the one with my old skool rave tunes! There was another DJ called Jerome Hill (he plays for Kool FM London now) who grinned and said, “let’s see if you will brave the crowds and drop these tunes”. My third tune was “Don’t Go” by Awesome 3 – the rig owner said, “No..please, please go” and I was marched off the rig while the other DJs clapped J

The best? Well, they say the best ones are the ones you don’t remember afterwards. But I suppose I can remember in ‘97 or ‘98 when my two pals and me went to Newton (the owner of 4 Aces in Dalston) and blagged one Saturday of each month to put on a party at 4 Aces!!! We had never done any events on such a scale. I remember after the first night was over, us sat in Newton’s tiny office on the top of 4 Aces, getting a severe bollocking for not doing any promotions, and basically being chancers! We then printed some paper flyers and took them around to free parties and record shops. And then turned up for our nights with a strong strobe light and our tunes. We would just bang out tune after tune…and one of us would shine the strobe from the stand into people’s faces! Eventually the place filled up nicely J. It was a great experience in my life…one massive strobe light, a fat rig, and us boys…we just couldn’t believe it. Afterwards, we would go to the London Fields pub (Pub In the Park in Hackney) and just wind down with a few jars, grinning from ear to ear!

7. What got you into electronic music? What made you choose your current style and sound?

Hmm…I think the honest answer can’t be printed here. But let’s just say rock music won’t let me have those “adventures of the mind” that I have with electronic music! The right kind of electronic music for me has to have tension. Mellow but aggressive…hard…but smooth…deep but ‘avin it…that kind of thing. And I strive to have those opposing feelings in my tracks, but I am sure everyone else just says, “Pah! This is the same old screaming screechy 303s as he always does”…but if you listen to it in the right state of mind (figure it out yourselves J) you’ll see that it has many layers and levels.

8. What do you get up to outside of music?

I always knew which side of the rig I wanted to be on (clue: not where the punters are!) I then realized that I am my happiest when I am hypnotizing myself with my own music. And then, I realized that I had no time for people who did not want to be in that same state of mind…so the result: I am a pretty reclusive, anti-social person, but not by choice!

9. What do you think it means to be a “successful” producer?

Well, in today’s terms, in order to be successful, you have to knock out your “Black Swan” – that magical track that will propel an unknown person to stardom (YAWN!). Otherwise I think successful production is really about “creating your sound”, developing it, and making sure that you keep going. There is no promised land. It is hard graft. It is many lonely, stressful, frustrating hours in the studio while others go out and have fun, while you chase that elusive sound that is playing in your head…but you just cannot replicate it using the synths and kit in front of you!

10. What can we expect from you for the rest of 2013 and beyond?

Well, anything that can be expected of me or other (non-commercial) artists at this stage is clearly in the hands of party promoters and sound system rigs. Why? In order to get our tracks out there, we need to prove that our music is “danceable and party friendly”. This means that there need to be parties where people can come and be introduced to the sound. That is the ONLY time people will honestly engage with the sound on that visceral level! Laptops and headphones just won’t do it man!

It is only then that people will search out, recommend, and start BUYING some of our tracks. Currently, top quality tracks are “charting” in the Top 10 in online record shops and then you get the sales figures and it’s just abysmal! In some ways, you could say it’s a bit like saying “Wow he must be loaded…he keeps winning in Monopoly man”!

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Check out a fine selection of Champion Breaks DJ mixes and tracks below and download your exclusive FREE DOWNLOAD.

Free – DOWNLOAD Checkout Added to cart

To download please click the button above. When the item is added to your cart you can checkout or continue adding music. When you checkout please enter your e-mail address, first and last name and click purchase. No money will be asked for this is a FREE DOWNLOAD. You will be added to the Free Breaks Blog mailing list to keep you informed of any future mixes, tracks or features we think you’ll be interested in.  You can download direct from the PURCHASE CONFIRMATION page or via the link sent to your e-mail.

http://www.championbreaks.com/
http://www.facebook.com/ChampionBreaks
https://twitter.com/ChampionBreaks

Champion Breaks – Exclusive Interview + Free Track

Hey All! Well today is one of those days where i’m cleaning out my closet! Not like Eminem though, I’m not going to unload a bunch of emotional crap on you (I’ll leave that where it belongs.. bottled up deep down inside) what I mean is that I have more mixtapes in my possession to choose from than there is weeks of the year left.. maybe even days! So I thought I would post up a bunch of ones I have really enjoyed listening to.. a few different styles in there, something for everyone I would like to think!

I’m getting straight into it tonight, HERE WE GO

First up, this one is actually hot off the press.. from the Funk Hunters! Last year I was stoked to submit my mix for the “Funk Hunter’s weekly mixtape dig” and have it posted up. The tables have turned! And now I get to return the favour. Very excited to hear these guys are playing at my favourite music festival in the world this summer in New Zealand. Splore is about to get hit with some West Coast Canadian Magic!

The Funk Hunters Present: The Detour Podcast #01 by The Funk Hunters

Next Up is a mix I have been meaning to post up for a while, Its the hiphoppapotamus! hard to spell and harder to say when you are drunk, which I was when i met this fella in Bristol earlier this month.. hell of a nice guy and makes some great tunes too! This mix has a great feel to it and I was determined to get it blogged.. so here it is!

The Dance-Off presents….DJ Hiphoppapotamus (DL in Description) by Hiphoppapotamus

Next up.. these guys have been kinda quiet on my radar for a while, but then BANG! they show me that they can still lay down a mixtape like no others.. Rollomatik make great music, and their logo is a polar bear. Need I say more? NO!

The Routines: Bass Funkin’ by Rollomatik

Que the stage for Dr Spider! I like glitch-hop, but I have to say I am a bit pickey choosey with it.. there is a lot of stuff out there that doesn’t tickle me in the right ways (Easy Raybould) but luckily I’v got Dr Spider here to show me that the good stuff is out there, and can be put together into a delicious mixtape juuust for me. Oh and for everyone else too!

Sound Odyssey 7 by Dr Spider

LAST but not least.. here’s another funk filled set from DJ GrooveCellar. I went down to his Cellar once, it was more of a dungeon and it smelled like chloroform, I don’t remember much after that. This guy is repping the funk out in switzerland and I heard through the grapevine that he kicks ass!

Beats From The Decks Vol. I [FREE DOWNLOAD] by DJ GROOVECELLAR

OK That’s it from me.. lot’s of mixes not so much chit-chat this week, I’m sure you won’t complain! BIG NIGHT in Bristol tomorrow, can’t wait! Please leave some thank-you’s for these DJ’s if you download the mixes.. manners go a long way in this world and I’m sure your mamma raised you right!

PEACE HOMIES!

Sammy Senior

Every now and then something absolutely amazing comes along and as we sit here listening to this, we  can’t tell you just how hyped we are!!! , this has to be a game changer in the Grime & DnB scene, the first track here ‘Get You’ with Buggsy providing the lyrics is an incredible blend of the aforementioned genres, it simply has to be heard, we can assure you, its turned our heads, not just for the incredible production but also for Buggsy’s positive lyrics that shoot down the negativity associated with much of the grime scene. Not only that but you get a sick Jump Up remix from Konichi and some futuristic DnB stylings in ‘Hot Heat’, we’re looking forward to hearing more from this Bristolian producer who has a cutting edge when it comes to sounds, highly impressed and a firm 10/10 from the Free Breaks Blog

Check The Official Vid Here, release date for the EP is December 2nd 2013

N3GUS-Get Me-Power Of 3 Music

Bass driven house, garage and tech music label Remit Sounds is pleased to welcome on board Levingtquatre, all the way from the Netherlands. Showcasing his talent and refusal to be pigeonholed, he is giving two almost experimental tracks bordering on bassy chilled house….aural delights either for home listening or dancefloor rockin’.

All Remit Sounds releases are PAY WHAT YOU LIKE from their Bandcamp page:
remitsounds.bandcamp.com/

Champion Breaks has exploded onto the 140 scene this years with remixes for Top Drawer Digital, an EP on Kut Off Records and a forthcoming contribution to Warehouse Wax LP ‘We’re Not Dead: The 3rd Chapter’, he returns to Kut Off armed with his trusty TB-303 and a blistering remix package from Dodders, Benji303 & DJ Slim Vs menace, while each remix is great and offers a unique take on the original, the stand out remix has to be Dodders with his ‘Extasy Shakedown’ remix. Dodders made appearances on free compilations, Paranoid Recordings Vol 7 & 8  with 2 show stealing hardcore breaks tunes and has another banger lined up for Vol 9 but in the meantime, I’ll go on record and say this is one of my favourite tracks of 2013, rolling amens, huge mentasm pads and a classic vocal leading into a blissed out, loved up old skool rave piano breakdown and plenty of tongue in cheek fun makes Dodder’s remix a clear winner, having said that, the remaining 2 remixes are great, DJ Slim & Menace take up the tempo for some 160bpm nu jungle sounds and Benji303 goes for an acid breaks number that keeps the main parts of the original for a nice re tweak. All in all, a must have EP for fans of 140, hardcore breaks and jungle, it makes you lovely!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/KutOffRecords.UK

Champion Breaks-Extasy Make You Lovely-The Remixes-Kut Off Records

Riddler Vol 3 is a 4 track EP featuring old skool UKG gems and a bit of contemporary ’House N Bass’ , Element Z & Marc Baigent-’Should Of Known’ is timeless soulful 2 Step, Phonetix-’ Feel So Free’ goes for a more 2013 Jackin’ house flava, Hot Chip-’Night & Day’ (Dragon Remix) blends Grime & Jazzy 2 Step and  Danny Phillips-’Now Or Never’ is a great Tuff Jam style 4×4 Garage roller, wanna know the best part? These 4 tracks are free to download…

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE HERE

VA-RIDDLER THREE-RIDDLER RECORDS

Slamming new mix from the &DB boys featuring the very best in breaks, beats and bass from the scene. Tracklist coming soon…

https://www.facebook.com/pages/SE7EN-DEADLY-BREAKS

7DB – If It Aint Broke Break It Mix

The latest offering from Neosignal Recordings features the incredible talents of Misanthrop who tackles the subject of greed and the influence of money over 4 stunning tracks on an amazing EP, ‘Greed Of Gain’

Kicking off with ‘Deadlock’ which weaves shades of the Footwork sound into some dark, cavernous and delightful minimal DnB

The title track ‘Greed Of Gain’ begins with a cool 80′s esque intro before erupting into some tearing neuro funk vibes

Things get seriously dark and twisted for ‘Catch 22′ right from the amen break intro and through to the Ed Rush & Optical inspired bassline and manic beats

‘System Crash’ kicks in with the most epic of intro before things start to get just that bit warped again, things take a techy turn but its not long before some more speaker wrecking basslines ensue!!!

The ‘Greed Of Gain’ EP is due out as a beatport exclusive and via the Neosignal online store on the 25th November and gets a full digital release on the 9th December

There will also be a LTD Vinyl release of 500 copies with hand crafted artwork for collectors.

http://www.neosignal.de/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Misanthrop/17590694789

Misanthrop-Greed Of Gain EP-Neosignal Recordings f/c 25/11/13

Warehouse Wax are about to release the 3rd in the ‘We’re Not Dead’ compilation series and its going to be the biggest yet with a staggering 50 tracks lovingly compiled by Vinyl Junkie & Sanxion and featuring a star studded line of the dons of 140 bass music, check the line up below……

The digital album will be available from the 16th December, there is also limited edition mixed CDs by Vinyl Junkie & Sanxion due out on the 7th December, very limited stocks, you can pre order now here but you better be quick!!!!

You can check out a couple of previews of the tracks and mix CD here, we’re certain that bass enthusiasts are going to be working themselves into a frenzied fervour listening to these bangers!!!!

http://www.warehousewax.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/warehousewax

VA-WE’RE NOT DEAD: THE 3RD CHAPTER-WAREHOUSE WAX MUSIC

The Sub Slayers fam are back to smash it up with yet another heavyweight release of 140-174BPM bigness!!!! the quartet of dons that are Gold, Aries, King Yoof & Max Powa return for a soundclash thats gonna kill sound bwouys left, right & centre…

We get some Jungle Tekno influenced 140 in ‘Separation’ which is our pick from this killa EP, then the transitional 140-174 in one track ‘Tempo Dub’ and 2 phat, phat ragga jungle joints ‘Babylonman’ and ‘Unreal’ with its familiar old skool vocal hook and ravey Korg pianos, you best just have an extinguisher ready for this bangers as they are fiyaaaaaah!!!!!!

Pre Order From iTunes

Pre Order From Juno

And check out this free ragga jungle banger in conjunction with the forthcoming release

Download Free Here

VA-SLAYER SOUNDCLASH: ROUND 2-SUB SLAYERS F/C 29/11/13 +FREE TRACK