DJ Roast

When did you release your first song?

My debut album officially dropped March 2010.  The feedback has been overwhelming!  I just did my launch at that went down a storm with a few hiccups, which won’t be mentioned.  I’ve had some stuff played on various radio stations before the bulk was released but it’s all just happened really.  I’m keeping an eye on it all and hoping for it to grow and get more successful.  

What’s been your biggest track so far to date?

Probably Trading Darts cos that was on a Certified banger compilation.  A lot of people love that track.  I’ve noticed vids being put up on YouTube and the biggest hits are wasters Inc and playtimes over.  As I said before it’s all just happening now so I’m holding tight and keeping an eye on it all!  I’m hoping to get a lot more radio love so watch this space I guess.  

Have you produced any music that has been released with music videos?

Not yet.  I’m doing a video to a track on the album called 2012 featuring Phoenix da Icefire.  It’s quite a political track and were just working out the concept and how were going to do the video.  I have a fair bit of editing and post-production experience so I’m trying to work out whether 2 cut costs and do the whole thing myself or call for outside help.  I’ll see how well my sales do and what the purse is like in a month!  I’m also going to do a video with Stig and Syntax for wasters Inc.  That’s jus going to be mad jokes us all in a flat getting nailed.    

Tell us about set-up, the label, the crew etc. and what each person brings to the table.  

I’m rolling with higher heights records.  They put the album out and I’m the official DJ for the label.  Some interesting things sound like they’re happening this year so I’m looking forward to all that.  My main artist who I spin for is Phoenix.  I spun for Tripe Dark for years but I know that every ones working on solo efforts etc and due to me moving away from London I’m not on hand as much for gigs. Phoenix and I clicked really well and there is a lot of mutual respect between us that lacks in a lot of dj/mc/crew relation ships these days.  If Phoenix needs me for a gig I’ll be more than happy 2 travel to and from for him as I know he’d do the same.  

How did you get your name? Was it always your nickname or is there a reason behind your name?!  

I’ve always been roast due to it rhyming with my surname and me getting horribly sun burnt.  It stuck and there are a lot of references to Roasting in hip-hop so it worked for me.  Sorry it’s not deeper or more meaningful.  I did want to change it a while back but I’ve come to far now!  

What has the response been like to your music in your hometown?

Every one seems hype.  There’s a lot of good talent in Cornwall where I grew up.  Dj’s beat makers etc.  The only MC’s I can think of are Enlish, Spitfiah and Mr convenience.  I only really know Enlish outa that lot but the others have definitely impressed me.  Every one seems to be hype on it though especially the release.  Heads have been supporting it and putting beer money in my pocket!    

Some producers also deejay and rap. Do you DJ or rap?

I went through a phase of free styling when I was drunk but after hanging with some really amazing Mc’s thankfully I don’t do that any more.  It makes me cringe man.  If u can dj/produce and rap good for you.  In my case my lips are sealed!   

What can we find in your studio?

Pro Tools Le, Logic 8, Mpc 500, Behringer usb midi control, 1210’s, Vestax 08 and serato.   

If you had to give a tip to an up and coming producer, what would you say?  

Sound different, use all ur toys to the max and be original.  

Being independent can be a grind! How are you finding it?

Not to bad.  I’m currently in quite a slack job where I’m online all day so I can do a lot of promotion when I’m @ wrk.  Plus as passionate as I am about my music I have learnt to realize that very few people can make a living out of this so I’m really happy to have my music as a passion and when I make money from it I’m stoked.  My album release I’m hoping will generate more dj gigs as I’ve always made extra money from that and I love playing live sets.  

What are your thoughts on digital distribution?

Good I guess.  Every things going digital these days and the more coverage the better.  People will always buy Cd’s due to the warm feeling of having the product in your hand.  If you truly like an artist u’ll support them.  I buy all my UK hip-hop unless it’s sent to me free for radio play.  I know a lot of people download but I think that if u sincerely back UK hip hop and want it 2 stick around then support the artists cos a lot of people are very serious about this and need financial support from their fans.  

Do you have a website or My Space page?  

I’m getting a web site soon.  For now people can purchase the album from my band camp: djroast.bandcamp.com

Or peep myspace.com/djroast , reverbnation.com/djroast , twitter.com/djroast

What can people expect to hear from you in the near future?

I’m currently working on a few projects an ep with Triggs Vega, I’m doing a few tracks with Phoenix and Iron Braydz, I’m also looking to do a few instrumental joints and wrk with some live music and singers.  Apart from that I’m dropping a massive mashup mix tape project called ultimate steaks and beats.  Look out for it all people and support.  Thanks Peace.   

Interview by Jonathan Miles exclusively for Hip-Hop Basement Radio