DJ Guv caught up with Helen Giles to discuss touring, his record label, his new Guv & Friends events and much more.

Last updated: 15th Jun 2018

Originally published: 6th Nov 2017

Image: DJ Guv

Jump-up drum and bass has seen a surge in popularity amongst ravers in recent years with its unique style incorporating heavy bass sounds and robotic synth patterns proving a hit with fans, and one of the many producers and pioneers behind its success is DJ Guv, a music visionary that continues to push the boundaries of this niche genre with his creativity and passion for the dance music industry. 

Beginning his career in the 2000s, DJ Guv’s sheer drive and determination has seen hum take the drum and bass scene by force, receiving various accolades for his outstanding contributions. This year he has taken home the title of ‘Producer of the Year’ while in 2016 his ground breaking track ‘Warning’ won him ‘Song of the Year’, which has also gone on to receive status as one of the most recognisable drum and bass anthems of all time.

As well as these accomplishments, the track ‘Slice and Dice’ has had over 10 million views across social media platforms, a huge achievement! His label Dubz Audio, formed in 2008, has seen him launch the careers of many fantastic DnB artists, again proving how much he has influenced and contributed to the drum and bass industry.   

We catch up with the drum and bass pioneer ahead of his latest venture ‘Guv and Friends’ set to launch at iconic venue Lakota.

Have you ever had to deal with crazy fan behaviour? 

Yes on a regular basis. I am not going to elaborate, I don't think the stories would be suitable haha!

You set up Dubz Audio back in 2008. What inspired you to create your own record label?  

It's not a ting where anything inspired me, it's a ting where I just wanted to make music and get it out there for other people to hear and to then enjoy my music. So, for me at that moment in time seemed the logical ting to start up my own label.

I never thought myself or the label would be in this position today but I am truly grateful to all my supporters that have been behind me from 2008 until now. 

Are there any artists/producers that are grabbing your attention at the moment?

Hedex and Dilate definitely. You should check them both out. 

Your single ‘No More Games’ came out back in August this year, and received great feedback from fans. Are you currently working on any new material at the moment? When can fans expect to hear new music from you? 

Yes I am working on a lot of new material, I'm really excited for you all to hear it. Date wise, I have new music dropping in December so look out for that. 

Your touring schedule recently has been relentless. When do you find the time to make music? Do you enjoy the touring aspect of your work?

I don't find time to make music really, like you say it is relentless, which is why I only can manage to get one release out a year. I enjoy all aspects of my work, sometimes it can get a bit much but I still fully embrace it, it's all worth it. 

Where has been your favourite place/event to perform?

Hmmm, there's so many but if I had to pick I'd say Dour Festival in Belgium, Let It Roll Festival in Prague, Innovation events and Lakota.

For those who are yet to experience you perform live, how would you describe a typical DJ Guv set?

Full on energy from start to finish. That's the best way to describe it, it's full on hype, if you don't believe me then come on down and check it out. 

Are there any events or festivals that you are yet to perform at but would love to in the future? 

I think two of the big ones which I'd be really keen to play at would be Glastonbury and Ultra festival. They both look insane.   

‘DJ Guv and Friends’ is a brand new event that you are launching in Bristol. How did the idea for this concept come about?  

Four years ago the first event was actually in Belgium, but I was so crazy busy with touring that I didn't have time to develop it. It was something I always wanted to revisit and do properly, then I linked up with some people in Bristol and they suggested doing a UK tour... we built a team and got it poppin, the rest is history as they say.

DJ Guv plays at Invaderz x DNB Collective. Find tickets below.