The Big Bristol Sound with Loadstar

Photo: Loadstar

With drum 'n bass seemingly going through one of its strongest periods yet, the sounds of high octane drums and heavy low end bass are once again enjoying success both in the underground and the mainstream. The chart successes of outfits like Rudimental, Sub Focus and Chase & Status have turned a new generation on to the thrills of breakneck speeds and brutal basslines.

That in turn is drawing a myriad of newly converted bass heads to explore the deeper sides of drum n bass, which inevitably leads to imprints like Andy C's Ram Records - an out and out institution that has been at the forefront of drum n bass and jungle innovation for well over two decades.

The reason Ram Records has been at the bleeding edge in the underground has been its uncompromising dedication to releasing forward thinking music, with its roster boasting the likes of Calyx and Teebee, DC Breaks, Delta Heavy, Wilkinson and of course Andy C himself.

Another outfit that has continually impressed has been Bristolian duo Loadstar, who since 2010 have been continually plying the discerning drum n bass community with a raft of floor ready, bass heavy killers that have time and again cemented their essential status in the scene (hear why in their RamLife minimix below)

We caught up with them ahead of their set at The South West Indoor Carnival on Saturday October 4th to find out more about the eternal charm of drum n bass, what makes Ram Records so successful, and what makes Bristol so special in the world of bass music.

Hello chaps, thanks for speaking to us!

You’re set to appear for The South West Indoor Carnival in October along with a load of other drum n bass icons. You pretty fired up for it?

Nick: The South West Indoor Carnival is one of those unique events that we love coming down for. We’ve definitely played some mental sets in and around that area, so we’re really looking forward to it.

Gav: Also, the line up is impressive, and it’s great to be playing with such a variety of artists.

What can we look forward to from your set there? Have you got any surprises up your sleeves?

Nick: We’re just going to try and bring as much upfront energy as we can to this event. We know what the crowds are like down there.

Gav: Yeah, they like to party so we can’t wait to get down there and play some of our new material.

What are your respective roles in producing? Does one of you have a strength for melodies and one for beats etc? Are there any heated arguments!?

Nick: Obviously before we started as Loadstar, we were producing separately as Xample and Lomax. We both had our individual sounds and production styles.

Gav: This meant that we had to make time to work together and find out the new direction we wanted to take ourselves in. It meant that we could each bring different stylistic elements to the table and put them out under one name. I’m more into the technical, engineer aspects, where as Nick is much more musical and comes up with the ideas.

What’s been the highlight of Loadstar's career so far?

Nick: One of the main highlights for us is being able to go out to America so much. We’ve had the opportunity to play at some of the biggest dance events out there.

Gav: There’s this different vibe in America, especially when you’re performing at one of the multi genre nights. When you play drum and bass, there’s just an overwhelming feeling of excitement because of its more upfront style. It never fails to get people moving.

Have you got any more productions in the pipeline that we can look forward to?

Nick: We’ve been locked in the studio recently working on our next few releases that we’re hoping to get out soon.

Gav: It’s stuff that we’re pretty excited about and we can’t wait for people to hear it.

What is it about Bristol that gives birth to so many successful artists, particularly in bass music?

Nick: Historically, Bristol has always been on par with London in regards to its music scene. Even now, there’s still unbelievable talent within the city, and there’s just something about the place.

Gav: Bristol definitely has a full-cycle musical history. That big Bristol sound is really recognisable. The atmosphere there at shows is incredible.

What is it about drum n bass that keeps you coming back for more? 

Nick: For me, I still have the same feeling about drum and bass as I did when I first heard it nearly fifteen years ago.

Gav: Drum and bass has always been a big part of my life. Being from Bristol also played a huge influence on why I’ve always been so passionate about the scene.

You’ve solely released on Andy C’s Ram records in your career as Loadstar - is there a particular reason for that? What is it about Ram that fits so well?

Nick: I think we always wanted to go for quite a sophisticated sound and never wanted to sound cheesy. We wanted people to know that we took music production and DJing seriously, whilst playing out club tunes too.

Gav: RAM for us always had that sound. There’s also a vibe about the label, which it’s held throughout the years and it’s one that no one has really touched.

Catch Loadstar in action when they head to Torquay's Riviera International Centre for The South West Indoor Carnival on October 4th. Bag your tickets here.

Tickets are no longer available for this event