Artist Interview: SPECTRASOUL for Soul In Motion

– Interview by Sarah Alexys Y –

Spectra – plural of spec·trum (Noun): The entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. Soul – /sōl/: A person’s moral or emotional nature or sense of identity. Put that together and you have the definition of beautiful music that touches the heart.

Jack Stevens and David Kennett, better known as SpectraSoul, were performing and promoting DnB well before they became a duo in 2006. Their impressive discography includes releases with Metalheadz, Subtitles, and Exit Recordings. With the debut release of “Alibi” on Critical Music in 2008, the duo started winning well-deserved attention and respect. They were exclusively signed to Fricton’s label, Shogun Audio in 2009, with the release of their first full-length album “Delay No More” soon following in 2012. Known for their signature soulful sound and masterful production, SpectraSoul has helped breathe new life into Drum and Bass music.

Described simply, ‘Delay No More’ is an outpouring of our thoughts, ideas and personalities that have been collected, curated, and bound; We want the listeners to immerse themselves in it and decide what it means to them, and take from it what they will. We sincerely hope that you enjoy it.” – Jack & Dave

SARAH: I’ve read that Jack learned to produce first and Dave started DJing first. Were you able to help each other learn the other skill set when you started working together?

SPECTRASOUL: I don’t think either of us would say we taught one another, but it was definitely nice to have some extra knowledge each way, to be able to help each other grow as producers/DJs. I think whenever you work with someone you always learn from them, not only technically, but creatively too.

SARAH: Everyone is alway talking about Dave’s “lunging” during sets. What’s that all about?

SPECTRASOUL: Haha, I honestly don’t realise Im doing it.. my girlfriend teases me about how I dance when I DJ, she even has a full impression of me down , It’s pretty good.

SARAH: One of my favourite tracks is your remix of Delilah’s “Shades of Grey”. How do you know when you hear a song that you’d like to work on it? Do you ask yourself, “I could add something more to this”?

SPECTRASOUL: The Delilah remix kind of came to us out of no where, but we definitely enjoyed doing it. Anything with a great melody is always fun to work on, especially something with such a great vocal hook, like Shades of Grey.

SARAH: I’ve heard you’re fans of artists such as Flying Lotus, Burial, and Bon Iver whom I also love. What attracts you to other forms of music, and should we expect future collaborations with artists outside of drum and bass?

SPECTRASOUL: Sometimes its nice to listen to something different when you’re working on drum n bass in the studio all day. I also think its beneficial to listen to different genres of music because it broadens your mind creatively and gives you more to draw from when making your own music. We will definitely be collaborating with some vocalists from different genres which we’re really excited about – it’s a lot of fun merging ideas from completely different backgrounds and coming up with something unique.

SARAH: What has been your favourite memory of your drum and bass career thus far?

SPECTRASOUL: Honestly, there are so many great memories that it would be hard to choose just one. Signing our Shogun paperwork was a pretty memorable day. Oh, and playing at the infamous ‘End Club’ in London was always a special experience too!

SARAH: Any shouts to the Toronto Crew?

SPECTRASOUL: Toronto is actually one of my favourite places to play. I had so much fun and felt so welcome last time I played….I’m really excited to come back and do it all again!

Make sure to ‘like’ SpectraSoul on Facebook to download “The Tube VIP” for free. Check out SpectraSoul and party with all the Toronto heads on Saturday, April 27th, 2013!

BUY TICKETS NOW!!!

– Interview by Sarah Alexys Y –