Mix-Comp Focus: Bass Xplosion

First impressions are important, how did you choose the first track? We needed a tune that would encapsulate a wide audience as the CD covers so many genres we wanted something that wouldn't scare away true BASS fans but also needed something that a more commercially viable market could appreciate.

Favourite tracks in the mix and why? My favourites would be Netsky – Come Alive, Matrix & Futurebound – All I Know, Chase & Status – No Problem and Drumsound & Bassline Smith – Through The Night. These tunes really showcase a lot of my style these days. My passion for d'n'b and my opportunities to play it is ever increasing. Thanks to feel good records in these genres it allows it to become more accessible to a wider market.

Are there any productions of your own on the compilation?  I am very proud to say that I got my first original featuring vocalist Laura Noir, Bass Drop, on the CD along with a couple of d'n'b remixes I did with a good friend of mine Kid Sample.

What inspired the compilation? After chatting with the label we decided we wanted a CD that crossed a lot of current genres and wasn't to be really pigeonholed as a <insert genre here> CD. Which also showcases my Live DJ sets as I like to play a wide variety of genres when I DJ.

Which track is your ultimate pick for the track people go the most nuts on the dancefloor to and why? Ooooh that's a tricky one, I would have to say a toss up between Chase & Status No Problem and Drumsound & Bassline Smith's Through the Night. Both are just massive records with insane drops… Actually pretty much the whole CD could use that expression.

Any remixes that you think will shock listeners? The whole CD is full of great tunes and remixes, The Kill The Noise remix of Nero's Must Be The Feeling is insane. I love dropping that one live.

Any of your old favourites been remixed? Unfortunately not on this CD but I was lucky enough to have Chase & Status' No Problem added which is definitely one for the older d'n'b heads old there.

Realistically there's always pressure from the label, are there any songs on the track that the label really pushed? How much of the CD is your own production? As always there are tracks that the label wants/needs on the disc. I was just so thankful that Onelove were very understanding of the direction so there was a nice compromise between them and me.

How does this compilation compare to your own DJ set? I'm really happy to say that I would play 95% of the tunes on my disc in a normal set. I was very lucky to have such a wicked track selection.

Some people think the art of a mixed CD is dead, what are your thoughts? I think the Mix CD is still valuable especially for people that aren't surrounded by DJs all the time they are still a great way to showcase new music to people.

Who would be your ultimate artist and song to remix and why? I would love to do an official remix for DJ Zinc any day of the week – that man is seriously a god amongst DJs.

This album would be best listened to on a… Big night out as it starts heavy and keeps getting heavier so you can keep partying all night long without changing tracks.

The album is a perfect Birthday present for a brother/sister… If they are into good music and like a variety of genres.

Grandma or Grandpa… If their Pacemaker needs a kickstart just grab some subs and set the Volume to 11!

WHO: A-Tonez & Mane Thing

WHAT: Bass Xplosion (Onelove)

WHEN & WHERE: Friday 23 November, Ambar