RENEGADE ROCKER -REVIEWS
"My Vote for Best Reggae Album of the Year" Errol Nazareth - Toronto Sun & CBC Radio "One of the best makers of Dub in this Country" Garvia Bailey - CBC Radio Canada "Canadian producer, Dubmatix, creates some of the freshest reggae around. What's so fabulous about the outing by Dubmatix out of Canada is he's taken dub & reggae and pushed the envelope in a creavtive sense and taken it to another level...it's like a brand new break through" Dermot Hussey XM Radio "The Joint" DUBBED THE KING Artist calls on reggae masters for new CD Renegade Rocker THE TORONTO SUN - June 27 2008 by Errol Nazareth There's no denying that hearing the classic dub reggae record, King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown, marked a pivotal moment in Jesse King's life. Everton "Pablo" Paul, a Canadian reggae legend who played in a band with King's dad, Bill, gave him the disc when he was a teen and it blew his mind. "I'd never heard anything like it," King recalls. "It had this thundering groove that just did not stop. It was relentless. And it had echo and reverb and delay, which I've been a fan of. "It had everything that I loved in one sound," he adds. "In fact, I still have the cassette tape that I ripped from that album in my car." While many of us can relate to King's experience -- I recall my brain frying the first time I heard Public Enemy -- very few of us go on to make music that comes close to matching the intensity and excitement of a record that impacted us. But, that's exactly what King's done. Under the cool moniker Dubmatix, King has just released Renegade Rocker, a record packed with 16 rib cage-rattling blasts of authentic dub, classic reggae and electro-dub. The musicianship and production is stellar, and the contributions of reggae legends Michael Rose, Sugar Minott, Alton Ellis and Willi Williams make this disc even more essential. Toronto voices on Renegade Rocker include Raffa Dean, Ammoye and Kulcha Ites. Dubmatix is essentially a one-man operation. King, who began working on the record last July, played drums, bass, keys, melodica, and percussion on Renegade Rocker. He says the record evolved organically, that he wasn't chasing a particular sound. But, speaking with King, you get an idea of how much pressure he puts on himself to not only deliver hard-'n'-heavy music, but to continue a rich music tradition. "I ended up with about 80 to 100 tracks, then I got it down to about 30 tracks, then down to 20 and then down to 16," says King. "I've listened to every song on this album between five hundred and a thousand times because when I work on a song I'll spend two or three days listening to it over and over. "I'm a perfectionist, but I also know when to wrap it up," he says. After laying down the drum and bass, King says he puts on "the piano, guitar, the organ, and any riffs I hear in my head. And then the singer comes in and when he's done, I'll bring in the horns, add percussion and guitar solos. That's like the icing on the cake." And how did he manage to get so many reggae icons on Renegade Rocker? "A lot of networking and I just got in touch with them," he says matter-of-factly. "I'd talk to them on the phone, tell them what I was doing, what I've done, and ask them if they were interested. Fortunately, all of them were. So, I gave each of them two or three different rhythm tracks and asked them to use whatever they were feeling the most. With some of them, I'd send them the music and within three days I'd have it back (with their contribution)." King says one of his challenges was to find a sound that matched a singer's style. "For example, the track with Ranking Joe, that's very much a modern kinda roots sound." he says. "Whereas the track featuring Alton Ellis has an old-school reggae sound. And if something has a more electro feel, then I'll go with a synth sound. "So, there's a lot of experimentation involved," he adds. "I'll try a variety of sounds and styles until I think it'll work." Dubmatix, Chameleon Project, and Muva Soundsystem are at Lee's Palace Monday. $10. 529 Bloor St. W. Dubmatix are featured in Jamaican Echoes, a documentary on dub reggae that airs Sunday at 8 p.m. on CBC Radio 1 (99.1 FM) and noon on Radio 2 (94.1 FM). Toronto Sun Link: Dubmatix's Renegade Riddims By David Dacks Dubmatix’s new disc, Renegade Rockers, is without a doubt the most star-studded Canadian reggae album of all time. The guest vocalists on Rockers represent six decades of Jamaican music, from grandfatherly Alton Ellis, whose first record came out in 1959, to contemporary Jamaican-Canadians Ammoye and Raffa Dean. Along the way, the mix incorporates Black Uhuru’s Michael Rose, early dancehall artists Sugar Minott, Linval Thompson and Ranking Joe and digital dancehall stars Pinchers and Wayne Smith. These very special guest stars add significantly to the man born Jesse King’s speaker-rattling electro-dubscapes. Dubmatix’s sound is resolutely modern, but differs greatly from the joyless dancehall styles gaining so much hipster cred. Though assembled by laptop, it remains organic, with a sweetness derived from a lifetime of Jamaican inspiration. His method was born from a studio accident a few years ago. “The whole concept of everything I’ve done is contained in the fifth track from the first album [Journey To the Center Of the Dub],” says King. “I took a King Tubby sample and dropped it on a house beat. Eventually I yanked the sample out entirely, but that’s what the electro dub that I’ve been creating came from. You can use the same tempo as the roots stuff and just throw a faster beat on it.” His approach to collaboration with these giants of Jamaican music is also very contemporary, and offers intriguing possibilities to other dance music-based laptop artists. King has always played with local artists wherever he’s toured, and the proposition for Rockers extended the concept. “I thought it would be a cool idea to do a tour, maybe ten shows, and bring one of these [singers] each time we go out. So I called them all, sent them down a bunch of music I was into, and they all agreed. These guys are still really eager to keep doing music.” Exclaim Magazine Link EYE WEEKLY - DJ SPOTLIGHT June 4 2008 Dubmatix BY Elizabeth Mitkos June 04, 2008 21:06 WHO DJing and producing has never been busier, or more fun, for Toronto’s Dubmatix. The dub and reggae artist has put out a steady stream of releases since January, including two digital-only releases, a 7-inch released in Germany, another 10 remixes across Europe and his third mix CD Renegade Rocker, which has been called a “sonic assault” of booming drums and bass, and which just came out across Canada. Known for being very fan-oriented, Dubmatix got his start playing drums in a Toronto reggae band called One, which put him on the path to performing pure roots reggae and dub. After releasing his first CD, Champion Sound Clash, in 2004, he was well into the global reggae scene, topping the charts and touring with his influences, including legendary reggae stars Sugar Minott, Michael Rose, Alton Ellis and Ranking Joe. Renowned for playing deep, dark “riddims” live and for infectious beats when on the decks, Dubmatix also collaborates with CKLN-FM’s Version Xcursion, Nate Wize, Prince Blanco and Rednote as the Dub Collective. They play regularly at Thymeless, where each member brings a unique take on dub, roots, electro, hip-hop and drum ‘n’ bass on the last Saturday of every month. Currently promoting his CD by touring to festivals and clubs across Canada, Dubmatix will round out the summer with another CD release, this one representing his drum ‘n’ bass side project, DJ Ironbelly. WHAT Reggae, dub, electro-dub, dancehall and drum ’n’ bass. “I’m drawn to music that has enormous groove, be it reggae or really hard-impact rock,” says Dubmatix, whose favourite kind of DJing experience is with “a club full of people ready to let go and enjoy the music. It’s amazing when you connect with people through music.” WHERE June 7 at Andy Poolhall (489 College) with Version Xcursion and DJ Rednote (live to air from 8-10 p.m. on CKLN 88.1FM). Free until 10pm; $5 after. FAVOURITE RECORD OF ALL TIME “That would be a tie: Led Zeppelin and King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown [by Augustus Pablo]. Both were records that had a deep impact on my ears and brain.” FAVOURITE RECORD RIGHT NOW “Lots of Loving” by Ranking Dread. “I just got into this artist about a year ago and can’t get enough. He sings in the U-Roy style of toasting but has his own style and sound. It’s serious grooves.” WHAT IS YOUR WEIRDEST DJING EXPERIENCE? “There are a few to choose from but in most recent memory it would be a show we played in Bretagne, France on a farm. We pulled up and it was… nothing but fields and they had somewhere around 5,000 cows being milked on one side of the barn and an arena-type stage setup on the other, complete with an amazing sound system and lighting that would make Pink Floyd envious. It was also the first time we got heckled for being Canadian — I think there was a Caribou reference used in a somewhat derogatory manner. Very funny night.” DIGITAL OR ANALOG? “I’ve never really taken an ‘activist’ stance for analog or digital. For recording, both have been integrated in all aspects of the production process. As a medium for [listening to] music, they both have pros and cons — one looks and feels cool, like you’re part of something exclusive when you drop the needle, and the other allows you to carry thousands of records and songs in your pocket and play it anywhere.” WHAT IS VITAL TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE? “Focus and consistency. A lot of time also goes into the business side of Dubmatix — CD prep, art, websites, marketing, promo — it never stops. There is no shortage of opportunities to help reach new fans these days so it’s important to keep your focus and goals in sight at all times.” WHAT GLOBAL ISSUE CONCERNS YOU MOST RIGHT NOW? “Oil. The crude pricing affects everything and has the potential to throw the entire world into an economic crush.” WHAT IS YOUR RING TONE RIGHT NOW? “I haven’t had a cellphone for four years and don’t plan on getting one unless it’s absolutely necessary — like touring in the woods.” WHAT IS THE LAST GREAT FILM YOU SAW? There Will Be Blood. “An intense film with Daniel Day-Lewis who is the master of bringing any role to life. Dude was angry.” WHAT ACTOR WOULD PLAY YOU IN A BIOPIC? “Dolph Lundgren. Really for his command of the English language and ability to emote.” WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Phil Ramone, Making Records. “This guy has won like 14 Grammys for producing everyone over the years — Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Billy Joel and so many more. It’s a very interesting look behind the scenes of what life is like as a producer and the roles they play in creating albums.” Eye Weekly Link Disc Review Dubmatix Renegade Rocker (7 Arts) Rating: NNNN Jordan Bimm - Now Magazine May 29 2008 “Smoke the ganja and listen to some conscious reggae vibrations!” proclaims Rasta Reuben Kwabena on the track Dub In Me Hand, over Dubmatix’s Toronto/island beats. The project of local producer Jesse King (son of jazz great and one-time Janis Joplin band member Bill King), Renegade Rocker is Dubmatix’s third release since debuting in 2004. This time Dubmatix lays down another tight, well-produced collection with guest appearances by Alton Ellis, Sugar Minott and Ranking Joe. Despite the fact that nearly half the songs have the word “dub” in the title, King actually explores a number of tropical-tinged subgenres including roots, dancehall, future dub and electro. Dubmatix rocks Thymeless w/ Dub Collective on Saturday (May 31). Now Magazine Link ZONA REGGAE - PORTUGAL Dub music is, and will go on being a top request for all lovers of foundation reggae music. It has been a style lucky enough to never go commercial, apparently maintaining the originality of the B-side that popularized this “double” tune, in the beginning of jamaican seventies. The A-side was aimed at the popular hit song; the B-side strive the experimentalist of the engineer and creativity of the deejay. Throughout the evolution that time provided, it has also indeed, suffered many influences, adaptations and styles combinations, and even sometimes an instrumental is mistaken by a dub, in the true concept of studio sound processing that is allied to it…But in any case, one thing remains true, to the teachings provided from over 30 years ago by the likes of King Tubby, Lee Perry, Errol Thompson or Herman Chin, the riddim emphasis, the drum and bass rocking together, amongst the echoes, reverbs, percussions or fading vocal drops. It has also taken different paths around the world. Just to name a few, and if in Jamaica it seems to have been forgotten, in Europe taken by storm by the leading UK style or in Asia brought to a singular level on Ambient styles, in north America, it has trailed in a refreshing revival path, in the latest times. From Canada, Toronto, curiously enough, of the main migration spots for Jamaican musicians in the seventies, comes one the finest understandings of dub music in our days: Dubmatix. One man project, given name, Jesse King, introduced himself worldwide, with “Champion Soundclash”, a kind of, evoking all ages of dub music album…And since that, it has been a non-stop venture in both sides for Dubmatix: taking it to a future level, stepping still, on the foundations one! More...Web Link Love "Peace and Love" on Renegade Rockers. I am giving your new release plenty of play on my show "Earth Vibes". You are setting the new standard for production quality in Canadian Reggae/Dub . Papa Roots - CJLY FM MONDAY MAGAZINE - VICTORIA, BC JULY 2008 Posted By: Matt J. Simmons One such source of talent, Dubmatix (a.k.a. Jesse King), is bringing a crate full of dub to our city to lay down summer grooves and show us how it’s done—and I don’t mean that last part in a figurative sense. In addition to his July 10 shows at the Inner Harbour and Element, King is running a workshop on July 11 at Long and McQuade to teach anyone interested how to make a good dub track—or at least how to get started. The idea for the workshop came from the organizers of Skafest, and as soon as King heard the idea, he jumped on it. “It’s a little different,” he says. “It should be a really good time.” Fellow headliner King Django will also teach a workshop as part of the festival, covering the different styles of Jamaican music and the varied instruments involved. Both are free, but you do need to register. King is a good guy to learn dub from; his latest album, Renegade Rocker, has acclaimed guest vocalists who together span about 50 years of reggae. Legends like Alton Ellis and Michael Rose make appearances on the Torontonian’s album and his well-produced music blends perfectly with their well-experienced vocals. “That wasn’t even intentional,” says King, “but when we looked back at it and realized, we were like, ‘Hey, that’s pretty cool.’” King grew up in a musical household: his dad played in and produced for various bands, and his mom “used to follow Marley around to his shows.” This environment has given King a long history of messing around with instruments and recording equipment. While his dad worked on an album, he more or less lived in a professional recording studio for three weeks straight. It’s no wonder he went into music himself. But, he says, it didn’t really come together until recently. “The technology caught up,” he explains. “I could finally create and record the music I’ve been hearing.” That is, without having to pay exorbitant amounts of money to go back into that recording studio as an artist. Explaining the software and hardware he uses to make his music will play a prominent role in Friday’s workshop. While King is primarily a DJ and producer (and even dabbles in reggae-influenced drum and bass on the side), he tours with a live act. “I usually come out with just a bass player, and I do live production,” he says. “This time I’m bringing a keyboardist and Ian [Avery] from Dubtet is going to join us on horns and cuts.” If his album is indicative of the live Dubmatix show, it promises to be a good time. As the sun shows its face again, it’s great to know that at least one of our summer festivals is still alive and kicking. Thankfully, Skafest shows no signs of slowing down and I, for one, can’t wait to hear the sounds of summer drifting through downtown. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scott "Goldfinger" Shisler Host And Selector of "Reggae Vibrations" 2-4PM, Fridays 91.1FM WTJU/Charlottesville (VA-USA) Renegade Rocker should be massive. concerning the depth of bonafide roots vocalists, the artwork, and that belly-shaking bass and production work... well, i can say that it speaks volumes to me. clearly my favorite this year, so far. it seemed as if roots reggae was slumbering, not so long ago... but, i'm hearing excellece re-emerge. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Dubmatix, yesterday I heard your new Album, let me tell you this. This Music is very revolutionary and modern, it's not only music for people they Love Reggae Music, this is music for all people they Love Music.I think your music is very international, fresh and crazy, but this is ever grounding Reggae. I like it so very much. This is music for the Reggaefuture and for all Times.Big Respect from me to you. Blessed Love Udo Reggae Arena Radio Kiepenkerl/Kreis Coesfeld 88.2 Fm / Germany |
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he creates music that is authentic, respectful and adventurous
author: Denise Benson DUBMATIX **** Toronto's Dubmatix is a leading light in the world of contemporary dub. Not only has King listened to and learned from the masters like King Tubby, he creates music that is authentic, respectful and adventurous. Champion Sound Clash (2004) brought Dubmatix to the global stage; Atomic Subsonic proves he deserves to be there. More deeply roots-informed that its predecessor, Atomic Subsonic sees Dubmatix working with a number of vocalists, Freddie McGregor, Howie Smart and our own soulful sensation Treson among them. This trio contributes to some of the album's strongest and most conscious selections: "Senseless Killing Dub," "Rough Times" and the awesome "Dirt, Dust & Sand." King comes rougher with "Who A Di Boss Dub" (featuring Anthony B), and album closer "My Selecta, " the most overtly electronic of the bunch. Throughout, Dubmatix rubs the dub right. Denise Benson - Eye Weekly Toronto, CKLN FM alot of breadth to this album author: medicineman - CIUT FM you're gonna do well with this one...alot of breadth to this album, and with the vocal diversity it really sounds like a compilation. great concept my man. What a big, solid, effort... author: Chris Todd The new album is fabulous. What a big, solid, effort, and it's come off beautifully! Lots of new types of sounds, but there's a signature there as well. You should be proud! wicked style ! ! ! author: Prince Thierry Got your last cd, wicked style ! ! ! Album sounds wikked author: Sassa'le CKLN FM Dubz Sassa'le "Version Xcursion" CKLN FM
After "Champion Sound Clash" had made it at long last into the stores in Europe via Nocturne, we had to wait for the next chapter, even though Dubmatix had meanwhile supplied the world with several free remixes. Now we have "Atomic Subsonic". If you had expected an unabashed continuity of the wild style mix of roots and dub with house influences, you will be now surprised by a coherent very modern roots album. Only the experimental "Champions Sound" and My Selecta" at the end move a bit closer to electronic dub. Apart from that there is lots of roots. Richly produced with good vocalists. Among the guests are are Freddie McGregor ["Senseless Killing Dub"] and Anthony B ["Who A Di Boss Dub"], who contribute neatly to the success of the album, even though both titles should not strictly be listed as dub, but rather as complete tunes without many effects. My favourite is Howie Smart in Dubmatix takes them to a higher level author: Davie Dacks It’s no surprise Dubmatix’s second release builds on his first. Champion Soundclash featured modern dub styles at a variety of tempos, evoking all eras of dub from the mid-’70s onward. After having licensed it in Europe, this second album benefits from the visibility generated by that move. On the whole, Dubmatix’s sound has gotten much roots-ier. Certain tracks such as “Skankin and Rockin” are of a mid-’70s vintage, quite slow by modern dub standards, but ringing true nonetheless, while “Warning” sounds closer to his first disc. Special guest stars are definitive roots singer Freddie McGregor and newer generation conscious vocalist Anthony B, whose energetic flow enlivens “Who a De Boss”; having A-level vocalists Dubmatix treatments takes them to a higher level. Canadian talent is well represented with vocalists Treson, Kwabena Reuben and Raffa Dean heading the class, and Isax provides vital melodic invention on horn. Dubmatix’s beat constructions, although fewer in number, are better focused than his debut. “Champion Sound” and “My Selecta” have great remix potential, both riding break beats. I still think the best is yet to come from the very talented Dubmatix, but this is fine work.
Bangin' blend of good ol' roots dub and house dubstyle! Bigups to Dubmatix on th author: Mike Dinger Bangin' blend of good ol' roots dub and house dubstyle! Bigups to Dubmatix on this one! I am really impressed with the quality sound! A fresh, in-your-face display of all musical styles that appeal to Dubheadz author: Red - I Had this album originated in francophone Canada, I could have built musical bridges to such French projects as 'Peuple de l'herbe' or 'Hightone'. But Dubmatix comes from Toronto and so, sadly, the only connection is to the practically non-existent level of familiarity in our realms. That, though, is the only sad part of this story. Musically, 'Champion Sound Clash' presents us with a fresh, in-your-face display of all musical styles that appeal to Dubheadz: Roots-Reggae, 'Club-Reggae', and Electro-Dub are mentioned in the label-info. At times the appeal is heady, other times it moves your feet, but always with exquisite quality. Its style reminds me mostly of Zion Train's last release 'Original Sounds of the Zion' and the 'Club Reggae' numbers recall the adrenalin rush of the 'Overproof Soundsystem'. A recommendation: Try 'Journey to the Center of Dub' for openers! It's an absolute killer! But there is yet more to discover, e.g. the easy flowing Bossa-Dub of 'Island Sun', sweet Dub-Rockers in the style of Pablo/Tubby and Downbeat-Soundz which would distinguish any 'Chill-Out' sampler. Dubmatix is three-in-one: producer, mixer, and musician. And then there are the amazing guest singers and -deejays. Play it and relax. True champion sound, 'fe real'. The disk is the work of an allround genius author: Karsten Frehe The world of reggae and dub, too, offers surprises occasionally! Dubmatix from Toronto, Canada, is one of those. It simply defies credulity that 'Champion Sound Clash' is the debut release of a single artist [with some guests]. As to the quality, this release plays at the top most level. More remarkable still is the amazing variety of styles which offers everything that's fun, from Rootsreggae, Rootsdub, Steppersdub to dubtitles that are suitable for clubs. That Dubmatix shines in all of those realms is as impressive as is the care and the wealth of ideas which are exhibited here. The disk is the work of an allround genius who furthermore signed also for the production, the mixing, and the artwork.From among the wealth of the different tunes I want to recommend to you especially 'Blade & Chalice', a pleasing bouncy vocal-rootsdub title with beautiful saxophon passages, the electrifying 'Journey to the Centre of the Dub', which shows its relationship to Zion Train's club hymns, and 'El Diablo Dub' with its wonderful piano and flute play. Rarely, very rarely has any album ever knocked me for as great a loop as this one! |
