Hey Jazmah aka Bassline MC and thank you for answering my questions for Drum+Basics – what an honour! Let us start from the beginning… How long have you been an MC & how did you get started?
Well, I would say around about 19-20 years ago and I actually got into it by complete accident really. So at the time before internet/soundclouds/spotifys etc, people listened to actual radio radio. I used to listen to Rude fm 88.2 whenever I could get the chance. So it turns out they were having a party in Bromley by Bow, at Club Rose I think. Me and a friend went down there. He actually got kicked out and but I stayed. They had an upstairs floor, which I only just realised… I went up there and it was going off. I basically asked if I could have a go and they crazily said yes. From there I met most of the Rude Fm family and ended up moving in with dj Haze in a flat in Hackney. We started doing a few sets together on the radio and it went from there. Along the way I met Keira from EOC. I remember jumping on the mic for them at Plan B in Brixton during that time which was around 2004. And that where it all started really…
Do you remember your first rave? The first rave question, that is like when did you lose your virginity type question. You’ll never forget it. My first rave was Jungle Fever ‘The Lion returns’ 1994 at Roller Express. For me it was basically a game changer, I was well into the music, I loved it so going there was like the cherry on top of a cake. I remember standing in the rave and thinking ‘this is me for the rest of my life’
What drew you into this music scene and what do you think is special about it? Jungle is an combination of reggae, sound system culture and rave music all in one form. Before I got into jungle I listened to loads of acid house, rave and hardcore. When I heard Voodoo ray for the first time…I was like yeah I’m in.
But the first time I heard jungle or (jungle techno) what it was then called, I can only describe it as akin to what people say their first religious experience was. I remember being in my bedroom, trying to find something to listen to on the radio. As the station I normally listened to got hit by the DTI (old heads will know hahaha) and I basically came across jungle techno. I loved it instantly and have not looked back since. For me personally what I think is special about this music, is that I was born a jungalist and the music found me. I have met my friends for life through it, had some amazing nights and experiences through it. It still excites me to this day.
You are a legend in the scene and seem to be one of these solid MCs who never gets repetitive or outdated – why do you think that is? I think I just try to be myself really. What you see on stage is the same person you see off it.
Do you ever get bored of this music? I think everybody that are into this music has times were they get bored or dislike it. But then you hear a track or listen to a set and it brings you straight back into it again. Well for me yes! haha!
How do you prepare for a set? For bookings I always really want to know who I’m working with, so I can try and gauge how to work the set. If its someone new I try to find old sets and have a listen. Usually pre rave I still get really nervous. But try and channel that energy into the set.
What music do you listen to outside of dnb/jungle? I listen to loads of different podcasts and whole heap of techno!
BIG party for your 50th which we are super excited about; what can you tell us about the line up?
Well, the line up is a really special one for me. I’m a massive Kemistry and Storm/Metalheadz Bluenote era fan so to get Dj Storm to play was amazin; I actually felt emotional when it was confirmed. Dj Storm is an amazing DJ so having her bless my party is massive for me. Dj Stretch is also a legend. I love the reinforced and Tom n Jerry sound; so pivotal to our scene – so having him on board blew my mind a bit lol
Nookie; another giant in this music – again I was properly gassed when he came on board, he used to always smash Essence Of Chi nights to bits and I know he’ll do the same at JAZFEST. Healing Crew: They were literally the first name on our artist list. They’re some of my oldest friends and there was no way we could do this without them. LS Dare: I’ve known him for nearly 10 years and he’s also one of my close friends. He’s always supported and helped me on journey. He runs the whistles and horns nights, which is doing bits at the moment.
Mystery guest DJ: Again another person who has helped me on my journey. Can’t wait for their set. Can’t say too much or I’ll give it away!
Flava; legend from Rude FM – she was the first person I thought of when thinking of a Rude fm dj. We became friends via radio before we actually met. She is well excited for the night. The Rush hour set will special.
Also all the mcs; Miss Trouble, Agman Gora, K-Eye, Blackeye are all mcs that I’ve worked with over the years, they are all fantastic. Special mention to K-Eye coming from Ibiza to mc on the night.
What advice would you give any upcoming MC who wants to make it in the scene? Just be yourself. And be nice… It helps.
Any famous last words? Shouts: Keira EOC, Peds Corner crew, Break, Rupture Family, Dj Haze, Fugee, Rude FM, Ben Jones (Young-gun). I don’t want to miss anyone out so big up to everyone who helped and supported me in this journey. Thank you all…and Love.
Big mix from Healing Crew uploaded to get you in the mood for Saturday <3 You can listen to it HERE
See you all on the 1 July for the big celebration of Bassline MC
JAZFEST
BASSLINE MC’S 50TH BIRTHDAY BASHMENT
SATURDAY 1st JULY 2023
@ PECKHAM AUDIO
133 RYE LANE
LONDON SE15 4ST
11.30PM – 06.00 AM
LINE UP:
STORM (Classics Set)
NOOKIE & FIVE ALIVE MC
STRETCH (Reinforced Set)
MYSTERY GUEST DJ & MC Blackeye
FLAVA & BASSLINE MC (Rude FM Rush Hour!)
LS DARE
HEALING CREW
With vocal support from…
K EYE
MISS TROUBLE & SPECIAL GUEST
AGMAN GORA
LTD ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM Resident Advisor
DONATIONS – MORE ON THE DOOR
ALL PROFITS DONATED TO MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT & MAGGIE’S CANCER CARE.
PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY.
CANCER & DANCE YOUR SOCKS OFF.
Further info:
07817 706484
essenceofchi@gmail.com
linktr.ee/whistlecrewhornscrew
www.instagram.com/essenceofchi_dnb/
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