John B appreciation Thread

[lickquidL]

post has been deleted by user

[Alter-Ego]

no


dude do you sleep? how many random ass threads are you gonna start?

[lickquidL]

post has been deleted by user

[Simon]

John just made a DOPE DOPE DOPE Italo Disco mix for Redux this Sunday.


Tune in!

[Wicked Sway]

Ok am i the only one around here who could careless what the hell John B is doing. I havent listened to a John B tune for years, and could careless if I ever saw him play again. There I said it.

And another thing how the hell are you(LiquidL) gonna make a overrated thread and then make this thread. makes no damn sense at all. Fix up son.

[Signal]

yea. else pass the crack youre smokin, we all wanna hit it.

[scandal]

yea. else pass the crack youre smokin, we all wanna hit it.





:spliff:





.

[maynard]

Ok am i the only one around here who could careless what the hell John B is doing.

i'm with you. fuck john b, seriously.

[Bassmachine]

:cracksmoker: dont forget to exhale dude

[Simon]

It's so funny you guys all take yourselves so seriously. Its not even a “meh, John’s not really my thing..” but rather a “I fucking hate John B”. At least he is doing something radically different with D&B. I'd argue, the only one doing anything radically different. It’s quite good, and actually fun.

D&B has reformulated it's self to this simplest possible equitation. The genre (like a few others) is suffocating its self with this proverbial rule book. There is this underlying notion that in order to be accepted as a D&B artist, you HAVE to sound like this…- and anyone who steps out side of that formula is ridiculed for it. The headliners are all playing the same 15 dubplates…. John is probably one of the busiest of the D&B guys in the world right now.

D&B is based on a beat structure, like breaks, like 4X4. Now there are sub genre’s of course but most do not very greatly from the others. D&B structures could become anything else they wanted to and influenced by any other genre in the world to become its own thing (Much like 4x4). I’d love to see D&B & Breaks continue to branch out and do new things! In the meantime- blah!

[lickquidL]

post has been deleted by user

[RickyRicardo]

I love how every argument over John B ultimatly goes back to how "creative" and "different" he is, as if that were an end unto itself.

Honestly, fuck difference....fuck creativity....just do something *well*. I'd much rather listen to a producer honing their craft and building on past material than someone who is constantly trying to reinvent themselves for the sake of being "different".

Being different and being good are not necessarily one in the same. You can be the most creative guy in the world, and still sound like ass on plastic.



....and for what it's worth, electro-dnb isn't *that* different. I can think of plenty of dnb tunes w/ heavy electro influences (and most of them sound better than John's stuff).

[yvonison]

I'd argue, the only one doing anything radically different.


What other dnb artists have u given an honest listen to before you made this assessment Simon? John B is different, but is it only radically different to you because he's doing something on the tip that you enjoy?




D&B has reformulated it's self to this simplest possible equitation. The genre (like a few others) is suffocating its self with this proverbial rule book. There is this underlying notion that in order to be accepted as a D&B artist, you HAVE to sound like this…- and anyone who steps out side of that formula is ridiculed for it. The headliners are all playing the same 15 dubplates…. John is probably one of the busiest of the D&B guys in the world right now.


I can't disagree with you more on all of this, DNB is so across the board right now whether it's John B, Evol Intent, Calibre, Pendulum, Logistics... just to name a FEW. I've got lots of respect and love for John as an artist and friend, but dont want anyone to get the false impression that he's one of the busiest of the D&B guys in the world right now, because he honestly isn't. There's a multi-person selection of headliners as well, and if they were all playing the same 15 dubplates then things just wouldnt be working out for us on any level. If there's anywhere in the world that's in a lull right now within the D&B industry it's probably America in terms of crowd turnouts for events but that's it. Love them or hate them, Pendulum is doing something "different".

[scandal]

It's so funny you guys all take yourselves so seriously. Its not even a “meh, John’s not really my thing..” but rather a “I fucking hate John B”. At least he is doing something radically different with D&B. I'd argue, the only one doing anything radically different. It’s quite good, and actually fun.

D&B has reformulated it's self to this simplest possible equitation. The genre (like a few others) is suffocating its self with this proverbial rule book. There is this underlying notion that in order to be accepted as a D&B artist, you HAVE to sound like this…- and anyone who steps out side of that formula is ridiculed for it. The headliners are all playing the same 15 dubplates…. John is probably one of the busiest of the D&B guys in the world right now.

D&B is based on a beat structure, like breaks, like 4X4. Now there are sub genre’s of course but most do not very greatly from the others. D&B structures could become anything else they wanted to and influenced by any other genre in the world to become its own thing (Much like 4x4). I’d love to see D&B & Breaks continue to branch out and do new things! In the meantime- blah!


I couldn't agree with you more...

The biggest problem I am running into with my own productions is fear. Fear that I will be shunned as a DNB artist due to the fact that I don't write tunes that sound like "this" so to speak...

That's why I fooking love Fresh's new album, because it's not like anything I've ever heard before, and that's what excites me about the genre the most. Any genre for that matter!

[yvonison]

The biggest problem I am running into with my own productions is fear. Fear that I will be shunned as a DNB artist due to the fact that I don't write tunes that sound like "this" so to speak...



Why give a fuck what anyone thinks? If it's good people will respect it... some shit isn't my cup of tea but if it's quality it's quality and you give people their due props.

Fear is a personal problem.

[proximity]

I couldn't agree with you more...

The biggest problem I am running into with my own productions is fear. Fear that I will be shunned as a DNB artist due to the fact that I don't write tunes that sound like "this" so to speak...

That's why I fooking love Fresh's new album, because it's not like anything I've ever heard before, and that's what excites me about the genre the most. Any genre for that matter!

if it's good , it's good . if you're talking about getting signed and making a living .. u might be in the wrong genre http://www.buzzlife.com/forums/images/icons/badteeth.gif

[djilleffect]

D&B has reformulated it's self to this simplest possible equitation. The genre (like a few others) is suffocating its self with this proverbial rule book. There is this underlying notion that in order to be accepted as a D&B artist, you HAVE to sound like this…- and anyone who steps out side of that formula is ridiculed for it. The headliners are all playing the same 15 dubplates…. John is probably one of the busiest of the D&B guys in the world right now.


Wow, you really couldn't possibly be anymore wrong. So what you're trying to tell me then is that artists like Calibre sound just like Evol Intent. Or that Pendulum sounds exactly the same as LTJ Bukem? Or furthermore, that drum and bass from 10 years ago sounds the same as it does now? Trying listening to some current drum and bass before making such a bold statement.

[proximity]

nobody listens to techno

[lowlife]

indeed.

the days of The Headliners all caning the same tunes are gone. there is so much new material out right now and although a lot (most) falls into set formulas but there ARE new styles coming up all over the place.

for instance, as much as Technical Itch is doing what he's always done, his new shit stands out from his old shit. new jump up, subfocus, etc. sounds nothing like '97 era jump up, and what's more clipz sounds nothing like subfocus.

a more thought out, reasonable thing to say is that: all DNB sux right now. it's an opinion, that many share, cuz they are sick of DNB.

the listener has changed. the beats are still doin the damn thing

[RickyRicardo]

Wow, you really couldn't possibly be anymore wrong. So what you're trying to tell me then is that artists like Calibre sound just like Evol Intent. Or that Pendulum sounds exactly the same as LTJ Bukem? Or furthermore, that drum and bass from 10 years ago sounds the same as it does now? Trying listening to some current drum and bass before making such a bold statement.


major bad has spoken.

[darkenetiks]

At least he is doing something radically different with D&B. I'd argue, the only one doing anything radically different. It’s quite good, and actually fun.


what's good vs. what's not good = personal opinion. you like what he does, others don't. if you have to convince somebody that something's good, it's obviously not that good (to them) to begin with.

[robhyx]

I heart John B

[shade]

It's so funny you guys all take yourselves so seriously. Its not even a “meh, John’s not really my thing..” but rather a “I fucking hate John B”. At least he is doing something radically different with D&B. I'd argue, the only one doing anything radically different. It’s quite good, and actually fun.

D&B has reformulated it's self to this simplest possible equitation. The genre (like a few others) is suffocating its self with this proverbial rule book. There is this underlying notion that in order to be accepted as a D&B artist, you HAVE to sound like this…- and anyone who steps out side of that formula is ridiculed for it. The headliners are all playing the same 15 dubplates…. John is probably one of the busiest of the D&B guys in the world right now.

D&B is based on a beat structure, like breaks, like 4X4. Now there are sub genre’s of course but most do not very greatly from the others. D&B structures could become anything else they wanted to and influenced by any other genre in the world to become its own thing (Much like 4x4). I’d love to see D&B & Breaks continue to branch out and do new things! In the meantime- blah!


to repeat what others have said before me... you simply have to be living under a rock to have this opinion of the genre right now. dnb is so heavily influenced by so many other things it's virtually impossible to keep track.

you talk about being open to 'new and different' things, but your post illustrates pretty clearly that you're not very open to much current drum and bass at all.. and simply hold the same widespread stereotypes of it that people have held for years. i would wager that, based on the above post and other posts you've made on the topic, the only reason you're really open to any of it at all is on account of john b's crossover work.. so it's really no surprise that you would hold him as one of the only artists you consider doing "good" and "fun" work in the genre. maybe you should take your own advice and try to be more open to "new things," before continuing to spout off this tired rant.

[Alter-Ego]

I heart John B


quiet you!

[shade]

re: john b

he does no harm. i'm not really big on his music but i dont particularly feel strongly one way or the other. he gives me a chuckle and he's entertaining, and for that i can appreciate him. i have a hard time making it through an entire set of his, and i do miss some of the old work he used to do, but artists change and that's the way of it. no use getting upset.

[Wicked Sway]

to repeat what others have said before me... you simply have to be living under a rock to have this opinion of the genre right now. dnb is so heavily influenced by so many other things it's virtually impossible to keep track.

you talk about being open to 'new and different' things, but your post illustrates pretty clearly that you're not very open to much current drum and bass at all.. and simply hold the same widespread stereotypes of it that people have held for years. i would wager that, based on the above post and other posts you've made on the topic, the only reason you're really open to any of it at all is on account of john b's crossover work.. so it's really no surprise that you would hold him as one of the only artists you consider doing "good" and "fun" work in the genre. maybe you should take your own advice and try to be more open to "new things," before continuing to spout off this tired rant.


wait. lets see if i did this right...







Dagger!

[Shakey]

Ok am i the only one around here who could careless what the hell John B is doing. I havent listened to a John B tune for years, and could careless if I ever saw him play again. There I said it.
Cosigned, John B. can lick hairy ballsack.

[Wicked Sway]

Cosigned, John B. can lick hairy ballsack.

:plurstick:

[Alter-Ego]

wait. lets see if i did this right...







Dagger!


You are correct sir! Welcome to the club, and congradulations

Feel free to use it in any variation...

[Wicked Sway]

You are correct sir! Welcome to the club, and congradulations

Feel free to use it in any variation...


lol. sweet being in the club is the dagger yo.:thumbsup:

[scandal]

Why give a fuck what anyone thinks? If it's good people will respect it... some shit isn't my cup of tea but if it's quality it's quality and you give people their due props.


I don't know why really. I guess I just want people to like my stuff... lame I know.
I will definately be keeping this in mind from now on.



Fear is a personal problem.



yes it sure is. For me I guess it's a direct reflection of my above comment. and again, yes I know it's lame.

[djilleffect]

re: john b

he does no harm. i'm not really big on his music but i dont particularly feel strongly one way or the other. he gives me a chuckle and he's entertaining, and for that i can appreciate him. i have a hard time making it through an entire set of his, and i do miss some of the old work he used to do, but artists change and that's the way of it. no use getting upset.

my sentiments exactly

[scandal]

if it's good , it's good . if you're talking about getting signed and making a living .. u might be in the wrong genre http://www.buzzlife.com/forums/images/icons/badteeth.gif




well i know if it's good, then it's good. and I am signed, so I def don't think I'm in the wrong genre...

really I don't even get what your comment is supposed to mean? But thanks for pointing out the obvious:hitwithrock:

[proximity]

it means make whatever the fuck you like. it also means a lot of drum&bass labels only sign cookie cutter shit from new artists. it also means drum&bass is not a very profitable industry for most people. clarified.

[Wicked Sway]

woah weird turn of events on page 3 of john b appreciation.

[scandal]

Wow, you really couldn't possibly be anymore wrong. So what you're trying to tell me then is that artists like Calibre sound just like Evol Intent. Or that Pendulum sounds exactly the same as LTJ Bukem? Or furthermore, that drum and bass from 10 years ago sounds the same as it does now? Trying listening to some current drum and bass before making such a bold statement.



damnit eric, you should have posted this earlier so I didn't have to change my mind and eat my words from earlier in the thread ;)

you def make a strong and valid point here.

[Wicked Sway]

it means make whatever the fuck you like. it also means a lot of drum&bass labels only sign cookie cutter shit from new artists. it also means drum&bass is not a very profitable industry for most people. clarified.


i think the word profitable shouldnt be allowed to be used in DNB.

[proximity]

i think the word profitable shouldnt be allowed to be used in DNB.

painfully true :yawn:

[scandal]

it also means a lot of drum&bass labels only sign cookie cutter shit from new artists.


I'm just curious, what facts are you basing this statement on?




it means make whatever the fuck you like.



you are right, i should and need to stop giving a fuck what others think about my tunes becuase it's begining to get in the way of my production idears. good advice thanks ;)

[scandal]

i think the word profitable shouldnt be allowed to be used in DNB.



me too, i definately am aware I won't be quiting my day job. besides... it's really the only thing in my life that's 100% all about the love of it. Well, besides my fiance (sorry honey) but you already knew that anyhow

:offtopic:

[Beliz]

:offtopic: i like photek

[scandal]

to get back on topic...i really enjoy John B's tunes!


and I don't care what anyone thinks about that!!!!!



...see I'm working on thew fear thing already =P

[proximity]

I'm just curious, what facts are you basing this statement on?



well just goto whatever online store that sells vinyl you choose and pick a few famous labels you're familiar with. a dollar says that in most cases , even if you've never heard of the artist before you more or less knew what to expect because of what label it was on. labels are about making money , consistency sells consistently. this isn't at all to say labels don't take risks.. that's not true. but if you're going to sign something to a label that's going to sell your records, it pretty much either has to be exceptional in every way or cookie cutter from what ive gathered by talking to a lot of heads that produce, and based on my observation of labels, and people that deal with distros

[scandal]

well just goto whatever online store that sells vinyl you choose and pick a few famous labels you're familiar with. a dollar says that in most cases , even if you've never heard of the artist before you more or less knew what to expect because of what label it was on. labels are about making money , consistency sells consistently. this isn't at all to say labels don't take risks.. that's not true. but if you're going to sign something to a label that's going to sell your records, it pretty much either has to be exceptional in every way or cookie cutter from what ive gathered by talking to a lot of heads that produce, and based on my observation of labels, and people that deal with distros




yeah i def agree with you on that^^

[Simon]

You say to Scandal, fuck what everyone else thinks, but there are soooooo many dj's and producers out there who are worried about their elitist peers and where they personally stand. They do not mean to be elitist, nor self consciences but its nonetheless an unintentional, unfortunate bi-product of drum & bass culture. It's exists. There is no doubt about that. (This thread became proof positive). It's funny that so many of you are so adamant and even down right vicious about John condemnation, and not simply saying 'eh, not my cup of tea', or even just skipping it in a John B appreciation thread!

Saying that John is the "only one" doing something out side of the box is a total stretch I know. But not so much to those who listen, yet are by no means consumed or wrapped up in it. I'm speaking from a much broader overview. Think of this as... backing up very far to see that the Earth is actually round. Then going back down to Earth to enjoy the green grass while telling everyone back on land what the Earth looked like from space. They still think the Earth is flat. There are always exceptions to the rule. When you start throwing out individual artists- of course they are all different from each other. That's like saying that Tommie, Tiga, Dj Hell & John B all sound alike. No, of course not... but its all still under the electro umbrella... and John's D&B/Electro would again stand out as the more radical in that bunch too... I like drum & bass. I don't follow it activley, but I am very well rounded musically, most of you know this.

Yvonne, I come and rock out with you guys all of the time, I always have fun, and I know you guys bring some of the freshest talent around. I'm saying only from my own ears, personal taste, & influences that while production complexity & DJ quality certainly exist, very few individual tunes actually grab my attention from whatever it is that is going on around me. Most people are simply tweaking things into yet another subgenre that doesn’t differ much from the last, this is also not D&B exclusive. If you want to send me links to change my mind, it's always open...

BOH!

&

Respect.

[Simon]

well just goto whatever online store that sells vinyl you choose and pick a few famous labels you're familiar with. a dollar says that in most cases , even if you've never heard of the artist before you more or less knew what to expect because of what label it was on. labels are about making money , consistency sells consistently. this isn't at all to say labels don't take risks.. that's not true. but if you're going to sign something to a label that's going to sell your records, it pretty much either has to be exceptional in every way or cookie cutter from what ive gathered by talking to a lot of heads that produce, and based on my observation of labels, and people that deal with distros


This is where I was going with my first rant.

[Legba]

to repeat what others have said before me... you simply have to be living under a rock to have this opinion of the genre right now. dnb is so heavily influenced by so many other things it's virtually impossible to keep track.

I'll bite. What is new and exciting in DnB? I used to listen to it constantly and followed it pretty aggressive until about 4 years ago. I would love the opportunity to know what's new, how it's different, and where things are going.

Some specific examples (with music links) would be fantastische. :-)

[shade]

I'll bite. What is new and exciting in DnB? I used to listen to it constantly and followed it pretty aggressive until about 4 years ago. I would love the opportunity to know what's new, how it's different, and where things are going.

Some specific examples (with music links) would be fantastische. :-)

alright. can do.

these are not necessarily all artists i dig on, though most of them are.. this will just be an example of variety and difference.

AMIT:

unholy (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF215366-01-01-01.mp3)
dirtbox (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF215366-01-02-01.mp3)
immortal (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF215366-01-03-01.mp3)
i'll hunt you (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF215366-01-04-01.mp3)
too many freedoms (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF215366-01-06-01.mp3)

SPOR:

http://www.myspace.com/spor
-powder monkey
-ignition
-lose it
-cyberpunk

from the new BSE lp:

BAD ROBOT--FOREVER (http://www.xs4all.nl/~pietheyb/forever.mp3)
BSE + CHRIS SU--SKYRIDER (http://www.xs4all.nl/~pietheyb/skyrider.mp3)

ASC:

snowstorm (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF207013-01-01-01.mp3)
tension (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF207013-01-02-01.mp3)
switchblade (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF165671-01-01-01.mp3) (w/ motion)

EVOL INTENT:

filth bath (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF194915-01-03-01.mp3) (w/ corrupt souls)
street knowledge (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF194915-01-04-01.mp3)
8 bit bitch (http://www.chemical-records.co.uk/sc/servlet/sm?C=EI008&S=A) (w/ ewun)

CYANTIFIC:

ghetto blaster (http://www.chemical-records.co.uk/sc/servlet/sm?C=NHS103CD&S=B)
solar flares (http://www.chemical-records.co.uk/sc/servlet/sm?C=NHS103CD&S=G)



those are all the clips i have time to go hunt down right now. i'm sure that other people will be happy to chime in, and i'll post some more later myself.

[Alter-Ego]

alright. can do.

these are not necessarily all artists i dig on, though most of them are.. this will just be an example of variety and difference.

SPOR:

http://www.myspace.com/spor

-ignition
-lose it


Dammit dude, getting all smart and dropping knowledge all the time, great fucking tunes!!!

[Jenni XO]

I <3 John B.

But I'm not going to argue with anyone. We all have our own oppinions and inspirations.

[Russell Christ]

http://www.sickanimation.com/imagesandflash/hdcomix/hd12.jpg
:zzz:

oh, what? I'm sorry. Were you guys saying things?

[NYGblue]

I am not sure why people are slagging off John B. He is a cool dude and he plays fun music. No one can deny he has his own style and I give him a lot of credit for that. I suspect I will get a collective eyeroll for this and perhaps the hardcore dnb heads are warranted to do so but I compare him to Danny Howells in combining different styles and creating eclectic sets. IMHO.

[shade]

Dammit dude, getting all smart and dropping knowledge all the time, great fucking tunes!!!


i was trying to put subfocus up on there too, cause like him or not he's definitely doing something different.. but i got tired of searching for clips.

anyone want to post x-ray and airplane?


also, i meant to mention that there are a number of locals here that are totally quality and pushing boundaries, even being noticed far and wide.. namely robot death squad, cannon boys, telemetrik, and corrupt souls... among others.


and yes, john b definitely deserves a spot on that list.

[shade]

anyone want to post x-ray and airplane?

SUB FOCUS:

airplane (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF226446-01-01-01.mp3)
x-ray (http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF168585-01-01-01.mp3)

[Cakes]

I :heart: John B. He's one of the few guys out there with musical "sack", carving his own path instead of following, even if I can't stand most of the tunes. What I don't love is the whole spectacle he's created. It's superceded the music in most cases and has become an exercise in idol worship masturbation.

[djilleffect]

I :heart: John B. He's one of the few guys out there with musical "sack", carving his own path instead of following, even if I can't stand most of the tunes. What I don't love is the whole spectacle he's created. It's superceded the music in most cases and has become an exercise in idol worship masturbation.

You and Kryil/Ricky Ricardo need to have a debate on something. I bet it'd be really entertaining. Well, for me at least.

[RickyRicardo]

Hehe...wouldn't be much of a debate...I actually agree w/ most everything he said :)

Though...i definitly don't :heart: John B

[djilleffect]

Though...i definitly don't :heart: John B

PERFECT! FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!

[RickyRicardo]

oh yeah...and spell my name right next time, Marshmellow

[Cakes]

Hehe...wouldn't be much of a debate...I actually agree w/ most everything he said :)

Though...i definitly don't :heart: John B

I really do want to hate him but then I put on Visions and remember how much talent the guy has when he chooses not to make pop songs to sell themed t-shirts.

[darkenetiks]

it's a sad day when cakes has to post in a john b thread (that discusses his current work).

[yvonison]

You say to Scandal, fuck what everyone else thinks, but there are soooooo many dj's and producers out there who are worried about their elitist peers and where they personally stand. They do not mean to be elitist, nor self consciences but its nonetheless an unintentional, unfortunate bi-product of drum & bass culture. It's exists. There is no doubt about that. (This thread became proof positive). It's funny that so many of you are so adamant and even down right vicious about John condemnation, and not simply saying 'eh, not my cup of tea', or even just skipping it in a John B appreciation thread!

Saying that John is the "only one" doing something out side of the box is a total stretch I know. But not so much to those who listen, yet are by no means consumed or wrapped up in it. I'm speaking from a much broader overview. Think of this as... backing up very far to see that the Earth is actually round. Then going back down to Earth to enjoy the green grass while telling everyone back on land what the Earth looked like from space. They still think the Earth is flat. There are always exceptions to the rule. When you start throwing out individual artists- of course they are all different from each other. That's like saying that Tommie, Tiga, Dj Hell & John B all sound alike. No, of course not... but its all still under the electro umbrella... and John's D&B/Electro would again stand out as the more radical in that bunch too... I like drum & bass. I don't follow it activley, but I am very well rounded musically, most of you know this.

Yvonne, I come and rock out with you guys all of the time, I always have fun, and I know you guys bring some of the freshest talent around. I'm saying only from my own ears, personal taste, & influences that while production complexity & DJ quality certainly exist, very few individual tunes actually grab my attention from whatever it is that is going on around me. Most people are simply tweaking things into yet another subgenre that doesn’t differ much from the last, this is also not D&B exclusive. If you want to send me links to change my mind, it's always open...

BOH!

&

Respect.

Simon, I guess my driving point was that electro is your thing so this stands out to you more. Just like I guess, if there was ONE electro guy that started infusing dnb into his production maybe he'd get more props for trying to crossover from dnb heads than someone that tried to infuse another genre of music would be.

I know you're a fan of music period, I just think that there are so many other dnb artists, that deserve just as much notoriety (if not more) than John B does. DNB fans are gonna be how they are gonna be, and I also fully relate to what youre saying about how worked up people get. You can see in this thread the responses that included a bit of thought before they were posted, and the cheeky ones with no real mature substance that were just blatant shit talking. Anyway, see you next wednesday.

P.S. Liam, I'm working on all those Subfocus tracks you asked me for to do that all Subfocus mix w/ Brad that you guys had been plannin on doing. ;)

[scandal]

P.S. Liam, I'm working on all those Subfocus tracks you asked me for to do that all Subfocus mix w/ Brad that you guys had been plannin on doing. ;)


can't wait for this!!!

[yvonison]

I don't know why really. I guess I just want people to like my stuff... lame I know.
I will definately be keeping this in mind from now on.


yes it sure is. For me I guess it's a direct reflection of my above comment. and again, yes I know it's lame.

jus keep doin what your doing dude, don't forget the 15-20 people that post in the buzz dnb forum are about .0004% of the actual dnb population.

[Cakes]

it's a sad day when cakes has to post in a john b thread (that discusses his current work).

I :heart: mike.

Not to hijack this KICK ASS John B appreciation thread, but can someone explain to me how Subfocus is "different" or "fresh"? I've always found him to be another "wall of sound" clone of Pendulum with a hint of RAM's electro cliches. Am I just expecting too much of my music producers?

[shade]

Not to hijack this KICK ASS John B appreciation thread, but can someone explain to me how Subfocus is "different" or "fresh"? I've always found him to be another "wall of sound" clone of Pendulum with a hint of RAM's electro cliches. Am I just expecting too much of my music producers?

what do you mean by another pendulum clone? how many people do you think are out there doing shit like them?

yeah, clearly sub focus and pendulum are pretty similar, but as such they are both doing things that are different than the shit that came before them. i was going to put some pendulum clips in that list as well, but ADD got the better of me. whether you like the directions that they are pushing their sounds or not, i don't really see how anyone can say that that sound is not new, and different. the fact that we can even talk about a "sound" of artists in this sense, and know exactly what each other is talking about, is indicative of the fact that it's easy to set them apart from other artists in dnb. you can tell a sub focus tune when you hear it, you can tell a pendulum tune when you hear it. that, to me, constitutes difference and individuality.

sub focus is, imo, like dnb pop. it's simple, it's catchy, it works well on dancefloors. he's really good at producing tunes that do this, and that's (i assume) exactly what he's trying to do.. and he's not doing it in any precise way that anyone has done before him.

don't read me wrong.. i'm not here to sing their praises, in fact i don't own a single sub focus OR pendulum record. but i can't honestly think for a second that what they're doing is not different.

[darkenetiks]

Am I just expecting too much of my music producers?

much like your wife, yes.

[darkenetiks]

a whole rack of shit.


you honestly can't see *any* similarities between pendulum & subfocus?

[lickquidL]

post has been deleted by user

[shade]

you honestly can't see *any* similarities between pendulum & subfocus?

oh no no no, that's not what i said at all.

i can see tons. but i dont think it's impossible for two artists (or five or however many people are in pendulum) to be doing something very similar, that is still different from a lot of the dnb genre as a whole.

[darkenetiks]

i can see tons.

that's right. dance puppet, dance.

[shade]

:monkeydance:

[Cakes]

what do you mean by another pendulum clone? how many people do you think are out there doing shit like them?

yeah, clearly sub focus and pendulum are pretty similar, but as such they are both doing things that are different than the shit that came before them. i was going to put some pendulum clips in that list as well, but ADD got the better of me. whether you like the directions that they are pushing their sounds or not, i don't really see how anyone can say that that sound is not new, and different. the fact that we can even talk about a "sound" of artists in this sense, and know exactly what each other is talking about, is indicative of the fact that it's easy to set them apart from other artists in dnb. you can tell a sub focus tune when you hear it, you can tell a pendulum tune when you hear it. that, to me, constitutes difference and individuality.

sub focus is, imo, like dnb pop. it's simple, it's catchy, it works well on dancefloors. he's really good at producing tunes that do this, and that's (i assume) exactly what he's trying to do.. and he's not doing it in any precise way that anyone has done before him.

don't read me wrong.. i'm not here to sing their praises, in fact i don't own a single sub focus OR pendulum record. but i can't honestly think for a second that what they're doing is not different.


You misquoted me. I said wall of sound producer "like Pendulum" which means someone with more of a rig smashing engineer focus less concerned with more traditional "songwriting". Although Pendulum did use their LP to break away from that perception with "tunes" they are still have an engineering first approach. I commend them for breaking away from that for the LP.

But as far as Subfocus, to use your own words, he makes material that is simple, catchy and smashes the floor. Dilly, Fresh, J Majik and Madame F come to mind as a few pre-Subfocus notables who have had Johnny Bedroom (in this case Sub Focus) tweaking their copies of Reason to imitate these guys' rig first metality.

I should clarify that my point is that he seems to be actively making tunes LIKE Pendulum versus blazing his own path. And IMHO imitation is the enemy of creation. Maybe this guy works out in the end but for now he sounds to me like a poor man's Pendulum.

[shade]

i think the thing is that you're compartmentalizing dnb into two things: artists with an engineer focus and artists with a songwriting focus.

i don't think that to be different or new you have to necessarily have a songwriting focus. i think generally that will lead to longer lasting and maybe "better" music (whatever that is), but i don't think it's necessary in order for something to be different.

if all of the genre is supposed to fit into these two things, then there's going to be very very little of it that's different at all - by definition.

imo, an artist can be making "different" music today and 3-5 years down the line nobody will have any clue who they are. for me.. if i can pick someone's tune out of a set and know who produced it just from hearing it on a dancefloor somewhere, then that's doing something different. they are doing something to set themselves apart, whatever it is.

pendulum and sub focus ARE very similar, and if hearing one of their tunes out it might be difficult to differentiate the two, but like i said to mike.. i think it's entirely possible for more than one artist to be doing something similar to another, while at the same time they are both doing something that's different from the genre as a whole.

[Cakes]

i think the thing is that you're compartmentalizing dnb into two things: artists with an engineer focus and artists with a songwriting focus.

i don't think that to be different or new you have to necessarily have a songwriting focus. i think generally that will lead to longer lasting and maybe "better" music (whatever that is), but i don't think it's necessary in order for something to be different.

if all of the genre is supposed to fit into these two things, then there's going to be very very little of it that's different at all - by definition.

imo, an artist can be making "different" music today and 3-5 years down the line nobody will have any clue who they are. for me.. if i can pick someone's tune out of a set and know who produced it just from hearing it on a dancefloor somewhere, then that's doing something different. they are doing something to set themselves apart, whatever it is.

pendulum and sub focus ARE very similar, and if hearing one of their tunes out it might be difficult to differentiate the two, but like i said to mike.. i think it's entirely possible for more than one artist to be doing something similar to another, while at the same time they are both doing something that's different from the genre as a whole.


No, I agree. It's not as simple as dividing all of d&b into two things. In this case it's as simple as me hearing Sub Focus imitating Pendulum. Considering how long Pendulum has been doing it, that's imitation. Imitation is not creative, it's destructive to the idea that d&b is an innovative genre.

[kirk]

like him or not. the dude gets it done and makes a living doing it.

not many can lay claim to such accomplishments.

i'd rather be in a position to write a poppie tune to pay bills so i could write other nifty stuff than to be mulling about the somewhat normal career world sapped of most of my creative fluids.

[shade]

No, I agree. It's not as simple as dividing all of d&b into two things. In this case it's as simple as me hearing Sub Focus imitating Pendulum. Considering how long Pendulum has been doing it, that's imitation. Imitation is not creative, it's destructive to the idea that d&b is an innovative genre.

:shrug: iunno, quite possibly so. i mean i really don't have a strong opinion of sub focus at all, and i think it's kind of funny that we got into this debate where i'm trying to defend an artist i really don't care much for. i'm not really intimately familiar with the body of either of their works.. so upon closer examination i may just as much wind up with the same opinion of him as you have.

at the same time, i think we have a different value of imitation. i think that in a genre like dnb, such as any edm genre, there is so much borrowing and 'inspiration' going on that we shouldn't look so harshly upon a situation such as this. sub focus, as many other artists, is inevitably going to get ideas from people like pendulum. and then once sub focus has been around a bit, pendulum is going to get ideas from sub focus. this is how i see innovation developing... not in a closed environment with no exposure, only creating everything from within. but perhaps that's different than how you see it.

[Cakes]

like him or not. the dude gets it done and makes a living doing it.

not many can lay claim to such accomplishments.

i'd rather be in a position to write a poppie tune to pay bills so i could write other nifty stuff than to be mulling about the somewhat normal career world sapped of most of my creative fluids.

More power to you. I'd rather have a steady job and a retirement account instead of relying on a dying, fickle genre centered around a dying medium to pay my bills. This is drum and bass and crackhead labels and promoters will fuck you every which way but missionary.

[lowlife]

yeah, but who likes it missionary, anyway?

[Wicked Sway]

More power to you. I'd rather have a steady job and a retirement account instead of relying on a dying, fickle genre centered around a dying medium to pay my bills. This is drum and bass and crackhead labels and promoters will fuck you every which way but missionary.

So now label owners cant fuck people in missionary. damn the wife is gonna be pissed...

[darkenetiks]

yeah, but who likes it missionary, anyway?

nuns.

[lowlife]

joke:

How do you get a nun pregnant?

[Wicked Sway]

nuns.

so my wife is a nun too. damn the things you learn from dnb people. Who says this music isnt moving forward... certainly not missionary fucking nuns who are married nuntheless.

[Hitoi]

nuntheless.

aaaaahhhhahahahaha.

[darkenetiks]

joke:

How do you get a nun pregnant?

yo no se.

[Stranger]

well the tunes i heard in the past i liked but what i allwaz read howz he brooke boundries so then i seez em few years ago then i seez em the last time he plyed at nation...........but..but..it kinda sounded ...the same

[kirk]

More power to you. I'd rather have a steady job and a retirement account instead of relying on a dying, fickle genre centered around a dying medium to pay my bills. This is drum and bass and crackhead labels and promoters will fuck you every which way but missionary.


i'm just sayin'.


oh yeah and i have one of those steady job thingies however pursuing a passion/craft would be personally much more rewarding. hence my remarks.

but i'll take some power. hell i could use it.

[Bassmachine]

dude bring keno tonite I got an extra ticket^^

[kirk]

dude bring keno tonite I got an extra ticket^^

i would however he has been known to do the pee pee on records out of jealousy.

[Spanish Fly]

The only thing I respect about John B is his ability to create a crowd with a respectable precentage of women....... hot women.

[Midnight_Junglest]

I want his set that he did on Friday.

[InkChic78]

yes.