The only battle last Saturday night that was not USA vs UK was that between Kasper and NYC native Raw Q. The two definitely represented the States in two gorgeous, though very different, drum and bass sets. Raw Q is no stranger to the scene. He got his start as DJ Beau back in ’95 and toured with big names in the biz like LTJ Bukem, Goldie, Bad Company and Calibre. Raw Q’s unique sound definitely left an impression with fans, and I was lucky enough to get to sit and chat with him about his journey and how much he loves his fans.
What makes playing in your city better than anywhere else?
Well, I mean I’m kind of biased because I grew up here. So, for me it’s playing for my hometown crowd, and I’ve always kind of taken my involvement in the scene as a DJ as an important role in my life. I was a raver, and for me now, to be able to make music and play music and share it with a new generation of people…I feel like it’s an important role to fill.
How do you feel your sound has evolved since your days as DJ Beau?
I have certain similarities in my selection. I have never really changed up my selection that greatly. I have always followed where the music went, but I have always had a taste for more dubier, jazz-influenced sounds and hip-hop influenced sounds – more organic stuff. Although, I tend to hear new things that change my opinions. Every week there is new stuff coming out that shifts me more in different directions. So I would say it’s pretty similar. You can hear tapes I did from ’95, and you can hear a lot of the same sort of influences and styles because the music has changed. Then you have the roots that have remained the same.
Do you have any new releases in the works?
Yeah, actually following up my EP that came out on Intrigue, releasing a VIP of the tune “Sweet Pea” that we’re going to be giving away free soon. And I’ve got a tune on the Intrigue album coming out soon that I’m finishing up right now, and I did a remix of a Random Movement tune for Intrigue also. So, I’m all on the Intrigue tip right now.
Who do you think is going to take it tonight – UK or US?
Ooh – I don’t know. I’m going to have to say US because I’d probably end up strangled dead in an alley somewhere if I said otherwise.
Is there anything else you want to add or promote?
Yeah, sure. First of all, just give a shout out to all the global junglist and drum and bass heads. The people here in New York City who basically devote their life and times to continuing to making the drum and bass scene happen. The DJs, promoters and crowds who brave all sorts of weather to be here and give support to all the different crews. One thing I like a lot about New York is people don’t play favorites here as much. People try to attend as many parties as possible. At least, the core drum and bass heads, you’ll see them out everywhere. So I want to give a shout to people like that around the world. It’s all about unifying global culture right now.
