Dreadzone is a well known name in Europe already from the 90s, not only between dance music fans but also in the world of reggae and dub. This project was close to the Caribbean music since 1993 when Jamaican singer Earl16 became a part of the band. Their first two albums 360 and SECOND LIGHT are for many people already legendary records and even with time passing it is still a high quality work. Dreadzone are celebrating this year their 20th anniversary and are also releasing their new album ESCAPADES. On May 30th they will come back to Prague, so we took a chance and wrote to Greg, who is “the brain” of the project, for a couple of questions. Take it as a teaser for their live show this Thursday.
Thanks for your time, I guess that you are busy with the new album. Btw why its called Escapades?
It came from one of the lines in a new song. It’s a way to describe the adventures in 2011 that myself and Leo had with the Big Audio Dynamite reunion that led to new experiences which then inspired new works , touring with old friends,travel through America,enjoying the moment, along with a personal perspective on relationships. Each episode in Dreadzone brings new escapades, and the word itself has a great feel to it.
The album is unfortunately not released yet, but we heard already one new single from local radio. Do you plan to perform new tracks also live in Czech Republic?
Yes ,there are at least three new songs in the set possibly more. It’s good to try them out.they have been very well received.
I heard that there were old friends working on it, can you tell us more about it?
We made the album in Mick Jones’ studio so it felt right to ask him to be on one track called Too Late, which is quite like a BAD track. Also Don Letts helped with song writing on one tune.Another guest is the singer Lena Cullen.
Dreadzone are celebrating this year 20th anniversary, what are your thoughts when you look back?
Very proud of what we have achieved and the records we have made but mostly happy because we have steered it to have a consistent level of work and activity with a decent size fan base which is constantly growing. Longevity is the key. Our records have stood the test of time and our live show is still exciting and original.
To which time period of the band history would you like to return if there would be a chance?
Ha well probably to 96/97 during the making of the third album Biological Radio, to lose some of the weaker aspects of that record, to slap the hippie and ditch the mystic.
Do you see some changes in the crowd under the stage between your fans?
Not really only that they have become younger and older, as the parents grow then their children get into the band as well
Whole music scene and music business itself changed meanwhile very much. How do you like it with new technologies and chances of internet but in same time free downloading etc?
I enjoy a constant rapport with people on the Dreadzone Facebook and also Twitter Soundcoud and YouTube offers a great way of introducing people to our sound , I can’t tell if it balances out with all the free access to music but I like to imagine it does. With the advent if I tunes and more ways to purchase music,downloads have increased to a point where the digital Market looks healthy and so it should. I trust a lot of people realise you have to put in money to keep new music going.
How do you like actual scene in UK and its trends?
There is always something fresh and exciting going on with many different aspects. At the moment labels like Black Butter and Sub Slayers are doing some great stuff, with new jungle making waves along with some classic house sounds meeting heavy basslines. Lately I have been getting deep into the London artist Burial who is one of the most unique sounds to come out of UK, like a modern day Aphex Twin.
Your music is strongly connected with reggae and dub. Do you have any concrete heroes of jamaican music?
So many heroes from the blessed island King tubby, Lee Perry, Sly and Robbie, Dennis Brown, Gregory Issacs and of course our very own vocalist Earl 16.
Are you still interested into contemporary jamaican music or do you prefair old time reggae dub artists?
I would say definitely more old time. I haven’t been keeping up with what is new there
If we say Czech Republic, what are your memories?
Some really great shows, friendly people, good times and the beautiful city of Prague. See you soon !
