Ram Jam Records have an impressive roster and are renowned as being the most prestigious record label in the drum and bass world. This week’s AA meeting is with recent Ram Jam signing Wilkinson, who has been making leaps and bounds in the drum and bass scene. We sat down with the producer for a chat about his new album, the upcoming festival season and his plans for the rest of 2013.
Hello Mark, thanks for chatting to us, how are you?
I’m very well, just in the studio trying to finish my album!
‘Take You Higher’ is now available on iTunes, congratulations. How does it compare to having music on SoundCloud?
Thank you, I guess it means that you can take the music with you on the move. For me, it means I can earn a bit of money from my music! SoundCloud is great for promotion, it’s a great way to share music with the world and get your name out there, especially if you’re a new upcoming artist.
You’ve gained a lot of exposure recently after being played on Radio 1 with Annie Mac, has the exposure affected you and your music?
It’s certainly given me a lot of confidence in my music and it’s great that my sound gets recognition from the commercial market. But it hasn’t and never will change the way I write my tunes. I want people to follow my sound and love what I do. I don’t want to write tunes just to get played on the Radio and chart in the Top 40, those things are just bonuses.
How is the debut album coming along? Will there be any collaborations on the album or are you keeping that to yourself until the release?
It’s nearly there, but a lot of opportunities have opened up to work with some great artists so I’m working with a lot of different people at the moment. We’ll see what makes it on to the album. My next single features P Money & Arlissa.
If you could work with anyone tomorrow, who would it be and why?
So many great artists to choose from… I think it would be Bonobo or Kendrick Lamar.
You’re currently signed to Ram Records, alongside some iconic names in the drum and bass world, who inspired you to produce music and are they still inspiring you today?
So many inspirations! Chase & Status, High Contrast, Sub Focus, Culture Shock, Noisia… Any producer that pushes the boundaries of production, regardless of music, production is what matters most to me.
Is there any producer catching your eye at the moment?
Dimension & Mefjus for me, are the hottest new producers on the block.
Drum and bass is huge in the UK and the rest of Europe, but isn’t as big in the states, why do you think that is?
I think it just moves in waves a lot out here. I’ve played out there quite a few times and there is definitely a great scene out there. I hear they are a lot more open to it this year. I’ve got a lot of shows coming up out there.
You’re playing Outlook festival this year, the line up looks great, are you booked for any other festivals this year?
Yep, I’m looking forward to Outlook. I’ve got a lot of festivals this year. I’m doing a lot in America and loads in the UK but I’m not allowed to announce all that yet haha!
What are your plans for the rest of 2013; you’ve had quite the year so far can anything top it?!
