Soundcloud Freebie Megapost 15.5.13

Exclusive Interview with Gav Ley

To start proceedings, can you tell the FJ blog  a little about yourself and you're involvement in the 140 Jungle scene?
Well I'm a 2nd generation Old Skool raver, Breakbeat enthusiast, producer, label owner and occasional DJ. I always wanted to produce music with an Old Skool Hardcore influence so I got my first sampler when I was 18 and dabbled for years but never finished anything. I never knew there was a new Old Skool scene until I stumbled upon nu-rave.com a few years back at which time my brother introduced me to Cubase. Finding this new site and DAW really lit a spark in me and I started to make music again. John Kidson signed my track "Loving ways" and things went from there.

You run the R.A.T.E D label which is short for 'Rough Around The Edges Digital', there must be an interesting anecdote you can share with us regarding this choice of name.
The one thing I loved about Old Skool Hardcore was the grittiness of the production. Things have got a lot cleaner over the years so I wanted to set up a label with the intention of putting out tracks that were a little more gritty and "Rough around the Edges". The releases are in digital format hence the "Digital" and I thought it made for a nice acronym.

You're first release on the label included your track 'Minimal Skank' which is an absolutely huge 140 Jungle anthem at the moment, what was the inspiration behind the track?
I wanted to make a rolling 1996 style Jungle/DnB track but at a lower BPM. I wanted it to be current yet clearly echo what was one of my favourite years in Jungle/DnB. I also wanted it to be a track that you could get down to on the dancefloor as well as something you could enjoy while chilling. The track gave itself the name to be honest.

Another Unreleased gem by yourself is a track called 'Just Jungle', a transitional track that starts at 140bpm before switching to 170bpm, is this an attempt at joining the dots between the myriad of DnB styles and tempos?
To be honest the intention was to make a mix tool for DJs as opposed to a track. Recently a lot more DJs have been playing sets not bound to just one genre or BPM which I think is fantastic so I wanted to create a bridge track so a DJ could make a smooth transition from 140bpm to a higher tempo without having to make the obvious "stop and start" switchover.

What sort of technology and software do you favour in your music production?
I used to use all outboard gear (namely Korg Hardware/Sound Modules), a Mackie mixing desk and no P.C but found the programming to be quite a chore. It's all in the box now. DAW wise it's Cubase and I use a wide range of plugins. I use a few Native Instruments soft synths, waves plugins, Alchemy is my preferred soft sampler and various other vsts and fx. My P.C spec are far from desirable but I firmly believe that limitations can bring out the best in your creativity and it also stops me overdoing things on tunes.

What Do You Listen To In Your Free Time?
Obviously I try to keep as up to date with new Breakbeat as possible and it takes up most of time as there are so many amazing producers & tunes out there right now. Breakbeat is so diverse at the moment and I believe that every track offers something different.
Outside of Breakbeat I listen to most forms of Dance Music but I also like Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Santana, Nirvana, The Verve's early stuff, Squarepusher, Dreadzone... there are honestly too many sounds to list. I am also a massive Shpongle fan and I seriously recommend the album "Tales of the inexpressible". That album changed my life.

Tell us 2 things that are indispensable to Gav Ley?
I couldn’t live without curry and my ears.

What does the future hold for Gav Ley and R.A.T.E D? Who can we expect to hear in future releases?
Well I've got a remix coming out on Digital Acetate this month, a release coming out on Quantum Progression Audio and I'm working on a few freebies for the '92 remix project(http://soundcloud.com/groups/the-92-project).
We've got some bangers coming out on R.A.T.E.D shortly. Soundshifter's "London Don is out now exclusively on www.ravedownload.com coupled with a remix from myself and the mighty Shadow Frequency from across the pond have got an EP coming out in the next few months with Jamie Rotten on remix duties. Top Drawer Digital head honcho Lucas has done an amazing track for R.A.T.E.D so keep your eyes peeled for that and a Minimal Skank Remix EP should be landing around Xmas. We've been running a remix competition to give up and coming producers the chance to feature on the release alongside some of the scenes biggest producers.

Last Of All, Any Shout Outs? Also where can we stay in the loop for all things R.A.T.E D?
Massive shouts to my best mate Carl Jones as he introduced me to this music at an early age, Kidson and Insa241 for helping me get a track out there, Ruined Jon for his dedication to the label, yourself Tariq for all your help and support, my missus for being supportive of what I do and putting up with my constant talk of Breakbeat and everyone involved in the scene. Nuff love to you all, maximum!!
You can keep up to date with everything R.A.T.E.D by following the links below:
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/gav-ley        
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RATEDIGITAL      
R.A.T.E.D @ Ravedownload.com: https://www.ravedownload.com/labels/r-a-t-e-digital/cat_206.html      
and dont forget to tune into the bi weekly R.A.T.E.D show with Ruined Jon, Mondays 9pm - 11pm on www.nu-raveradio.com

Sound Shifter’s ‘London Don’ is out now exclusive to www.ravedownload.com 
Get it here: https://www.ravedownload.com/Labels/R-A-T-E-Digital/SoundShifter-London-Don/prod_2978.html
https://www.ravedownload.com/Labels/R-A-T-E-Digital/SoundShifter-London-Don-Gav-Ley-Remix-/prod_2977.html

Rated Show Ruined Jons Birthday

Rated Show Ruined Jons Birthday by Ruined Jon

Rated Show 1/10/12, my birthday show, rolling with MC U.V. on the mic. Hardcore Breaks, Future Jungle, DnB and Hardcore shizzle.

Check out
https://www.facebook.com/RATEDIGITAL
http://nu-raveradio.com/

Don't forget Rated002 'London Don' by Soundshifter is out now, along with Gav Leys remix. Available from https://www.ravedownload.com/labels/r-a-t-e-digital/cat_206.html where you can also pick up the Rated001 'The Foundations EP' featuring some ruffneck Future Jungle and Hardcore Breaks from Gav Ley, Rich Tones and RyKennon.

Rated002 Launch Show nu-raveradio.com 17.9.12

Rated002 Launch Show Nu-Rave.com radio 17.9.12 by Ruined Jon

'London Don' By Soundshifter is now available from https://www.ravedownload.com/labels/r-a-t-e-digital/cat_206.html and also has Gav Leys awesome rave breaks remix as the b-side.

Other fine pages to check out
https://www.facebook.com/RATEDIGITAL
https://www.facebook.com/ShadowFrequency
http://futurejungle.blogspot.co.uk/
http://nu-raveradio.com/
http://www.topdrawerdigital.com/
http://www.dubchamberrecordings.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BoomshaRecordings

R.A.T.E.D 002 Soundshifter-London Don

Whilst there are a number of back to 92' tunes around right now, Soundshifter's 'London Don' perfectly encapsulates that euphoric old skool vibe, reminiscent of the early Reinforced records sound. I'm certain that Ray Keith and Grooverider would have been rinsing it back in the day, today the future jungle crew will be showing some love to this great track. Close your eyes and listen, let yourself be transported to a dark smoke and laser filled room, imagine the flooor exploding as that old skool 4 Hero circa 92 esque melody kicks in. This has to be in every discerning future junglist's top ten for 2012. Gav Ley bridges the gap between the golden era and 2012 in his great remix, kicking off with a classic Landlord style melody a la SL2,Carl Cox, DJ Seduction and so many other old skool legends, then comes the drop, full on hands in the air piano hardcore. If this release doesn't move you, check your pulse. R.A.T.E.D have firmly established themselves as one of the crème de le crème of future jungle imprints with this bad boy of a release.

Out today on www.ravedownload.com, buy it here:

https://www.ravedownload.com/Labels/R-A-T-E-Digital/SoundShifter-London-Don/prod_2978.html

https://www.ravedownload.com/Labels/R-A-T-E-Digital/SoundShifter-London-Don-Gav-Ley-Remix-/prod_2977.html

100Me-Lazy Summer Day

It may be the middle of September where most of us are starting to feel the chill but 100Me and Digital Acetate have saved a slice of warm, Summery goodness for us to enjoy. 100Me's original mix starts off with a nice floaty intro leading into nice rolling beats and smooth pads, a great track keeping with the inteligent, liquid style of Digital Acetate. Gav Ley on remix duties, injects a rather large and heavy dose of bass, turning the tune into a nice skanking roller. Another great release from Digital Acetate.

Rated Show 3.9.12 Nu-Rave.com

Rated Show 3.9.12 Nu-Rave.com by Ruined Jon

Live radio show, featuring the best in hardcore breaks and future jungle, featuring tunes from Rated, Top Drawer Digital, Quantum Progression Audio, Digital Acetate, Paranoid Recordings, Rave Stylee , Boomsha, Dub Chamber and loads more.

Don't forget to check out
https://www.facebook.com/RATEDIGITAL
http://nu-raveradio.com/
https://www.ravedownload.com for the latest tunes
http://www.paranoidrecordings.com/
http://www.topdrawerdigital.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Quantum-Progression-Audio/165187106864325
https://www.facebook.com/ShadowFrequency
http://www.dubchamberrecordings.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BoomshaRecordings
https://www.facebook.com/DigitalAcetate

The Alien EP - Gav Ley / Lucas - Top Drawer Digital - TDDR025

 

Top Drawer Digital Presents

TDDR025 : The Alien EP

 

Track It Down Exclusive Now.

A: Gav Ley : Xenomorph

http://www.trackitdown.net/track/gav-ley/xenomorph-original-mix/breaks/4743702.html

   

TDDR025-The Alien EP-Gav Ley -Xenomorph by Top Drawer Digital

B: Lucas : We Don’t Know

http://www.trackitdown.net/track/lucas/we-dont-know-original-mix/breaks/4743704.html

  

TDDR025 - The Alien Ep - Lucas - We Dont Know by Top Drawer Digital

With The Alien EP Top Drawer Digital go back to what they do best. Two Deep , Dark and Progressive J-Tek / Future Jungle cuts from Birmingham based Gav Ley and fellow Brummie and Top Drawer Digital Head Honcho Lucas.

A pair of tracks to take you on Moody Sci Fi trip of Deep Space exploration to find out what is out there...

8/10 Review in September’s DJ Magazine

Support From :

Dr S Gachet ,Tomb Crew , Sanxion, Schema, Radiokillaz,Vinyl Junkie, Brewster B, 601,Outrage, VJAir, , Bojcot Selectah,Tony Rocky Horror, Toronto Is Broken,Digitally Mashed, Eddie Voyager, John Grief, Kranky, Linda B , Miss Max, Mulder, Odeed and Wish, TRO, Pressa, Ceos  and many many more.

Bojcot Selectah : love the bleak empty darkness vibe 8/10

Doc Gachet : i love it because it rolls well" 8/10

Schema : Deep Vibes here 8/10

Radiokillaz : 2 mor equality teracks from Top Drawer Digital 9/10

Tariq (Future Jungle Blog) : 2 of Birmingham's finest on one of the best labels in the scene serving up some deep, intelligent and dark J Tek, yet another solid release from TDD 10/10

Vinyl Junkie : Top Drawer on point... Dark and Minimal Jungle b'nizz ;) Like both tracks equally 8/10

The Rated Show 6/8/12 Nu-Rave.com

The Rated Show 6/8/12 Nu-Rave.com by Ruined Jon

Here's the 6th August Show, some killer new dubs from the man like Lucas, Shadow Frequency and Bay B Kane.
Also anyone interested in the Minimal Skank remix competition, for the chance to get your remix released on Rated contact myself or Gav Ley/R.A.T.E.Digital for details.
Check out these links for tunes, updates etc
https://www.facebook.com/#!/RATEDIGITAL
https://www.facebook.com/#!/ShadowFrequency
http://nu-raveradio.com/
https://www.ravedownload.com/

 

Gav Ley R.A.T.E.D Show Guest Mix

Gav Ley R.A.T.E.D Show Guest Mix

R.A.T.E.D show - Gav Ley Guest Mix (192k) by Gav Ley/R.A.T.E.Digital

30min Mini mix from Gav Ley as featured On the R.A.T.E.D show with Ruined Jon. www.nu-raveradio.co.uk

9 - 3 to Infinity (Visible Sound Rmx) - Time Travel - Quantum Progression Audio
Ying & Yang - Gav Ley - Forthcoming Quantum Progression Audio
Fast Motion 10 - Pressa - Top Drawer Digital
We Don't Know - Lucas - Forthcoming Top Drawer Digital
Poltergeist - Lethal- Anomaly
The Predator (RyKennon Rmx) - Gav Ley - R.A.T.E.D
Xenomorph - Gav Ley - Forthcoming Top Drawer Digital

R.A.T.E.D002 - Out Soon

The next release due on R.A.T.E Digital is 'London Don' by Soundshifter, a great uptempo future jungle tune that reminds me of 'Cookin up ya brain' by 4 Hero, remember that one? This is a wicked tune in it's own right though and Gav Ley turns in a stunning rave/hardcore breaks remix with a little nod to Carl Cox 'Let it roll', this wil be available soon from www.ravedownload.com and its going to be massive RATED002 - Out Soon by Gav Ley/R.A.T.E.Digital

New Direction (Gav Ley's Minimal Breaks Rmx) - Wax Doctor

A new remix for the http://soundcloud.com/groups/the-92-project/tracks by Gav Ley, I like this a lot, very dark and minimal as the remix title suggests, another great track by Gav ley, undoubtedly the shape of things to come............... New Direction (Gav Ley's Minimal Breaks Rmx) - Wax Doctor by Gav Ley/R.A.T.E.Digital

More of Gav's tracks and info on his R.A.T.E Digital label can be found here: http://soundcloud.com/gav-ley

London Don (GavLey Remix)

A little taster of what's to come on the new R.A.T.E Digital imprint, keep your eyes peeled by checking http://soundcloud.com/gav-ley and the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RATEDIGITAL for regular updates, big tings a gwarn

London Don (GavLey Remix (clip)) by Gav Ley/R.A.T.E.Digital

In The Party (free 320k) - Gav Ley

One of Birmingham, England's finest, Gav Ley once again represents with this great track, tearout style with a huge bassline, grab this one quick as it will reach the download limit in no time and be sure to buy youreslf a copy of his debut E.P on his own label, R.A.T.E Digital, 'The Foundations E.P' available exclusively from www.ravedownload.com In The Party (free 320k) - Gav Ley by Gav Ley/R.A.T.E.Digital

R.A.T.E Digital 001 - The Foundations EP

R.A.T.E Digital 001 - The Foundations EP

RATED001 EP - out now by Gav Ley/R.A.T.E.Digital

The First release from R.A.T.E Digital is out now.

Track List :
Gav Ley - The Predator
Gav Ley - Minimal Skank
Ritch Tones - Real Man Thing
Gav Ley - The Predator (RyKennon Remix)

Get it exclusivly at Nu-Rave.com:
https://www.ravedownload.com/labels/r-a-t-e-digital/cat_206.html