L-Side has had a packed year, dropping releases on Symmetry, Spearhead, as well as Philly Blunt. And let’s face it they’re certified riddims- further proving why his name remains synonymous with that unmistakable V Recordings sound.
Balancing life and long studio sessions from his home base in Brazil, L-Side still made time to road-test new tracks and enjoy some sunshine during his European escape at Sun and Bass.
With an impressive catalogue behind him, UKF catches up with the legendary producer to chat about his latest projects, collaborations with icons like MC Det and Inja, new additions to his expansive vinyl collection, and what’s next as he looks ahead?
How was the Marky and Friends event? Your connection with him is such an important one — can you tell us how you first began working together?
The event was incredible. It’s always a pleasure to play at DJ Marky & Friends, the main drum & bass party in Brazil.
I went to a lot of Marky & Friends parties since the 00’s but my first contact with Marky was when he started playing my songs on his old radio show in São Paulo, Terremoto Radio Show. There, he began providing initial support for my tracks and, consequently, signed a track to his label Innerground around 2013.
Speaking of events, you made your mark at SunAndBass, what were some standout moments for you over the years?
My first performance at SunAndBass was in 2017, at La Cinta beach with the V Recordings team and curated by DJ Patife. That day was the highlight of the festival for me. I played with MC Fava and was about to release my album Carnal Mind. It was incredible when I played the track ‘Don’t Look Back’ with MC Darrison. He came on stage, sang the song, and it was such a vibe! After eight years, I had the pleasure of returning to SunAndBass and performing for the second time. It’s always incredible to be in the same lineup and share good times with people I admire. I feel blessed!
Tell us about the process behind ‘Gunshot Love’. You managed to keep the original vibe while adding that remix energy; what stood out to you most during the production?
It’s always difficult for me to remix a track I really like. I try my best to keep the essence of the original song and imprint my own vibe on the drop, with different basslines and heavy synths, distortion, etc.
This track was no different. I already really liked the ‘Gunshot Love’ track and never imagined doing a remix for Break. He’s one of the best in my opinion, a legend.
I really enjoyed using elements like the pads and some synths that were originally from breakdown, and bringing them into the intro. It gave it a remix vibe already. I immediately added different synth sounds with distortion into the drop and a lot of dub delays on Liam Bailey’s vocals. It was fun doing this remix. Big ups, Break.
Can you speak more on working with MC Det on Jah Creation? How did that collaboration come to be?
The song ‘Jah Creation’ was written by MC Det, his father, Jah Globe, a musician who lived in Hackney.
Det had done a Jungle remix of the song in honour of his father. One day, he was in Amsterdam with Bryan Gee and Congo Natty for an event, and Det had the tune on his phone and showed them ‘Jah Creation’ they loved it. Bryan called Det a week later, wanting to sign the song to V, but he wanted it to be more polished, giving it a more dancefloor vibe. Bryan called me and invited me to produce the song with Det. I accepted because it was a beautiful track, and the result was very good. The song was released by V this year and is definitely one of my favourite releases. Big ups, MC Det, Bryan Gee.
You seem right at home collaborating with standout MCs, like ‘Bad Boy’with Inja, another strong release. Can you tell us about working with Planet V? Bryan’s always been a great supporter of your sound and journey.
Bryan has been essential to my career over the past few years. He’s always the first person to hear every song I finish, haha.
Working with him and V Recordings is an honor for me; it’s like playing soccer for your favorite team. Whenever I want to work with an MC, I tell Bryan, and he always finds a way to make the connection. I’m very grateful to Bryan. 90% of the MCs and singers I’ve worked with have been contacted through him.
‘We Ruff’ is a big tune….
Yeah ‘We Ruff’ & ‘Bad Boy’ emerged from a studio session I had with Selecta J-Man in Bristol. He was the one who connected MC’s Inja & Rider Shafique.
This studio session was very special for me because it was my first time in Bristol, in January 2020.
I was warmly welcomed by Selecta J-Man, Kelvin 373, and the Born On Road family. While we were in the studio, we received a surprise visit. DJ Randall arrived. For me, that moment will never be forgotten because it was my first contact with him, he supported my music a lot and became a very important person in my career. R.I.P. Randall.
You are known for your vinyl collection, what were some of the last records you picked up? Where did you get them?
Actually, I’ve been buying a lot of 90’s Rap records, the classics, mostly 7-inch (45 rpm) singles, but to name a few, the latest ones were Gang Starr ‘Moment of Truth’ LP and Mary J. Blige’s new album.
It’s also been very helpful, as I’ve been doing some gigs playing rap and R&B in Brazil.
Finally, what else do you have in store for the rest of the year and beyond?
Next year, I have collaborations with Gardna & Eva Lazarus, Doktor, a remix for Sigma, an EP on Must Make, and I’m also working on stuff for Footnotes.
