Biography
Layer3dnb
Originally created from a bootstrap ROM program upload
during the era of 1991. As a young man he began his journey into sound working
with a team of local studio engineers from the original reggae/hip hop and rave
scene during this period.
Big shouts to the original founding krew of the local
scene in the area. I spend a lot of time as a youth sitting down in your
studios and DJ mixing areas soaking up all that 90's production/mixing magic. You know
who you are!
Harnessing the power of the Atari St, Amiga 500+, Cubase
3.0, Logic 5, OctaMED, Music X, classic analogue desks, synths, MIDI keyboards,
effects units, compressors, DAT analogue recorders from the 80's and 90's
period. He has always aimed to produce original productions with the
contemporary new style methods.
Layer3 remembers his main places for purchasing jungle/dnb vinyl over the decades.
Breakbeat Culture Records (Park Street Bristol)
RuffNeck Ting Records (Park Street Bristol)
In the
90’s there was a record shop called Breakbeat Culture on Park Street, Bristol (Label
of Markee Ledge, aka Substance). They initially had a small section of records
for sale in crates at the back of a clothes shop. I think it was called Cooshti
off the top off my head, long time ago. When they got bigger, they moved into a
new shop just around the corner.
Upon
entering there was the counter at the rear opposite wall and a guy called DJ XS
(from Monmouth) who used to sell vinyl, tapes and merchandise. They also had a
studio out the back behind a door. I remember going in there and seeing Felony
making music on the analogue desk and outboard equipment in the room there.
On the
wall were the latest vinyl singles hanging behind the counter. There were
sleeves with all the latest singles and albums across the whole area in fact. I
remember always going down and asking if they had any unnamed single or promos
from local artists tucked away. Over a longer period, they got to recognise me coming in and used to pull them out
from under the counter. There were a whole host of different selections, rare
tunes and grooves by local producers from all around the Bristol area.
This is
where I used to collect my Technical Itch (Mark Caro) record promos, Decoder
(aka Darren Beale) vinyl, Substance (aka owner Markee Ledge Breakbeat Culture
material) Felony, Ruffneck Ting, Full Cycle – Dope Dragon Recordings. These
were the days when you would cain a vinyl to death at parties/gatherings as you
spent so much time sourcing and purchasing it (before the internet days). You
had to travel and physically source your material from different places to
prepare a mix.
Alongside
this was the famous RuffNeck Ting record label (DJ Dazee, Mark Morrison,) with
a highly successful club night complimenting it (residents included DJ Dazee,
Markee Ledge, Decoder, Felony and MC Jakes.) This was an absolute must for the
scene and many excellent nights 100%.
Both
were an institution firstly for the musical culture of Bristol (and across the
whole of the UK/Worldwide). I was lucky to experience that emerging scene which
ultimately changed the face of underground music for decades to come after.
Catapult Records – Duke St Arcade Cardiff
It was an excellent place for early Dom and Roland,
Metalheadz promos. Based in the heart of Cardiff. They also used to double with
a night back in the day called Silent Runninz. I remember seeing Bad Company on
their Inside the Machine tour there! Also run by Raeph, Lincon (High Contrast)
and Guy. It was the go-to place for Electronic music in Cardiff. Sadly, closed
now.
You would also see local Cardiff boy Tommy Cujo out an about during this period with many successful releases during this period - Moving Shadow, Chronic, 5HQ recordings, Inneractive Music to name a few.
Other seasoned engineers from up the road in Newport were Ambisonics Meredith Jones & Ian Howick - Flex Recordings / Labello Blanco Recordings plus the original UE founding production engineers & successful DJ's (Proud, Jason, Martin - DJ Tucker - DJ Clare Buckland - DJ Tenby - UE artist/management Ketch.)
Nu Urban Records – Market Arcade Newport
The best place in Wales to get
some serious Techstep rollers (early no U Turn Records promos – Emotif – Ed
Rush & Optical etc.) Based in the Market Arcade. Run by a guy called Andrew
DJ Riff Raff (who was originally signed to Emotif records back in the day.) Sadly,
closed now.
Black Market Records (Soho)
When living in London during
early 2000’s with Alex C. A programming audio wizard who used to work for
Soundcraft DSP engineering Spirit mixing desks (now owned by Harman
Kardon). Alex was one of the essential partners to the band UE and was an
extremely versatile, experienced and knowledgeable audio engineer (plus a
brilliant friend since growing up in the same area from the early 90's.) Also,
massive shout out to Mondo the other essential member of UE during that time. A
very wise and top-class DJ. Plus, a great friend and amigo.
There were 2 records shops with some tasty drum and bass promos. One was in Soho (Black Market records) where you were served by the one and only Ray Keith, and the one in St Albans where they used to get some excellent Bad Company promos during that period. Sadly, closed now.
Over the years and after several vinyl releases, cd's and dubplates
(including legacy connection events such as Pure X, Kool FM, Radio One - 1Xtra)
residencies in clubs based around London, Bristol and the South West. Layer3
has now joined forces up with a lifelong friend and fellow music producer Chris
Terror Cell (also a most valued UE member) to create a new evolution of
Techstep drum and bass music. This combination will aim to deliver on a lifelong
passion for the scene.
Also, personal shout goes out to all the family and friends who believed and supported us over the decades. Thank you for your continued reinforcement. It 100% means a lot. For anyone who I have not added and can't recall biggup yer chest too!
There were 2 records shops with some tasty drum and bass promos. One was in Soho (Black Market records) where you were served by the one and only Ray Keith, and the one in St Albans where they used to get some excellent Bad Company promos during that period. Sadly, closed now.
Need I say any more. Excellent wide selection of
vinyl, CDs and merchandise. Now moved from their original shop but just around
the corner in Cardiff (27 Morgan Arcade). Still open from 1894 and going strong.
Features and links
Showcased on Radio 1 "In New Music We Trust" with tunes being
signed by Radio 1 and 1Xtra for their flagship "Drum and Bass downloads"
project (featured by DJ Bailey - Flight - L Double - Huw Stephens - Bethan
Elfyn - Adam Walton - Ras Kwame - Chrissy Chris - Jason Camilleri - Benny
Blanco - United Mindz.) Layer3 has also been featured in DNB Knowledge
Magazine.Also, personal shout goes out to all the family and friends who believed and supported us over the decades. Thank you for your continued reinforcement. It 100% means a lot. For anyone who I have not added and can't recall biggup yer chest too!
***News Update***
Proud to be signed to Tech Itch Records and be part of the mighty label, artists and crew!
Tech Itch Recordings discogs music catalogue - Click here
Tech Itch Recordings website - Click here
Big shout to all who are pushing the scene forward. You know who you are. Keep the vibe alive...
