2019 is looking like a strong year for up and coming drum and bass labels. Pick ‘N’ Mix Music is run by one of London’s busiest young drum and bass artists, TJ and has just put out their first release which has already broken through the digital download charts.
We caught up with TJ to find out more about his new label and what he has in store for us this year.
Tell us a bit about who you are and Pick 'n’ Mix
My full name is Tyrell Jordan Campbell. I’m a 21 year old DJ, radio presenter and label owner from South Norwood and have been spinning tunes for about seven years. I first got into the scene from going to underground squat raves. I remember finding DJ Hazard - It’s a secret online and going crazy because I couldn’t ID anything back in those days and this tune was getting played at every rave.
I wouldn’t say that's where my love for drum and bass came though - dubstep and reggae was the main inspiration. Growing up, my dad played the drums and listened to a lot of Caribbean-inspired music which pushed my love for drum and bass, especially once I made the link between samples and learnt more about the genres.
Dubstep was the genre in years 5/6/7 at school. During my gaming era, a lot of video clips were edited with fat dubstep productions and I always searched for them up to jam to. The combination of electronic sounds and reggae is what drum and bass is all about for me.
In terms of Pick ’n’ Mix, I’ve always wanted to help other artists and push the up and coming scene. Within the last two years I noticed the same things happening again and again - the young artists wait for a ‘big’ moment to happen or a ‘special’ handout from the veterans in the scene but you can’t rely on others to make your story and success.
Pick ’n’ Mix was primarily created to give the younger generation a platform that will eventually benefit them. I’ve received a lot of support which I’m grateful for and I hope to repay the favour with loads of giveaways, banging releases, clothing and future events. So watch out for the Pick 'N' Mix launch party!
How did Pick n’ Mix come about and what styles are you trying to push with it?
I’m always thinking about the next move. I’ve gained a wicked network of DJ’s and producers over the years, many of which I now class as friends, and that's one of the reasons I started the label. I was being sent over 50 tracks a week from producers and some of the tunes were ridiculously good. I took some inspiration from Logan D, as he has his own label featuring other artist's music. This gave me the idea to create a channel where lesser-known artists could be in the limelight.
I came to the realisation that I was starting to get a small fan base which helped me make the decision because I could bring quality content to an actual audience. I wanted my label to be different to how current labels are run and be that ‘fun’ label with bright colours and wacky memes. I think a lot of labels try to fit a certain criteria or follow the same formula - therefore limiting what they can do, when the best thing to do is just be yourself.
The label is a direct representation of my character and the kind of artists I want to attract and that's why I have so much confidence in Pick ’n’ Mix. I want the up n coming artists to realise they can make an impact while pushing all styles of drum and bass through the releases.
This year you'll be hearing a lot of energetic jump up. One artist to look out for is BlckHry, who I think is going to surprise a lot of people with his EP. Also pushing sounds from the minimal spectrum is an artist from Newcastle called Hexa. I don’t want to limit myself as I eventually want to branch beyond electronic music, but for the meantime I've got a lot of jungle, liquid and rollers on the way.
Where was your first gig as a DJ and how have you progressed since then?
My first proper event was for Rigside about 5 years ago in Volks room two as TJP (shoutout my brother JP). I remember there being three CDJs and us having CDs and using my old red CD holder with pieces of paper with the track list before I used USBs. Since then I’ve improved a lot and being able to follow my own progression has been really satisfying.
Hosting radio for the last three years and getting more live performance experiences in clubs around the UK is tiresome but beneficial. It gives you a real taste of the environment you’re in and as a DJ crowd reading is definitely something you should be able to do well.
We’ve been regular listeners on your Fun n’ Bass show on Croydon FM. What are your favourite tracks to play on the show?
First of all love too anyone who listens to the show and big shouts to Croydon FM for creating platform like this. One of my rules is to come up with around 50 fresh tracks every week but in some shows I’ve wanted to play some on repeat such as: Shimon & Trimer - Killers - a masterpiece and that's too slept on. Circuits - Inertia - because the vibes resonate with me and I want a killer MC on this beat. Vital - They Will See - which I was really excited to have on my label's first release which was last Friday. Bare - Ask Somebody - this guy is gonna do amazing things this year, his Upgrade-style production really gets me fired up.
Can you tell us about any exciting upcoming bookings?
I’ve got some really nice summer bookings coming up which I unfortunately can't announce yet but they include some festivals - big love to all the promoters getting in contact with me to smash up their dance. Follow my socials to keep up to date with my bookings.
What can we expect from TJ and Pick n’ Mix this year?
I’ve got a lot to show this year with many releases coming from my label, as well as Youtube guest mixes and other video content. There'll be less frequent mixes from myself but the ones I do bring out will be crazy. My mixes Hot Vimto On A Winters Day and a continuation of the #brwn series will be coming soon.
You can catch TJ at Next Hype #23 this Friday.
Soundcloud - tjcampbell / pick-n-mix1
Facebook - PICKNMIXMUS1C
Instagram - picknmixldn
Photography - Thatchfest x Sound Street Radio / Faded Audio
Commentaires