BAZZY B - Q1 - HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE DRUM AND BASS SCENE?
STRANJAH - I got into house music when I was 16 and shortly after I discovered drum and bass jungle music through curiosity. So I have been in it for just about 4 years. I started experimenting with production and going to jungle parties around the same time.
BAZZY B - Q2 - HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION BUSINESS?
STRANJAH - When I first got into the music I had no idea how it was made but I had a thirst to learn. I had no idea what a drum machine, breakbeat, or a sampler was at the time. I met some house music producers whom showed me the ropes of producing, and it grew from there.
BAZZY B - Q3 - DID YOU FIND IT HARD BREAKING INTO THE SCENE LIVING IN CANADA, OR DID IT COME RELATIVELY EASY?
STRANJAH - At first I found it hard as I tried to get my material out in the city but got no where. I was naïve at the time and did not realize that more work and practice was required before my music was up to par. But that encouraged me to work even harder.
BAZZY B - Q4 - WHO INFLUENCED YOU WHEN YOU GOT INVOLVED IN D&B, AND WHO IS DOING IT FOR YOU NOW?
STRANJAH - When I first got involved I was listening to stuff by Alex Reece, and lots of stuff on Reinforced and Metalheadz. A big influence at the time was Dillinja, Rufige Kru and Ed Rush. Right now the ones doing it for me include Digital, Spirit, Total Science, Kemal, Rob Data, Marcus Intalex, Paradox, Alpha Omega, K, Polar, Optical, etc. I also love dub, techno, hip hop and deep house music, and I believe my musical tastes have an influence on what comes out of the studio.
BAZZY B - Q5 - YOU'VE BECOME QUITE WELL KNOWN IN A SHORT SPACE OF TIME, WHAT HAS BEEN THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS?
STRANJAH - When I first started I’ve always held high goals. As far fetched as it may have seem at the time my goal was to be signed to a renowned drum and bass label before I turned 20. Well it seems like I accomplished that goal. Hard work, perseverance, passion, and some talent helped. Believe in yourself and work hard to achieve your goals.
BAZZY B - Q6 - YOU'VE BEEN SNAPPED UP BY THE FLEX RECS KRU, WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE WORKING WITH ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED LABELS IN THE COUNTRY?
STRANJAH - Its crazy. I have been getting positive feedback from people all over the world. To see people dance and respond to your music is truly one of the greatest rewards.
BAZZY B - Q7 - YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING E.P DUE FOR RELEASE, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO FIND IN THE PACKAGE? AND WHAT IS THE PROPOSED RELEASE DATE?
STRANJAH - There will be 4 tunes on the EP. It will feature a tune called Natty which is currently being caned by all the big guys such as Grooverider, Hype, Andy C, Zinc, Mickey Finn, L Double, you name it. There was supposed to be a remix of the release ‘Trouble Maka’ by the Usual Suspects but that was not done on time, so it will appear on a later release!
BAZZY B - Q8 - BESIDES THAT, WHAT OTHER MATERIAL HAVE YOU RELEASED BOTH OUT OF, AND WITH FLEX?
STRANJAH - I have released two singles with Flex, the first being ‘Trouble Maka’ / ‘Freezing Point’. I just released a limited release on Flex which includes an updated drum and bass version of the house classic Deep Inside and Dominator. I also have a single coming out on my friend’s label, Blaydrunner Recordings. It will feature the tunes ‘Genetic Structa’ and ‘Killa’, both hard techy dancefloor tunes. I’m also working on a new project with other producers in Toronto under the name of Covert.
BAZZY B - Q9 - YOU ALSO DO A SPOT OF DJING, DO YOU HAVE ANY RESIDENCIES, OR CAN WE CATCH YOU AT ANY UP AND COMING GIGS?
STRANJAH - I am out spinning probably at least 3-4 times a month at drum and bass club nights in Toronto
BAZZY B - Q10 - WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR STRANJAH? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?
STRANJAH - I hope to keep putting out good music and continue experimenting and developing my own sound.
BAZZY B - CHEERS FOR THE INTERVIEW MATE, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANNA SAY?
STRANJAH - I would like to thank God for always being there for me, for the talent and opportunities you have given me. I would like to thank my parents and family for their love and patience. Shouts to my boys, Criminal Beatz Kru (Jose, Adam, Ryan, Andrew, Mike T, Mike S), the badman Gabriel, my boy James Evans in Vancity, 0=0 keep mashin’ it up, L Double and the Flex Records Kru, Pat, Chris, Slip, Slide and whole Vinyl Syndicate Kru, Marcus and Dave @ Visionary, DJ Spinz @ Blaydrunner Recordings, Catch ‘n’ Wreck, Harsh Realm, Infiltrata and all kru in the City of Angels, Intimate Kru,Torontojungle.com, Rocwyldah, Kathy, Aiko, DJ Rise, Paul Reset @ Nerve, #audiowarez, and the Access Virus. Bigups to the whole DRUM AND BASS world, spread the love of the music!Hold it up!
