Introducing…Teknikal and Red-I

Over the course of the year, the culture section will be introducing you to those musicians, artists and performers all living on your Oxford doorstep. This week meet two of Oxford’s up and coming Dub and Drum & Bass DJs, Teknikal and Red-I.

Oxford Tab (OT): Tell us a bit about your music and how you make it.
Teknikal (T): I play a relatively heavy style of Drum & Bass and I love that in just an hour set you can go through such an array of songs and completely change the mood in a club. A big highlight was playing a small part of Bladerunner’s set when he ran off to the toilet half way through! Also a back to back set with Reno Records owner Alphabet Pony on last year was pretty nuts. I am still currently looking to get into the production side of Drum & Bass. Just trying to find the time to do it is the problem!
Red-I (R): Dub was born when producers like King Tubby and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry invented the fundamental elements of remixing using Roots Reggae music from late 60s Jamaica and it’s had a dramatic effect on most electronic dance music, in particular, Jungle, Dubstep and Drum & Bass, but, my particular speciality is UK roots and my collection extends from 1970s Jamaican Roots to recent UK Roots and Dub. Sorry, I can babble about reggae for eternity, I mean even skank in the shower! Most of my music is vinyl – purest form of music – and I love bringing a bit of history to a rave.

OT: Which act would you be happy to be compared to?
T: Andy C – simply for his mixing talent!
R: I can’t choose between Channel One, Aba Shanti-I or Russ D

OT: Why should students in Oxford head to The Cellar?
R: Freerange has more history than any other rave in Oxford, the same crew [previously under a different name] have been bringing vibes to Oxford for about eight years. Can’t stress how every year the biggest new talent in town is featured at The Cellar, representing all underground genres.
F: Freerange is just different from your average student night. If you look back at Freerange’s history there are very few big DJs who haven’t been booked in the past! The boat party at the end of the year is not to be missed!

Listen to Teknikal here: http://soundcloud.com/teknikaldnb
or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Teknikal/116818885105159?ref=hl
and Red-I here:  http://www.facebook.com/Red.I.rootsnculture

Alternatively tune in to ‘The Freerange Show’ at OX105.1FM on Sundays between 2 and 4pm.

Catch both of them playing for Freerange at the Cellar this Wednesday in a Halloween special (entry £5 on the door/£3 in advance or fancy dress). You can also find Teknikal playing at Carbon’s Zoo nights and Red-I with Muzzle.

If you are interested in DJing, or want to be kept up to date with all the events, get in touch with Freerange Oxford: https://www.facebook.com/freerangeoxford