Guest
Out 30th September 2013 - and all digital platforms For their sixth release Dubwise Station has brought together an international selection of some of the most talented individuals working in D&B and reggae right now. Taking care of the vocal work and currently enjoying a summer of high profile European festival slots, Jamie Irie is in high demand. Rucking up a riot with every show, his ability to bridge the gap between reggae and drum & bass is unparalleled. From heart-breaking ballads to soundboy killer shock-outs, Jamie knows his jams inside out, communicating directly with the crowd with real passion and authenticity. Not only is '2B' one of his most personal tunes to date, it also represents Dubwise Station's international family tree and showcases the label's own in-house talent in the process. It began as a seed in Jamie's soul over 20 years ago. An endless loop soundtracking his life's twists and turns, the message is universal: determination pays. Ignore the haters. Believe in yourself. With sentiments that strong, it was only a matter of time before the entire track was given a life of its own. Renowned Marseille-based bass maestro AB20 penned its initial reggae riddim which has since been polished by Dubwise Station's production crew U-Stone, Viniselecta and also by I-David who added his signature dub sound on the organ and melodica. The result? A crisp-as-concrete exercise in contemporary roots. Naturally Dubwise Station has also commissioned two killer D&B rubs. Award-winning Mexican producer Isaac Maya has refocused the emphasis on the organs while allowing Irie's vocals to maintain their strong command. With tight, rolling breakbeats, a soft skank riddim and rich, textured bass bellowing in all the right places, Maya's showcased D&B and reggae's marriage on a truly international level. U-Stone and Viniselecta's version completes the set. Delivered with a sense of true low-end mischief and amen-attitude, there's a subtle touch of jungle magic at play as the bass promises to tear a hole in your speakers. With great attention to detail on the fills and reverb-soaked dubbed-out build up, it's got 'reload' written all over it. One beautiful, heartfelt reggae ballad, three stone-cold soundsystem-primed versions that tickle every corner of your soul: '2B' was once a term for the lead in the humble pencil... Thanks to Jamie it's now sonic graphite. Show some love today.
