So for that reason I had a chat with Simon from Oil Gang to find out about his upcoming releases, what to expect next, and the future of the label.

For those who don’t already know, Who is Oil Gang? What do you do?

I’m just a fan of the music. I was running out of Grime records to buy so decided to set my own label up to put some more out there. Too many good tunes don’t get released or get lost in free promo’s so I think its a good thing there are a few labels about at the minute promoting the tunes properly and getting them in the shops. It’s a lot more expensive than putting an order in with Chemical Records or somewhere but it’s addictive and easily worth it when you get the finished vinyl.

How did you get the name Oil Gang?

It’s just the name of an old computer game, I liked the sound of it and thought it worked as a label name so used it.

You’ve already released one EP from DJ Spooky, and there’s another on the way. How did you start working with him, and what’s it like?

I met Spooky in Uptown Records, they used to put on promo events for the release of a new CD and I just got chatting to him about Grime and Arsenal and then when I started DJing on Urban FM I got sent a few tunes from him. After I decided that I was going to put out some records I went through a load of his tunes and picked out what was eventually on the Murderer EP. The vinyl for that sold really well, ‘Murderer’, ‘The Devil Within’ and the ‘Iron Gates’ remix got played out by people like DJ EZ, Starkey & Spyro and D Double E vocaled ‘The Devil Within’ on his track ‘Bassline Murder’. I’m really pleased the label is putting out his music as I think he is writing the best Grime out at the moment. It’s proper raw Grime, nothing is watered down and I don’t think I will ever get bored of hearing tunes like ‘Over Capacity’ and the ‘Iron Gates’ remix.

Iron Gates Remix Played by DJ EZ Ft. Sparks, Kie & Ranking [Kiss FM] by Oil Gang (Sub FM)

D Double E over The Devil Within Instrumental by Oil Gang (Sub FM)

What else have you got planned for the future of Oil Gang Records?

I have just sorted an EP with Darq E Freaker which has got some amazing tunes on it and they should start appearing in sets soon. Then there is the Darkside EP with Spooky, that one has got a few delays but hopefully it all gets sorted as its a really strong EP. If you have heard ‘Main Stage’ or ‘Darkside’ out then you will know what sick tunes they are. Those will both be out early 2011, after that, who knows? Send me demo’s!

Spooky – Over Capacity (Quadrant EP – Oil Gang 002) by Oil Gang (Sub FM)

How do you go through your creative process?

Well, its quite a small scene and you see the same people at a lot of the events so I have just met a lot of the producers out at nights. Other than that I chat to people on Soundcloud, Myspace and get tunes through there or I download free EP’s put up on Grime Forum to see if there is anything I like. I first heard mistayif – Fortress Riddim in the Studio section on Grime Forum and then got in touch with him through Soundcloud, same with Splurt, I first heard his productions on the free Vomit EP downloads he put out on Grime Forum. So yeah, for radio or a mix its just tunes I am into at the moment. Even though i only do one show a fortnight I still get through loads of songs and so I’m always buying new bits that are out or finding new stuff to play.

What do you feel are the main influences on the sound of the label and your radio show?

With regards to what I would actually want to sign and put out then its either got to be really hype Grime that works out in the clubs or something like ‘Rhythm & Slags’ or ‘The Return VIP (Mega Refix)’, those are two bugged out, proper mental tunes. Just stuff that I like and think works as a strong EP, I’m not looking at getting other genres to remix the songs; I would prefer to put out 100% Grime and get DJ’s from other genres to play that in their sets. I’m just going to stick to signing music that I love and not worry about what I think other people want. With Splurt’s ‘The Return VIP (Mega Refix)’ I didn’t expect that to get the response it has got but I really wanted it for the EP so put it on there anyway. I thought it would be too much for most people but its been getting a really good reaction from DJs and is in Starkey’s current Top 10.

Starkey playing Splurt – The Return VIP (Mega Refix) on Sub FM by Oil Gang (Sub FM)

I can tell straight away if a tune is right for the label. With ‘Over Capacity’ I woke up one Saturday and noticed I had been sent a new folder of Spooky tunes so had a listen and I was texting him asking to sign the tune about 10 seconds after I heard the drop. Same thing with this new Darq E Freaker tune I have signed called ‘Running’. I was round his studio the other day listening through loads of his music and as soon as it dropped I new I wanted it for the EP. I can’t wait to start hearing this other Darq E Freakers song ‘The Queen of Hoxton’ from the same EP out in raves, its mental. Spooky gets all of the Oil Gang music first so go check him out at some of the raves he is booked for in December to have a listen or lock into his radio show on Urban FM.

With the radio show I do with Slackk I can play a good variety of Grime. It stars at 11 in the morning on a Sunday which isn’t when most people want to listen to Grime so we start off a bit slower and play some of the more melodic stuff, then by 12 it starts getting more hectic. Its good fun, people in the chatroom are hungover, we’re hungover but after half an hour I am usually awake and ready to play a load of hype Grime.

Who are you feeling in the Grime scene right now (producers and mc’s)?

Producer wise Spooky is easily the best in the scene, every batch of music he sends me has got an EP’s worth of amazing music in it. Darq E Freaker is another producer who has got a really strong sound and for me him and Spooky are writing what I want to hear from Grime, I get the same reaction listening to their music as I did when I heard ‘Champion VIP’, ‘Strung Up VIP’ or ‘Pied Piper’. I also really rate Splurt who writes this heavy, completely fucked up Grime. Other than those three I like music by Darkos, Exo Remedy, D.O.K, Terror Danjah, Jack Daniels, Deset, Mr.Mitch, mistayif, Geo, J Beatz, SRC, Nu Klea, Faze Miyake, Smurf Beatz, Moony, Rude Kid, Scrufizzer, Teeza & Royal-T. They are all writing amazing tunes.

The MC’s who I am listening to at the moment are Rival, Merky Ace, Kozzie, Marger & Scrufizzer. They are all doing something fresh, aren’t watering it down and are all really good live as well. I also listen to whatever Dot Rotten, Newham Generals, Crazy Titch, P Money, Big H and Wiley put out.

Who would you most like to work with or put out material from?

If I could put out an EP by anyone it would be Waifer. Him, Rapid, Wiley and Oddz have put out some of my favourite tunes. I don’t think he is still writing Grime and I have no contact details for him so I can’t see it happening unfortunately.

What else have you got in the pipeline?

Its only me running the label so I can’t plan too far ahead with releases. I am just going to get the Darq E Freaker and Spooky EP’s sorted and then start looking for some more songs I rate. I am aiming at getting 5 EPs out next year, it depends on how quick they sell and whether I can sign more tunes I like. The Quadrant EP is out next month so hopefully that gets the same reaction as the Murderer EP did and then I can get on with the next two, I know a lot of people have been waiting to get hold of ‘Rhythm & Slags’ so I am expecting it to sell well.

Darq E Freaker – Rhythm & Slags (Quadrant EP – Oil Gang 002) by Oil Gang (Sub FM)

Any events we can catch you at in the near future?

I don’t really play out that often to be honest. I enjoy doing the odd set and the last two I did were at the new No Hats No Hoods night in Old St and at Wifey in Dalston. Those are my two favourite nights in London at the moment so check them out if you get a chance.

Any shouts?

Yeah, I would like to say thanks to all the people who have helped me sorting everything out: Spooky, Jackmaster and everyone at Rubadub, Slackk, Elijah & Skilliam from Butterz and Magic & Reecha from No Hats No Hoods. They have all helped me with the process of setting up the label or giving me ideas and second opinions on the music.

Anything else you wanna mention?

Check out the Soundcloud page www.soundcloud.com/oil-gang to see what’s forthcoming on the label and to send me music. Catch me and Slackk DJing on www.sub.fm every other Sunday from 11am-1pm.

Words by Just Geo

We had Kerry Leatham perform at TOTR alongside Katy B, The Illersapians and Dot Rotten this time last year. She was brilliant to say the least and it’s not surprising to see SB:TV giving her the opportunity to show case her ability in this A64.

If I am honest I thought she’d be bigger now than she is, she’s a talented singer songwriter and even had a track feature on the Adulthood soundtrack.

It’s good to see her still about, making music and hopefully she will get more chances to get her music heard by a wider audience.

With nearly a week to go till the Hotoneten x Bullet Train Carnival Party, we’ve decided to bring DJ Yasmin in to join Marco Del Horno for a guestmix and interview live on his Rinse FM show  tonight to get you warmed up.

From this month’s RWD front cover to last week’s Metro, Yasmin has been cropping up all over the shop lately. Lock into Rinse FM to find out why and of course get a little taster of what we can expect from her on the night.

Thursday 19th August 5 – 7 pm GMT Rinse FM – listen live HERE.

On August 20, 24 and 25, Sarah Young and Red Bull UK will be teaming up with a string of innovative artists from the music industry to help launch the Music Class of 2010 project.

Music Class of 2010 is a multi-media editorial concept, which includes those musicians and producers who don’t simply top the charts, but create music with artistic integrity.

Twenty-one year old DJ and Stylist Sarah Young and internationally renowned photographer Satoshi Minakawa are the creative team behind the project, the cast list of which is scheduled to include the following: -

Mistajam (BBC Radio One DJ)
Roses Gabor (Artist)
Toddla T (UK producer)
Redlight (UK producer)
Swindle (UK producer)
Jammer (MC)
J2k (MC)
Donaeo (Artist)
Mz Bratt (Female MC)

The editorial will be launched at the Red Bull HQ in London, where in November the artists involved will create an exclusive track in just two hours within the VIP music studios adjacent to the event, which will be streamed live online and into the media event next door via TV screens.

Creative director of the project Sarah Young explains her vision: “As a DJ and Fashion stylist, I deal with music and fashion on a daily basis. The two are inextricably linked – right now the UK music scene is the best it’s ever been and receiving international recognition.

“These artists, dj’s and producers are the people at the forefront of street trends, they are the people who wear what they want, when they want and others follow. As a stylist I am going to take each artists style and multiply that by 10, whilst giving each look a high fashion edge.

“Music is a form of expression, and so is fashion and this project signifies the cultural importance of this fusion.”

Sarah is going to be working with a selection of labels including D&G, Lavin, Vivienne Westwood Man, Armani, Balenciaga, Burberry, Margiela, Marc Jacobs, Matthew Williamson, Nike, and Harrods, as well a selection of ‘New Gen’ designers.

www.iamsarahyoung.com

NEW MUSIC…. + SPECIAL GUESTS …

GOLDIELOCKS ( WORLD PREMIER OF BRAND NEW TRACKS)
FUNNY MISS LONDON
DONAEO
SWINDLE
WILEY
MAXSTA
J2K
WALE
NO LAY
SWINDLE
Wizzy Wow
RED LIGHT
Jo’Leon Davenue
Ronnie Herel (bbc 1xtra)
SMILER
ROSES GABOR
JAJA PDC
SINCERE
INCISIVE
DANSO
ROBBO RANX
TY
SBTV

+ NEW GEN DESIGNERS – STYLISTS and LOADS OF SURPRISES!

WATCH LIVE iamsarahyoung.com

28TH JULY FROM 5pm- 9pm.

KINGLY COURT – CARNABY STREET- POP IN OR TUNE IN LIVE!

OLD SKOOL HIPHOP, 90′S R&B, JUNGLE, D&B, DUBSTEP, REGGAE, SOUL, BASHMENT,GARAGE,
UK FUNKY AND GRIME.

FASHION

Daddy / Son Duo Charlie and Joe Casely- Hayford are ripping up the fashion industry as we speak! Taking it back to the bygone era of tailored suits, tweeds, double breast jackets and blindingly shiny shoes their fashion house is nothing but classic old skool glamour with a touch of the London Streetwear aesthetic. Check them out here

MUSIC

Mr Party Hard aka Donaeo has wowed me with this brand new summer banger ‘I’m Fly’, i challenge you NOT to bop when you hear this in the club. Listen to my thoughts and the track on Audio Boo.

ART

Laura Keeble is my kinda artist. She makes clever visual metaphors and uses popular iconography and gives them a totally new, different meaning ( Andy Warhol anyone?)

She once said the graveyard installation below was to do with religion, but i read much more meaning into it than just simply that. In my view through placing the Chanel and Mcdonalds logo directly on top of the gravestone ( a recognisable symbol of death) Keeble is commenting on the worth and perhaps the effect of capitalism. Big brands have no individual face or life behind them, so if you buy into them part of your individuality dies, if you buy into a faceless brand, you loose face.

Whatever the meaning, this is pretty sick right?

WANNA SEE MORE FASHION MUSIC ART, FIND ME HERE!

I have never been the type of stylist to dress the models or artists at videos or shoots and then sit down and chill. I think any good stylist should be well versed in art direction and not only know their fashion but elements such as videography, photography, direction and ALL that techno ish! If you go on set knowing your stuff you command much more authority anyway.

So after seeing enough very talented male directors do their thing, and never being one to give into gender stereotypes, i thought i would switch up the roles and give being behind the camera a go.

Releasing my frustrated inner geek and learning how to use my extreme bossiness / anal-ness to my advantage, I directed and styled my first ever fashion film for a fashion week project.

A film concentrating on the idea of interracial relationships and combating societies prejudices and racisms.

Difference is beautiful. Enjoy!

WE’RE ALL HUMAN | WE’RE ALL AIR FORCE 1′S | NIKE | from Sarah Young on Vimeo.

iamsarahyoung.com

So how is life for princesses these days?
I’m good – I’m really really good. I’m releasing Butterflies on the 28th of June, which is really exciting, and the video just went on AKA so everything is good!

Can you tell us a bit about the track?
Well it was produced by ill Blu and written by me. The song is about having a crush on somebody and being their friend and not knowing whether or not they like you back. Because you’re friends with them, it’s like how do you tell them or how do you find out whether or not they like you too.

You just described my life for the past year Nyah!
It’s not just your life though – It’s every girl’s life!

How did your Major Lazer remix come about?
Well I was working on a mixtape at the time and it was actually one of the tracks on there but they actually chose my version as the official remix, which I was really excited about. You can actually buy it now on iTunes. Originally I gave the track to one of my friends who played it on the radio and then someone else did and then the label got into contact with my manager and said they really liked it. Diplo really liked it and they made it the official remix. I met Diplo when they came over recently and they were really cool.

Amazing! And how are things going with your clothing label?
I’m still pushing really hard with the fashion side of my work as well. My website is going through a re-vamp at the moment and that will be launched at the end of the month. There are lots of new designs and everything is going really well with that too.

What else are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on new material musically and getting ready for world domination really. I’m kind of working on an album but not really officially. I’m just doing some really exciting things and I can’t wait to share them with the world.

So it’s all go for you right now then?
Yes! I’m currently working harder than I’ve ever worked in my whole life. Everybody says to me “don’t worry, you’re going to get there” but it’s like there’s not really anywhere to get to. There’s no destination really – you just have to work hard and enjoy each stop. It’s like you’re on a train and you get off at every stop, and each destination just gets better and better!

Butterflies is out on June 28th so make sure you get that and watch the video below:

iamsarahyoung.com