Low-end inspiration: Flava D is at the forefront of bass music - Features - Mixmag
Features

Low-end inspiration: Flava D is at the forefront of bass music

The South London artist is at the peak of her game

  • Words: Dave Turner
  • 7 July 2016

Flava D's music is powerful in a typically UK kind of way. If you've ever pulled a screwface in the dance then you'll know what we mean. And you'll be well into Flava's tunes.

The 26-year-old is currently at the forefront of bass-heavy dance music, a position she's been heading toward since signing with grime label Butterz in 2013. She debuted on the imprint with 'Hold On' and 'Home', displaying the sugar-sweet 2-step garage vibe and grimey aggression that she's now well known for. Looking back, she says that record changed her life "dramatically".

In 2014 came 'On My Mind', a collaboration with Royal-T, as well as 'PS', a hook up with DJ Q that saw her step out on another London label, Local Action. All three producers would then unveil t q d in 2015, a project that launched with the bonkers 'Day & Night' and some truly head-spinning DJ performances. She's also had continuous studio time with the master of jazz-swinging dubstep, Swindle, and releases on Champion's Formula Records. A string of finely-crafted tracks coupled with a DJ style that crosses UKG, grime, bassline and bass-house means many dances have been going off to the sound of Flava D.

So it comes as no surprise that she's been chosen to contribute to fabriclive, the revered mix series run by clubbing institution fabric. Her instalment is typically high in energy and there's plenty of unreleased and exclusive Flava material, plus tunes from D Double E and Terror Danjah and collabs with My Nu Leng, Champion and Taiki Nulight.

As her recent tour of the United States came to an end, we spoke to Flava D about how Stateside ravers react to her music, what can be done to encourage people to produce and the influence of those around her. Exclusive Q+A and premiere of 'Motions' below.

 
 
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