
Local bass militia, Sub-Culture has had a stellar 2011 so far, hosting some of Asia’s finest purveyors of stuff that goes bbbbbrrrr-woobb-boomboom. This Saturday is no exception, as the crew sees in Manila’s Red-I and Soulflower into The Shelter, for a night of reggae-tinged dub, dancehall and goodness. The pair is based in the Philippines, as is that country’s compliment to Sub-Culture – they’ve been throwing their own underground parties in Manila, featuring the likes of Kode 9, Gaslamp Killer, Nobody, D-Styles and more, more, more. They just opened up their own venue, B-Side. You should go if you’re there...
SmartShanghai had a lil’ chat with Red-I and Soulflower about Manila and music.
Here’s some links. You can check out some of their music here (Red-I -- KongKast) and here (Soulflower – a mix she put together this past week).
As a substantial addendum to Saturday’s show is a late addition to the bill: Rob Smith of Smith & Mighty. Pretty neat. Here's an interview Newbdog did.
As well, Sub-Culture also have their poster giveaway (and a zombie comic)! on as well. Click here for that info.
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SmSh: What sorts of music do you guys play. Any old releases people should pick up or upcoming projects people should watch out for?
Red-I: We like to keep our DJ sets eclectic, but are heavily influenced by dub, reggae, hip hop, jungle, dancehall and new school beats. For 2010, Mount Kimbie's album Crooks and Lovers stood out. We are excited for the Flogsta seven inch vinyls to drop…
SmSh: How is the bass scene in Manila these days?
Red-I: It’s definitely growing! The youths are strong supporters of the scene… which is fulfilling to see. Just need to keep building the foundation for the next generation.
SmSh: B-Side is regarded as one of the best venue in Manila for good music. What is your involvement in the club and how did it all start?
Red-I: We co-owners of B-Side. It started a year ago -- we were already organizing and bringing artists before. The problem would always be that we didn't have a venue. When Eric Ong (our partner) offered us the idea of opening a bar in a deserted warehouse we thought it was perfect and jumped on the project.
SmSh: Apart from yourselves, which other artists/DJs from Manila should we look out for?
Red-I: Calpih8 who is a beast on the MPC and Pasta Groove aka Ill Primitivo who has already dropped 2 albums..
SmSh: @Red-I, last year the DMC’s announced that from 2011 competitors are allowed to use Serato Scrath Live. As you are a vinyl collector, and have also participated in the DMCs, what is your opinion on this? A step forward or a step away from the true spirit of the competition?
Red-I: Forward, we have to keep up with the times. It’s you; it’s not about the equipment. Serato does't scratch for you. It’s how you flip it. Anyways , they have already been letting contestants press their own vinyl, which is unfair before for other competitors, who don't have the means to do so.

SmSh: @Soul Flower, you’ve played alongside a slew of DJs and artists over the past few years in Manila -- Free The Robots, DJ Nobody, Kode9 and RSD. Which has been your most memorable gig and why?
Soulflower: The Gaslamp Killer gig no doubt. We did shows before that, but it was the first one that left a real mark on the scene here. It was before we had B-Side, I remember having huge problem with finding a proper venue because the clubs weren't giving us a fair offer.
We decided to throw the party in a warehouse in the middle of nowhere and people still came! I remember organizing everything from the sound equipment, lights, alcohol, bouncers, freezers, to the port-a-toilets It was a true labor of love from everyone involved. And Gaslamp Killer murdered it that night!
SmSh: We hear RSD – aka Rob Smith from Smith and Mighty/More Rockers – has been added to your line-up. What’s been your experience with his music?
Red-I: He is an ambassador of bass and we definitely have a huge respect for all of his projects. He is the perfect blend of reggae and dubstep.
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Sub-Culture has in Red-I, Soulflower, and RSD this Saturday at The Shelter. Details here.