In this interview, Davide Carbone shares his ongoing journey in the world of drum and bass, highlighting his new collaboration with Kate Watts, released by DNBB Records. The conversation reveals the deep connection between the artists, the impact of their experiences, and how the genre's evolution has shaped his creative process. With insights into his production and future plans, Davide takes us on a musical journey that celebrates the vitality and new possibilities of drum and bass.
1. New Release with DNBB Records"Your upcoming release with Kate Watts on DNBB Records marks a return to producing new music after some time. What inspired this collaboration, and how did you connect with Kate for this track?"
DC: I was introduced to Kate Watts through a fellow producer JPA. He worked with Kate on a few tracks and the first time I heard Kate I was blown away. We had a chat and decided to work together. When I sent her our first tune together ( Learn to Fly ) she didn’t get the D&B vibe. Two days later she called back to say she was obsessed with it and we have worked together ever since!
2. Return to Music After a Hiatus"You’ve been involved in other projects, such as video game soundtracks and software development, in recent years. How does it feel to return to producing drum and bass, especially with DNBB Records?"
DC: Well I have never stopped producing D&B, it’s just that it has mainly been for other people and soundtracks. I have had a fair few tracks and an album out on BS1 Records which have been very well received but the last year I have been deep back in the vibe and it has been very special.
3. Creative Process and Sound Evolution"Can you share some insights into how your sound has evolved in this new release compared to your earlier work with BS1 Records? What new influences have shaped your recent productions?"
DC: Spending more time in the UK and driving around soaking up the D&B vibes was really inspiring. I lived in the UK for ten years so to be back there and ‘taste the water’ again made me really want to explore that more mature liquid vibe that I have always loved so much.
4. Working with Kate Watts"Kate Watts' vocals are a key feature of this new release. How did her vocal style complement your production, and what was the creative process like working together?"
DC: No vocalist has ever got into my soul as much as Kate. When Taylor Swift’s vocal coach calls her ‘one of the best vocalists’ it says it all. She is talented in so many ways but what I love about her most is how raw and pure Kate is. She is just a natural. Kate writes all the lyrics and vocal melodies and suggest chords to go with those vocals. I then go away and interpret it all and do my own version of the chords, harmonize the lot, create the beats and bass and make the tune. In the future we are going to try the other way around – I write all the music first and then hand it over to Kate to do her magic.
5. Future of BS1 Records"While this release is with DNBB Records, do you have plans to revive BS1 Records in the future? If so, what kind of vision do you have for the label moving forward?"
DC: BS1 Records has had several releases in the past five years. I’ve also had some collabs with people like Marky Ledge from Kosheen and remixes from artists such as Logistics released on BS1 Records. It’s all been great and well received so I will continue to do so but it is important for me as an artist to reach different markets and homes so signing to DNBB Records was huge for me.
6. Balancing Multiple Projects"With your involvement in software like 'Scaler' and video game soundtracks, how do you balance these different creative outlets with your passion for drum and bass production?"
DC: Great question and I will say this is the hardest part of my life. I also run samplify.studio and schoolofsynthesis.com and I have a family and a life too. It’s difficult but I have to carve out time to make music. I make lots of different music everyday but I have dearly loved making D&B. it’s always been special to me and makes me feel very natural and happy.
7. Recognition and Awards"Throughout your career, you’ve won important awards like the ARIA and contributed to high-impact projects. How have these recognitions influenced your journey as a producer, and what do they mean to you, both personally and professionally?"
DC: I think it’s important to get some recognition from my peers. I always see these things as a sign from above to keep going and doing what you are doing. I am very fortunate to have won lots of nice awards and been nominated for some major awards too. As a self taught music producer it’s really nice to be recognized in many different ways.
8. The Drum and Bass Scene Today"How do you view the current drum and bass scene compared to when you started? What are the biggest changes you see, and how does this influence the way you produce music today?"
DC: I love the current music scene and how much exploration one can do and how easy it is to access music. D&B is so varied that you can love liquid and not like neuro and that is no problem. Or you can like it all! Back in the day you had to follow the right ‘what’s in fashion’ to be cool! I just love listening to so many variations and discovering things I like and don’t like too. I think young people don’t care too much about genres any more and that is a good thing!
About new track: "All I Desire":
"All I Desire" is a soulful journey with beautiful pianos, beats, and standout basslines. Rich textures and a meticulously crafted arrangement create an immersive, introspective vibe. Kate Watts' expressive vocals intertwine with emotive chords, elevating the track's depth and emotion. Davide Carbone's innovative production paired with Kate’s unique voice makes this a must-listen for fans of Soulful and Liquid Drum and Bass."
Listen here the new releaes form Davide Carbone and Kate Watts on DNBB Records:
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