Nathan E Drake
Interview with Nathan E Drake aka DJ Switch aka Persian Skins
Read more about Switch here
As garage strolls merrily into the mainstream sunset, you may find yourself desperately needing to hear some fresh and clean cutting-edge beats. You could do a lot worse than check out the eclectic breakbeat night Switch down at Babushkas. And there you’ll find main bongo boy Persian Skins, aka Nathan E Drake, knocking out perfect percussion in a soundclash with DJs galore, as well as doing a spot of DJing himself. We met up with Nathan to find out about his Switch night ... and what makes him want to beat those skins.
So how did your involvement in music get started?
I grew up in Lowestoft and was mates with the guys who became E-Z Rollers. We all had the same love of music and eventually I moved down to London to do a degree in Music Technology. At the same time, I started to get involved in the really early days of the breakbeat scene - way before Fatboy Slim and all that lot - guys like Adam Freeland, Rennie Pilgrem and so on. It was mad.
How would you say you actually broke into the industry?
Well I got involved with loads of different artists, doing percussion and that - people like Death In Vegas, Orbital, Stereo MC’s, Basement Jaxx and LHB. I did stuff like Glastonbury and Roskilde in ’99, loads of tours. I ended up with a deal with Big Life but that all went tits up. Anyway, I decided to start up my own thing - which is Switch - and things are starting to grow.
What’s on the agenda at the moment?
The Switch nights are continuing at Babushkas and now also at Grand Central in Shoreditch (see below for details). I’ve been in the studio doing some producing. I got interviewed on 7th November for London Live as a ’"Backstage Pass" guest. I’ve got a remix lined up for the Stereo MC’s and plan some of my own releases under the Switch moniker in the New Year. Busy boy really. Things are going well.
How would you describe your musical tastes and what do you think it says about you?
A mix of breakbeats, funk and soul ranging from dub to classics going back to the roots.
What is the most recent record you bought?
Kruder & Dorfmeister album - but really, I have them sent to me from promo companies.
Where do you go for a good bit of nosebag in London?
The Banana Leaf Canteen on Northcote Road in Clapham.
Who are your musical icons?
Stereo MCs, Tony Allen, Fela Kuti - and myself!
If you could have been on stage/behind the decks at one gig, which would it have been?
Glastonbury, but instead I was behind the rhythm.
What’s the best night out you’ve had recently?
My Switch night at The Dogstar with Ross Allen.
If you could throw the biggest party, what would it be like?
Fun, good music, great friends and a good atmosphere.
Who do you think are the biggest Brixton-based acts at the moment?
Basement Jaxx, Roots Manuva and of course Stereo MC’s.
You can catch Switch at...
Where: Cargo, 83 Rivington Street, Shoreditch EC2
When: Every 1st Wednesday
Cash: Free b4 8pm - £6 after
Vibe: Delivering every angle of switched beats, percussive breaks, Afro house and live music all under one roof...featuring Persian Skins aka Nathan E Drake resident DJs Eric Miller, Johnny Hiller and DJ Locust...
6th Nov: Compost Records special as they welcome a live set from Joseph Malik.
For more info, contact Nathan on info@switchit.ws
