Straight out of Bristol, Run Tingz unleash their most confident manoeuvre to date; in the form of Run Tingz Originals Volume 1 – building on their vast back catalogue, the UK’s leading Ragga Jungle imprint digs deeper into the scene’s foundations with the first in a series of contemporary compositions, we talked to Ed Garrett, Run Tingz band member and owner of Run Tingz Originals about their latest project and why Bristol remains one of the country’s best examples of urban creativity.
“Bristol is a fantastic creative city, it’s not just music, the urban art scene here is incredible too so it’s a great place to be based with inspiration everywhere you turn”, Ed Garrett declares, and from its multitude of street artists, renowned university and credible underground music scene, it’s fair to say we can see where he’s coming from.
A document of fundamental roots and future; “Fully Loaded” is a track crafted with festival season in mind, a joint-force creation by label manager Ed Garrett, Jungle Drummer protégé Tom Derryman (aka Breakah), guitar virtuoso Jonny Evans and the latest addition to the Run Tingz vocalist arsenal, Europe’s rising star Doubla J. Recorded at the legendary J&J and Invader Studios in Bristol which are owned by none other than Portishead, the project is steeped in heritage and rich in contemporary production.
With the wealth of production options currently available which ones do the band prefer when crafting their sound? “Cubase, Native Instruments Massive, Kontakt, Fab Filter Mastering and Creative suites” are all the current weapons of choice for Run Tingz. In keeping with their top ranking profile, Run Tingz have curated three killer remixes. Each one designed for dancefloors; they cover all corners of the ever-expanding Drum & Bass universe, first up is the signature UK Jungle remix from the Run Tingz Cru themselves. Retaining the big live drum swing and distinctive organ hums of the original, they super-charge the groove with finesse. With skippy breakbeats, mischievous fills and an arrangement that just keeps on giving.
“Fully Loaded (Run Tingz Cru Jungle Remix)”:
The Jungle scene is an ever-present in underground music and a band such as this have been drawing influence from artists across the spectrum since their inception, with Ed citing the likes of “Digital Sound Boy, Congo Natty, [and] the Serial Killaz” as ‘major influences’. These front-runners cover Dub Reggae, Drum ‘n’ Bass and obviously Jungle as well – they’re artists that are constantly innovating, whether it be with their choice of production tools or the sets they play in clubs around the country. So which is the one song Run Tingz love to open their set with? “YT’s ‘Hustler’ (Jungle and Reggae Dub Plates)”.
We know these guys love Bristol for it’s creativity and inspiration but who exactly are the people that turn out for Jungle nights, are the crowd as diverse as the city’s art? “[The crowd is] solid. Bristol has been part of the Jungle scene since the early years so it’s obviously got a strong following here. There’s a lot in common with Junglist crowds all over the world though: good minded, enthusiastic, positive ravers”. Presently, Dance music remains rooted in public consciousness – are there any artists the band wish would get more recognition for their musicality? “A lot of the Drum and Bass and Ragga Jungle producers to be honest but that’s what makes it underground”, attests Garrett.
“Fully Loaded (Levela Jump Up Remix)”:
Next up on their remix special is Levela. One of the scene’s most unique individuals, Levela’s productions have found their way across the world via the likes of Datsik and Skrillex. With a powerful jump up sound, Levela has infiltrated ears way beyond the genre, and listening to his gnarly bass-bugged rub of “Fully Loaded” helps you understand just why. Last but definitely not least is Run Tingz’ very own J.Man. Fresh from causing his very own ‘Road Block’, the Bristol badman unleashes a deep Jungle jam that’s underpinned with big bulbous subs and instant dance floor sweetness, locked and loaded in the Run Tingz roots chamber, this is the start of a very exciting adventure for the highly respected Bristol beat boutique.
Keep Tabs On Run Tingz: Facebook // Twitter // Website
Words by Akua Ofei // Edited by Ayo Adepoju
