Music / B10
B10 presents: Sam Binga – ‘It’s gotta move me rhythmically’
He’s known as a formidable force in bass music, blending juke and jungle with classic crunk and dancehall, and shares the sounds he loves on the monthly SWU.FM residency he shares with Foreign Concept.
Currently on tour in the States, Sam Binga has now also – in what he says is a “well unexpected and generally pretty mind-blowing” turn of events – found himself up for a Grammy alongside Bianca Oblivion and Fox, nominated in the ‘Best dance/electronic recording’ category for Sweatboxx Party.
The DJ opens up to Bristol24/7 about his inspirations, the influence of the city and what audiences can expect from his show at our tenth birthday extravaganza, B10, on November 30.
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How do you define your style and approach?
“Whatever I do, it’s gotta move me rhythmically – if the percussion ain’t percussin’, it’s hard – but not impossible! – for me to get on with the rest of a tune.
“Beyond that, I guess I’m always thinking ‘what is this tune saying, or trying to say?’ – and if that answer isn’t clear to me, it’s unlikely I’m gonna love it. That applies both when I’m in the studio, or on the decks.”
What drives you to keep on creating?
“Honestly, too long away from the studio and I end up a bit of a weird, antsy mess. And I’m constantly hearing things that make me go – ah man, I gotta try something like that!
“I never end up with something that sounds like whatever inspired me, but that almost competitive edge – either I want a tune that goes as hard as what I heard, or that would fit a similar place in my sets – that’s definitely a driving force to keep progressing.”
Sam says it’s all about the beat for him – photo: Organic
How has Bristol influenced your music?
“I was coming to Bristol for years before I moved here – I was working a lot with Ginz (of Joker & Ginz / emptyset fame), and from there I just gradually fell in love with the place.
“I’ve been lucky enough to get a really nice studio spot right on Stokes Croft, and through just being in the mix I’ve ended up working with loads of amazing people – from deep house and disco with the Futureboogie crew to making UKG and Jungle / D&B with Redders and Emz.
“Very grateful for everything the city has done for me.”
Any particularly great gig memories?
“Playing with Dam Funk at the old Crown Courts – this was in the slowmo house days, as Behling & Simpson. One of those shows where every tune seemed to hit – it was an amazing crowd, in a great location, with a legendary headliner.
“Dance music perfection!”
Currently touring Stateside, Sam will be back to take to the decks for a back-to-back session with Addison Groove at the B247 tenth birthday party – photo: Gus Cam
What can the audience expect from your B10 show?
“Playing with Addison Groove is always really good fun – we both share the same goals, but we’ve got our own way of getting there – so our b2bs work really well in a contrasting but complementary style.
“I generally never plan a set, so whatever energy the crowd is feeling, and wherever the last DJ left things – that’s gonna influence how we play.
“But yeah, in general? Quality underground dancefloor music, some of which you might know, some of which you won’t – as it should be!”
B10 takes place on November 30 at Bristol Spiegeltent. The stellar lineup of local talent also includes Roni Size, NGAOI, Booty Bass and APH. Members are eligible for ticket discounts. For all details and tickets visit christmasspiegeltent.co.uk/product/b10-celebrating-10-years-of-bristol-24-7-30th-nov
Main image: Gus Cam
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