PREMIERE: Dur Brain – 10 Questions + The Crystal Fisting Ceremony (EP)
Emerging from Bristol’s ever-expanding hip hop swamp, comes MC and producer, Dur Brain, with his debut EP, The Crystal Fisting Ceremony.
Having already established himself on Bristol’s infamous live hip hop scene, through his rapping and drumming antics with the Binbag Wisdom band, Dur Brain is now striking out on a solo mission with the arrival of his first EP.
Two singles from the project were given life last year, including the witheringly satirical, Spiritual, which lampooned the quasi-spiritual scene and the characters you meet within it, which Bristol is a particular hotbed for. Rotten Bread, featuring I.O.W. rapper, Joe Publik, took a more reflective tone, as the two MCs traded verses that deal with philosophy, environmental fragility and social commentary.
Those themes continue throughout the rest of the EP, as well as some thoughts on the current political state of plays, some personal reflections and enough bursts of humour to keep the balance right.
Dur Brain sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin, What sparked your love for music?
I have a musical family, so initially from hearing what they where playing and rooting through their collection.
At secondary school I had a real encouraging and inspirational music teacher. He would let me and my mates use the practice room to jam pretty much whenever we wanted, so it grew for there. I started playing gigs with a band when I was about 13/14.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Many many… will stick to small list of uk and American or we’ll be here all day. UK wise without going into producers too would have to be Roots Manuva, Foreign Beggars, Dizraeli , Kojey Radical, Little simz, The Mouse Outfit, Levelz, Jehst, Task Force. Also huge respect for what High Focus has done.
American - Mos def, Talib kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Wu Tang, D’angelo, DJ Premier, Quasi/Madlib, MF DOOM, Deca, The Fugees (The Score is probably my most listened to album of all time) and obviously J Dilla.
I have been working on collaborations with Dr. Syntax and K.0.G (from K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade, and Onipa), these two definitely make the inspirations list too!
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus
pandemic?
Honestly I’ve actually found it easier writing, recording and finishing things for this solo project during this time, simply cos theres no other distractions going on. Inspiration for writing can be a hard one though! I started renting a studio space last June. Having a separate place to go to go work, with all drums, mics, sp404 etc all set up ready to go has made a huge difference.
This is my first release for this solo venture, which I only really started up about a year ago, so I’ve not been able to gig the project. Definitely noticing the slog of having to rely on online content for growth, as opposed to the natural growth I’ve seen when constantly gigging with other projects.
Another project I’m involved with, Binbag Wisdom had an EP ready for release at the start last year. We kept pushing the release date back in the hope we could have a proper album launch with real humans. As the situation dragged on we ended up releasing 1st January this year. Thankfully with online support we ran a successful vinyl campaign.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Jazzy hip hop. Blending sample cuts with live instrumentation. The new Ep was written a year ago or more, hopefully the sound will be constantly evolving. Looking for the coming projects to have more of a live feel.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Good size festival stages when a set goes off is always a sick moment. Every time a new project is finished it brings a nice sense of accomplishment, mixed with harsh self criticism! At the moment collaborating and creating with people who inspire me is the one.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Collaborate as much as possible. You can learn something new each time. Create for you, make what you want to hear not what you think people want to hear. Don’t correlate self worth with “success”.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
So many inspiring friends doing amazing things; Bristol jazz bands Snazzback and Waldos Gift are constantly putting out the bangers. K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade and Onipa. Both amazing, Onipa have a new project out in June.
I've been working with producer/rapper Haloomi, check him out his beats are magical, he has a new project out in march.
Housemate/collaborator/arch nemesis- Hippo sound system Lead by DJ Hiphoppapotamus this is a collective of musicians & producers exploring new fusions of world music with sound system culture!
Mac Lloyd. An old friend from music college. Amazing producer and singer releasing a project with green brick records this year. CW jones has a new project out soon on vinyl with some mad collabs you should definitely check.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
The Mouse Outfit - Step Steadier, Deca - The Ocean, Nubyian Twist- Jungle Run KOG and the Zongo Brigade- Wahala Wahala, DANGERDOOM - THE MOUSE AND THE MASK.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Most activities are accompanied by listening to music. I also enjoy the classics; reading, writing and masturbating.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Laptop , a Nice mic and more recently the SP 404.
The Crystal Fisting Ceremony EP is out today on all major streaming sites.