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 The Formation Records Group is a timeless landmark in British breakbeat music with a reputation throughout the scene as one of the most respected and longest standing labels. Over the last nine years, Formation have remained true to the spirit of underground dance music. Home to the some of the most talented Drum 'n' Bass talent in the world, such as DJ SS, John B, Matrix and Mental Power. Founded in 1989 by partners Eidris and Leroy (AKA DJSS), Formation kicked off with the Psycho E.P as its first release and followed on with names like Tango, Oaysis, Megadrive, Jungle House Crew and so on. In those early days things were a bit primitive and most of the production was done by the artists at home or in the Formation studio which was then a flat on the edge of the city. Due to Formation's popularity things escalated quickly and in early 1993 The Formation Recording studio was built above the partners record and clothes shop 5HQ. Three years and a few artists later Formation now has three recording studios, three in house producers and a staff of five who take care of the day to day running of the label. Formation Records is the label that most of you will associate with and the one which has been at the forefront of underground dance music in the UK for the past six years. Formation has moved with the times and styles and is now internationally respected for it's unique style of hardstep Drum 'n' Bass. Formation has now branched off to establish sub-labels such as 5HQ, New Identity, & Hard Beats Inc, & over the 4 labels every aspect of the Drum n Bass genre is covered comprehensively.
DJ SS - The Man One of the founders of Formation Records and one of the UKs finest, DJ-SS starting DJing at the age of fourteen at his local school and at the tender age of fifteen played in his first nightclub. Like most of the Drum & Bass DJs, SS started in the Hip Hop scene and was an excellent scratch DJ which is where he gained his name ScratchnStein which was shortened to SS. He trained as a builder but when the Hardcore scene exploded SS was there and hasn't looked back. He and his partner Eidris also promoted their own parties called Total Kaos every Friday in their home town of Leicester. They also put on one of the first large indoor parties at Donnington Park in the Summer of 91. Over 6,000 people came and danced till dawn. 5HQ evolved from the proceeds and is still the regions largest dance outlet. Today SS spends most of his time producing in the studio and at the weekends travels all over the world to DJ and in his spare time he is a complete football (soccer) addict and avid Manchester United supporter. Currently DJSS is riding high production wise with the recent release of the following 12"s; On Formation - MA4 (One of his many pseudonyms) - Step Into Our World/Bull Terrier Still large after months & months of hammering on exclusive white labels, this tune has been played in New Zealand by Ed Rush, Doc Scott, & Grooverider to rapturous response. On New Identity - DJSS - Symphonic/Lost in New York Currently playlisted by 95 BFM in Auckland, this one is smashing up the floor wherever it is played. Ed Rush & Doc Scott both drew this one on their recent NZ visits. And forthcoming; Sounds of the Future (Another pseudonym) - Dual Voltage/Old School One of the biggest tunes @ The Breaks in Auckland, this one marks the return of DJSS' most famous pseudonym 'Sounds Of The Future', under which he produced the legendary tune 'The Lighter'. The largest b-line available to man, the release of this will put DJSS very firmly on the Drum n Bass map. The man seems to be going from strength to strength!
DJ SS - The Tour As part of the Formation Records Group World Wide tour to release the latest Formation LP 'Jazz & Bass Session 2', Subtronix will be bringing DJSS to New Zealand for 2 nights only. DJSS will be accompanied by his MC, the one they call WARREN G, & yes, it will be the first time New Zealand has witnessed a UK Drum n Bass MC live. No, it is not the US Rapper of G-Funk fame. The DJ sets of DJSS are legendary, like his labels, every aspect of the Drum n Bass spectrum gets a look in, with his MC hyping the crowd like only a seasoned UK veteran of the scene can. Again, Subtronix brings a new aspect to the highly developed NZ Drum n Bass scene. DJSS will be bringing promo copies of 'Jazz n Bass Session 2' to give away at these release parties for Subtronix. The Formation Records live experience, brought to you by Subtronix. DJSS & MC WARREN G FRIDAY MAY 22ND - THE MINISTRY - CHRISTCHURCH SATURDAY MAY 23RD - THE BOX - AUCKLAND Check out the Formation Records Group website: http://www.formationrecords.co.uk |