iLL BLU

Name, where are you from?
iLL BLU - James & Darius we are both from North West London.

Describe your style in three words?
Trendy, Lowkey/understated, Quality.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
D: For me it would be watching Drake at the O2, when he did the ‘Would You Like A Tour’ it was just banger after banger, amazing atmosphere. He was performing on a moving a platform, the stage show was amazing.
J: I really enjoyed Travis Scott at the O2 for his Astroworld tour. It was like a blending of hip-hop and rock energy. Stage diving, fire and huge mosh pits. Plus bangers. The combination of his props on stage to visuals was sick.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
There so many artists we could choose, but right now we would have a pick a Producer/DJ focused line up that would be a high energy show that could take us on a journey through different vibes/genres. Major Lazer – They specialise in combining dancehall and reggae with electronic sounds, they are huge and have a diverse sound, big floor-filling tracks, big energy. Shy FX – Have to be alongside a UK music legend. Jungle & DnB Father. Energy and shellings, no more talk need.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Growing up with Caribbean parents and living in Brent, North West London which has a large Caribbean population, naturally everything about the Caribbean culture from the food, language slang and music has shaped us as people. We have DJed and help run a Sound at Notting Hill Carnival every year over the last decade. Musically, from our earliest work in UK funky up to now, when we make drill, you can hear Caribbean musical influences - from Soca rhythms in the way we do our drum programming to dancehall influenced vocals. UKG & rave culture also has a big influence on us in how we approach making music as well. Our nightlife experience & memories clubbing and raving on the underground to UK garage, house tribal sounds really help us when trying to establish a mood in tracks and certain elements to bring back maybe through sampling.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
This is a tough one. We would have to say 2Pac. He was a visionary an amazing artist ahead of his time. In 5 years he was able to achieve so much and have a rich legacy. An actor, musician and strong stance on social issues, plus his gangsta persona. He’s a polarising character which would make for an interesting chat. Hanging out with 2Pac would be cool.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
Room 1 in Fabric for Rinse FWD. This is that rave, UKG type energy. The vibe of Fabric was second to none, that was the pinnacle of underground raving in London. We played there a few times in our UK funky days.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Benny Scarrs A&R/Manager – His ability to unearth young stars. He started as an A&R at Island Records and he was responsible for careers such as Tinchy Stryder's, runs the Neighbourhood Recordings label and now manages rapper Dave. His ability to take a young artist from the ends and help develop them into one of our biggest stars is not easy, so we tip our hat to those who can do it and Scarrs has done it a couple of times.

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New music from production duo, iLL BLU, is currently on the horizon. For now, check out their latest track 'Dumpa' below.