Mode Music artists: Drum Cypha

Drum Cypha was always around music growing up, and became an avid hip-hop follower in the late '80s and early '90s. After sneaking out to local raves and clubs at the tender age of 13 [circa 1992], he soon developed an interest in the new hardcore sound that was emerging. Enticed by the amen breaks and mentasm sounds, it wasn't until the following year that he truly fell in love with jungle, after hearing 'The Beginning' by The Invisible Man [Timeless 001].

He began collecting vinyl and started learning to mix on a friend's belt driven Kams, and in 1995 got himself a set of Technics. He was offered numerous sets at free raves and clubs, and secured several residencies and guest slots at clubs throughout Wales and the Southwest. In the meantime, he was also touring as an MC with live hip-hop outfit Ruff Italect, and went on to record and release several EPs with the group.

Drum Cypha then purchased a sampler/4-track and caught the production bug. Whilst putting out a lot of solo hip-hop material [under the Qred moniker], he gradually learned to produce drum n' bass. In 2003, he submitted tracks to BBC 1xtra's cutting room, and won the competition 3 times under 3 different aliases: dj Q-Red, Drum Cypha and Guerilla Monsoon.

However, hip-hop still dominated his studio sessions [with his tunes gaining airplay on BBC Radio 1, Itch FM, BBC 1xtra and New York's Future Flavas). It wasn't until 2004 that his drum n' bass production came to light. After Drum Cypha tunes were initially played by Bailey on his Intabeats show, they are now being rinsed by Goldie, Grooverider, Digital, A Sides, Loxy, Gremlinz, Spirit, Jem One, Subject 13 and Dub One amongst others.

With forthcoming releases on LMM, Function, Rufige, Eastside and Cylon, you can be sure to hear plenty more from Drum Cypha in the future.

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