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Tall Poppy Interview – Angus Robinson, Breaks DJ
As a main player in the Toronto breaks scene, Angus Robinson is known for his music selection and record collection, but then again he does work for a record company. Toronto native Robinson has been DJing about six years, and has since played all over the city, including the big clubs like System and the Guvernment. Robinson does a lot more than just DJ. He also works for Release Records, has started his own label called Money Shot Records, and is now getting into making music as well.
Robinson talks with Torontoist about the breakbeat scene in Toronto, his DJ career, his work at Release Records, and his label. Robinson will be spinning at the Tsunami Relief Fundraising party on Sat Jan 29th at the El Mocambo. For more info on and access to downloadable mixes of his sets, check out Robinson’s website.
What’s your DJ name? What do you spin? Where do you play in Toronto?
I started DJing in the late 90’s under the name ‘Madhatter’, but I decided to simply go by my real name ‘Angus Robinson’ about 4 years ago. I spin a style of electronic music called Breaks (or Breakbeats). It’s the same speed as House, Trance & Techno, but instead of the constant, often-monotonous thud, thud, thud, thud beat, Breaks incorporates a ‘broken’ beat (much like a hip hop beat) which allows for more creativity. I play regularly in Toronto and surrounding areas, at such clubs as The Guvernment, System Soundbar, Mad Bar, Van Gogh’s Ear (Guelph) and more. The next gig I have coming up is a Tsunami Relief Fundraising party on Sat Jan 29th at El Mocambo, with a solid local DJ lineup of House, Techno, Electro and Breaks.
Tell us a bit about the breaks genre. What’s going to happen, who are some of the big players now?
Breaks is a very commercial genre. Most people like Breaks even if they don’t know it yet. Much of the popular electronic music that many label ‘electronica’ falls into the breaks category, such as Crystal Method, Fatboy Slim and Chemical Brothers. It’s an easy genre to get into, because it’s so versatile. Right now, I’d say funky breaks are really starting to take over, and I’m really happy about it. I’ve always been a fan of the funk, and for a while it seemed like breaks lacked the soul it needed. Some of my favourite DJs and producers are Plump DJs, Stanton Warriors, Atomic Hooligan, Krafty Kuts, Adam Freeland, and Rennie Pilgrem…all of which have played or will be playing in Toronto within the next year!
What do you do at Release Records? What does Release Records do?
Release Records started out as a vinyl retailer in Toronto from its 527 Yonge St. location in 2000. The location actually used to be an awesome video game store called Microplay where I remember spending hundreds of dollars as a kid! I joined them in 2001 as Webmaster and Breaks Buyer to build up their online presence in the vinyl industry, and since have become one of the most popular online vinyl retailers in the world, specializing in House, Progressive, Breaks, and Drum & Bass. In addition to online vinyl retailing, Release Records also runs five record labels (which I also help out with), and sells vinyl wholesale to other shops & distributors around the world. More info: www.releaserecords.com
I’ve seen that you sell MP3s on the site now. How are those sales going?
Retailing dance music MP3s is our most recent project, and it has proved to be a great success so far. The prices are low ($2/track, and most tracks are around 8 minutes) and our selection is constantly growing with tons of stuff you can’t find for sale anywhere else on the Internet. The great thing about MP3 sales is that it opens dance music up to a completely new audience – the non-DJ. Previously, the only people who could buy underground dance music singles were DJs because the music was only available on vinyl. Now that MP3s are being offered as well, it gives everyone the opportunity to own these songs.
When and why did you start Money Shot Records?
The first release officially came out in Oct 2004, and the next is scheduled for the end of the month (Jan 2005). I started Money Shot because I was in such a great position to successfully get a label off the ground. With all the distribution connections made at Release Records, as well as all the unreleased/unsigned music I’m sent because of my weekly radio show, I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner!
What kind of music are we going to find on your label?
The breaks we put out can be best described as party music, plain and simple. A common theme in all our releases is Funk. In an attempt to reach the widest audience possible, I’m aiming to make most of our music have a groove similar to House music, as this essentially opens you up to a much larger market. You can check out soundclips of our releases on www.moneyshotrecordings.com
Where can we get your releases?
The best place to buy Money Shot releases is at Release Records. Both vinyl and MP3 formats are offered, with unreleased remixes available for download as well – www.releaserecords.com. The vinyl is also available at most other vinyl shops worldwide.
Do you plan on creating any of your own music?
That’s the next thing I’m working on… Now that my label is up and running, I’ve got increased motivation to buckle down and get things done. It’s hard finding time though between my full time job at Release and working on my web design business. Hopefully, I’ll have something out within the next year.
What kind of equipment do you use?
I’m mostly software based, running Cubase SX on my laptop, with M Audio Studiophile Monitors, Evolution Midi Keyboard, M Audio Duo Ext Soundcard, MXL Mic, Ibanez Electric Guitar, Fenix Acoustic Guitar, Fender Amplifier, Dunlop Waw Pedal, 2 x Technics 1200s, Pioneer CDJ 1000, Gemini UMX9 Mixer, Gemini PS626 Mixer.
In Toronto, what is your favourite club to spin at?
I’ve been playing at System Soundbar for years now, and I have great memories of that place, playing to 1000+ people. Whenever I play there, I also see a ton of people I haven’t seen in ages, which is always a nice surprise. The club recently underwent renovations, and completely replaced the sound system to one of the best in the city.
What’s your favourite restaurant in town?
Hmm… this is a tough one. I’m gonna name a few. New Ho King on Spadina, just south of College… great late night joint. You gotta try the General Tso Chicken!! Then there’s Black Pearl just down the street. It’s a great spot for Dim Sum. Korean Grill House on Queen at McCaul – all you can eat, cook it yourself, meat-fest that’ll take a good three hours out of your day. Can you tell I like Asian food?
What’s your favourite subway stop?
Eglinton Station. I’m a sucker for the Cinnabon!