When you think of jump up drum & bass, Big Lou is a producer in the thoughts of many right now. Following a string of shows at venues including Ministry Of Sound alongside some big names in the scene such as Sota and Exile, the rise of Big Lou is becoming noticeable.
So noticeable in fact, he recently released an EP on Vibe Chemistry’s Make Your Era, Thoughts hit the airwaves on 6th October and has since seen great success. The title track received plays on Radio 1 and earned Big Lou a slot on Mollie Collins’ KISS FM show for a guest mix.
Featuring five tracks that make you reminisce about the summer, Thoughts features collaborations with Lostboi and veteran microphone champion ACMC. A melodic mixture of vibes that take your thoughts to chilling on a beach, cruising around the countryside with all of your windows down, getting your Big Lou crew cut fresh for the next festival to take yourself away from the real world for a bit.
We recently spoke to the Bruised Records top boy about his thoughts on some musical related topics and what’s in store for the near future.Thoughts EP is out now on all platforms, so let’s disconnect, read on and dive into Big Lou’s thoughts…
Congratulations on the release of ‘Thoughts’, how does it feel to release on Vibe Chemistry’s Make Your Era?
It’s a dream come true, no cap when I say I’m a huge Vibe Chemistry fan! It doesn’t feel real.
Definitely a pinch me moment for you, so we thought it would be great to hear your thoughts on a few things… What are your thoughts on the drum & bass scene at the moment?
I feel there’s a lot of negativity towards the huge changes in how artists need to adapt to todays social media crazed foundation but without change we wouldn’t develop and grow so I’m all for whatever change comes in the industry’s direction! There’s so much incredible talent coming from every angle and that is exciting.
In what ways do you think social media is helping the budding talent come through in the scene?
Social media is such an effective way of gaining exposure in todays climate, it’s a tricky game to master but I feel it’s only natural that the music industry is utilising it with the world being so heavily steered by technology and social media. I know there’s a lot of uncomfortable feelings and opinions on people having to use social media to get their music out there but with out change there would be no new music or development and I think that applies to anything. I’m excited to see what comes out of this movement, I’m regularly finding incredible talent that without social media, I wouldn’t encounter.
Change is good! What are your thoughts on festivals?
One of the best things to come out of the music industry, a great place to support artists, new and established, a fantastic place to bond with friends over music and also a great chance to disconnect from the usual grind!
There’s nothing quite like a festival atmosphere! What are your thoughts on raves?
Magical, I think raves are an insane way to enjoy music in a different dimension, listening to music through a rig is so exciting. Feeling the bass shake through you, the snares shimmer in your chest and the kick drum twist your brain is an experience like no other.
Love a brain shaking sound system! What are your thoughts on MCs?
Big fan! I perform with MC Franko on almost every occasion, I feel his contribution on the stage is vital to ensure the audience is excited and enjoying themselves.
They do bring amazing qualities to sets! Do you have a favourite track on the EP?
All of them! Each track on the EP is a very important composition to me – one of the reasons I’m so grateful they were all able to be released together.
Love that! How was your summer this year?
Summer was fantastic! I really felt the warmth this year, I channelled that into my writing- I felt a different angle of positivity this year which really helped me to explore my writing.
The positivity is oozing from you! This has been awesome, lastly, How are you finding running your own label?
I really enjoy running my own label, for me it’s all about community, I do it purely for the love of the music. I have made some incredible friends along the way who I would consider family. Running Bruised gives me a chance to share the love I have for the music with others and make an imprint I am proud to call my own.
