Celebrating 10 years in the game, Teebee has established himself as one of the most respected producers and DJs in the close-knit drum & bass scene. Hailing from Norway, Teebee puts his global success down to the rapid emergence of the internet, giving him the ability to link up with people from across the world. Known for his dark and twisted production work, he’s been called a proponent of drum & bass sub-genres like ‘teckstep’ and ‘neurofunk’... just don’t tell him that!
How does it feel to have released 50 tracks since Subtitles started in 2000?
I am glad to have reached such a milestone, and to finally have the acceptance of the whole drum & bass scene. I guess Subtitles is finally mentioned along the lines of Hospital, Metalheadz, Virus and such now. That makes me proud! Sticking to a theme and making it on my own paid of in the end.
How has receiving the award from Knowledge Magazine in affected you?
It hasn’t affected me at all on a personal level really… It was nice to get the attention and the award at the time, but it was only one short moment.
Who currently do you have under Subtitles umbrella of artists?
Noisia, Phace, Break, Commix, State of Mind, Electro Soul System, Calyx, Teebee, Form, Djedi, Skitty and Misanthrop.
Your last album was in 2004 and now you’ve just released your latest mix, any plans for a new album?
I am doing a collab album with Calyx at the moment, due for release early next year. Not on Subtitles though, we’ll start a new label for the two of us as we plan extensive work together. Also, Subliminal Vol.2 is finished and it’ll be out within a couple of months. Subliminal Vol.1 was just a little freestyle mix, Vol.2 is very different. Late this year there might be a best of Teebee album as well, as I am celebrating 10 years of releasing music this year.
Your music has been characterised as strong, dark and futuristic sci-fi influenced. “It could also be classed as neurofunk or teckstep, although possessing a deeper ambient and atmospheric quality.” What is your take on that?
Why on earth do people always have to put music in brackets? It’s just drum and bass music! My aim is to make music for the soul and the feet! And girls hips… I hate teckstep and neurofunk. I think neurofunk is the stupidest word ever brought out as a name for a sub-genre!
How is playing drum & bass in Norway, compared to other countries?
People dance everywhere. It’s no different playing in Africa or in the mountains of Norway. Same vibe, same reaction. Drum & bass is a global phenomenon now because of the internet. The numbers might be higher in some places, but at the end of the day the joy and excitement is the same anywhere.
Does the style differ from place to place?
I represent me, I always have. When I get booked, I get booked on merit and history. People have an idea of what I represent though, that might change slightly from month to month. There’s still is a red line in my musical philosophy… I don’t take into consideration that I might be playing to a bunch of 18 year old ravers, they still get what I want to represent.
Do you have plans to continue your tour after Australia?
I have the same cycle every year pretty much. January I take the first 2 weeks off, then I do Europe gigs throughout the rest of January and February. USA for the month of March, then April and May is mainly Europe. June and July is Australia, NZ and Asia. August is my holiday, though I tend to work the last 2 weeks… and so on…
Drum & bass Arena has one and so does London Elektricity and Zinc. Would you be hosting a podcast anytime soon?
I surely hope so!
Teebee tours Australia with Black Sun Empire in June and July:
30th Jun – Perth, Heat Nightclub
1st Jul – Adelaide, Enchanted Festival
5th Jul – Brisbane, Moon Bar
6th Jul – Hobart – Halo Nightclub (excl BSE)
7th Jul – Melbourne, Colonial Hotel
8th Jul – Cairns, Soho Nightclub (excl BSE)
‘Subtitles Vol 1’, mixed by Teebee, is out now through Subtitles/Inertia.
