With it's roots in the UK, Garage music has spawned artists such as Artful Dodger, Craig David, and DJ Luck & MC Neat. And with the success of the UKG sound in Europe, Canadian DJ and producer 'Dubbles' is helping to open our ears to what our sometimes hipper cousins across the Atlantic are listening to. His newest mix CD features a collection of classic 2 Step tracks, both new and old, and he's currently in the studio working on an original single to be released later this year.

Dubbles and I had a chance to discuss, producing, dj'ing and the UKG scene.

What inspired this CD?

I have been following the UKG/2 Step scene for a number of years. However, being a DJ in clubs in Toronto, I noticed that when I played it people did not know how to react to it. I felt the best way to promote the music was to build awareness, and I thought doing a promotional mix CD of current, and past hits would help bring everyone up to speed in North America, and help build the scene here.

What were the challenges in making it?

There weren't too many challenges. Although it's strictly a promotional CD and not for sale, I did have to worry about the labels getting on me about copyrights. However that didn't pose to be a problem. Also, getting 2 Step vinyl in Canada is very hard so I had to rely on my links in the UK to get me the newest tracks in time for the CD.

2 Step doesn't seem to have caught on in Canada the way it has in the UK, why do you think that is?

That is a million dollar question. I think there are many reasons for that. First of all no matter how much we as Canadians think we are sovereign and have are own identity, we are totally influenced by Americans. So until Americans like it, we are not likely to follow it. Also, North America simply does not embrace different styles of music the same way Europe does. I find here people are very much stuck in a tunnel vision mode where what's hot is hot for the time, and then everyone jumps on the next musical style bandwagon. I find in Europe and other parts of the world many different styles of music are able to co-exist and still be successful. The fact remains that the big labels such as Sony, Warner, and BMG are all US based so when they decide its time for 2 Step here, is when you will see it getting more play here through remixes and artists.

How did you decide the tracks for this CD?

Well I wanted to cover a wide array of songs on the CD. Ranging from classic tracks such as "Ain't No Stoppin'" to up and coming clubs smashes like "Get Up", and of course for all the ladies exclusive UK remixes of Craig David's tracks.

And the response?

I am very happy with the response it has been great all across Canada and throughout the US. I've had people and promoters throughout the city embrace the CD, and they are very interested in bringing 2 Step into their regular nights at their clubs. I've also been in touch with Flirt Canada a massive supporter and launch pad for 2 Step in the great white north. There is a core underground following of 2 Step here and they have welcomed it with open arms.

What else can we look forward to?

As far as the future goes you can look forward to seeing a Volume II in the "Step 2 This" series coming closer to this summer. However, before I get working on that I am working on an original track that I would like to have released on a 12" single and get it out to all the DJ's in Canada, US, and UK to get it some play - just take it to the next level. As far as DJ'ng live, I'm currently in the talks with some prominent promoters in the city about getting regular 2 Step nights running. I'm also the 2 Step columnist for Vinyl Magazine based out of Montreal so check that, and I'll also be having a live broadcast coming from my website www.dubbles.net in the upcoming future so keep an eye out for that.

How is the club scene in Toronto compared to other cities?

I find the club scene to be getting very tired in Toronto. Many of the clubs are struggling now, and there has to be a new flavor in the scene to help bring it to life again. We in Toronto very much rely on what's hot now, instead of looking to see what's next, that's the one thing I find in Toronto compared to other international cities.


Dubbles Quick Facts:

Website: www.dubbles.net

Years DJ'ng: 10

First Record: MJ - Thriller, Billy Idol - Money Money, and those plastic Fisher price disks that acted as records on the toy!!

First Turntables: Age 13, dad's old Pioneer Belt driven turntable (it was horrible)

Current Listening To: Old to New - Lisa Lisa & The Cult Jam, DeBarge, to Wookie, and mix compilations.