Sleeve Notes: Audio Monsters

Sleeve Notes is a new series where we pick an artist and get them to make a themed mix. This week: Audio Monsters, a new duo who have remixed Craig David and include Shabz from So Solid Crew among the ranks.

Noisey: Hi Audio Monsters. What's your favourite monster and why?
Audio Monsters: Cookie Monster! I’m sure many would agree, one the best snack inventions ever made. Without cookies, our studio sessions would never be the same!

You guys have released an official remix for Craig David. What's your seven day schedule like?

Right now pretty much hectic. We’re naturally pretty late risers. so by the time we’re up and meet at the studio its game time. We’re nailing our EP Monster Sound due for release in the Spring. We have nothing on Craig David’s seven days.

You're from South London right? What are the three best things about South?

The culture: there is a strong sense of fashion and music coming from the streets. There are plenty of blocks that contribute to the look and feel of it all. South is so cool!

The food: we have the best eating spots. We love spices, Brixton is one of our favourite eating spots. You have to try Steak and Rice from Black and Whites and True Flavours. Both of them are in Brixton and a must stop!

The music: there's so much different languages of music being blown from the speakers. In the summer, we spend a lot of time around South and you hear the fusion of all the sounds. 2014 saw great rappers come through too; Krept and Konan, Stormzy to just name a few. We rate them all.

What are the three worst things?
Good question. Food shops food finish by 9pm HAAAA. Get there early when in South! Not enough good parties! We need to step in and do something about this when the EP is completed. And we can't think of a third, sorry.

Shabz, you used to be in So Solid Crew right? What do you think about the current state of the UK Urban scene, and the grime revival?

Its incredible. Its gone back to building your own genuine hype. Having your city behind you before the rest of the country hears you. Also its gone back to the basics of the sound system, decks and a mic. Culture clash is a true reflection of this! We’re glad the new generation is now going to experience the REAL PARTIES!

What are you guys working on at the moment?

Our EP Monster Sound. Everyone will have an opportunity to hear a full body of work and hear what we’re bringing to 2015, keep an ear out for the first track called "Come Through".

Tell us about the overarching theme with the mix?

Uk Garage is back and has been influencing Dance music scene since jump in 2014. We wanted to show people the evolution of 2 step; of where it started to where it is now. Both sides from old to new are banging records and sound very much the same. We love how UKG from the 2000’s can still stand next to new age dance; from the sound, vibe and energy. We love 2 step and the fusion of Urban music. It's the best Electronic Dance music ever created.

Here's a few of our favourite tracks on the mix and why we chose them:

Arman Van Helden - "Sugar Daddy" (Sneakers Pimp Mix)

What can we say. Best Speed garage tune ever made. Oldie but a goldie man. Still gets the floor going nuts when we drop it. Both old and newcomers to the sound appreciate the sexy cool about the record and the bass drop and the way it takes you on that journey is immense OH GHOSH!

Audio Monsters - "Trouble"

This is our first record we dropped on Soundcloud. This was our fusion of old school garage but with the new age sprinkle of adding a killer song on top. This is the true sound Audio Monsters are going to bring in 2015.

Craig David - "Rewind"

People need to hear this if they have missed it. The drop, simplicity of the record still works. Still represents the underground culture and it's fun. Love this record. Craig Smashed this!!!

@audiomonstersUK