The Dub Invasion Festival is a 10 day long excursion into the international musical phenomenon called dub, a style characterized by heavy bass, drums and copious use of effects, where the producer becomes the artist and the mixing board becomes an instrument. From its roots in 1960s Kingston reggae studios to its evolution into the digital age, dub has given birth to modern remix culture and its influence and production techniques can be heard across countless genres, from hip-hop, electronica, to punk and rock.

Out of the original Jamaican dub culture, a new generation of international producers and artists have infused the original sound with diverse influences, pushing the boundaries of the music throughout Europe, Japan and Latin America. Our goal is to introduce world class talents to a wide audience in New York and Boston and develop an infrastructure and platform for global collaboration and creative exchange.

The Dub Invasion Festival is jointly produced by Brooklyn-based music activists Sound Liberation Front and NYC’s Dubwise label Subatomic Sound.

1. Abstract Elements 'Abysmal Depths' - Exit
2. Calibre 'Thirst Dub' - Signature
3. Mode 'Stepping Stones' - Exit
4. Distance 'Regret' - Autonomic
5. Consequence 'Dreadtone' - Darkestral
6. Abstract Elements ' Abysmal Depth' - Exit
7. Lynx 'Disco Dodo' - Creative Source
8. Rockwell & Zero T 'Bone Structure' - Critical
9. Rockwell ' Stay Calm' - Critical
10. System 'Peach Fuzz' - Exit
11. ASC 'Matter Of Time - Non Plus
12. Need For Mirrors 'Gallows' - Shogun LTD
13. Bladerunner & Mr. Explicit 'Cause Of Death' - UFO
14. Wilkinson 'Moonwalker' - Ram Records

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We had a moment to talk shop with DJ, producer, and label-head LionDub about his guest-mix as well as what to expect from the label in the coming months:

BF:  Ez Erik. Thanks for taking the time out to talk to us.

LD: All good, thanks for taking an interest in my work and in the label.

BF:  First off, could you please tell us a little about the mix you put together for us and the inspiration and creative process behind it?

LD: It was a very spontaneous mix. Ive been inspired by the deeper side of drum and bass recently and seriously felt a need to grab a dozen or so of these these 'autonomic style' vinyls out of the bin at halcyon, and string them together in a mix. Creatively speaking, mixing this type of material is always challenging because of the many different, off-tempo drum patterns, but this particular mix came together fluidly and with ease.

BF: Were there specific tunes that you knew you wanted to incorporate from the beginning or was it a general mood and vibe that you wanted to center the mix around?

LD: I knew that this mix would be deeper and more experimental, but i really wanted to build up from that slower vibe into more energetic tracks and cap it off at a peak. I chose to go from Abstract Elements' experimental, bass heavy dancehall style all the way to Wilkinson's 'Moonwalker' which maintains the experimental feel of the earlier bits, but smashes on the floor as well.


BF: Whether it be channeled through dubstep or DnB releases, your music and label have always had a strong foundation in dub and reggae music and the surrounding culture. Could you talk a little bit about your musical background growing up in NYC and it's affect on the shaping of the Liondub Int'l sound?

LD: Reggae music has inspired me since i was a child. From listening to Bob Marley Exodus and Kaya on my Moms stereo, to listening to hip hop / reggae radio dj's.. NYC DJ's like Red Alert, Chuck Chillout, Gil Bailey and David Levy, these legends provided me with the inspiration to become a dj and to this day i love to mix and have carried that early inspiration through my life.

BF: If you had to choose ONE record in your bag that goes off equally well with dubstep, DnB, and reggae crowds alike, which would it be and why?

LD: Jahdan Blakkamoore - The General. It resonates with everyone ive ever played it for. The people just respond to it no matter what type of party it is, or where I am in the world.



BF: You recently started up a new bass monthly in Brooklyn called Full Spectrum. What is the overall philosophy behind the event and how does it set itself apart from some of the other parties exploring bass music at the moment?

LD: Full Spectrum is based on the love of music and family. Its about variety and not being narrow minded or genre specific. I wanted to create a party that literally has a strong core group of diverse djs who are down for the music, for the people. ...You can hear everything from hip hop party jams, to dancehall, to dubstep, grime, UK funky, old school house, techno, jungle and more, but in a way thats never been presented before. To me, and others, its the ultimate mash-up; 10 DJ's, 30 minutes each. I'm getting the best out of everyone who performs, and asking them to bring the most solid party jams non stop. It just keeps getting better.

BF: What can we be looking forward to over the next few months from the LionDub camp?

LD:  Tons of solid new releases from Ticklah, Noah D, Marcus Visionary, Bladerunner, Navigator, myself and more. We're pushing the limits of what we have done, exploring new territory and working with new talent constantly. We've just released Marcus Visionary's 2nd full length LP, a solid jungle record entitled 'Humble', as well as Noah D's Remix of Beenie Man's 'Rum and Red Bull.'

We are just about to drop the remix of Navigators' classic jungle anthem 'Inequity Worker' by Noah D which is gonna be accompanied by a video on February 1st. In addition I'm in the studio solid, working on remixes for David Boomah, Juakali, The DIrty Dubsters, Murdertronics, Jahdan & Noble Society, F-Troop and Navigator, Elephant Man and Subatomic Sound, Dubblestandart, MC Zulu, Dubmatix and more. There is a ton of new music in the pipeline for myself and the label, and I'm seriously glad to be apart of it all.


 NAVIGATOR - INEQUITY WORKER 2011 (NOAH D RMX) by liondub international

BF: and last, but certainly not least...where's the best Ital food in the city???

LD: Funny, but yeah, there's a spot out in Jamaica, Queens that cannot be beat. True ital, but unfortunately I've only been there a few times and can never remember the name. I'll have to get back at you on that one, but for solid ital vegetarian food in the city? My vote goes to Angelica Kitchen, 2nd ave and 12th street.


BF: Thanks again for taking the time!!

LD: Thanks to the Bassfaced crew... Keep it real.