JDNB Interview - G!FT
Daniel Christmas, better known as ‘GIFT’ an Essex based Drum and Bass Dj/Producer formally known as ‘DUTTY DUBZ’. He has extensively worked with Jayline over the years and Is MC FEARLESS 1st choice Dj, collaborating as ‘BULLETPROOF’ and holding down a regular show on ROUGH TEMPO!
From the late 2000’s he’s been a regular face on some of London and the south east’s biggest dnb radio stations, also playing alongside some of the scenes most iconic names.
Since 2018 ‘GIFT’ has taken it to the next level by following his passion making music, spending countless hours in the studio finding his sound and crafting it into dancefloor pleasure and attracting the attention of LIONDUB INTERNATIONAL.
Now with a brand new EP ‘PUNISHMENT’ out on the new Liondub international imprint ‘UPROAR AUDIO’, and a top spot on the DnB download charts ‘GIFT’ is definitely making his mark on the scene!!
Thanks for chatting with us here at JDNB. How have you been coping with the Covid-19 Pandemic and what have you been doing to fill your time?
Hi, Thanks for inviting me. Well last year was a struggle for everyone and it hit the artists the hardest!! I've been spending a lot of time in the studio also doin my regular show on Rough Tempo Radio and running by business so i've been pretty busy.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you went from Dutty Dubz to G!FT
I first started out dj-ing under Dubz around 15 years ago doing radio shows, until I met MC Fearless in 2016. He was callin me Dutty Dubz and it just stuck! Since then I've been working with Jayline learning production and thought I needed an alias and seeing as my surname is Christmas it just felt right lol.
What would you say has been your 3 biggest achievements so far within the drum and bass scene?
Hitting the top spot with my new PUNISHMENT EP on Junodownload.
Playing alongside legends like NICKY BM, MC FUNSTA, FEARLESS and BASSMAN to name a few.
Getting my music signed by LIONDUB INTERNATIONAL
What does your studio consist of, and what’s your fav plug-in?
I'm actually running quite a basic setup atm just a mac 2 yamaha hs7s and a decent sound card !! I'm currently using Reason 11 but know my way around fruity loops. For my fave plugin i'm gonna have to say PIGMENTS from arturia
Any new producers we should be keeping our ears open for?
There's too many to name but .. Defo look out for CONTEXT DNB !! These boys are heavy!!
Your recent release ‘Punishment EP’ is out now on Uproar Audio . What was the feeling like when you got the call to say your tracks were getting signed?
Tbh i've always doubted my ability and it was Jayline who gave me that boost and helped me push my music into the right hands, But yeah it felt pretty amazing and we're gonna be working together more in the future so watch out for that….
What bit of advice would you give to new producers wanting to get their tracks heard by the major labels??
It’s a hard game i'm not gonna lie but all I can say is don’t write yourself off and don’t be scared to ask for some advice or some feedback on your music. Real talent will always shine through.
Where do you get your inspiration from when making tracks?
I like to take a break from the studio often to get the head clear. My best music is always spontaneous. I tend to just roll with something and build off that. I also love jungle elements..
If you could remix one track from Liondub International, which one would it be?
Blackout Ja, Liondub, Daddy Freddy - Revolution
Name your top 5 Liondub International tracks?
Dungeon kru & Liondub – Fearless
Jayline & G!FT – Bacardy and Coke
Just for fun, you can book 5djs and 5mcs, who are you booking?
That’s easy….
Liondub, Andy C, Uncle Dugs, Jumpin Jack Frost, Brockie.
Fearless, Foxy, Exsman, Shabba, Skibadee….
What are your goals for the next year?
Hopefully get my new ep out this year and next year working closely with Liondub on future releases.
What would you say you like most about the www.jungledrumandbass.co.uk website?
Defo loving the interviews section, also great for new releases and future events info!!
Thanks for your time. Lastly any thanks or shoutouts?
It's been a pleasure. Firstly big up all the guys at www.jungledrumandbass.co.uk for having me. Also big shout to liondub international, Jayline and MC Fearless for helping me along the journey .
G!FT 'Punishment EP' is out now on Uproar Audio: Download / Stream Here
G!FT Socials:
Facebook / Spotify / Apple Music
Uproar Audio / Liondub International Socials:
Soundcloud / Facebook / Instagram
Interviewed And Edited By: Chilla
Pubslihed: 03/04/2021
