JDNB Interview: Higher Sector
James Holding AKA Higher Sector, hailing from West Bromwich UK, has been shelling radio since the age of 14 and over the years has progressed to carve his way into the UK underground music scene by producing heavyweight music to accompany his DJ sets. His work rate and dedication to the scene has taken him a long way as CEO of Vivid Recordings and the CEO of Certified DNB events, Higher Sector continues to provide a fire for the masses in multiple formats.
At his current age of 32, Higher sector has had his music signed with New York’s finest DNB label Liondub International, also the UK’s own SIKA records and Onyx Recordings. Coupled with a substantial certified artillery of unreleased bangers, exclusive dubplates and released top 10 hits on various digital distributors, Higher Sector combines this with 20 years of experience as a DJ to guarantee he gets every dance popping.
As he continues to collaborate with other producers and vocal artists such as Mr. Traumatik, Devilman, Maddy V, Sox and Fiasqo the levels keep increasing meaning he always brings something new to the dance. Currently, he is signed with SIKA Agency and available as a solo DJ or to be booked with his crew “The spartanz”. We had a little chat to talk about his release on Liondub Intertnational and all things DNB.
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?
First of all, Thanks for reaching out and calling me up for this interview. Much appreciated.
During Covid-19 I've been working harder than ever in the music industry. I have spent most of my time at my studio with other artists, creating a bag of music for this year and next.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you first got into jungle /drum and bass?
I first got into drum and bass when a friend showed me one of MC Bassman’s sets. It was something I had never heard before , so I started buying tape packs etc.
What would you say has been your 3 biggest achievements so far within the drum and bass scene?
1, My LionDub international Release 2, Working with Mc Devilman 3, Working with Mr Traumatik.
What does your studio consist of, and what’s your fav plug-in?
In my studio I have sound proofing, JBL monitors/Yamaha monitors, M-Audio interface, i7 Pc, midi keyboard, Mixer and a Mic.
Your ‘On Road’ EP on the legendary Liondub Street Series was Vol.42 of the series. When it dropped what was the feeling like and what kind of reactions did you get from it?
I was over the moon the day of the release, big up to LionDub for having faith in me…
The reactions were amazing, my inbox was going wild, everyone was tagging me on their stories. It felt great… Big up to you lot, the support was mental.
Which track did you have the most fun making on that EP?
Forces - ft Sam Harris
All the elements were totally different to what style I normally make.
What bit of advice would you give to new producers wanting to get their tracks heard by the major labels?
Everything takes time, The truth is… it's very hard for them to even give us the chance by listening , you could send 100 emails to 100 labels and not hear nothing back. But please don't let that get you down. Just keep pushing forward, working on new music, and one day it's got to come, before you know it all the labels will be emailing you.
I hear you have a new project you are working on, what's it called and what's your vision with the Spartanz Crew?
I have a bag of new projects I'm working on. I can't say too much but I'm working on a new project for Liondub International, also I'm working on a project for Sika Records ft Mc Devilman, Maddy v, Fiasqo and more.
When it comes to my team ‘Spartanz Crew’ (Startah - Nine - G-Dizzle- Tension - Raj) we have got some massive plans installed for you all. To start with there are 7 tracks nearly finished and music videos to follow up, bookings are coming in nicely for us as well, defo something to look out for next year.
Where do you get your inspiration from when making tracks?
This is a hard one to answer. I feel that I don't really get inspired, I just get on the pc and do what i need to do and have a lot of fun while doing it.
If you could remix one track from Liondub International, which one would it be?
Would be massive if i could get the chance to remix Macky Gee - The Hood
Name your top 5 Liondub International tracks?
Rumble FT. I Octane - Wine N Go Down
Navigator - Sound The Alarm - Serum VIP
Have 6 lol That was so hard to just pick that many…. So many sick tracks on the label
What are your goals for the next year?
Where to start lol, It's all down to what i can get finished and released this year, then anything left over will be released next year.
What would you say you like most about the www.jungledrumandbass.co.uk website?
Some great information on the website about releases etc, Nice clean site and easy to use
I think it's a great idea you have started, Hope to see a lot more.
Thanks for your time. Lastly, any thanks or shoutouts?
Too many names to mention but I will give it a go…Big up to…Chris Sika (SIKA STUDIOS) Devilman, Mr Traumatik and of course Erik aka Liondub!! Everyone thats been supporting from day1 and all my new Supporters
The BIGGEST shoutout would have to be my family for supporting me through all of this and not giving up on me and my dream!!
Higher Sector - 'Liondub Street Series Vol.42: On Road' is out now: Download / Stream Here
Higher Sector Socials:
Instagram / Facebook / Soundcloud
Liondub International Socials:
Juno / Soundcloud / Facebook
Interviewed And Edited By: Chilla
Puublished: 16/05/2021
