JDNB Interview - Toby Ross
Bristol based DJ/Producer Toby Ross has been making movements in the scene over the past year. Toby’s music has received recognition from some of the hottest names in drum & bass, including having noteable releases on labels such as Dnb Allstars, Liondub International, Jungle Cakes, Deep In The Jungle Records and more. His sound is a unique style of jungle infused rollers which is always known to rock up the dance.
Toby’s sets always involve a perfect blend of heavy hitters, unreleased bangers and his own productions, creating a perfect vibe for any event. With his ever growing determination to master his craft, a vast collection of dubplates and big releases planned and in the works, the future is looking bright for Toby Ross.
With his 'Beyond EP' out now on Liondub International and after hitting number 1 in the Juno Download dnb and all genres singles charts, we thought it would be a good to have a quick chat!
Hi, 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! Pleasure, really happy to be involved. During the pandemic I’ve just been making music to be honest! Been trying to use all this time being stuck indoors as productively as possible.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from?
I’m 19 years old and grew up in a little village in the middle of Somerset, but moved to Bristol last year for my university studies. I have been listening to jungle and drum and bass since I was a young teen and started properly getting into it/djing at the age of 15.
Lots of talent has come from Bristol, who else should we be keeping our ears open for from these ends?
Definitely! There are so many talented producers coming from Bristol at the moment. Oram, Rise, Napes and Janaway are some of my favourite producers and good friends who are all smashing it right now.
What musical influences did you have growing up?
Growing up I had many musical influences, the majority being old reggae/roots/dub music that my parents used to play to me. As Well as 90’s jungle and Ragga dnb. I feel like these three genres are the biggest inspiration to me musically.
What first got you into jungle drum and bass, and was there a specific track that made you think “yeah this is the genre for me”?
Good question! There are loads of tracks that I've heard that made me fall in love with the music, however a big one for me was Shy FX’s remix of “Who Knows” by Protoje and also “Good Enough” by Serial Killaz. I still rinse these tunes to this day.
What does your studio consist of, and what’s your fav plug-in (if used)?
My studio consists of a pretty basic set up to be honest, I have a set of Adam T7V’s which I absolutely love, a Scarlett solo audio interface and a 25 key midi keyboard. My favourite plug in would definitely have to be iZotope Trash 2 as there are so many different things you can do with it.
Who are your top 3 dnb djs, mcs and artists right now?
My top 3 artists right now would have to be Bladerunner, L-Side and Gray. I admire their productions a lot.
You have your latest release ‘Beyond’ EP out now on Liondub International. How did this opportunity come about and what was the feeling like when you got the tracks signed?
It was an amazing feeling getting the opportunity for the EP, I couldn’t quite believe it to be honest! The opportunity came about through Parly B asking me for a remix of one his tracks for a release on Liondub, then Erik contacted me shortly after asking me if I wanted to do an EP for the label and of course I said yes!
What bit of advice would you give to new producers wanting to get their tracks heard by the major labels?
A Bit of advice I would give is to not be afraid to send music to big labels, even if they do not sign your music it is good for them to know your name. Also it's important to only send demos to one label at a time, and never give up!
Where do you get your inspiration from when making tracks?
I get a lot of inspiration from going out to raves and hearing music through a loud system! Gets me inspired to make tracks that will pop off in the dance haha! Also just through listening to a lot of different music and picking up ideas and elements from them all really.
If you could remix one track from Liondub International, which one would it be?
Good question, I would probably say Jayline - Anglo Saxxon
Name your top 5 Liondub International tracks?
Rumble - Gyalis (L-Side Remix)
What are your goals for the next year, hopefully plenty more music?
Yes, plenty more music! Just trying to be consistent with releases and making as much music as possible, I would also like to do more remixes and branch out by collaborating with more producers.
What would you say you like most about the www.jungledrumandbass.co.uk website?
I love the variety of music you promote on the website and the artist interviews too.
Thanks for your time. Lastly, any thanks or shoutouts?
No worries! Massive shoutout to Erik and the Liondub team for the opportunity for the EP and for helping me push my music and sound.
Toby Ross's 'Beyond' Ep is out now on Liondub International: Download / Stream Here
Toby Ross Socials:
Soundcloud / Facebook / Instagram
Liondub International Socials:
Juno / Soundcloud / Facebook
Interviewed And Edited By: Chilla
Published: 12/06/2021
