Your name: Alpha Steppa
You live in: France
Title of your last album: Raise The Ark
What is your personal definition of dub?
It stems from a style of mixing pioneered in Jamaica and became a genre of music in its own right. At the core, it is drum and bass with life and soul woven in via the hands of the dub mixer. It's magic.
What makes a good dub?
Space, bass and texture.
Which aspects of dub music fascinates you the most?
I love the spontaneity, the freedom and the experimentation.
How did you discover your passion for dub and how did you develop your-self and your music since then?
My dad taught me how to mix dub from a young age. I developed through incorporating all my other influences in life and music into myself dub.
What does the process of creating a typical dub track look like?
You need a spark; a vocal line, a bass line, a sample, a melody, percussion, a feeling ... something to ignite the idea, then get out the way and let the track build it- self.
When you are satisfied with a dub track you produced?
When I feel it drop and the crowd rise in a dance.
What is your special strength?
I have no need to fit in. This frees me and my music.
Which one of your albums do you consider your best work up to now?
Raise The Ark
Are you able to make a living with music?
Yes, I live a simple and happy life so don't need much.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I love to create. And it pleases me to know it brings joy to others.
What do you dread in the studio?
When I forget to drink my tea and it goes cold.
When you're not working on dubs, what is your favorite thing to do?
my hammock
What do you listen to besides dub music?
Folk, hip hop, trap, trad, blues, classical
If money and time didn't matter: Which project would you like to realize?
Money and time doesn't matter. But I need a new septic tank. I'd also like to develop a community where people could come to develop new ways of sustainable living and practice self inquiry.
Are there any sound system events that you particularly like to attend? Why?
Jah Shaka, always and forever the greatest, deepest and most mystical sound system experience.
What do you prefer: Studio work or sound system performance?
I love both. But if I had to choose one, creation is paramount, so studio would win.
Whom do you consider the greatest dub artist of all time?
My dad and aunt (Alpha & Omega)! Haha
And who is currently the most interesting dub artist?
Currently the most interesting dub artist is YahYu
Which sound system do you value the most?
Yeah Shaka
What are your personal top 5 dub albums?
A&O: Voice In The Wilderness
Jonah Dan: intergalactic Dub Rock
King Tubbies: Meet Rockers Uptown
Upsetters: Black Board Jungle
Scientists: Rids The World Of The Evil Curse Of The Vampires