Bashy Interview

As one of Grime's most colourful characters, Bashy has been flying the flag for NW London since the early Eskimo Dance and Rinse FM glory days. Having shifted serious mixtape units with his unique flow and charismatic energy, the veteran is about to drop his latest single 'Black Boys'. Delivering a positive message to coincide with Black History Month, we caught up with Bashy Star to find out what's cracking.

Whats good Bashy - whats a typical day for you at the moment?
A typical day for me is super hectic! I get up & get ready - but by the time I have a shower I have about 20 missed calls. I handle my Myspace whilst on the phone sorting out my day. I have press to handle, a few radio phone interviews and then go on DJ shows to promote. After that it’s acting class. After that, a performance. Then it’s Bagel Bite or Tinseltown. I plan tomorrow, then finally hit my bed because I'm frass!

You've been a prominent figure in the scene since day. Tell us how you got to where you are now?
Hard work & patience! Thinking outside the box helps. My plan was to build my name gradually. I have never just been a heat of the moment artist. While other artists had the spotlight I was in the background and just did my work in the shadows! Top selling mixtapes, raves, pirate radio, DVD’s and my supporters have all played a part in making me who I am.

The 'Your Mum (Vol.1)' and 'Chupa Chups' mixtapes are two of the biggest selling mixtapes in the scene. How does one man shift so many units?
Grinding, that’s how! I just try to make my mixtapes as entertaining as possible. I want people to listen to my projects from start to finish without skipping a track - so I spit over many different genres. I also try innovative ideas like lollipops stuck to mixtapes, with crazy names to grab people's attention. I reckon I could sell more if I dedicated more time to it - but I haven't got the time. When I put together my official Street Team my mixtapes will hit crazy numbers.

Your flow has always remained distinctive because its relaxed and humorous. Did you find it hard to get noticed in a scene of double-time spitters and gun-chat?
Yeah I did find it very difficult at first. I saw people come in the game and get immediate hype. You don’t grab as much attention instantly when you have my style. I admit I even tried to blend in, follow the crowd and do the same - but it just didn’t suit me. So I took it back to my normal laid back/funny style because that’s me as a person! I think I’m liked better that way. My flow and content relates to a lot of people because I’m just that normal guy who grew up in the ends - there are a lot of people like that! Just check my album ‘Catch Me If You Can’ out in 2008.

Dizzee smashing festivals. Bizzle all over Radio One. Logan on Kiss. During your career, what key changes have taken Grime from a disorganised rave/radio scene into mainstream recognition?
The professionalism of everyone from certain artists to Radio DJs. Its about growing up and building the scene now - not destroying it. I’ve noticed that unless you have a credible product you aren’t going anywhere. You can't just bring in anyone anymore. I also think that the commercial outlets we have now are better. Some of us are finally on MTV after years of pushing and actually getting playlisted now. Stations such as 1xtra & Pyroradio are specifically for us, which can only be a good thing!

'Black Boys' is a deep empowering tune. What inspired you to write such a positive track?

We never celebrate our own successes so I just grabbed my parker & started scribbling. I’ve grown as an artist so this track shows my development. I also think MC's in a position have a responsibility to promote positive messages.

You name-check everyone from Megaman to Lenny Henry in the track. Who inspired you most as a youth?
My dad. He’s a hard worker and kept me away from the road as much as he could.

I hear rumours of a big series of remixes. What's cooking?
Don’t get me started…jeez! Okay let’s go: Ms Dyanamite, Akala, Swiss, Mike Glc, Scorcher, Duurty Goodz, Wretch 32, Ghetto, Bigz, Sincere, Tinie Tempah, Chipmunk, Shystie, Ty, J Soze... the List is endless and we are getting more features everyday!

What can Grime do to tackle gun crime?
Gun crime was here before Grime so let’s not get it twisted. But the music can help by not glorifying it! Talk about it if its relevant to your point.

How do you feel about Club Focus (the Met's rumoured black list of Grime MC's, DJ's and promoters)?
The Police are pussies sometimes in that respect! There are more drugs sold in House and Indie raves than Grime events. No one has ever died from an ecstasy pill at a Grime event, but they persist on making it difficult to put Grime/Hip Hop Nights on! I think its discrimination. But we have to keep pushing to find innovative ways to put nights on, instead of complaining. If we do everything they ask then they have no reason to lock off your event. When I had my launch party in March, over 1000 people turned out with absolutely no trouble.

Thanks for your time Bashy. One last thing; what flavour is your Chupa Chup and why?
Lemon Cola because its exclusive. They taste dutty and you can't get them in the shop... but they are on my mixtape!

www.myspace.com/bashystar