Could you introduce yourself a little bit to the Czech and Slovak DnB fans?
DJ Viper (Paul Gibbons), age 20, very out going and lively person (dont be afraid to say hello to me). I have always been into DnB from an early age of 15 as i went to my first rave at a club in my local town Wolverhampton (UK). Ever since I heard the likes of Goldie, Fabio, Grooverider I knew from that day I wanted to be in there position as a DJ.
How did you get to DnB? Why? Do you have some sort of musical background?
My sister DJ Spice & brother in law JB showed me the way into DnB. They helped me push myself into the limelight of the stars of the future. They have been my influence to the Drum & Bass scene. I wanted to get into the scene as I love the music that much, thats why I want to DJ.
You are a member of the Back2basics crew, how come I couldn't find any info on the Back2basics website about you?
I currently run and update the Back 2 Basics site aswell as Music First, and I dont feel it's right just yet to put myself on the site until I feel I have acheived something worth while for me to enter on the site. In other words give it until the end of this year and I asure you I will be on the site. I'm currently contstructing my own site for the Kru im part of, Most Wanted (Viper, Vanitee & Darkman).
How did you get involved with Back2basics? How's the label doing?
I got involved with B2B through Spice & JB as when I started DJ'n I didn't want to get involved with B2B as I wanted to get a reputation from the bottom and work my way up, as I wanted to do and get to the top of the scene the hard way. Then when Spice & JB heard me play out for the first time JB wanted to introduce me to other clubs, as he felt that I had something, as every crowd I play to I will adapt to entertain.
What do you think about the scene in the UK? How often do you play?
The UK scene is very good at the moment there are alot of raves at the moment. I play almost every week at clubs up and down the country and often I play alot in America / Canada (Big up Drew & Mark).
Is DnB the only thing that you do for living?
I also run Music First Records, I do alot of things, the odd jobs for people etc. I'm like a handy Man.
You've been to Slovakia before, how did you like it?
I played last year in Slovakia and I will say that I really do love it, I think the people over there are brilliant, and I really like the vibe that Slovakia has for DnB. I really would like to go to slovakia more often as I get on well with the promoters (Big up Tomas & Galagha).
What about you newest production? What hardware do you use when producing?
At the moment I'm finishing some bits off (hopefully have them done for when I play in Slovakia). I only had started producing Mid this year as I have got through a bad patch with family problems which brought me down in my life, but I seem to have recovered from that now and I have been ordered by JB to make some tunes for a forth coming album. I use Cubase for my production sides, as I have just had my custom built computer made for me for specifically making tunes etc. (Real Cool).
What's your next single gonna be?
I think I will call the track Screws as the bass rolls and twists, I think it will do well. I won't really know until I finish it.
A lot UK DJs I talked to recently were really interested in politics and were mainly anti-Bush oriented, what do you think about these things?
I dont really pay attention to politics as I have no time to watch the news and what happens when I know I should, I do disagree with Bush, as he has still yet to find any arms of mass destruction. It speaks for itself. I personally think Bush went over there to take the oil fields!!! the only thing I agree with Bush is that he is looking out for the people of the world, and making sure that there are no mass destruction arms etc.
What music do you like besides DnB?
RnB, Dance I enjoy all music, but I prefer and enjoy the most DnB.
What do you think about liveacts and bands playing DnB, like Kosheeen, Uncut live, London Elektricity…is that a new trend, to play live?
I think that they are very talented to play live, it's like pop stars on their tours, they play live. I enjoy live bands, gives a sense of reality.
What was your worst festival experience and what was the best?
The best festival was the DnB kings festival in America, there was around 50,000 people, I had never played in front of that many people before, so I was nervous, but as soon as I got into the rythm, I was smashing the play, and now they want me back there next year. I have never really played at a worst festival.
Why do you call yourself DJ Viper?
I decided to call myself Viper as I chose that name when I was young, as I like to think that the name has a venomous backing!!!
What would be your current TOP 5 of DnB singles?
1. Porn Track – Spice
2. Signal – Fresh
3. Puppetwalk - Mampi Swift
4. Halloween – JB
5. Joyrider – JB
Questions: Stano