Issue 32 web-2.pdf

ReloadINTERVIEW WITH STEVE BLAKLEY,THE “GODFATHER OF DENVERDRUM’N’BASSWords: Chad Allen / Photography: Sean HartgroveFor almost thirty years, Jungle or Drum’n’Bass music, known for its deep sub-bass patterns, hardcore,rough and sometimes funky higher melodies, with drums as a generally faster breakbeatstyle rhythm typically clocking at a swift 170-180 beats per minute, has become one of the mostrecognized and well known underground genres in EDM. DnB has also been one of the most influentialgenres in music. For most of the last decade Jungle music helped to mold the soundsof other popular genres like hip hop, trip hop, and all forms of EDM, as well as really pavingthe way for newer sounds like dubstep and trap music; making appearances in mainstreammedia, movies, and television every month.All across the globe, from the UK to the US, DnB has had a strong and dedicated following,holding true with some of the most loyal fans in any genre of music. Packing outvenues ranging from dive bars and clubs to filling the likes of concert halls, stadiums,and arenas, while testing the capacity limit. On a Saturday in Denver on a coolMay night, the Gothic Theater has opened its doors to one of the most notoriousDrum’n’Bass crews in the Midwest, RELOAD.For the last twenty years, to even mention Jungle or DnB music promotion inColorado meant you were aware of one name - Steve Blakley. Better knownfor his stage name DJ Fury, Blakley has been from the front lines of DnB tothe command center as a true pioneer of Drum’n’Bass. Named by some asthe “Godfather of Denver DnB”, Blakley has been one of the most dominantfigures in the genre’s rise to popularity. Since 1995, Blakley hasbeen promoting primarily all DnB shows. In the mid 90s he found hugesuccess with his Rewind series and as result in 1998, he and EricKozak (D.Ecco) took over a Thursday night spot at The Snake Pitmaking it the official home for the Reload Crew. Naming the night,Breakdown Thursdays, Reload brought some of the biggest DnBacts to The Snake Pit, solidifying its place in DnB history.140 InkSpiredMagazine.com