Introducing V5 (Version 5) who is relatively new to the Drum & Bass scene. He found his new passion from London and Amsterdam where he got his first taste of D'n'B, since then he's completely re-invented himself.

Now playing Deep, Liquid and Atmospheric Drum & Bass V5 is pushing his style to the world.

Welcome to the network V5. Tell us about youself, how long have you been mixing?:

Hey, thanks. Im Owen, 33 from Dublin, Ireland. Ive been Djing since 2000/ 01 with limited success, a few good moments, more personal triumphs rather than bringing the house down. I originally started out mixing House music, then found Techno and now here I am at D'n'B.

I dont know how it happened really because I never paid much attention to D'n'B, till I bought a CD in London and started from there, I think what really convinced me about D'n'B was a trip to Amsterdam, I was on the train coming from the airport, when Inner City Life came on the I-Pod. Travelling through Amsterdam on a sunny morning with Inner City Life as the background music really did it for me, that was kind of the last thing I remember of that weekend hahaha. I soon after went out an bought Goldie's Timeless album and havnt looked back since.

I have found that I can express myself more musically with Liquid, Deep and Atmospheric D'n'B than I can with any other style of music. If I was to describe my mixes, if Im to be honest, they are best suited to early slots, bars or house parties where I create the vibe and get the night going, I never really seen myself as the headline act, more of a team player than star striker I would say.

What first got you into music and mixing?:

I suppose I was always into music from an early age. I tried to learn guitar and bass when I was younger but could never quite get it really. Then in the mid 90s I got into music in a big way, I remember one of the earliest tunes I heard from the 90's would have been Inner City Life on MTV's Chillout zone, on an early hazy Sunday morning I think...

When I look back to that time now, especially with MTV's Chill-out zone, I always did kind of like D'n'B, when I hear some tracks now, I think I loved that track, I just never knew who the artist or song name. If you were to ask me a year ago about artists and tracks I only remember two D'n'B songs by name and artist which are Goldie's Inner City Life and Boymerang's Soul Beat Runna

I remember the first set of decks I bought, I think they were just upgraded Gramophones to be honest, there was a lot of double beats and frustration but they got me to where I am now.

What equipment are you using for mixing, do you mix live vinyl or mp3's?:

I have Technics 1210's and Numark mixer at the minute. Over the years I could only keep my real gem vinyls, so most days I use mp3's with Serato, my record collection is mostly stored on a hard drive these days. I never took to CD decks and not much into mixing software either although I do use Ableton for DJing from time to time.

What is the significance of your DJ name V5, How did you get that name?:

I got the name V5 through laziness really haha, I was uploading stuff one day and needed a name quick, I had just bought Reason 5 software, on the box it had version 5 and I thought lovely that will do me...and then just shortened it to V5, I am open to suggestions though...Ive been called many names in my life, just none of them suited to flyers and stuff

Who or what are your influences in music?:

I mentioned Goldie,s Inner City Life, I have wide range of music that I would listen to...I think shuffle on the I-Pod is God given...Id listen to anyone from Pink Floyd, Orbital, Underworld, Future Sound of London through House, Techno onto D'n'B.

Drum and Bass wise, Id listen to Goldie, John B, Greg Packer, Carlito & Addiction, Makoto, J Majik, DJ Marky & XRS, I like a lot of stuff from the old Defunked Record Label too, I could probably go on forever with names so hopefully that will give an idea of what influences me.

What do you listen for in a beat?:

Hmm its hard to say, I generally take a whole song, listen to the intro's, outro's and breaks then work out which is the best song to mix into it. Coming from a Techno background, I generally listen out for specific sound's or noise's in a track too.

Do you produce your own music?:

Sometimes I do, I dont get to release much at the minute. The last release I had was for Abletons Beat The Clock Competition, not a winner but held its own. Im still relatively new to the Drum and Bass scene so there's no production's just yet, Im really enjoying DJing again at the minute so I tend to just record mixes more than making tracks.

What software / equipment do you use to produce your music?:

Software wise I use Ableton Live and Reason with a few differnet synths and effects. Equipment Ive got the Korg Nano series, Launchpad, Novation Nocturn, M-Audio's X Session Pro and Axiom 25. Sometimes when I get Lazy/ Creative I use Ableton to DJ too. Ableton Live for me anyway, is the mainstay of anything I do, all my productions and mixes either begin or end up in Ableton.

Do you play or host any regular events?:

No none at the minute Im afraid. I havnt played in a club for a few years to be honest. Sometimes, the way things work out, sacrifices have to be made, I had to stop playing out Im afraid but now Ive got a bit more time on my hands I hope to change that. Even though I stopped DJing in clubs I always kept playing at home though and brought in new gear to keep in step. Im pretty much limited to internet mixes these days though

What plans do you have in the future for yourself?:

While I see my headline days as over haha, Id say a few opening slots here and there, nothing to exciting. Im just happy to make mixes, if something comes of it, thats a plus. Since Ive made the cross over from Techno to D'n'B Ive been in uncharted waters really. D'n'B doesnt go down well where Im from so dont get many listeners, so really Im just looking to see where it all goes at the minute and see if I can pick up a few listeners, followers and some feedback too.

Tell us about your guest mix, what can we expect to hear?:

Basically I think there's a Summer vibe in this mix I tried to pick songs that have that feel good factor to them, ideally Id say this mix would be good on an I-Pod at the beach or just walking along in the sunshine. There's a lot of top tunes in this mix, with tracks from Carlito, John B, Greg Packer, DJ Marky and XRS and Cyantific and a few others plus there's a nice surprise at the end.

I edited a few of the tracks on this mix myself, like adding a few extra bars here and there and a few cuts from songs to add to it.

Anything else you would like to add, messages, shouts etc?:

Yeah Id like to thank the artists who's music I used to make this mix and other mixes Ive recorded. I suppose the only person I would like to thank right now is my girlfriend Vikki, who is also into D'n'B now lol. she's always the first to hear any mixes I make and since Ive been with her Ive managed to change my musical style, mixing style and basically a lot happier with DJing and music, happier than I have been for years to be honest. And plus the fact that she is the only person to see all of the ups and downs and still be there. So its a massive thanks to her

If I had a message it would only be that if people like this mix, Ive got a few more on Mixcloud they can listen too and follow me if they like. And if there is any D'n'B masters out there, Id love some feedback.

V5 (Version 5)

To get more music from V5 check out his links..

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/V5-DJProducer/195326330491096
Mixcloud: http://www.mixcloud.com/V5
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/preamp
Bookings: Owen Forsyth (V5) - 353 86 8438 104 - preamp@live.ie