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HEY RUDIMENTAL, WE’RE VERY EXCITED TO CATCH UP! SO, YOU RECENTLY SIGNED TO ROOM TWO (PART OF COLUMBIA RECORDS) AND RELEASED “BREAK MY HEART”. WHAT A TUNE! DOES THIS ERA MARK A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE BAND?

Yeah, it de nitely feels like a new era for us. I think with being stuck at home for the last few years due to the pandemic we’ve found our London roots again and are excited about all the new upcoming British artists and sounds. This almost feels like we are going full circle and coming back to our rst album type of vibes, and we are super excited for the next set of releases.

“BREAK MY HEART”, DESERVEDLY SO, MADE CLARA AMFO’S HOTTEST RECORD IN THE WORLD ON RADIO 1CONGRATULATIONS! HOW DOES IT FEEL TO STILL HAVE THE BEST SOUND IN THE WORLD AFTER ALL THESE YEARS OF MAKING MUSIC?

It was amazing to have Clara Amfo’s hottest record, we’re so grateful for Radio 1’s support over the years. It feels real good to still be relevant and playing on radio after all these years.

AS YOU’RE SIGNED TO A NEW LABEL, ARE YOU TAKING THINGS IN A NEW DIRECTION, WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT?

We have signed to Room Two at Columbia Records. It feels really exciting, they are giving us the creative freedom we need and really understand our sound. We’ve been making lots of dnb vibes and dance vibes, big festival moments you can rave out to. We are also going back to working with exciting new artists and hopefully break the next phase of Britain’s vocalists that you will hear about for the next 10 years!

WHEN ARE WE GOING TO SEE A NEW ALBUM, AND WHAT CREATIVE DIRECTION DO YOU ENVISAGE IT TAKING?

We are mainly releasing singles this year but are putting together an album in the background ready for 2024. It’s hard to give a creative direction just yet as we are just getting started on it but can de nitely say there will be plenty of upbeat moments you can rave to.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING COLLABORATIONS PLANNED OR ANY ARTISTS ON YOUR RADAR?

We are working with a lot of new exciting artists and hopefully break the next phase of British talent you will hear from over the next 10 years!

Peter Xan, Eliza Legzdina, Venbee, Charlotte Plank, Morgan are some of the new super talented artists we have been working with.

IS THERE ANY SCIENCE BEHIND THE TIME TRACKS TAKE YOU TO FINISH? AND ARE YOU SITTING ON MUCH MATERIAL, MAYBE PARTIALLY COMPLETE THAT MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT OFFICIALLY EVER BE RELEASED?

There’s no science to us nishing a track really. Just when we feel it’s right otherwise the nishing process can go on forever. There’s loads of music we make that might not see the light of day but we are thinking of new ways to give fans an insight to this catalogue.

WITH FESTIVAL SEASON UPON US, WE’RE SO EXCITED TO HEAR ABOUT “RUDIMENTAL LIVE”, A MASSIVE OPEN-AIR SHOW COMING UP THIS SUMMER AT SOUTH FACING FESTIVAL CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF YOUR 2013 SEMINAL ALBUM “HOME”. WE CAN’T QUITE BELIEVE IT’S BEEN 10 YEARS! WHAT TRACK ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO PERFORM LIVE?

It’s crazy that it’s been 10 years since our rst album Home. We are gassed to have our own show celebrating 10 years of the album. It’s very hard to choose a favourite song to perform from that album as they were all bangers.

ARE YOU GOING TO BE PLAYING AT OTHER FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER, AND DO YOU EVER GET INVOLVED AND HANG AROUND AFTER YOUR GIGS?

We’ve got a few other festivals Parklife being one of them. The others we can’t announce just yet. Yeah, we love festivals so might stay for the weekend at Parklife and have some fun!

WHAT’S RUDIMENTAL’S TOP FESTIVAL TIP?

Drink more water.

YOUR SOUND GETS PEOPLE SO PUMPED UP. WHAT’S THE MOST HYPED SHOW YOU CAN REMEMBER PERFORMING AND CAN YOU DESCRIBE IT FOR US PLEASE...

One of the most pumped up shows we done has to be at The Warehouse Project in Manchester. It got so hot and hype in there that all the sound got locked o as moisture was dripping from the ceilings! We had to let it cool down for a bit before going back on stage.

WHAT INGREDIENTS MAKE A RUDIMENTAL STYLE RAVE?

Expect the unexpected, good music and let yourself be free. Also leave the phone at home, enjoy the moment, make new friends!

THERE’S SO MUCH GOING ON IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WE WOULDN’T BE SURPRISED TO HEAR ABOUT ALIENS LANDING ON EARTH. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE RUDIMENTAL AND YOUR MUSIC TO… AN ALIEN?

I would explain Rudimental to an alien by playing them Alien Bashment o our rst album. Let the music do the talking.

IF YOU COULD TAKE CONTROL OF THE WORLD FOR A DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Have a rave.

CAN YOU TELL US ONE SECRET ABOUT THE BAND THAT FANS LIKELY WON’T KNOW?

When we tour, we often play 5-a-side football matches against locals. We are yet to be beaten!

HEY DARUDE, IT’S BEEN A WHILE! HOW ARE YOU KEEPING, AND FEELING TO BE BACK RELEASING YOUR OWN NEW MUSIC?

All is good, and yeah, it’s great to be releasing new music again!

YOUR NEW SINGLE OUTLAWS IS A DIFFERENT STYLE OF SOUND TO WHAT MANY WILL ASSOCIATE WITH DARUDE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ROUTE YOU ARE TAKING WITH YOUR MUSIC NOW?

Well, while some people only associate the Sandstorm sound with me, I have released 4 albums each of which have been more and more varied in the dance music realm, and using the signature #dududu very sparingly.

‘Outlaws’ is not necessarily ‘a route’, but just a track I’m releasing now and the next one might be a little di erent from it again. I’ve decided to make music rst – plan strategies, release orders and marketing after the music is done.

YOUR NEW SINGLE ALSO MARKS THE LAUNCH OF YOUR NEW RECORD LABEL – VIBING OUT, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS EXCITING VENTURE?

The music industry and the commercialism of it tends to skew how and why you make music and with my own label I’m taking some of the power back. I want to make music purely for me – for the enjoyment of the creation and the tinkering. That said, I’m not saying there aren’t some business realities in play when making music, and touring is a full-time job.

YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER BEEN INTERVIEWED WITHOUT BEING ASKED ABOUT SANDSTORM. WHILST WE LIKE TO BE DIFFERENT, WE SIMPLY MUST ASK ABOUT IT – SANDSTORM IS ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC DANCE SONGS EVER CREATED! IT STILL SOUNDS AMAZING TODAY. HOW DID LIFE CHANGE FOR YOU AFTER RELEASING THIS BACK IN 1999?

It did a full 180° I guess is fair to say. I was a student and a part-time worker at a computer store and in a couple of months I found myself being a touring artist with a track out that started climbing the charts rst in Finland, then everywhere else and it just kept on snowballing from there.

HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL LISTENING BACK TO THE SONG, 24 YEARS AFTER RELEASING IT?

I love every single millisecond of the track. Even if I hear it by myself somewhere, I’ll probably listen to it till the end as the build-ups still get me going, the opening lter on the Nord Rack 2 arp bass still gives me goosebumps and the onwards-forcing rhythm still automatically makes me try/run/drive faster. On top of that, and I know I’m being a bit sel sh and big-headed here, but imagine playing it live for a crowd that goes mental pretty much every time! Can’t hate that!

YOU’RE IN A ROOM WITH TWO DOORS, ONE LEADS TO A DREAM STUDIO SETUP, THE OTHER TO THE MAIN STAGE OF THE BIGGEST PARTY ON EARTH WITH FANS GOING MENTAL, WHICH DOOR DO YOU OPEN?

Easy. I’ve got access to my dream studio every day I’m home, so I’d rip the main stage door open and go rock the party with the stu I just made in my dream studio!

WHEN I ASK ABOUT DARUDE CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND BEST MOMENTS, WHAT SPRINGS TO MIND?

I’ve got so many great memories, but I’ll pick two very signi cant ones:

1) MTV Ibiza 2000 party, my rst time in Ibiza and I was in the crowd half an hour before my own set listening to Underworld, laughing, excited about hearing them, being in the moment, then sort of fast-forwarded to being on that stage myself, dropping Sandstorm and the crowd went crazy. It was very surreal.

2) December 31st, 2016, I played a New Year’s Eve set in the middle of Helsinki, Finland, for 100k people. I timed Sandstorm so that it’d drop exactly at midnight, there were huge reworks, it was absolute mayhem as a gig, but possibly even bigger in signi cance was that it was my track that started Finland’s 100 years of independence year celebrations, which I couldn’t have been prouder of!

WHAT HAS THIS SUMMER GOT IN STORE FOR DARUDE?

I’ll be touring and promoting my new music and label, likely wearing Vibing Out logos with a smile everywhere. I’ll be playing in the UK along with other places, so I won’t be bored, that’s for sure!

TO WRAP THINGS UP, WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEND TO YOUR FANS, OLD AND NEW?

I’ve always said the same: Come see me live if you can, don’t be a stranger, tell me face to face or on the socials if I sucked or rocked! Also, if you like what you see and hear of me, the biggest thing you can do for me is to just simply tell a friend or your social circles to check me out, too! When I’m not on the road, I’ll be streaming on twitch.tv on Fridays starting at 6 PM EET / 4 PM UK.

Travelling in your twenties is a unique opportunity to explore the world and learn more about yourself. It’s a time when you have fewer responsibilities and more exibility, which makes it an ideal time to go on a trip. We’ll discuss the bene ts of travelling in your twenties, o er tips on how to plan a trip, highlight popular travel destinations, and o er advice on how to overcome common challenges while travelling.

Exploring the world during your twenties is an experience like no other for many reasons.

You may have fewer responsibilities than you will have later in life. You probably do not have a full-time job, a family to support, or a mortgage to pay, which means you have more exibility in terms of time and money.

It is an excellent way to learn more about yourself. You’re still guring out who you are and what you want out of life, and travelling can help you discover your passions and shape your future goals.

Travelling can broaden your horizons and give you a new perspective on life. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about di erent cultures, taste new foods, and experience things you never thought possible. Travelling can also help you develop new skills, such as communication and problem-solving, that can bene t you in your personal and professional life.

In addition, it can be an excellent way to build your network and make connections with people from all over the world. You never know who you’ll meet on your travels, and those connections could prove valuable in the future.

Planning a trip in your twenties can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

Set a budget and start saving money. You may need to adjust your lifestyle to save money, but it will be worth it in the end.

Once you have a budget in place, start researching travel destinations and nd one that ts within your budget.

Consider travelling during the o -season to save money on ights and accommodation.

Be sure to do your research.

Learn about the local customs and cultural norms to avoid o ending anyone.

Safeguard yourself from unexpected situations when you’re overseas and invest in travel insurance.

And most importantly, be open-minded and exible. Things don’t always go as planned when travelling, and it’s essential to be able to adapt and go with the ow.

There are many popular travel destinations for young people, and the choice depends on your interests and preferences.

Backpacking through Europe is a popular option, as it o ers a chance to explore multiple countries and cultures.

Southeast Asia is also a popular destination, as it’s a ordable and has a rich cultural history.

Australia and New Zealand are also popular destinations, as they o er adventure sports and stunning landscapes.

Travelling can be challenging at times, especially when you’re in a foreign country. One of the most intimidating obstacles to overcome is the language barrier. If you’re travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language, consider learning some basic phrases before you go. This can help you navigate public transportation, order food, and ask for help if needed.

Travelling in your twenties is a unique opportunity to explore the world, learn about di erent cultures, and discover yourself. By following the tips and advice we’ve discussed, you can make the most of your travels and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or relaxing on a beach in Australia, travelling in your twenties is an experience like no other. It’s a time to step out of your comfort zone, take risks, and embrace new opportunities.

So, start planning your journey now and get ready to embark on an experience of a lifetime!

Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A CONTENT CREATOR, AND CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST “OFFICIAL” VIDEO?

It actually was all a bit of an accident to be honest! I never set out to do it! I have been an actor for a long time now and always adored comedy. I was working as a production runner a few years ago, driving cast around in a massive van and the girl (who is now one of my closest friends, Jahannah) who was a content creator said, ‘Hey you’re funny’ and I jumped in a sketch with her. She showed me the ropes! It was great fun and had a good response. I have always been a rm believer in ‘making your own work’ - I saw the opportunity this had and I started making a few more and BBC 3 reached out to me and asked me to write and create some sketches for their online commissions called ‘Quickies’ - I brought my friend Jahannah in and we ended up making 8 for them as the rst one hit over 20 million views. My platforms then grew from there and I thought, ah, I’ll keep doing this! I stopped for a while but picked it back up again in the pandemic when acting and writing work had gone quiet, and from there it’s grown massively!

YOUR VIDEOS RESONATE WITH SO MANY PEOPLE - IT’S AS IF YOU SAY WHAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE THINKING. WHO, OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU WHEN CREATING CONTENT?

Honestly, just humans. People watching and just picking up on certain behaviours. I call the sketches ‘observations of the human condition’ because that’s all they really are. We are so brilliantly weird and wonder -ful and unique, yet we all are so similar in so many ways and quirks.

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR PERSON WHO A LOT OF YOUR CONTENT IS BASED ON?

No, I don’t haha! A lot of people think they are based on people, or on myself, (I’d like to think I’m a little more chill! haha!) but they are just genuine observations, and then just exaggerated a little. Sometimes I’ll catch myself doing something and I’ll think ‘I wonder if other people do that’ and sometimes that inspires a sketch but the sketches are based on everyone and anyone.

WHICH CHARACTER HAVE YOU MOST ENJOYED ACTING?

I played an alcoholic who shoots her husband. I was covered head to toe in tattoos and that was really fun! I loved playing Marian because it was so physical and I love ght scenes. I got to use tonnes of weapons and also portray her as the hero she was! She was an outlaw and it was nice to show that side of her!

WHAT WOULD BE THE PERFECT CHARACTER OR MOVIE YOU’D WANT TO STAR IN?

I have been really lucky over the last couple of years and had some great roles in lms and TV. In terms of my dream movie to star in, I honestly couldn’t say! I adore acting and am grateful for any character I get to play. I’d love something gritty to really sink my teeth into. My debut play - ‘I Love You, Now What?’ has a run in The Pleasance Theatre, London, April 25th-29th, and that is a dream come true.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR DEBUT PLAY ‘I LOVE YOU, NOW WHAT’ AND HOW IT FEELS TO HAVE REACHED THIS HUGE CAREER MILESTONE?

‘I love you, now what?’ was written after my Dad passed away. It’s about the e ect grief has on relationships. Can love survive when someone dies? Grief is something that has been covered before but not like this (to my knowledge) and I wanted to bring honest human humour into it and real truth. It really is a powerful play. It’s funny, heart-breaking and raw. I have quite bad imposter syndrome and I’m so nervous about it! My career is something I have to ght for every day. It’s a really tough industry and coming from a working class home, you have to work twice as hard. I wrote this after obviously losing my Dad and I was feeling really frustrated that I wasn’t being seen in this industry. It sounds crazy, but when my Dad passed there was this huge rainbow right over us. Two years later I was ready to quit the industry and I had this series, (ILYNW) that had been stuck in development with a production company. I literally said to my Dad as I was driving, ‘What do I do? Should I give up? Should I make this into a play and do it myself?’ and three rainbows appeared in the sky. So I was like, ‘right, ok! I can take a hint!’ So for me, it’s just been a labour of pure love and wanting to create something that was ultimately massively cathartic for me and hopefully others too. I’m just really excited and feel really proud... and very very nervous!

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO ACTING?

Put yourself out there and make your own stu . Trust your gut and don’t give up! Create :) We have an amazing platform now on the internet so use it to show your work. You’ll always be working if you’re working on your own stu .

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST PERK OF YOUR “JOB” SO FAR?

There are so many. Just doing what I love and working for myself is one of the best perks. The travelling around the world (sometimes) and meeting new people. I got to go to Budapest once with Jahannah and we interviewed Will Smith dressed as some of our comedy characters. That has to be up there!

I have written a few series and my goal is to get my own TV show made. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A CONTENT CREATOR AND COMEDIAN?

IN TERMS OF COMEDY, WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

Mellissa McCarthy, Dawn French, Peter Kay, Jim Carrey, Sacha Baron Cohen, Diane Morgan, Will Ferrell. There are too many!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT!

Thank you so much for having me. It means a tonne. :) xxx

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