Goldie interview
HUCK speaks with legendary drum and bass producer Goldie about his involvement in SoleHeaven's upcoming Kicks N Canvas exhibition in London.
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Goldie has been producing drum and bass for over 15 years with his debut album, Timeless, still widely-considered to be one of the definitive records of the genre. In addition to an impressive career as a producer and DJ, Goldie also runs the successful label and club night, Metalheadz, which has become an internationally-revered institution within the drum and bass community.
You may even have witnessed Goldie in several blockbuster movies, including Guy Ritchie's Snatch and the James Bond film The World is Not Enough. Admittedly, he tends to conform to the Vinnie Jones school of acting in that every character he plays exudes the same tough guy persona. Still, Goldie has transcended into mainstream media more successfully than any of his musical contemporaries.
But what not many people know is that Goldie is also an exceptionally gifted artist. In the 1980s, he was an integral part of the UK graffiti scene and his work featured heavily in Afrikaa Bambaataa’s documentary, Bombing. He also took part in the largest ever British graffiti battle with Robert Del Naja, who went on to form seminal electronic collective, Massive Attack.
Goldie will once again display his artistic talents at SoleHeaven’s upcoming Kicks N Canvas exhibition at a secret location in London in April, where he will customise an Adidas shoe and paint a canvas to compliment the design.
HUCK: How did you get involved in Kicks N Canvas?
Goldie: I’ve always been big into trainers and I have done a lot of artwork and graffiti in the past so when I was asked to do something for the project I decided to go for it.
How much of a sneaker obsession do you have?
I have always been mad on trainers. Most people involved in hip hop in some way or another love trainers for some reason. Like most kids, I have collected trainers since I was very young. I fell in love with sneakers a long time ago. When I was in New York, I would spend hours checking out thrift shops looking for pink Puma States.
What shoes are your favourite?
Well, I was sponsored by DC Shoes for five years and so they would send me loads of trainers. They would end up being in my loft or the BMA so I ended up giving them all away to charity. I’ve always been a big Adidas fan as well.
What can you tell us about your project at the exhibition?
I am working on an Adidas trainer but I have not even started on it yet. The concept will come to me when I start working on it!
Are you familiar with any of the other artists that are taking part in the show?
Not really, to be honest. I am not familiar will any of them!
Well, there is one artist that is called Dickchicken and, as you might guess, they like to draw pictures of frozen chickens with a penis where the neck should be.
Wow! Ha ha! You know, I’m not really into that weird shit...
You were a big part of the UK graffiti scene in the 1980s and 1990s. Is that something you have continued doing or have other commitments made this impossible?
I’m just too busy with everything else. I’m 44-years-old and I have young kids to look after. When it comes to painting, you never lose it. I do art shows. I do benefits. I conceptualise. As far as art is concerned, it always comes from the same place, you know?
Do you have any plans for future shows this year?
I will have a show this year. I am just trying to mix it up again and look at different things that I like. Looking at different cliques and the way society reflects on certain products, just pushing it as usual. There will be no dead chickens - that’s for sure!
You’ve had a highly successful career as a drum and bass producer and appeared in many films. Is there anything else that you still want to achieve?
I’m pretty much alright, you know? I have done everything I wanted to so I am pretty okay at the moment. I am happy with where I am.
As you get older, are you finding it harder to maintain the DJ lifestyle of late nights and lots of partying?
Not really. It’s just work. I’m doing two gigs this weekend. I did three gigs last week. I am in good health, touch wood! I’m just doing what I am doing and seeing where it takes me. I get paid lots of money to play music to people. What kind of job is that? God, it’s so hard! Haha! It’s quite a blessing. Some people work in a factory and lose the skin off their fingers. I did all that years and years ago. I don’t really count what I do as work. It’s a hobby.
Goldie will be appearing at Kicks N Canvas at The Gallery, 50 Redchurch St, London from April 8- 18.
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