Hello there! So… An intro yeah? Well, my Mum called me James, my wife calls me Jay, but I’m professionally known as Virtue, which is kinda what this is about.

I’ve been actively involved in the wider DnB (Drum and Bass) scene for just over 10 years now, (although I’ve been DJing and tinkering around with producing for nearly double that!) I had my first release on Levela’s Multifunction imprint way back in 2011, (never listen to it, it’s awful. Haha) and released my debut album on John B’s Beta Recordings in 2016.

I went on a short hiatus in 2018 as I had other commitments and am now back with numerous projects slated for release in 2020 including some very prestigious labels… Watch out!

So Virtue what have you been up to the last 6 months/what projects have you been working on?

Loads actually! About 6 months ago I moved into a new studio space, so it’s been ridiculously helpful to my creative output, I’ve written lots of music and have been fortunate enough to have signed a few more bits to some very prestigious labels. Certainly something to look out for. I’ve also done some work with Witcombe festival for their lockdown livestreams, I’ve just had a new release out for a mental health charity cause called ‘Liquour Lights’ with an MC from Brighton called Kerizma… Yeah man… It’s been good.

Has the lockdown affected you in any way or has the unexpected solitude allowed your creativity to flow?

Absolutely not… It’s kind of bummed me out to be frank. I’m a bit of a creature of habit so this lockdown and break in routine has really thrown me. I’ve not been up to the studio because I have really been feeling it, you know? It’s been pretty difficult to get excited about music when you’ve got all sorts of other things running through your head. I also recently got married and have 2 kids so obviously their routines are all over the place too, and that’s sort of taken priority. But I’ve recently given myself a bit of a kick up the backside to get on with some stuff. It’s just one of them…

Will what’s gone on change or influence your work in future?

Not particularly… I’ll just be glad to get back into some sort of normality, as above I’m such a routine kinda guy and I’m not a particular fan of change beyond my control, I know that’s probably surprising for an “artist” as I know the stereotype is we tend to be quite chaotic personalities but yeah… I’d quite like to forget this era in life happened and certainly won’t be taking it into my music.

Will it make you look at life differently, if yes/no why?

Yeah actually… It sounds completely backwards as I DJ and produce but I’m actually not a massive fan of nightclubs haha. As a punter I mean, I don’t go out as a raver particularly often, and if I’m in a club you can probably assume I’m working. But I actually really miss it now! So I think the first thing I’ll be doing is rounding up the boys and having a good night out.

What can we expect to see from you when the lockdown’s over?

A bigger gut? Lol… As above I’ve not been particularly busy during lockdown but there’s certainly lots of stuff ready to come out that was done prior to it, so definitely watch out for that!

What are you looking forward to the most?

Seeing my friends. 100%. I really miss them.

If you had to be locked down with another Artist with the view of writing in collaboration, who would it be and why? #LockdownWriteDown

Am I allowed to say no one? Haha. I don’t particular gel well with people in the studio weirdly, I like to work with people remotely, I have my own pace and way of doing things so if I have anyone else in with me I tend to get a bit agitated. So instead of no one, I will say everyone. Everyone send me some audio stems and we’ll work together – Separately. Haha.

Is there any particular music or artist that you’re listening to as a way of lifting your spirits/inspiring you during these uncertain times #LockdownGetDown

I absolutely love Lo-Fi hip hop. Think J-dilla sorta sounds. It’s just all about catching that vibe man, D&B tends to be quite technical production wise and because everyone’s chasing that ear catching mixdown it’s quite laborious to make sometimes. With lo-fi stuff it’s just chuck it in and catch that flava, it’s so sick AND it’s obviously got a huge sampling culture behind it which immediately throws up the love for me. I’m a huge fan of obscure record sampling.

Do you find yourself eating different food during the lockdown, have you a favourite go to comfort food? #QuarantineCuisine

Basically… All the food… Ever… Hahaha.

Virtue thank you for giving us an insight into your life at this moment in time, we are definitely looking forward to hearing more of your music in the form of tracks or DJ sets.

No probs! Thanks for interviewing me! Stay safe!