TRIPLET OF BELLVILLE Reputation can make or break a man. Luckily, for Capetonian audio escapologist/dubstep producer Grégory Reveret, a.k.a. T.O.B. (Triplet of Bellville), life is all about the breaks, and the future is a good place to be. Jon Monsoon adjusts the volume and finds out why… DJs – they’re a funny breed. They spend a lot of time playing other people’s music, but come off like they made 98% of it. Either they’re so full of misguided self-importance, it’s impossible to take them seriously, or they’re non-committal to the point of nail-biting boredom on what makes them play what they play. Picasso (the artist, not the DJ) once said “Success is dangerous. One begins to copy oneself, and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others. It leads to sterility.” T.O.B.’s forthcoming single, ‘Phrygian Mode’, is an eye-wateringly dark slice of electronica that makes one thing clear: Sterility is not a place Greg Reveret knows the directions to. Evident in that he elects ‘dubstep’, one of the fringe genres of modern electronica, as his chosen aural weapon. “I’ve been told my sound isn’t like dubstep at all, which to me is a massive compliment,” asserts the DJ/producer, ensconced in his Long Street studio. “I don’t see myself as a dubstep artist and don’t want to be locked in that box,” he furthers on genrefication. “I’ve always found that not being too involved within the culture you make art for forces you to stay unique. I listen to as little dubstep as possible; it keeps my mind fresh.” ‘Fresh’ is certainly the word for it. ‘Phrygian Mode’ has impressed important ears around the globe such as those of BBC Radio1 DJ Bobby Friction and international heavyweights Bassnectar and David Starfire. “It’s one thing to be current and on top of your game but it‘s another to keep an open mind on current trends, whether they please you or not,” explains Greg. “Music is about evolution. To stay static is to admit your fate as a mortal artist.” That his music has tipped a toe in the dark side of the genre pool is undeniable, but what is the message? “Electronic music is a mental and physical expression. It’s about busting the fuck out on a dancefloor, letting the bassline bring out the inner demon in you. Music is not a message, it’s a holy experience!” Amen to that, brother. “Besides, nobody goes to clubs or festivals to listen to somebody’s message. That’s what church is for. I make music because it’s a form of expression. I am not here for World Peace; I’m just trying to expose my music to people who enjoy it.” T.O.B. is signed to Muti Music in the USA. ‘Phrygian Mode’ is released on 14 September 2009. Get in touch with him on www.myspace.com/ tripletcy. 45
one small seed
one small seed
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