Strøm Mixx 047: Dubrunner

Hi Charlie, we’re happy to finally share this live recording of your set at Strøm Festival back in September. Since we last saw each other, you’ve been all around Asia on tour — can you give us the Dubrunner rundown?

Yeah, I’ve been in Asia for about two months now: four shows in India, one in Thailand, one in Malaysia, and two in Japan. This was my third trip out to Asia, and it’s always such an inspiring and crazy experience. Running clubs and events in Asia can be a lot more difficult financially, and organisers often have to navigate tougher government or police regulations than back home. Because of that, people really don’t take shit for granted, there’s a real sense of DIY spirit out here.

The rundown is really just a huge thank you to everyone who’s hosted me, such warmth and unbelievable talent from all crews: Always Make Noise & Party (IN), Read the Room (IN), Delirium (TH), Huru Hara (MY), Dub Tingz (MY), BS0 (JP), and West Harlem (JP).

You’ve had some iconic releases already — from your own label Menace to your recent remix for Om Unit’s Acid Dub Versions III. Can you tell us about your creative process this year?

Coming back to Berlin, I’m going to be deep in the studio this winter. I’ve got a lot of new ideas I want to explore – a lot of learning, refining technical skills, and pushing myself into new approaches I might’ve avoided before out of a lack of confidence. I’ve been in awe of producers like Jan Loup, Swimful, Yraki and Atrice – they all have this psychedelic sound design that underpins their different styles and I’m really inspired to push my own tracks more towards this.

I’m planning to spend more time developing my label Menace, opening it up to more artists globally. I’ve got a few schemes in the works that I’m genuinely gassed about. Worldwide Dubwise is coming slowly but surely.

Track collaborations have also been a big focus recently. It’s refreshing to break away from working alone, keeps me on my toes and it’s always jokes to produce with friends. I co-wrote two tracks for the Pressure Dome compilation with SCG and Yushh. Both tracks came about quite chaotically, and I’m super happy with how they turned out.

Dubrunner & SCG – Building Farm

Dubrunner & Yushh – Trash Panda

I’ve been taking some advice from Carré and just sending track stems around to people and seeing who’s up for a low-key bop. When I was staying in Goa, I spent an afternoon recording with Dhir Mody — an incredible drummer from India who’s got real Jazz and breakbeat tekkers. We recorded a bunch of ideas over some new material I’ve been working on, so I’m really excited to keep developing that project.

What’s next for you?

Just being more patient and trusting in the process.

22/11 Fast Castle ⥰ Salon des Amateurs, Düsseldorf
23/11 Bass Trace ⥰ Pratersauna, Vienna
06/12 Awkwardly Social ⥰ OHM, Berlin

1. Perko – Polly
2. The Etherealites – Dub Theme
3. Versa – Udah
4. Dubapes – Untitled
5. Krotone – Kill
6. Dubrunner – Bad Mind
7. Gent1e $oul – Line Of Sight
8. Oliver Prince – Subtle Deception
9. Nation of Noise – Xes Noiz – A1
10. Trance Vision Steppers – ReAction Dub
11. Andy Martin (ft. Gavsborg) – Plato & Caves
12. Bush Chemists – Light Up Your Spliff
13. Slimy Ape – Onstera (Dubrunner Remix)
14. Dubrunner – Ruthless
15. Indica Dubs & Vibronics (ft. Danny Red) – Calling For Jah
16. Indica Dubs & Vibronics – Destiny Dub
17. Egoless – Breathe (Egoless dub version pt.1)
18. Axle – Gangsta
19. mensik – Cuando todo se acaba
20. Al Wootton – JL (Priori Sharp Tool Mix)
21. Bandulu – New Foundation
22. Numa Crew – World of Reggae
23. RSD – Kingfisher
24. Blind Prophet & Bukkha – Stone Dub VIP
25. King Joe & Caracas dub – Run politician
26. RDG & Gaze ill – The Zone
27. Numa Crew (ft. Riko Dan) – Babylon (Dub Version)
28. Jah Maga (ft. Ras Tinny) – Wall of Evidence
29. Jah Maga (ft. Ras Tinny) – Wall of Evidence (Dubmix)
30. The Disciples – Bliss Dub
31. Unknown – ???
32. King General – Put Down The Gun (Steppers Remix)
33. Jah Warrior – Put Down The Dub (Steppers Remix)
34. Radikal Guru – Haunted
35. dubble (ft Dan Man) – Politricks
36. dubble (ft Dan Man) – Dub tricks
37. Alpha & Omega (ft Ras Tinny) – It’s Critical (Version)
38. Alpha And Omega – Big Shot Dub (Jah Warrior Remix)
39. Evergreen, Landlord, Ruckspin (ft. Danman) – Righteous (RSD Remix)
40. Drumterror (ft. Dego Ranking & Ed Hodge) – Social Dub
41. Mia Koden – ???
42. Dubrunner – Fallen Tree
43. Om Unit – Ascension (Dubrunner Remix)
44. Echo Beach – Superstylin (Rude Boy Version)