Bali-based, Dreads Mad began collecting reggae 7-inch records in 2019. The selector acquired a sampler, then an SP-303 and MPC-60 II, and became a beat maker. Since then, he has also been digging jazz, soul, and Indonesian vinyl records to sample. In 2023, he released his first project, "Danger Dreads," with Danger Dope.

The full interview is below, taken from the Star Wax Bali special, and can be downloaded in English here.

Welcome! A glass of?

Coffee.

Your top 5 new releases

- Sattle “Spirits”

- Pete Rock & Common “The Auditorium Vol.1”

- Up, Bustle & Out “Light’Em Up, Blow’Em Up”

- Dj Shadow “Action Adventure” LP

- Danger Dreads “Let it Burn”

Your first approach to digging & Djing?

I have been DJing and digging since around 2019, and I prefer when people call me ‘selector’ than DJ. At first, I was collecting the 7-inch reggae records from rock steady, roots, and dub. Since I got this sampler machine, SP-303 and Mpc-60 II, I have been digging into all different genres, as jazz, soul and Indonesian, that I can sample and make beats on it.

Your first approach to beat making?

That was after the time I got the sampler machine, and it was difficult when I thought there were sounds on the pad for making a beat, but it’s actually empty (laugh) - soo funny - and I should put sounds or drum breaks from my vinyl. When I got that and learned about it, it’s actually so fun. And finally, I have a project with my friend, who is also a DJ and beatmaker influencer called Danger Dope. And we made a split, EP with him having four tracks and mine having four tracks and totalling 8 tracks. We named it “Danger Dreads”, as Danger Dope meets Dreadsmad. You can check out below. 

Who are your current main influences?

Lee Scratch Perry, King Tubby, Madlib, and all of my best friends who support me.

Can you explain the story behind the Mr Williamz dubplate? (streaming below)

Ohh, haha, that was rasta business and connection, I reached out to him on my insta when I got a notification that he followed me on Instagram, and a short story, he gave me 3 different dubplates.

Your top 3 Indonesian record labels?

Lokananta, Irama records, and Bali records

7 or 12inch?

Seven hehe.

What comes to your mind if I say modular?

As you can see, there were a lot of cables on modular, so the answer is complicated. However, I would love to learn about modular someday (laugh)

There are many bars and clubs with a mainly expatriate or tourist audience, but where should you go to listen music and spend an evening with Indonesians?

Potato Head Beach Club, Woods Bali, an empty beach and bring my own speaker (laugh).

What is your favorite Indonesian adage and could you translate into English too?

“Jangan Lupa akar mu”, it’s meaning: Dont forget where you’re from, or don’t ever forget you roots.

Your favorite Balinese-Indonesian food: starter, main course, and dessert?

Nasi campur and dessert is ice cream gelato

What comes to your mind if I say skate?

I am not skating, but I know how to cruise it (laugh).

Best memory on stage?

When I was touring in Thailand, I was playing at weed dispensary, and you know how best it is (laugh).

Your favorite software and hardware?

I am not that using software but I would like to say Ableton is the best.

Hardware is Mpc legacy - old school one - as I know that Mpc is the only machine built like a tank!

What must we know about tattoo lifestyle in Bali?

Huumm, I dont know what to say, to be honest, but yeah I do have a tattoos and they make me addicted, just like how addicted I am with vinyl records and beat making.

What job would you like to do if you weren’t a Dj-beatmaker?

I don’t know what I am gonna be (laugh), but I got a short story: I was working at a Spanish restaurant as bar man and waiter.

Another passion?

Design and web developer.

What next?

We never know what’s gonna happen, just do what you love and focus on it or don’t do at all.

Interviewed by DJ coshmar