Cue Points: Dubrunner
This is Cue Points, a series where DJs get granular with current tracks in their sets, giving us the low-down on what makes them work.
Dubrunner is a DJ, producer and longtime stalwart of the Leeds nightlife scene, now based in London. His alias is a nod to an earlier phase in his quietly prolific career, during which he worked as a runner over at the celebrated Leeds sound system event Subdub.
In our estimation, it could also be a subtle hint to work in the time since, from co-founding the now infamous, bass-centric Stretchy Dance Supply party (self-described as “the UK’s only workout-based nightclub experience”) to stepping out on independent, community-centred UK labels like Scuffed Recordings and Jamz Supernova’s Future Bounce with his own batch of heads-down stompers. Over on Future Bounce, Dubrunner and fellow Stretch Dance Supply-er Breaka joined a veritable cast that included Scratcha DVA, Bianca Oblivion and Murder He Wrote earlier this month for a club compilation celebrating just some of the producers who have graced the label, as it marked five years in the game.
Today (18 October), Dubrunner rummages through his bag of tricks for Cue Points, sharing his favourite DJ tools, sunny weather staples and the track that never fails to inspire following a recent stint of shows that took him from the height of UK festival season to a tour of China before all roads wound back up in Leeds. Scroll down and hit play.
Indica Dub – Stop the Wars (Battlefield Dub Mix)
On Stop the Wars, Indica teams up with prolific vocalist Tena Stelin, striking a balance between conscious lyrics and serious bassweight. This version takes the rhythm section and pushes it even further. It’s the most useful to beatmatch out of the four cuts as it has a long breakdown near the end where track drops down to its fundamental elements. By using different hot cues, I can loop these into the next track whilst keeping the underlying dread. Tough production mastered by the legendary Russ D. It is certified soundclash material.
Al Wootton – JL (Priori Sharp Tool Mix)
This is one of my favourite DJ tools, it’s a versatile track with a deep techno feeling. Priori turns the original dub techno monster into something more club-friendly. The triplet kick makes it useful for moving between genres and as it doesn’t have a ‘proper’ bass’, I like to layer it with steppas basslines from other tracks underneath. Good for tricky transitions or for resetting the room and having space to think about where to go next.
Destrata – Silverskin
Vancouver-based artist Destrata’s Silverskin takes a proto-dubstep approach with an unnerving halftime groove. It’s a bit of mindfuck this one, filling the space with trippy vocals and percussion. The bass is suffocating which makes Silverskin an ideal track for turning the dancefloor into a swamp. If you’ve been to REEF before, you know the vibes.
Azu Tiwaline – Mei Long
Azu Tiwaline is such an inspiring producer. Mei Long taken from her latest LP builds on the deep hypnotic cuts from Draw Me a Silence and evolves them for the club. Every time I hear this track, I want to open Ableton and try make something with the same feeling. The arrangement and sonics on this are incredible – it’s so cinematic. Beginning with sounds from the cosmic outer reaches and slowly progressing into this incredibly tough warrior groove. You need bigger speakers for this.
Ahmed Ben Ali – Yarait
The opening cut Yarait from Ahmed Ben Ali’s album Subhana is my go-to track when the sun’s out. Masterful Libyan reggae that pushes the soundsystem in the best way. When the double-single came out back in 2020, I was completely hooked and I’m so glad to finally hear the full album. The playful synth horn blasts take a nod to the sound of traditional Libyan Mizwad music, all underpinned with a steady bouncing bass. In Ahmed’s own words, “to me it’s still original reggae, it’s Libyan style, not some bullshit.”
Future Bounce Club Series: Vol 2 featuring Dubrunner is out now via Future Bounce
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