About
Dub the Magic Dragon are a 5 piece band based in Melbourne, Australia.
They combine Eastern Traditional music with African/Latin rhythms and Western sensibilities to create an orgasmic listening experience.
The focal point of Sitar leading the tantric sounds of Dub/DrumnBass/DubStep produces a moveable, hypnotic and sexy sound.
A brief history....
Formed in Melbourne in 2005 by New Zealand Singer/Guitar/Sitar player Jeremy Malcomson (Ex-Zerostar, UK) and Polish/Canadian Drummer Arty Basinski, the duo quickly fused together Eastern traditional music with modern Drum n Bass and Dub/Reggae styles to create a fresh and unique sound with Western touches. With bass player Dave Westrip on board they had several residencies in inner Melbourne and put together an album entitled ‘Drag-On This’ in 2005. Produced locally and independently and promoted at gigs, the album sold over 400 copies.
Due to visa issues Arty had to leave Australia for a year in which both he and Jeremy wrote and prepared for a bigger band with a higher profile. In late 2006 the band re-formed in Melbourne and found it’s shape after many long weeks of auditions and rehearsals. (19 bass players to find the right one!!)
With Pete Warren-Smith (from dub outfit StereoVolvo) on Bass, Luke Page on Sax, Marty Smith on Trombone and MC Si, Dub the Magic Dragon - mk II debuted at Eurotrash in the CBD and quickly built a reputation as an exciting live event.
Often incorporating live circus and acrobatic acts, a typical show consisted of Sitar, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Percussion, Vocals, Horn section, Accordion, MC’s and Belly Dancers and has been described as “The best rave music you’ll ever hear except played on real instruments and totally live!”
With this energy a second album, "KAMA SUTRA", was produced in early 2008. It is available at a dozen inner Melbourne stores.
With the exit of Arty to begin a Canadian contingent of the band, Jeremy and Pete recruited Reuben Hedditch on Keys and Rene Mancuso on drums in late 2008. Regular guest MC Hugo 1 also became a permanent fixture within the band and together this solid core was worked upon intensively to create the foundation for bigger profile shows and the new album due out 2011.
With gained support from Don Steele, CEO of Vinyl Pusher Records, DTMD released an Ep entitled "The Devils Kiss" globally and exclusively through Vinyl Pusher in late 2009.
In April 2011 the band embarked on their first overseas tour to India, playing to extremely enthusiastic and excited audiences. The band were very well received and a foothold was planted in the Asian sub-continent. Their digital releases are now signed to Blue Frog Records based in Mumbai, India, for the Asian market.
The band aim their music at those who love a new, different and rich sound and want a real experience at a gig.
It’s Ravi Shankar meets The Chemical Brothers, Bob Marley meets DJ Shadow!
It’s high energy Dub/DrumnBass like you’ve never heard!
Photography by ShanTooZi 2011 All Rights Reserved
