Flare /flɛː/
1. noun: Sudden recurrence of an inflammation or other medical condition "Corticosteroid treatment for Crohn's or Colitis flares"
2. verb: Burn or shine with a sudden intensity
3. DJ: Flare is a well known DJ and most known for his invention of the flare scratch.
Back once again with the next installment of Flare4Flare. This time around we have the multifaceted talents of Dj Chrome.
Chrome’s Djing and vocal talents have reverberated through my musical library for many years. Being a local Hip Hop beacon in my home city of Norwich (U.K) Chrome has continued to shine a light, both behind the decks and on the mic. With that, let’s put you into the capable hands of the man himself.
About Chrome…
Chrome has been rhyming, cutting, breaking and generally living and breathing Hip Hop since the late 80's, so it's no wonder that his performance is a guaranteed full on Hip Hop immersion on your senses. Whilst always experimenting with new styles, Chrome has a whole lot of substance to back him up. In previous incarnations, Chrome has supported the biggest names in Hip Hop (Public Enemy, De La Soul, KRS-one to name a few); toured Europe and played at the Glastonbury festival, whilst charting in the BBC Radio 1Xtra top 10 and regularly airing on MTV.
Chrome’s latest collaboration sees him teaming up with a full live band, creating a musical masterpiece of fast lyrical trickery with plenty of funk, a heavy bass and machine tight drums, as well as scratch DJ Super JB’s incredible cuts. The feel-good vibe of the live show is unbeatable with off the scale energy levels rocking the crowd from the very first beat.
The vinyl release of the latest track ‘Dopamine Hit’ sold out in just 2 days and has just smashed its way to DJ Mag’s April edition single of the month. It has been getting airplay far and wide including BBC 6 Music where it was Tom Robinson’s Fresh on the Net tune of the week!
A word with Chrome…
Hey Mike, thanks so much for getting involved in Flare4Flare on Hospital Radio.
For those who may be unfamiliar with your craft, could you give them a bit of a history lesson in your vocal exploits as Chrome the MC, the Dj and your personal musical journey?
I got into Hip Hop music as a kid back in 1983 after seeing the 'Buffalo Gals' video on Top Of The Pops. It introduced both me and my older brother to ‘Breakin’ and Hip Hop. We started making music around ‘86 and eventually formed the crew DefTex in 87. The journey with DefTex was amazing, from being signed to Virgin records and Son Records, to performing at Glastonbury alongside semi naked dancing nuns haha! Whilst being first and foremost an MC, I have also been a very keen record collector and DJ. Having played support for some of the biggest names in the Hip Hop DJ world; like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, Cash Money, Jazzy Jay, DJ Premier etc...
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Hip Hop music has been there throughout my life, and i draw inspiration lyrically from the likes of Pharoahe Monch, Rakim, Freestyle Fellowship and the Juice Crew. As i grew older my tastes grew stronger, so today I listen to a lot of Reggae, Soul, Funk and World music. I’m also very much into Electronic music of all kinds, which inspires some of my DJ sets. My production for the 'Chrome' name still very much remains classic sounding Hip Hop.
We are very much aware of your talents on the mic and behind the decks, so what albums would be your top 5 digs from the crates, if you had to pick your desert island discs?
Always tough to pick just 5, with such a wide taste in music, and it would probably change tomorrow. But here goes…
1. Stevie Wonder - Innervisions
2. The Congos - Heart of the Congos
3. Organized Konfusion - Stress
5. The Mahavishnu Orchestra - The inner mountain flame
I love variety…
You've very recently released your solo album Dopamine Hit, featuring some amazing guests like Andy Cooper on Shockwave. What was the process like in creating the album? And which is your favourite track to perform to your audience?
The album took me and my DJ Super JB about a year to make and finish it. It was enjoyable compiling the beats that I had, sitting as basic loops and developing them into structured songs. Working with Andy Cooper was an absolute pleasure, as he was an ultra professional artist. He turned everything around for me very quickly, and provided so much fire to that track it’s definitely a personal favourite. As for performing live? I've really enjoyed performing the title track 'Dopamine Hit', with my live band, it just seems effortless when we play that track.
What is in the pipeline for yourself, any future projects or events you want to shout about?
We're currently planning to record a live EP, with some reworking of some tracks from the Lp, but also some fresh material too. I'm hoping to get myself out and about more as a DJ, also incorporating live MC’ing within the DJ sets, depending on the environment of course. Also, i'll be working on some new 'Chrome and Illinspired' material, going for that harder sound that we love doing.
We want Flare4Flare to keep growing, who would you like to challenge to bring a mix to the tables?
Haha, I'm much too nice a person to try and battle anyone. But because Hip Hop is installed in my DNA, I suppose I have to go big. I'd love to have a pop at Grandmaster Flash, as I feel he needs a kick up the arse! HAHA.
Lastly, before we got in touch had you ever heard of Crohn’s disease?
I have heard of it, and only really knew about the IBD side of it. But since being approached by you guys I have done further research, and was shocked to see how deeply it can affect someone with the condition. Well done to you, for raising the awareness and good luck for the future.
Cheers Mike for the support and being part of this.
Note: The Main-Source X Ageless Galaxy cap and jacket available now!! HERE And for all your streetwear and sneaker needs!
For more information on Chrome check his Bandcamp here or via Instagram here
...
Words: Matt Strutt , Chrome aka Mike Walkeden
Images & Video: Chrome Cover: Chris Colouryum Audio Edits: Flint & Steel
Contributors: André Leitão
Enjoyed this article? Like GCASFM on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.