Dr Dubplate is doing it for the culture (and actually meaning it)

A lot of people bang on about “doing it for the culture.” But when Dr Dubplate and his Bristol-based label ec2a say it they actually mean it. Five years in, they’ve carved out a reputation for championing artists like Main Phase, Introspekt and INVT — while running a fashion line on the side? “We’re just trying to create something authentic,” he explains, “something that represents the sound we believe in.”

What’s compelling about Dr Dubplate isn’t just his output, though landing a coveted BBC Radio 1 Mini Mix spot is no small feat in the current climate. The mix – a rapid-fire showcase of tracks from Interplanetary Criminal and Eats Everything alongside his own productions – speaks to the reputation he’s built. But beyond the sets and the streams, it’s the obvious focus on community over hype. “The recognition is nice,” he admits when I mention Bicep naming ec2a the most exciting label in bass music, “but that’s never been the goal.” While co-signs from DJ EZ and Ben UFO have come, you get the sense that ec2a would be doing exactly the same without them — another night in some packed, sweaty Bristol venue, another carefully curated release. Five years where most labels barely make it to two? Without being too cheesy with it, that’s not just persistence, is it? That’s purpose — higher calling and that.

I sat down with Dr Dubplate (imagine if your GP handed you a nice vintage vinyl rather than instructions to go on a walk) ahead of ec2a’s 5th birthday to chat about building something lasting in a scene where everything feels increasingly disposable.

Amber Rawlings: How are you? How’s life treating you right now?

Dr Dubplate: I’m doing brilliantly, thank you. Life has been very kind to me — hectic, of course, but incredibly rewarding. I feel truly fortunate to wake up every day doing what I love, so I really can’t complain.  

AR: You’ve just been featured on BBC Radio 1 with a mix that included tracks from Interplanetary Criminal and a new collab with Y U QT. How do you approach creating a mix that represents both your personal sound and EC2A’s diverse roster?

DD: This was actually my first time putting together a minimix, and it was such an enjoyable challenge. The format is completely different from a standard mix — you have to craft grooves from just 25 seconds of each track, which added a fresh creative dimension to the process.  

AR: Bicep recently named EC2A as “the most exciting label in bass music” — a huge endorsement! How does that recognition from established artists impact your approach to curating releases as you celebrate this five-year milestone?

DD: That was an absolutely massive compliment — big shoutout to Bicep! I’ve been a huge fan of the “Feel My Bicep” blog since my university days. It introduced me to so many incredible artists. To receive that kind of endorsement from legends like them is incredibly affirming. From the beginning, our mission has been to amplify the underground and champion the next generation of talent, and it’s amazing to see people taking notice. As we grow, it’s vital to stay true to those roots — I think there’s an expectation that success leads to selling out, but the beauty of today’s bass music scene is that it’s possible to maintain underground credibility while building a sustainable career.  

AR: You mentioned in your recent interview that you started with just £250 and a desire to define culture. Now that EC2A is turning five, how has your vision for what the label represents evolved since the early days?

DD: I constantly remind myself of that initial hunger and drive — complacency is something I actively guard against. Music has always been a passion and something I’d be doing regardless of whether it was my full-time job. Success can sometimes distance you from the culture, so I make a conscious effort to stay immersed in every aspect of the scene. There’s no role in this business I haven’t handled myself, and that keeps me grounded. It’s a daily reminder of where we started and why we do this. 

AR: Between running EC2A and your fashion line (and, I guess, even your recent move to a new office space), you’re clearly not afraid of expansion. How do you balance growing the brand while maintaining that underground authenticity?

DD: The key is simple — never forget where you came from. I stay connected by going out to parties, discovering new artists, and digging through records on Discogs. It keeps the passion alive, and that authenticity naturally reflects in the brand. I also love drawing inspiration from past eras — a lot of my creative references come from scenes that thrived decades before me, and I try to channel that energy in my own way.  

AR: Your recent set at The Carpet Shop must have given you space to really explore. When you have that kind of extended format, how does your approach to selection differ — say, from a festival set? 

DD: All-night-long sets are a dream because there’s no time constraint. In today’s climate, where short, high-energy sets dominate, it’s easy to fall into the trap of playing banger after banger — but that can leave crowds exhausted early. Having five hours to play with was liberating. I could start slow, read the room, and build the energy organically. By the end, the place was packed and buzzing — no pressure to rely on big anthems, just pure experimentation and flow.  

AR: You’ve championed artists like Main Phase, Introspekt, and Silva Bumpa early in their careers. What qualities do you look for when deciding who becomes part of the EC2A family?

DD: Quality, authenticity, and depth of context. The artists you mentioned are true students of their craft — their productions exude authenticity because they’ve spent years refining their sound. Even someone as young as Bumpa has an incredible grasp of musical roots, and that foundation allows him to create something truly distinctive. When an artist has that level of understanding, their work stands out effortlessly.  

AR: The label has gained support from DJ EZ, Ben UFO, and Kettama. Having grown up with your dad working in the industry, how important has that kind of peer recognition been compared to commercial success?

My dad and Ade never chased recognition — they did what they did purely out of passion, and that mindset has stayed with me. I don’t make music for validation. I back the artists I believe in, and any support we get from peers is a bonus. Relying on external approval can be dangerous — if you don’t get it, you might doubt yourself unnecessarily. At the end of the day, fulfilment comes from the work itself.  

AR: Between your Bristol roots and your South London background, how have these different musical landscapes influenced the EC2A sound? 

DD: I’ve been incredibly lucky to grow up in South London and then immerse myself in Bristol’s music scene in my early twenties. Both cities have such rich musical histories that simply being there – going to parties, experiencing live music – shaped my perspective. That energy naturally feeds into everything we do with the label.  

AR: You’ve mentioned your passion for protecting small venues alongside playing major spots like Printworks. As EC2A continues to grow, how do you ensure you’re still contributing to grassroots club culture?

DD: Small venues are in my DNA — there’s nothing like a packed, sweaty basement with a killer sound system. But superclubs offer something different, and both have value. The key is balance: artists and management need to stay mindful of the culture that shaped them. There’s no reason why a big-name act playing Warehouse Project couldn’t also do an intimate set at Soup Kitchen—they’re entirely different experiences that don’t compete. It’s about fairness, transparency, and ensuring smaller venues aren’t left behind.  

AR: With your five-year anniversary tour hitting Bristol, Leeds, London, and Rotterdam, what can attendees expect that captures the essence of what EC2A has been building since its inception?

DD: A proper celebration of sound, energy, and community. Expect great music, good vibes, and the feeling of being part of something much bigger — a global movement that’s been years in the making.  

You can find out more about Dr Dubplate here.