I stumbled across this very talented photographer a few weeks back and in light of Georgina Cook and Ashes57 getting some hype recently for their insight into the UK’s underground music scene, it is yet another lady who is making waves, Nikanika. I had a chat with her via email and she is very humble, almost instantly agreeing to do an interview with us. NikA has shot some of the biggest names in the scene rangin form Ramadanman to Oneman, at venues like the Paradiso in Amsterdam to Fabric in London. She is also a graphic designer, check out her work here: http://www.nikanika.com. Enjoy her images and interview below.
GET SOME INTERVIEWS NIKANIKA
Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do? Hi there, my name is Rosa Maria Koolhoven, also known as Nika from Nikanika.com. I am from the Netherlands but moved to London in 2010 to follow a MA course in Image and Communication at Goldsmiths University of London. Next to that I am an (Dubstep) event photographer and graphic designer.
How did you end up in London? Since I got involved in the Dubstep scene back in 2006 the love for London got bigger and bigger every year. When I started taking pictures I traveled a lot back and forth from de UK to Holland. So when I planned to do a Master in another city/country the choice to go to London was made very quickly.
What was the first record you bought? Michael Jackson – Off The Wall. In terms of dubstep records I can’t really remember which was the first one, but Hijak – Tears is definitely my favorite.
What’s your favourite film, food and drink? The Other Guys / Sushi / Mojito (Cocktails in general!)
When did you first start taking pictures and how did you get involved in the London bass music scene? I started taking pictures because I met the talented Derek Djons, who was the first dubstep photographer in the Dutch scene. I am not sure why I wanted to start taking pictures, maybe because I got so inspired by the scene, the music, the people and Dereks pictures that I wanted to contribute something to.
After a while I got asked by Caspa to come to Fabric for his album launch to take pictures. That was the first time I went especially for a gig to the UK. After that more trips followed.
What/who inspires you? A lot of things inspire me. Music, graphic design, photography and illustration. Also people who work hard and follow their passion are a big inspiration and they keep me going.
What are you listening to right now? I’ve been hooked for a while now to Phaeleh. His tunes are just mind blowing. Also I discovered this new girl group Warpaint and their Billie Holiday track is so sweet. Their voices are really amazing.
Who should we be watching in 2011? Phaeleh, Pariah and everything from the labels Hemlock and Swamp81.
If money was no object, what would you do? Buy myself the perfect house somewhere in London with a fireplace, wooden floor, a room for my creative stuff, two cats, big piano and kitchen and invite all my family and friends over for an amazing dinner with lots of wine.
And finally, please complete the following sentence…
Solo show of London-based photographer Georgina Cook’s work. Her photographs have documented the explosion of the dubstep scene from it’s Croydon inception to worldwide dancefloor music. Being friends with many of the scene’s early protagonists, Cook has had an insight and access into the unfolding events that other photographers could only wish for. Well worth checking out.
LAVA Gallery 1.11 Kingly Court
Carnaby Street
London W1B 5PW
This should be a really interesting exhibition. As designer for Swamp 81, Deep Medi and Dubwar, Ashes57 has been heavily involved with the dubstep scene. Her line drawings and graphic design work have graced many record sleeves, flyers and websites and she continues to play her part in the movement, visualising the music that her friends are producing.
Over the years she has amassed a unique collection of photos, capturing the scene’s leading artists both behind the decks in packed out clubs, and in more intimate surroundings, away from the intensity of the dubstep parties. For this show she has complied a selection of her favourite photo portraits. Mala, Skream, Loefah, Coki, Benga, Silkie, Joker, Quest, Sgt Pokes – the pioneers are all here, alongside the emerging artists who represent future of Dubstep.
This show is at The Rag Factory for one night only: Thursday, 22nd July.
A little late, but they are here at long last!!!!! Thanks to SSG for taking the snaps. Holla if you’re in any of them… click on the thumbnails to enlarge the gallery of images.
As the year draws to a close, and the dust settles on Friday, we thought we would post up the pics of another great night! If you see yourself, please comment.Thanks to everyone who came, and to EXEL, ISHU, GREENA, DARK ARX, SSG, and everyone else involved. So, we hope all of you have a great X–Mas, and NYE, and we’ll see you in 2010…
It’s kinda like an advent calender, and this is the third day of GET SOME! Today we are proud to bring you an exclusive mini mix by DJ Greena which you can listen to and download here! Check it out and enjoy!!!!! Friday is looking BIG.
PEACE
Tracklist Julio Bashmore – um bongo (dead boy remix) (dub)
Karizma – how fly this life is
Pangea – sunset yellow (forthcoming hessle audio)
Jam City – underpass (dub)
Martin Kemp – after the night ( forthcoming blunted robots)
Mosca – square one (greena rmx) (forthcoming night slugs)
Mya – free (brackles rmx) (dub)
Zed Bias – neighbourhood (steve gurley rmx)
KMA – cape fear
Aardvarck – nosestep
Peverelist – esperanto
Davinche – buzz lightyear
Wiley – you would get wileup
As we kick off this week in the warm up to the party on Friday night, we bring you Exel’s interview and mix from Reggae Roast’s latest show at the Jazz Cafe featuring Ishu.
Name(s):
EXEL & MC ISHU
Where are you from? Where do you live now?
I was born in Hackney and still reside at London fields.
Who are you and what do you do?
I am 24 years old, I run an event & label called Reggae Roast and generally hustle.
A day in the life of you consists of….
Wake up, cup of tea, shower, switch on the mac, do the emails, work, cigarette, work, eat, cigarette, work, Coffee, work, meet my girl, chill, cigarette, eat & sleep. Roughly.
What was the first record you bought?
Cypress Hill – ‘Tequila Sunrise’ 12″
Who influenced your musical career?
Solution Sound System, Ghetto Priest, Adrian Sherwood, David Rodigan, Roni Size, Sizzla
Who are your influences now? (not necessarily musicians)
The dust looks to be settling after GET SOME 001. We would just like to thank everyone who came down to make it such an awesome party. Myself and Ouzo have been a little overwhelmed with what a positive reaction we have received since the party.
A massive shout out must go to all the DJs and everyone who helped in putting this party together – you know who you are!
Here are some shots, courtesy of P.O.W (if you took some pictures and would like to see them on the blog please send them to info@getsomeuk.com
Please keep checking the BLOG for updates, news, mixes, interviews and much, MUCH more!!
