Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

---

South London legend Plastician has been a pivotal figure in UK bass music since the turn of the millennium, helping to define the sounds of dubstep and grime alongside icons like Skepta, Skream, Benga, and Slimzee. In this interview, he offers a wealth of knowledge and insight into the evolution of both genres, while reflecting on the milestones and experiences of his own remarkable career.

Reflecting on his early days, Plastician recounts his time on pirate radio, nights spent clubbing in Croydon, and crate-digging at the iconic Big Apple Records. He discusses the origins of the seminal dubstep night FWD before detailing his entry into grime, from Slimzee releasing his first record to meeting Skepta and producing crossover anthems like Intensive Snare, Real Things, Back Then, and Todd Edwards-inspired "Tropical" grime. He also dives into the creation of his debut album, Beg To Differ, breaking down the creative process behind tracks like Japan as well standouts like Still Tippin and Dreading.

The conversation takes a personal turn as he shares wild stories from touring with Skream and Benga, reflects on the late Jackmaster, and how he changed his sound to move with the times.

Chapters:

00:00 - Musical Upbringing
04:53 - Pirate Radio
12:44 - Big Apple Records
22:20 - Production
25:16 - Rinse FM
33:53 - FWD
44:58 - First Release with Slimzee
49:57 - Cha
57:16 - Filthy Dub
1:02:16 - Grime (Rephlex)
1:10:40 - Meeting Skepta
1:14:30 - Brussels 2005
1:21:24 - Intensive Snare
1:32:08 - Tropical Grime
1:36:32 - Back Then (Still Tippin Remix)
1:42:08 - Beg To Differ
1:47:00 - Japan
1:52:07 - 2010s Dubstep Boom & Changing Sound
2:02:47 - Skream & Benga Tour
2:10:52 - Remembering Jackmaster
2:15:29 - Dreading
2:19:37 - Favourite Production

Credits:
Filmed by - Blue Laybourne & Louis Paillier
Edited by - DaMetalMessiah

Socials:
instagram.com/dametalmessiah
instagram.com/plastician
instagram.com/percymingle