Fred V and Graix are far cagier about whats in their wardrobe than the unreleased excusive white label tunes in their record box.
My checked shirt sources are highly confidential

Fred Vahrman (20) and Josh Jackson (18) are Fred V and Grafix. These guys are fresh into Uni and already storming up the credible drum n bass ladder faster than a fireman rescuing a cat up a tree.
Both Devon beys, Fred V and Grafix are now studying music production at Bath Spa University.

Fred V at only 20 has already gained the support and respect from top dnb DJs. Slightly younger Grafix is doing just as well, with growing reputation in the same places. The pair are getting recogised by drum n bass heads such as Grooverider (BBC Radio 1), Crissy Criss (BBC 1xtra), Danny Dyrd (Hospital Records) and KG. Fred V has already had Tell Me Tonight released on ?? and Grafix releasing Shoe Me How through Talkin Beatzrecords.

Playing back to back sets at Beachbreak, Glastonbury, Beautiful Days and Aeon, Fred V and Grafix are going to be the festival drum n bass noise in your ears, if you like it or not!


What got both of you into the electronic music and the rave scene? When did you start to DJ and produce your own tracks?

Fred V: I got given a second hand set of decks for my 15th birthday which came with a few soul:r and ram singles and I started mixing then. I had already been messing about with a few bits of software but then kind of naturally started making dnb.

Grafix: I got introduced to this software called fruity loops about 4-5 years ago, which was around the time I started getting in to dance music, and had no idea you could make music on a computer! A couple years later I upgraded to a mac with logic and started taking it more seriously.


You have collaborated on tracks together, but still do your own thing musically. You have had individual success producing music and DJing. You are often booked and billed to play back to back. Do you see Fred V and Grafix as a double act?

Fred V: For sure, playing gigs together is much more fun and gives the sets way more energy. Were also living together next year so there should be loads more collabs in the not too distant future.

Grafix: Yeah, defiantly, weve always enjoyed playing back to back, and when we get in the studio we are very productive.


How did you go about getting your music in the right hands? Who was the first person to take you guys seriously?

Fred V: Maxxi P was passing my tunes on to various people and sent a few bits to KG. Tell me Tonight was the first one he wanted to sign to Talkin Beatz which I was really pleased with and Ive got more tunes coming out on that label in the future.

Grafix: The Talkin Beatz label manager KG took us seriously before most people did. He has really helped me out, also Maxxi P forwarded some of my stuff to Nu Urban Music, which ended up getting me on an artist deal with them.


Tell us about signing with various labels. Was that a bit daunting at first?

Fred V: Yeah definitely, was more exiting than daunting though!

Grafix: It was, but at the same time we had been pushing our stuff for ages so it was also a great relief


So you are spending a lot of time in the Bristol area we hear. Can we expect anything big in the pipeline linked with Brizzol folk?

Fred V: We definitely have some big gigs planned there!

Grafix: Not in terms of releases, but we recently played at Run @ Motion, and have a few more Bristol dates coming up.


We all know when you get big and famous you get a rider. When that day comes and you can demand a ridiculous rider, what will be on it?!


Fred V: Mini fridge filled with Corona would be nice. Plus Xbox 360 and Fifa 2010 if the promoter can manage!

Grafix: Captain Morgans, freshly sliced lime, ginger beer, brown sugar and ice!


You both carry a pretty hefty record box, I doubt I would be able to even lift it! So cmon, whats in it we would all love to get our hands on? You must have some exclusives?


Fred V: Hectix Z Rays and Squash Divine are the two biggest unreleased tunes Im playing out at the moment.

Grafix: Recently I got Brookes Brothers Last Night' which will be out on their album on BBK, really really feeling it, its a proper summer tune. Also Sigma Baltimore' and Hectix Stop Playing Games'


Can we expect to see any interesting future collaborations with Fred V and Grafix? If you could choose anyone in drum n bass to work with, who would it be?

Fred V: Id love to work with Break maybe on some kind of musical thing like last chance. I think its also important to work with people from outside drum and bass.

Grafix: We have a lot of material we are working on together, hopefully it will surface before 2011! I personally would love to get in the studio with Camo & Krooked.


Did you know your choice of attire has seemed to set a bit of a trend? Can I ask where is the best place to get a checked shirt?!

Fred V: TK Maxx for value for money, Next if Im feeling rich!

Grafix: Hahaha! he laughs My checked shirt sources are highly confidential, however they are not hard to find!


What influenced you musically when you were growing up? Do you have uber trendy parents that have a decent record collection?

Fred V: Yeah my parents have an awesome collection which Ive spent many hours going through for samples. I think I like most of the stuff they like although my dad likes a lot of country music, which I personally cant stand!

Grafix: My parents are far from trendy. Im pretty sure I didnt draw any inspiration from Simply Red and Chris De Burgh! hmmmm! I liked a lot of melodic punky stuff, that influenced me to start playing guitar & drums.


You are both studying at University in Bath? Hows that going? Do you see yourselves being full time DJs/ producers? Or can we expect a change in musical career path for Fred V and Grafix?

Fred V: Yeah Id love to do music full time and hopefully thats what will happen after Uni. As for a change in musical career Im writing a lot of housey stuff at the moment.

Grafix: Bath is a really nice place and I am really enjoying myself. In terms of career, I have no idea, it would be nice to just be a DJ/ producer but that might not pay the bills! As long as I get to keep making tunes I really dont care. I wouldnt mind doing something to do with room acoustics.