Om Unit: 'There's some really interesting stuff happening in Bristol right now'

Om Unit: 'There's some really interesting stuff happening in Bristol right now'

Posted on: 24 Dec 2019

This article was first published in LOUD Magazine Issue One, released in November 2019.

 


Jim Coles’ musical career spans more than two decades and a sizeable section of the BPM spectrum. Having operated under a number of different aliases, he’s perhaps best known as genre-spanning producer Om Unit. Existing at the forefront of hybrid bass-driven music, his tracks defy any attempt at pigeonholing, lying somewhere on the fringes of several different styles.

 

You may know him from his decade in the trenches of hip-hop turntablism as his alias 2tall in the 90s, or through his and Machinedrum’s seminal edits which bridged Chicago footwork with classic jungle under their ‘Dream Continuum’ moniker.

 

You might be aware of his position as a major member of the drum & bass scene, having released on Goldie’s legendary Metalheadz imprint, releasing a slew of heavy material in the process.

 

It could be his multiple releases on Civil Music and BUNIT that you’re familiar with, or his more recent album Self or his 2019 release,  Violet. You may have seen his name associated with his own Cosmic Bridge label that has previously championed heavyweights Kromestar, Boxcutter, Bristol’s own Krust and Danny Scrilla. You may well know Om Unit for all of the above, and then some.

 

Today, Coles’ philosophy with regards to music is one of duality: to learn and to teach. He’s always morphing into new directions, and, in turn, influencing others to do the same. Still playing festivals, clubs, radio stations, and releasing new material, he continues to study and put his own stamp on an endless range of electronic genres.

Om Unit. Image: Khali AckfordJim Coles, better known under his Om Unit alias, has been pushing boundaries throughout his extensive musical career. Image: Khali Ackford

 

What was your first avenue into electronic music?

 

It was hearing what we called ‘hardcore’ for the first time as a kid, hearing The Prodigy, and learning about rave culture at around 11/12 years old.

 

How did the Om Unit moniker come about?

 

I think from generally being a bit of a space cadet as a kid. I’ve always been into learning about various esoteric subjects, and the sound of ‘Om’ - the hymn of the universe - felt very open and subjective. The ‘Unit’ thing refers to a single thing or person. It’s a bit sci–fi sounding, but for me, it refers to this idea that music is the language of the spirit.

 

How has your music evolved over the years?

 

There’s been a few chapters I would say. I think really it’s been equal part learning techniques as much as navigating the balance of honesty and career stuff in a shifting musical landscape. I’ve mainly tried to just keep being honest musically and explore what interests me.

 

Why is it important to you to release music under different aliases?

 

It’s not a golden rule as such, but I find it useful to give myself permission to hone in on one idea that way. It’s exciting to approach things with a more fixed concept, given that I’m not really part of anyone scene or movement. They’re anchors in that sense.

 

What’s the wildest set you’ve played so far?

 

I was doing this live show with a mate from Antwerp and we were invited to play in a maximum-security prison as part of a local festival programme. My mate (DJ Lamont) had a section where he was doing breakcore stuff and there’s this guy sat up the front holding his ears looking really disturbed. I think he liked it though!

Om Unit at Bass Coast Festival.Om Unit behind the decks at Bass Coast Festival in July.

 

You’re known for retooling music and have spoken in the past about dubstep being explored in the 160 realm. With that in mind can you envision a new wave of electronic music in the UK?

 

I think myself and some peers have definitely explored this concept of uptempo bass music that sometimes references drum and bass/jungle and sometimes borrows from styles like footwork, garage, dubstep and others. We weren’t the first and won’t the be the last - there’s always a next generation.

 

Do you feel that Bristol has influenced your methods and musical style?

 

Definitely. It’s a very focused space culturally with a lot of blending influences. I think from pure geography and curiosity I’ve been very blessed to witness and get to know certain people here who form part of the rich tapestry of talented people who live in this city.

 

 

Where are some of your favourite Bristol venues?

 

Cosies! is one of the last few places in Bristol with a consistently well-curated set of nights on rotation, and it’s got such a long history. Steve Rice and John Stapleton put The Plough on the map for me as a real institution. 

 

Trinity Centre and The Exchange are both so important to the city and key Bristol venues. The Black Swan is great, too – a proper down and dirty rave spot, and host to some of the fringe promoters that don’t get a look in elsewhere.

 

Finally, who’s catching your eye in Bristol and the rest of the UK right now?

 

Sherelle. She deserves every bit of that love she’s getting, she’s been working quietly for years on her craft.

 

There’s some really interesting DIY music stuff happening in Bristol where it’s not so much about DJ culture but more about spontaneous musicianship and experimentation.

 

Watch out for groups like Young Echo, Avon Terror Corps and the Plaque/Slack Alice guys, nights like Cacophonous Sarcophagus and bands like EP64.


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Article by:

Hannah Moll

Hannah recently graduated with a degree in English with Writing. She is an avid writer, freelancer and creative. She is currently writing her first full-length novel and a collection of poetry. Always out and about in Bristol's music scene, she attends music events on a weekly basis.