WHO DJing and producing has never been busier, or more fun, for Toronto’s Dubmatix. The dub and reggae artist has put out a steady stream of releases since January, including two digital-only releases, a 7-inch released in Germany, another 10 remixes across Europe and his third mix CD Renegade Rocker, which has been called a “sonic assault” of booming drums and bass, and which just came out across Canada. Known for being very fan-oriented, Dubmatix got his start playing drums in a Toronto reggae band called One, which put him on the path to performing pure roots reggae and dub. After releasing his first CD, Champion Sound Clash, in 2004, he was well into the global reggae scene, topping the charts and touring with his influences, including legendary reggae stars Sugar Minott, Michael Rose, Alton Ellis and Ranking Joe. Renowned for playing deep, dark “riddims” live and for infectious beats when on the decks, Dubmatix also collaborates with CKLN-FM’s Version Xcursion, Nate Wize, Prince Blanco and Rednote as the Dub Collective. They play regularly at Thymeless, where each member brings a unique take on dub, roots, electro, hip-hop and drum ‘n’ bass on the last Saturday of every month. Currently promoting his CD by touring to festivals and clubs across Canada, Dubmatix will round out the summer with another CD release, this one representing his drum ‘n’ bass side project, DJ Ironbelly.

WHAT Reggae, dub, electro-dub, dancehall and drum ’n’ bass. “I’m drawn to music that has enormous groove, be it reggae or really hard-impact rock,” says Dubmatix, whose favourite kind of DJing experience is with “a club full of people ready to let go and enjoy the music. It’s amazing when you connect with people through music.”

WHERE June 7 at Andy Poolhall (489 College) with Version Xcursion and DJ Rednote (live to air from 8-10 p.m. on CKLN 88.1FM). Free until 10pm; $5 after.

FAVOURITE RECORD OF ALL TIME “That would be a tie: Led Zeppelin and King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown [by Augustus Pablo]. Both were records that had a deep impact on my ears and brain.”

FAVOURITE RECORD RIGHT NOW “Lots of Loving” by Ranking Dread. “I just got into this artist about a year ago and can’t get enough. He sings in the U-Roy style of toasting but has his own style and sound. It’s serious grooves.”

WHAT IS YOUR WEIRDEST DJING EXPERIENCE? “There are a few to choose from but in most recent memory it would be a show we played in Bretagne, France on a farm. We pulled up and it was… nothing but fields and they had somewhere around 5,000 cows being milked on one side of the barn and an arena-type stage setup on the other, complete with an amazing sound system and lighting that would make Pink Floyd envious. It was also the first time we got heckled for being Canadian — I think there was a Caribou reference used in a somewhat derogatory manner. Very funny night.”

DIGITAL OR ANALOG? “I’ve never really taken an ‘activist’ stance for analog or digital. For recording, both have been integrated in all aspects of the production process. As a medium for [listening to] music, they both have pros and cons — one looks and feels cool, like you’re part of something exclusive when you drop the needle, and the other allows you to carry thousands of records and songs in your pocket and play it anywhere.”

WHAT IS VITAL TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE? “Focus and consistency. A lot of time also goes into the business side of Dubmatix — CD prep, art, websites, marketing, promo — it never stops. There is no shortage of opportunities to help reach new fans these days so it’s important to keep your focus and goals in sight at all times.”

WHAT GLOBAL ISSUE CONCERNS YOU MOST RIGHT NOW? “Oil. The crude pricing affects everything and has the potential to throw the entire world into an economic crush.”

WHAT IS YOUR RING TONE RIGHT NOW? “I haven’t had a cellphone for four years and don’t plan on getting one unless it’s absolutely necessary — like touring in the woods.”

WHAT IS THE LAST GREAT FILM YOU SAW? There Will Be Blood. “An intense film with Daniel Day-Lewis who is the master of bringing any role to life. Dude was angry.”

WHAT ACTOR WOULD PLAY YOU IN A BIOPIC? “Dolph Lundgren. Really for his command of the English language and ability to emote.”

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Phil Ramone, Making Records. “This guy has won like 14 Grammys for producing everyone over the years — Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Billy Joel and so many more. It’s a very interesting look behind the scenes of what life is like as a producer and the roles they play in creating albums.”

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