Straight Forward _ Interview With Ashley Borg

subsekt 047. Words and music with London’s Void Resident.

Without the power of teh internet, Ashley & subsekt would have probably never ‘met’. Based in London, he’s up to all sorts, but as we’re not there.. we definitely wouldn’t have got the chance to become friends. We get on well as he’s a genuine sort, extremely passionate and constantly on the same page as subsekt both musically and humourously (If dat iz gud gramah).

His mix is the first of the new year and of course; this is also an opportunity to get to know him better via a chat and the music that he has chosen for subsekt 047. We talk about his background, musical development, and Borg’s involvement with London’s VOID; as part of the monthly techno party’s crew. It’s a good chat and a GREAT mix, so rather than spoil it all by telling you where it’s all going to go, you should just probably read it and enjoy the music.

Hi Ashley, how are you doing? Before we get to talking about subsekt 047, can we go back a bit and find out about your background and stuff? Lie back on the couch please and relax. It would be good to know what sort of things you were into as a child, like your favourite toy or sport? Did you always have an interest in music?

Hey John, I’m great. Just easing in to the New Year n all that. Doing my usual juggling of Family, Techno and work (Not in that order) Hahaha….

Erm, when I was a kid I was a really into Football, used to play it religiously. I was very good; played for one of the best amateur teams in London, represented London county, had some trials for pro clubs and was nearly picked up by one of the London clubs when I was 18, only to be told I was too small for my age. It was a bit gutting, but growing up in that world, it made you stronger. I have a over 20 trophies won from that period.

I had a decent fall back in that I was good at design. Back then I used to do Graphic stuff, and dabble at designing clothes. In the end I went to Graphic Design university, which has led to my full time job now. But even back then growing up I was massively into music. My family are very religious, and contributed to the Church musically. I have aunts who sing and uncles who play instruments. There was an organ in my grandparents living room which we used to play about on and I was alway banging out drum rhythms or beatboxing.

I came across Dance music through pirate radio station Dream FM in 1992. They generally played Hardcore and then Jungle as it rose to prominence. This was a world away from what anybody I knew was listening to.

How did where you grew up influence you? Were there any key figures that left a positive mark?

I grew up in South East London, where I lived was OK. There were minor gangs and all of that, but I lived outside the estates and playing football kept me on the straight and narrow. My football coach was a huge figure for me growing up. He was young and black, but worked in the City, drove a nice car and had a fit Mrs. He set a good template for what one could achieve coming from that area if you had good morals and discipline.

My Mum was raising myself and my Bro alone and did a great job, so she too was a great role model. She’s shorter than 5ft, but gives as good as she gets. I’ve defo got her fire.

Though the teenage years are influential in so many ways, they can be a pretty dodgy phase nonetheless.  If you think back to those days, what music were you buying? Do any books or films still endure as favourites?

The teenage years were pretty straight forward. I just played football and concentrated at school. I didn’t buy music, only taped off pirate radio back then. Those days were a mix of Drum n Bass from Kool FM, then to Garage; not the shit Speed Garage stuff they put on those CDs. This was the stuff which later mutated to the MC polluted Grime.

I was really into Manga back then Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Cyber City, Fist of the North Star, and also early Jet-Li and Hong Kong Cinema. I’ve always been in to Eastern Culture, something I followed up by snatching myself a Vietnamese bride. Hahaha, well I didn’t pay for her and we’re not even married.