MOSS SIDE CARNIVAL : B2B @ RED BULL STAGE + VIDEO!

The Caribbean Carnival of Manchester returned to Moss Side this year for a vibrant celebration of culture and a two day party in Alexandra Park. Saturday saw the return of the sun and the Red Bull Music Academy Soundsystem with another huge line-up of bass heavy music and feel good vibes. 

Bloc2Bloc were down to get some cheeeky footage and caught up with some of Manchester's big dawgs and Radio1 selecta Toddla T before he shut down the stage alongside Chimpo. Check out the Video, Interviews and Photos below. 

 TODDLA T 

What can we expect from your b2b set with Chimpo? 

Plenty of dubplates, Chimpo is one of the only guys I know who really collects them as I do,  so we've both been really excited and up for carnival today. It's an honour and a privelege to play with Chimpo here and he's brought in a couple MCs aswell so maybe expect a Manchester showcase. 

Any new releases we should be looking forward to? 

Chimpo, Sam Binga and Trigga have recently released 'Who Run Tingz'  on my record label Girls music. I've been busy working on my next album which will feature only one singer throughout. I've also been in the studio with Meridian Dan and also Skepta so there's alot to look forward to.   

Could you tell us a little bit about your new venture, Steeze Clothing? Is there a dancehall influence? 

Ah Steeze, yes! That's my new clothing label I've been working on with Danny Beck. The label doesn't necessarily have a dancehall influence but this tee I'm wearing (see pic above) has a definite jamaican influence. Basically, I've always been into clothing and design and have spent a fair bit on t-shirts but I felt alot of stuff out there was overpriced so I started to design my own. It's all strictly online at the minute and available from the Steeze website. 

CHIMPO

How do you feel about the Carnival's return to Alexandra Park? 

This is without a doubt the best carnival we've had in 15 years. I've been coming carnival for over 25 and this is the one. 

What can we expect from Chimpo in the near future? 

Expect everything, there is nothing that it is not to be expected... Release wise though I'll  have a new solo EP out end of August on Par Excellence record label.  

Can you describe the sound? 

It's a mash-up I don't know what to call it, but it's big.

Check out Chimpo's Manchester Carnival Mix 

STRATEGY 

How do you feel carnival compares with other festivals you've hit up this summer? 

Carnival is free so already it has a different vibe to festivals people have paid for, there’s a real air of freedom. It’s more about the community aswell and the suns out, so its all good! 

What can we expect from Strategy today and in the near future? 

I'll be on stage later today performing a couple tunes with Chimpo. I'm Working on a fabric mix at the minute with dub phizix, we’re also touring with our night ‘well good do’,  so thats at Fabric and we’re going Croatia and Bristol too to start with. We’re looking to take it everywhere. 

Any new releases? 

I’m in the studio at the minute so you'll be hearing some new solo stuff soon. 

FOX 

How does Carnival compare to other performances or festivals? 

Little bit different it's home territory, I’ve not been carnival in years I was keeping low there was beef back then, the gunchester years and all that but things have changed. It’s an emotional return as well back at Alexandra Park. Its about the community, everybody's here and everybodys is skanking - it's love. 

What can we expect from Fox in the near future, any new releases?  

I’ve been working on the Swing Ting EP so that should be the next thing released, Swing Ting label has obviously had some big things going on with the new Madd Again EP. I’m collaborating with Chimpo at the minute too. Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you this but I’ve got the gangstaish tune to be released with Chimpo and Alix Perez. 

 Head to Swing Ting every 3rd Saturday at Soup Kitchen

TRIGGA

How do you feel about the Carnivals return to Alexandra Park? 

It's been about 10 years since I last came carnival they weren't really allowing the urban scene because of certain things going on at the time but its all come back around now. It's all big movements as a Manchester collective. 

What can we expect from Trigga and the Madd Again Soundsystem (Zed Bias, Killa Benz, and Specialist Moss) ? 

Expect 'Mad ting Vol 1' that will be released soon and we're working on our single EPs so there'll be tracks from Killa Benz out soon and a solo EP from me. 

What sort of sound would you say you were progressing towards? 

I'll always keep it real to drum and bass but I also like to show people different things. 

Where else can we catch you performing? 

We'll be at outlook in Croatia and also Mint Fest in September. 

Photography & Video : Josh Bannister

Blogger: @CJhamand

Bloc2BlocEntertainment.