By James Broadhurst

It has been seven years since the Bulletproof name first appeared on a record label, two years since Jay Monds took on the Bulletproof name as a solo project and the stage is set for 2007 to be one of the most memorable years for this immensley talented producer.

The Bulletproof name was born and nurtured in New Zealand and Jay Monds and Josh Lees’ first vinyl release, ‘Not Human’ backed with ‘Echolon,’ hit the shelves courtesy of Perspective Recordings in the year 2000.

As time passed the Bulletproof sound became hot property. Several remixes, collaborations and solo works were chosen to appear on a number of compilations from artists like Total Science, Kasra and cover CDs for magazines like Knowledge, Pulp and Remix.

As the Bulletproof name gathered momentum in the early years of the new millenium a string of releases on some of the biggest and most recognisable labels in drum and bass followed, which did nothing but add to the Bulletproof experience.

These releases demonstrated the innovative and diverse abilities of one of New Zealand’s premier drum and bass production duos with tracks to satisfy even the most discerning drum and bass fan appearing on several Trouble On Vinyl imprints, Critical Recordings and C.I.A.

The Bulletproof sound was continually evolving and becoming more refined with every release and they began to establish themselves as producers with a purpose as they contiued to release music of the highest quality and plenty of dancefloor appeal.

Never one to be content with sticking to trends, tastes or expectations; Bulletproof began to explore the deeper and darker sides of drum and bass and this is where Bulletproof found their true calling as producers.

After discovering and unearthing their taste for the nastier side of the drum and bass spectrum, Bulletproof began to spearhead the tech and neuro-funk movement in New Zealand and it didn’t take long for the rest of the world to take notice.

Bulletproof craved control over the direction their music was taking and so Cyanide Recordings was established in the year 2000. After creating an outlet for their own material Bulletproof began to push their distinctive interpretation of drum and bass, a unique blend of filth and funk, to anyone with open ears and an open mind.

To date Cyanide Recordings has 20 releases to its name and artists including Pacific, Psidream, Catacomb and Phace have made noteworthy contributions to the rise and success of the Cyanide imprint.

The Bulletproof show became a one man affair in 2005, leaving Jay Monds as the heart and soul of Bulletproof, and since going solo there has been no loss in the quality, or quantity, of any release bearing the Bulletproof name.

Monds’ hard work and devotion to drum and bass looks set to continue in 2007 with his taste and talent as a producer and DJ attracting a lot of attention from promoters, punters and the record buying public the world over.

Stopping over in Perth for one night only, the Perth show is the first stop outside of New Zealand to promote and showcase the Shake The Foundations CD and LP. Monds says Perth is one of his favourite touring destinations the world over and speaks very highly of the Perth industry.

“I love Perth, its pretty much one of my favorite places to play on earth, the scene is awesome, the crowds are just mental and the vibes are second to none.”

Shake The Foundations is a compilation featuring some of the most pivotal tracks throughout Bulletproofs drum and bass career, as well as some exclusive, preciously unreleased, material.

After being involved in the international drum and bass scene as a promoter, DJ and producer for 13 years, Bulletproof said he felt the time was right to put together a collection of beats, breaks and basslines representing him, and his musical journey, as an artist.

Later in 2007 you can expect to see a collaborative LP on the Cyanide imprint in the later stages of this year, which will include collaborations from Bulletproof and some of the most forward thinking neuro-funk producers around the world.

So what can you expect from Bulletproof when he appears in Perth to destroy the Bar Open soundsystem? “A couple of hours of quality beats! No cheese or wobble like some of that Pendulum business, and serious; serious neuro-funk.”

If you are intrigued as to the direction Bulletproof and Cyanide Recordings will be taking in 2007 this is definitely a show you can’t afford to miss. With the latest and greatest sounds from a myriad of drum and bass producers at his disposal, Monds will make this a night you won’t forget in a hurry.

Bulletproof describes his sound as “dancefloor oriented beats for those who like the deeper side of drum and bass,” so he is sure to be packing plenty of dirty energy to keep you moving this Friday (4 May) night at Bar Open.