Washington DC-based producer Tittsworth is flying the flag for the Baltimore (or B-more) club sound that swept the world last year. But for those of you who - like us - found too much of the genre uber-repetitive and formulaic, you'll be pleased to hear that Mr. Titts has done a fine job of advancing on said formula, and is spicing it up with elements of acid house, r'n'b and more. What's more, his production's tip-top - unlike a lot of the slapdash, amateurish productions from the genre.
Guest vocalists on his new debut album Twelve Steps include Kid Sister from Chicago (who did the vocal on The Count & Sinden's Beeper) and Pase Rock of Spank Rock fame, with ghetto-tech king DJ Assault lending a hand on the catchy Broke Ass Nigga. It's good summer vibes all the way through basically, but it’s not just straight up party music – there’s tons of interesting ideas permeating his productions, and some excellent vocals which elevate his tracks beyond merely disposable club music.
How and when were you first infected by dance music?
I’ve been in the DC/MD area for the last 15 years. Besides catching Crystal Waters on TV as a child, my first proper exposure to dance music was through rave music. I played drum and bass for nearly a decade as well. Shortly after that I started exploring Baltimore club music and grew to appreciate the overlap between the two scenes.
When did you start producing, and how long was it before you started making tracks that you were really happy with?
For years I wrote D’n’B and hip-hop beats that needed a lot of work. It was tough cutting my teeth on such a technically demanding genre (D’n’B), but I’m glad it happened that way. Oddly enough the second Baltimore Club tune I ever did introduced me to Diplo and Turntable Lab / Money Studies and set me towards the path I am on now.
What have been your personal favourite productions so far?
I’m really pleased with how 12 Steps came out (my new album on Plant Music). It is my first real attempt at club songwriting with a bunch of interesting vocal collaborations (Kid Sister, Nina Sky, Pitbull, DJ Assault, The Federation, etc.).
Where does your name come from?
It’s my real surname! A lot of people think I’m a male chauvinist but the name comes from my dad, who’s from the south (of the US). From what I understand “Tit” is Old English for bird.
Who would you most like to work with?
I think it would be an honor to do a track with Outkast. Would also be thrilled to worth with Busta, Luda and Dipset.
What have you got in store for 2008?
My debut album, 12 Steps is about to drop soon. Also, I am finishing up remixes for Subfocus, Solange (Beyonce’s Sister) and Kanye West.
What can we expect from one of your DJ sets?
I like to mix hard and fast. I enjoy music that is well produced but gritty and urban at the same time. When the crowd can keep up, I can roll thru all types of aggressive dance music at a plate-a-minute’s pace. I’ve also been known to round the night out with some guilty pleasures as well
If you weren’t a DJ/producer, what would you be?
I think I would consider going to culinary school.
Which other producers and DJs do you really rate?
Blaqstarr, Switch, Sinden, J.Dilla, Fake Blood, Nadastrom, Herve, KW Griff, DJ Technics, DJ Sega, Griff/Booman, Mike Mumbles, Say Wut, Scottie B, Craze, Klever and A-Trak.
Tittsworth’s debut album Twelve Steps is out on August 11th on Plant Music.
http://www.tittsworth.com/