01Profile
A Greg Dread Photo
Greg Dread
Producer/Drummer — London
03Interview
What is your name? Where are you from?
Greg Dread, real name Greg Roberts, I’m from Kensal Rise North West London.
What do you do?
Writer, producer and drummer with Dreadzone and occasional DJ. Just finished our 8th studio album. Also a member of Big Audio Dynamite but not holding my breath on the next move.
Describe your style in three words?
Good, Bad, Dread.
How should your music be listened to?
At a festival or in a club dancing with abandon, or in the car, and at home to uplift the spirits.
What do you miss about home when you’re on tour?
The Italian deli opposite my Kensal Rise apartment. Real Italian home cooking, great coffee and much more, especially sitting outside on a sunny afternoon.
What British music icons inspire your sound today?
Growing up - David Bowie and Pete Townshend.
Dread years - Mick Jones, Don Letts, Liam Howlett, Norman Cook.
For details of Dreadzone's upcoming gigs, including their dates supporting Public Image Limited, visit www.dreadzone.com
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
What was the first song you played on repeat?
The Who - 'Pinball Wizard', the first single I ever bought, was lucky enough to see them around the same time. Still my favourite band.
A song from your favourite album?
'Dazed and Confused' from Led Zeppelin 1. I find it hard to choose favourite albums but this is the first album I ever bought and has such a raw energy, especially this track which is epic. Mainly because of this tune it remains my fave Zep album, prefer their earlier stuff and as a drummer John Bonham, wow - just the best.
Song you wish you had written?
'Armegideon time' - The Clash/Willie Williams. Simple yet direct with a haunting revolutionary theme that is timeless.
A lyric that has inspired you?
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return”
'Nature Boy' by Nat King Cole written by Eden Ahbez, who was a bit of character himself. My favourite singer singing one of my favourite songs.
Four songs from new bands you are listening to now, and why?
Jamie XX - 'Gosh'
This channels a lot of underground dance culture in a sparse imaginative way. There's quite an astonishing video for it as well which I recommend seeking out.
Royal Blood - 'Figure It Out'
Love the energy and simplicity of this, two people, great playing, cool heavy riffs. I still love a bit of rock and this nails it for me.
Richard Hawley - 'Nothing Like A Friend'
My current favourite writer, an immense talent, pulls all the right strings. Great songwriting and mood and my god with a bottle of wine he is the perfect companion for melancholy and reflection, of which this tune is the perfect example.
Kiko Bun - 'Where I’m From'
Homegrown reggae with cool production and a dead catchy hook.
03Interview
What is your name? Where are you from?
Greg Dread, real name Greg Roberts, I’m from Kensal Rise North West London.
What do you do?
Writer, producer and drummer with Dreadzone and occasional DJ. Just finished our 8th studio album. Also a member of Big Audio Dynamite but not holding my breath on the next move.
Describe your style in three words?
Good, Bad, Dread.
How should your music be listened to?
At a festival or in a club dancing with abandon, or in the car, and at home to uplift the spirits.
What do you miss about home when you’re on tour?
The Italian deli opposite my Kensal Rise apartment. Real Italian home cooking, great coffee and much more, especially sitting outside on a sunny afternoon.
What British music icons inspire your sound today?
Growing up - David Bowie and Pete Townshend.
Dread years - Mick Jones, Don Letts, Liam Howlett, Norman Cook.
For details of Dreadzone's upcoming gigs, including their dates supporting Public Image Limited, visit www.dreadzone.com
04Playlist Notes
What was the first song you played on repeat?
The Who - 'Pinball Wizard', the first single I ever bought, was lucky enough to see them around the same time. Still my favourite band.
A song from your favourite album?
'Dazed and Confused' from Led Zeppelin 1. I find it hard to choose favourite albums but this is the first album I ever bought and has such a raw energy, especially this track which is epic. Mainly because of this tune it remains my fave Zep album, prefer their earlier stuff and as a drummer John Bonham, wow - just the best.
Song you wish you had written?
'Armegideon time' - The Clash/Willie Williams. Simple yet direct with a haunting revolutionary theme that is timeless.
A lyric that has inspired you?
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return”
'Nature Boy' by Nat King Cole written by Eden Ahbez, who was a bit of character himself. My favourite singer singing one of my favourite songs.
Four songs from new bands you are listening to now, and why?
Jamie XX - 'Gosh'
This channels a lot of underground dance culture in a sparse imaginative way. There's quite an astonishing video for it as well which I recommend seeking out.
Royal Blood - 'Figure It Out'
Love the energy and simplicity of this, two people, great playing, cool heavy riffs. I still love a bit of rock and this nails it for me.
Richard Hawley - 'Nothing Like A Friend'
My current favourite writer, an immense talent, pulls all the right strings. Great songwriting and mood and my god with a bottle of wine he is the perfect companion for melancholy and reflection, of which this tune is the perfect example.
Kiko Bun - 'Where I’m From'
Homegrown reggae with cool production and a dead catchy hook.