Paradox: Breakbeat Mastery WAV
Since the late ‘70s breakbeats have been sampled and repurposed across an ever-evolving global continuum of electronic music. Over time, this method of beatmaking has become highly intricate and nuanced with some of the more technically demanding examples found in drum & bass and its sub-genre drumfunk; which is known for its constantly shifting patterns, derived from rare obscure breakbeats or well-known classics.
Dev Pandya, aka Paradox, has pioneered the drumfunk genre for over two decades. With a vast catalog of vinyl releases to his name, his beats have become notorious for their meticulous programming, perfectly placed shuffles and unparalleled grooves. Having made regular appearances on acclaimed labels such as Moving Shadow, Metalheadz and Reinforced, Dev’s discography is a testament to a lifelong, unwavering dedication to his craft.
Some popular tracks featuring Paradox
“Back in 1989, we were fusing fast funk breakbeats with 8-bit techno stabs and 808 basslines”, he reminisces. “We weren’t sure what sound we were creating as there wasn’t anything else at our tempo. The internet wasn’t born then, so we sent a few cassette tapes to a bunch of labels. Moving Shadow got back to us and we met the owner Rob Playford. Upon listening to our tracks he said they were way too fast and asked what the BPM was. We didn’t know as our computer didn’t have a BPM counter, but they sounded fine to us and we didn’t want to change them. Looking back now he must have thought we were mental. But he offered us a contract that day and we said we’d go away and discuss it. As we left we passed a coat rack and saw these Moving Shadow jackets hanging up with the dancing man logo on the back. My production partner DJ Trax and I looked at each other and just knew. We called Rob later that day and accepted the MS deal and our first Mixrace 12-inch was released in 1992.”
Some popular tracks featuring Paradox
“Back in 1989, we were fusing fast funk breakbeats with 8-bit techno stabs and 808 basslines”, he reminisces. “We weren’t sure what sound we were creating as there wasn’t anything else at our tempo. The internet wasn’t born then, so we sent a few cassette tapes to a bunch of labels. Moving Shadow got back to us and we met the owner Rob Playford. Upon listening to our tracks he said they were way too fast and asked what the BPM was. We didn’t know as our computer didn’t have a BPM counter, but they sounded fine to us and we didn’t want to change them. Looking back now he must have thought we were mental. But he offered us a contract that day and we said we’d go away and discuss it. As we left we passed a coat rack and saw these Moving Shadow jackets hanging up with the dancing man logo on the back. My production partner DJ Trax and I looked at each other and just knew. We called Rob later that day and accepted the MS deal and our first Mixrace 12-inch was released in 1992.”
With his strong command of rhythm theory, it would be natural to assume Dev had a background or education in drumming. But surprisingly, he hadn’t picked up a set of drumsticks before making music. Dev’s beats nonetheless once piqued the interest of Dutch drum and percussion magazine Slagwerkkrant, where he was featured as a computer drummer beside Phil Collins.
“I think some readers voiced their opinions later that I shouldn’t have been in there as I had never touched a drumstick, but it’s still a favorite magazine feature in my press catalog.”