THE NEED FOR SPEED

When you think “bass music” in the US of A, Play Me records stands as one of the top influential labels in recent years, catering to the ever growing hybrid of house/electro/dubstep and d&b styles. The creative force behind this giant is also one of the most in-demand DJs in America, Reid Speed. With over a decade of commercial DJ mixes, production and label management under her belt, she continues to push boundaries and harvest new talent in the electronic arena..

Reid Rosson, as she's know away from the CDJs, got her start in 1996 in her native New York City, gaining experience with local d&b mainstay crew Direct Drive. Mastering the art of drum and bass, this talented DJ released her debut mix CD, 'Reeespect', to critical acclaim, paving the way for the lady of bass to make her mark on the American dance scene. Never one to do the same thing twice, her trademark multiple flavors of dubstep, d&b and electro stirred the pot for her project, Play Me Records.

With her extensive background and experience paired with keen business sense and ambition, it's no surprise that she has mastered the art of longevity. “We wanted to create a happy family where we could help artists achieve their dreams of making a living off their art,” says Reid on the label's genesis. “And also to help spread the goodness that is bass music to the world.”

With a consistent flow of releases since it's inception in 2009, the latest artist offering is Dirt Monkey’s 'Bussitup' EP, which caught the attention of the Beatport. A a full on thrill ride of bass heavy dancefloor mayhem, with remixes featuring Cyron and Lam-C, Reid Speed tells us that on her current tour, “'Bussitup' and 'Get in Step'... both do serious dancefloor damage.” Another large release from Ming and Jumpshot, trap summer smasher 'Punani',came out on sister label Play Me Too. Spotting promising new comers is part of the label's ethos: “We have a new signee called SirensCeol who is definitely one to watch! Also, this guy SpagHeddy is blowing up the Internet at the moment.”

It’s been a busy summer for Reid, who tells us about her latest music video and forthcoming releases. “Between 'Singularity', 'Them Lost Boys' and 'Dirt Monkey' smashing the charts, this summer has been really good to us so far. Proper Villains and I just wrapped a video for the rap remix of 'We Love The Blunts', featuring Dances With White Girls. Release and video coming soon with a whole remix package. Also, I have started a new project with a singer/songwriter/violinist names Jessy Greene that will be debuting later this year. Expect the unexpected with that one! We have three songs already done and working on a lot more.”

Keeping LA on their toes, the scene queen gives props to her home base “Los Angeles has a terrific dance music scene. You can go out seven days a week and see headliners or killer locals. We are so spoiled!” And when she’s not busy DJing or pouring her heart and soul into the label? “I like a good bike ride to the beach at the end of my day, and some quality snuggle time with a blunt and my cats.”

This article originally appeared in DJ Mag USA. Read it free HERE.