K2 Family

The K2 Family are Don E Bravo, Uno Brown, Big D, DJ Flux and Mad Millie Gun. They're a UK garage collective from South London and are just about to release one of the anthems from Ayia Napa this summer 'Bouncing Flow'. The guys tell us why they shouldn't be confused with the So Solid Crew and what we can expect from them next...

Where did you get your group name from?
The name comes from the K2 mountain, which is the hardiest mountain to climb.

How did your new single 'Bouncing Flow' come about?.
A little while back Don E Bravo came and checked me, and asked if I would help him put the track together. Big D came down and did his magic.

I noticed a few of the So Solid crew popped up in your video for 'Bouncing Flow'.
We're all from South London and know these guys as they're our friends. But remember that 'So Solid' is 'So Solid' and 'K2 Family' is 'K2 Family'. But coincidentally we're both on the same record label. So it's a family thing.

You're now on the commercial garage music ladder, how hard has it been getting up?
It's been like climbing the K2 mountain, some would say it's happened relatively quickly. But we, the K2 Family, have been behind the scenes doing a lot of work for a lot of people. It's been hard but good fun at the same time.

What do you say to people who think you are selling out by going commercial with your music?
We've got to sell at the end of the day. But when we make our music we have kids in mind. So you have to keep things clean and pure to send a positive message. If that's what they say is commercial music then great, commercial it is.

You are made up of five guys, who does what on each track?
As part of the whole ethos of what we are about, all of us have a chance to have a go at everything.

Who is team leader once you are all in the studio?
Bravo, but it's simple because that's why we all came together. We all do our magic on the tracks. I will do something then the others will have a go, and so on.

When is the album due to drop?
The album will be out shortly after Christmas. So it's just a matter of time.

What collaborations are planned for the new album?
Collaborations are the key. We've been out in Ayia Napa, networking, so there will be all kinds of collaborations.

So you're not nominated this year for a MOBO Award?
Many thanks for the invitation, which we're still waiting for! MOBOs are still confusing the issue with mixing the American music with the British music. They need to do something that can represent British music in all categories. A lot of British artists are missing out on their chance to win awards and recognition due to the USA artists.

by Colin Williams