Dubstep pioneer on his way for a Gisborne gig

NEARLY a year after he last played at Gisborne’s Rhythm & Vines music festival, dubstep pioneer Optimus Gryme — aka Charlie Brown — is on his way back.
The Waiheke Island-based DJ/producer is touring on the back of a catalogue that includes his highly-acclaimed 2009 solo debut album Eclipse, the follow-up to his Annihilation Of The Ego, which was considered to be the country’s first ever dubstep EP.
Then, last year, he came out with double-disc album Aotearoa Dubstep Allstars, its roll-call of 29 producers and MCs making it the largest collaboration of its kind seen in New Zealand.
This weekend’s Gisborne show will be the last chance to see Brown in these parts for a while.
His legendary ability to whip club-goers into a frenzy means that, as well as playing both the Corogold and LaDeDa summer music festivals, he has been booked to headline the electronic stage at mega- event Homegrown, which will be held on the Wellington waterfront next February.
■ Aotearoa dubstep pioneer Optimus Gryme — with DJ Pato (Tauranga) and Gisborne’s own Brazilbeat Sound System — plays at the Poverty Bay Club on Saturday.