Representative Albums: "Cybotron," "My Sound 1993-2004," "The Killa-Hertz"
Representative Songs: "The Angels Fell," "Threshold," "Unexplored Terrain"
Biography
One of the more prolific producers in jungle music -- with records on over ten labels strong, two of them his own -- Dillinja is one of the few drum'n'bass artists who spends more time in the production studio than in clubs. While living in Brixton in the early '90s, he became tipped to jungle by DJ Bryan G, who lived around the corner from him. Fascinated with the sound of drum'n'bass, Dillinja began recording in 1991, releasing tracks on Cybotron, Intelligent IQ, Conqueror, Logic, Lionheart, V, Philly Blunt, and his own Deadly Vinyl label. In 1994, he recorded "The Angels Fell" for Goldie's Metalheadz label and became one of the hottest names in jungle. With his friend Lemon D. (who has also recorded for Metalheadz), Dillinja formed Valve Records, a label that expanded the drum'n'bass aesthetic to include elements of ancient analogue sequences. Though he signed to the major label London for a long-term contract, a planned LP was dropped and he continued producing multiple singles for the Test label during 1998-99. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
Arguably the most prolific producer within the drum and bass scene (with over 500 releases produced since 1991), Francis subsequently set up Valve Recordings in partnership with long-term collaborator Lemon D (Kevin King), with whom he also designed and built the Valve Sound System. As well as the record label and sound system, Francis and King have also opened a specialist mastering and vinyl cutting studio, Ear2ground.
Albums include My Sound (1993-2004), Cybotron, as well as Big Bad Bass and The Killa-Hertz with Lemon D.
The spelling of Dillinja has changed since he started releasing vinyl (found on some older vinyl as Dillinger). The origin of his name is unknown but it is likely that it came from one of reggae's earliest MCs, who called himself Dillinger (real name Lester Bullocks) after the famous American gangster John Dillinger.[citation needed] One of Dillinja's other aliases, Capone, is also linked to one of Bullocks' contemporaries, Dennis 'Alcapone' (born Dennis Smith), who produced reggae and ran a sound system in Jamaica.
Dillinja's track "Twist Em' Out" is frequently used in Da Ali G Show.
