High Contrast is young Cardiff-based dj/producer Lincoln Barret. HC literally burst onto the drum n bass scene in the UK with the release of "What's The Story?" and "Suddenly", on the acclaimed compilation "Plastic Surgery" put out by Hospital Records. That release was swiftly followed by his debut single "Passion" in June 2002, and there's been no stopping this young talent since. The real break through came however with the stunning track "Make It Tonight", which received a caning from virtually every high profile dj in the drum and bass fraternity, while his "True Colours" CD won fans over with its fresh diversity of influences and hypnotic sounds. HC is currently doing a remix for DJ Marky's next EP on V Recordings, and has already garned attention for his production with a nomination for 3 prizes (Best Producer, Best Drum+Bass DJ and Best remix) at The Welsh Music Awards.

How did you get the moniker High Contrast?

- It describes my sound and style, I've always been interested in bringing together traditionally opposing elements i.e.. jungle and disco, but also it doesn't tie me to a specific movement within dnb, not like calling myself DJ Liquid or TechStepper or something. Then the name also has a visual connotation, which is fitting as I am inspired by films a lot and have quite a cinematic sound.

Where in the U.K. are you based? You are a Welsh native, but I've heard you don't speak the native tongue! Is this true, if so why?

- I live just outside Cardiff in South Wales. Not many people really speak Welsh in the south and there is very little practical use for it here unless you want to work in Welsh TV. I learnt Welsh in school for many years but with no outlet for speaking it in my day to day world it has slipped away.

Where did you first play out and in what year was it? Where in the world would you love to play?

- The first time I played out was around May 1998, it was at an under 18s night in a place called Newport. There was rnb, UK garage and then me playing jungle. The place was pretty rudeboy and those under 18s can be rowdy- the promoter got the rnb DJ back on after 45 mins cause it was too heavy for him! I really want to play in Japan and get to check the place out cause I find Japanese culture fascinating and love their cinema.

How old were you when you first became interested in DJing/producing music? What were you into before that? Have you incorporated those influences in your tunes?

- I was 16/17 when I got in to the music first, I had a crummy pair of decks and a demo of cubase and just went from there. I was only into films before that time, not into any modern music, I only liked film soundtracks. The soundtracks have had a definite influence on what I do as have the keyboard lessons I had for about 10 years when I was younger, got me into chords and the chords sounds.

What is your most prized vinyl, and why?

- I guess my test press of my first tune ever on vinyl which was "What's The Story" on Hospital. It was the great to have one of my tunes on vinyl plus the flip had Carlito & Addiction on it so it was cool to see my name alongside theirs.

What is your favourite rinse-out record?

Of late it would have to be "Freenote" by DJ Zinc. "Up All Night" by John B has to be one of the best.

A free copy of Cubase on a music magazine and downloaded samples from the Internet sparked your passion for producing. How much time per day would you spend in front of the computer producing?

- Its hard to say but any given free moment I would be on there. Things like college, eating and sleeping just get in the way!

The True Colours drum & bass mix incorporates sounds of disco, early house, garage and old school jungle. Are there any other genres that you are interested in combining in the future?

- I'm open to any genre as I think there are at least some good sounds in very style from rock to trance, so just expect more fusion.

How did you first get involved with Hospital Records?

- London Elektricity who run Hospital played in Cardiff at the night where I was resident. We got on and they could hear I was on the same tip as them with my DJ set. They came in to the record shop the next day where I worked and I gave them a cd of my stuff. They liked it but it wasn't quite there, the next cd I sent them had Suddenly on it and they signed that tune for the Plastic Surgery 2 compilation. On the strength of that and my other demos they signed me for an album deal.

Is there anyone that you'd like to collaborate with in your productions?

- Lots of people, its just down to timing really. I have to hook up with MIST again after we had such a good time doing 3AM. Also got to work with Influx Datum and Calibre. At some point a collaboration with London Elektricity would be really interesting.

What has been the proudest moment of your career thus far? What do you aspire to do in 2003?

- There's been lots really, hearing my tunes out for the first time when London Elektricity played at Swerve, Fabios night. Fabio playing "Music Is Everything" on Radio 1 and saying lots of nice things like it was reminiscent of "Inner City Life" and that I was 'showing people what time it is'. Then actually going on Fabios show for an interview when my album came out, that was great because I had been listening to their show since day one.

In 2003 I want to be more prolific as the DJing was so hectic last year that I didn't have time to do many tunes. I've started work on my new album and will playing out new cuts on my Australian tour. I want to get the balance right this year between DJing and studio time.