More about: RudimentalRizeUp

When it comes to drum n bass culture, Rudimental are a household name. The Hackney collective boast a colourful array of awards, achievements and artist collaborations. On-stage their infectious energy and bass-filled crescendos have secured them a loyal fan base. Off-stage their commitment to actively engaging in social issues singles them out as artists with a genuine interest in their fans’ welfare.

“Though it may seem like they’re on their high tower and so far away from us, the reality is these people govern our lives”.

The approaching General Election is a perfect example of their activism. Rudimental have taken to Twitter with unrivaled vigour; teaming up with youth empowerment organization #RizeUp UK and uploading poignant minute long clips in a bid to get youngsters to vote. Their determination to re-ignite the politically disengaged is inspiring and necessary. Junkyard Golf’s low key ambiance provided the prime spot for political chat. Between balls and booze we spoke to Rudimental about Corybn, nightlife and their latest charitable endeavour with Love Support Unite.

Why is it important for artists to use their platform to speak about the election?

Pierce Agget: It’s important to raise awareness about the importance to vote. A lot of artists feel like it’s an abuse of their power but I disagree, we have a voice and people listen to us so I think if you’ve got something to say then say it. A lot of young people don’t vote, I didn’t when I was eighteen, but I think this election is especially crucial. p> Amir Amor: We are quite disconnected from our politicians we feel like they don't make any difference to us. Growing up I felt very disillusioned, but this election I’ve registered and I’m going to vote. Once you make that connection and realise that your day-to-day life is affected by these people and that they actually govern what’s happening not just domestically but abroad, too, and that in turn affects the way we live our lives, you realise voting is such a vital and important thing.

Although it may seem they’re on their high tower and so far away from us the reality is these people govern our lives. If we don’t have any say or give any input to that then we are giving up all control of our wellbeing. This election is a particularly poignant one you’ve got real differences between the parties involved we’d like to use our voice hence why we’re talking about it any way we can.

Which party are you leaning towards?

PA: Personally I’m going to be voting Corbyn. He is speaking about funding the NHS and doing things that everyone in the country will benefit from not just a limited rich few. He’s an honest speaker someone who for the first time I’m drawn to and inspired by. What advice would you give first time voters?

PA: I studied history and a bit of politics and when I was eighteen I wasn’t drawn to anyone and I was really upset about the Iraq war and about our government’s foreign policy, the first time I voted it was Green as I was upset about what the Labour party had done. This election is about finding someone that speaks to you personally. You should construct your own opinion and that mustn’t be too heavily influenced by the media or your Mum Dad or best mate, you should do your own research.

AA: You're not voting for an individual you're voting for their policies. Read the policies of who you're voting for don’t just judge them on the character you perceive through the media because they’re going to be guiding you in their own direction. If you read the policies it’ll soon become clear which benefits you, working class people, all people.

How do you think the Manchester bombings will affect voters?

AA: I think there’s a danger that politicians and people in power are going to use the natural sadness we feel about the situation to their favour. There’s a lot of fear-mongering in politics a lot of negative things being said and I think that the sadness can be manipulated in the wrong way-we need to be wary of that.

Fear-mongering can definitely contribute to xenophobia..

AA: Yes and people in power will play up to that. We have to be aware and be unified and not let them divide us

Indeed. The likes of Trump and Brexit has forced people to take sides, there’s no more sitting on the fence (politically speaking)

PA: Brexit has really shown how divided policies can make people it’s also brought to the surface issues about immigration that can get really muddy, effectively your voting for the ideologies behind each party, people need to remember that.

In light of the recent spike in club closures what policies would you guys put in place to revive London nightlife?

AA: London nightlife is disappearing because there’s insufficient places to live within London and property developers are taking advantage of that. A lot of clubs and studios we worked are being turned into residential areas. I think generally we need to have more money and encouragement put into creativity for young people and to also encourage diversity within that scene- that will feed into the club situation. Ultimately the club situation is a side effect of the economy so we need to deal with that first. It gives me a lot of hope that Fabric came back, that’s real democracy right there when people can actually cause change.

PA: No matter what you do, people are always going to want to party - we are humans. No matter what happens the rave will go on.

Especially given the rise in squat parties…

AA: Exactly. Which is a great thing.

If Labour didn’t win who else would get your support?

PA: The Green party has always party been closest to my heart and I think the environment is very important. The way we construct ourselves as a Western society is destructive. Nothings for certain what will be will be. We are either going to have a conscious shift in movement towards change or not. I personally think it’s to re-jiggle the way. .

What’s The Look Of Love about?

PA: Love Support Unite are an organisation that make glasses (Love Specs) and when you put them on the lights turn into hearts so for festivals and raves they’re amazing. Also every penny goes towards funding school and orphanages in Malawi, as well as helping to fund a sustainable farm and provide food for children who go to school.
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Words: Bex Shorunke

Rudimental launch the Junkyard Golf Club charity tournament in September, raising money for the What is Love Support Unite? charity helping impoverished communities in Malawi.

More about: RudimentalRizeUp