This year marks the 25th anniversary since the explosion of Drum & Bass (DnB), the pivotal genre the helped spearhead the UK’s authority as global dance exporters, and subsequently, BBC Radio 4 is now ready to unleash The Alchemist, their impressive documentary into the life of Goldie.
As one of the most iconic (and controversial) spearheaders of DnB, Goldie lays bare his back story in The Alchemist, from the ambitiousness of Timeless (Goldie’s debut, and one of the most pivotal British albums of the ’90s), all the way to discussing his past demons and struggles that influenced and shaped his role within the industry as the leading ambassador of the genre.
From a personality whose past was blighted by drug abuse, (Goldie quotes “I lived the rock’n roll lifestyle. I remember sitting Lucky Luciano’s house in LA sitting on a bed with Perry Farrell wearing a pair of wings whilst doing copious amounts of gear and I’ve got midgets walking around – what am I doing”), all the way to his new focus on life (four years ago the DnB icon took up Bikram Yoga to ‘service’ his anger and to focus on his life ahead with a positive energy), Goldie confirms that he’s now in the best place he’s ever been.
We’ve been fortunate to have a sneak-peak of The Alchemist and can firmly describe the documentary (which is the culmination of six months in the making) as one of the most insightful we’ve heard in a while – definitely one to lock into.
The Alchemist will receive its on-air premiere tomorrow (23rd September) on BBC Radio 4 at 11.30am, repeating again on Saturday (27th September) at 3.30pm. Catch the full documentary below:
Goldie – The Alchemist by Reju Sharma/Three Street Media on Mixcloud
