DJ SS is a Leicester DJ and producer, and the founder of Formation Records. His background in hip-hop and rare groove, including the earlier name Scratchenstein, helped shape his approach to rave and jungle. He is also associated with the Total Kaos events, the 5HQ record shop, and the international World Of Drum & Bass event brand.
Launched in 1990, Formation became a platform for new producers as well as his own recordings. In a UKF interview, SS described travelling to London to learn about pressing, mastering, and distribution when information was difficult to obtain. The label’s support for emerging talent grew partly from the lack of help he felt he had received himself.
His own production history includes The Lighter, while his MA alias contributed to the shift towards darker jungle. Recalling that transition, he explained that his hip-hop background drew him towards breakbeats and basslines as rave became increasingly dominated by large piano hooks. He pursued the sounds he wanted to hear rather than a single prescribed style.
That openness continued in later projects. For Formation’s 200th release, he expanded a planned 30-track collection to 60, combining historical recordings with new music to tell the label’s story. His partnership with Sicknote on Can't Help Myself subsequently added another production collaboration to the Formation catalogue, pairing a vocal hook with layered drums and bass.
