Babyjosus: Sup Driftbling, nice to have you sit with me next to the campfire for the End of Year Interviews. Its been a while since you left the team, what have you been up to lately?
Driftbling: Hey BJ, first off happy holidays! Lately for TA I was part of the team that helped prep Kole for masters. It was obviously heartbreaking for Kole to come so close to winning it all but he did an amazing job to get that far (and congrats to Paja!). I’ve really loved getting to know the TA people. I could start listing them all but TDLR; the team is fantastic both in terms of talent and personality. For big projects, I’ve also got a few irons in the fire that it’s maybe a bit early to talk about, however what I can talk about is SALAMANDU.
BJ: That video, that’s some cult stuff right there. But yeah, you joined Team Bandit Gang early 2020 and you have really left your mark by starting the Pro Team and Coaching Program, but also the #SayNoToBribery video and Weird Lines series were your projects. How does it feel to have been a part of BG?
DB: It was really hard to leave being honest. It’s a great group of people, and while I have loved being a part of TA, BG is something I am proud to say I was a big part of. From the kinda fun silly little team we were when I joined to the team I left was a great (and quick!) journey. I still get a warm feeling whenever I go to lurk in a BG stream and see the “new” BG logo. The Pro Team, Academy, Coaching and Youtube are all things I can look at and be delighted to see are still going strong. I think maybe my favorite things to look back on (which might surprise some people) are the “is it a problem” Youtube videos, as I remember sending Bandit Pig the audio and the next day he was there with these hilarious video edits he’d done so quickly. As the team grew IIAP went further and further down the priorities list and so there were a few that never came out, but the ones that did are still great in my opinion and they remind me of the early BG days when we were all just pissing about as a few friends really. Also it’s still #SayNoToBribery and even more importantly #SayNoToBriberyPlayer (love him really).
BJ: While you put your heart in BG for a very long time, you decided to follow Ville’s path and join Team Aretuza in the end. Do you still keep an eye out on Bandit Gang?
DB: Absolutely! The great thing is that the team has moved from strength to strength since I left. Ian is doing a good job as comp manager, recruitment for the academy looks to be going well, the stream team is really strong. It all reassures me that I made the right decision as I think it’s worked out well for all parties. I’m exited to see what you and Denpai have moving forward, as you know I trust both of you to do an amazing job. As you know I still keep in touch with some of the individuals too, BG will always be special to me.
BJ: It has been an amazing year for us so far. And can only look forward when it comes to establishing ourselves. So, lots of stuff happened this year regarding you joining different Gwent teams and working on projects. But, how would you reflect on the year 2020 in general?
DB: Well…..corona? It’s obviously dominated the world this year and we’ve all had to deal with it. For me it’s meant our family business hasn’t been able to open our Glasgow escape room yet (my sister would kill me if I didn’t plug) and we haven’t been able to peruse other ideas. Personally, I’ve managed to keep busy with BG, then TA, as well as some music production and a bit of streaming. The Gwent community in general is blessed with a lot of really funny, interesting, and intelligent people who I’ve been lucky enough to get to know (both inside and outside of my teams). It’s not been ideal year but I’m glad I do have things to look back on (especially people I have met and grown close to online during that time) that has made it feel like a meaningful, if very weird, year.
BJ: You mentioned music production. I know you are a talented DJ/producer in your spare time, and the BG themesong got a lot of listeners lately. What made you decide to create your own songs and what is it that you like so much about it?
DB: The funny thing about me as a DJ/Producer is that at 13 years old I hated electronic music. “Why do it like this when it could sound way cooler with a guitar and be real music”. Well, the first time I went to a proper party I saw the time and place for electronic music of this type and I was hooked. I also found a few artists like Pendulum and Noisia which brought me over to seeing the potential of the virtually unlimited kinds of sounds you can make with synths. Honestly, while I may never be a global superstar, the best thing about making music is that occasionally I get a message from someone saying one of my songs is one of their favorites or really brightened up a terrible day. It’s humbling to think that stuff I just piss about with for my own fun can resonate with people like that.
BJ: It has been quite a journey for you. Just like your streaming. Where nowadays viewers can witness DriftMum on stream. She has become a big part of your streaming. Is there anything that you would like to do next year with DriftMum?
DB: Well, thanks to the interest of Ferd and IAMFLAGG (as well as others) mum is very keen to do a history stream (she has a PHD in archaeology). I will be running away very fast from this having spent my entire childhood being dragged around small walls. On top of this we’re finishing the Witcher 3, and so I’d like to try to get her back into Gwent! Ultimately though it will be up to her.
BJ: Sounds great. And do you have any new year’s resolutions?
DB: No, I can’t say I’ve ever really seen the value in them. If people are thinking about having one I’d suggest trying this instead.
BJ: Lol, nice one. But yeah, to wrap this interview up. I always ask the following. Is there anything that you want to say to the reader in anticipation of 2021?
DB: Gwent season 3! 😉 Will be fun to see which players come back for season 3, how the meta shapes out etc. In the wider world, the return of normality. Festivals, clubbing, sports and generally being able to be social again. I’m hoping for a roaring 20s of our own to enjoy.
BJ: Thanks for taking your time to revisit us!