DOT ROTTEN LIVE @ 100 CLUB | livemusic.fm

Dot Rotten has spent years slithering through the underground grime scene like that Basilisk from Harry Potter; but, Dot, then known as ‘Young Dot’, doesn’t freeze all those who see him with fear, he stops them with his undeniable talent. An established MC and producer, hailing from South London, Dot Rotten is making the move onto our airwaves and into the limelight. His current single Are You Not Entertained is being played numerous times a day on national radio and deservedly so. Dot is following in the footsteps of other grime successes and pushing underground music into recognised realms. 

Dot wandered out onto the Club 100 stage at 9:55pm, ten minutes after schedule and just late enough to be smooth and relaxed but not so late so as to annoy the crowd; the perfect balance. 

Slightly disappointed by the foresight that he was only going to play a 30-minute set, I was already in an apprehensive mood that the show would fly by without being able to make an impact, in spite of his talent. I didn’t need to worry. Launching straight in with tunes such as Keep It On A Low and Just A Normal Human Being, Dot immediately hypnotised his crowd with his soulful, jazz infused instrumentals and clear-cut lyrical style. Even those who had not previously heard the tracks could appreciate the way in which they had been expertly crafted, not only musically, but emotionally; with love and passion.

A love for music is drawn all over Dot’s face when he performs. His momentary look of jittery nervousness when looking for somewhere to hang his green puffa-jacket was forgotten the moment the first note played. Playing lesser-known songs such as Positive Energy, Dot exposed a new side to his previous naughty boy status as Young Dot, “As the positive energy enters, the negative energy leaves”; he has left behind the name and status which he describes as being tainted by mistakes he had made in the past.  

The track that stole the show was Overdose. Dot revealed this would be his next single and I can honestly say I’m still buzzing from the energy. Featuring a sample from the 90’s dance track Children by Robert Miles, it’s one which everyone is going to feel in their bones, whether they like it or not! Ending his set with the highly acclaimed Are You Not Entertained, Dot expressed his frustration at not being ‘allowed’ to perform his whole album and jumped off the stage into his crowd. Spending the next twenty minutes taking photos, Mr. Rotten showed he is a true gentleman, who appreciates his fans and won’t let his talent override his personality and appreciation for his new-found success after his major label makeover. 

May Dot Rotten continue to make incredible ‘three minute’ musical stories that will “…last more than a lifetime.”

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Words - Joss Meek