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Q: You’re playing at the South Eastern European Music Exhibition in Sofia in May, which will be the first time you have played in Bulgaria. Are you looking forward to it?
Yes it will be the first time for me, I’m looking forward to popping over as I have heard a lot about all the crazy clubbers so I’m very excited, should be a top show……
Q: what can we expect from your set,
The best of the electronic madness, and a big smile Q: Describe your musical style…
Since I started djing I have moved through different types of music, but I feel I have found a home in what I have been playing over the past few years which is techno with a very electronic feel to it, very base driven very crazy muzik. It’s all good. Q: Have you played in any other South Eastern European countries?
Well I’ve played Greece and Romania and also Hungary and Poland, but I guess that is Eastern Europe and doesn’t count. Q: What do you think of the scene in South Eastern Europe?
It’s very cool with lots of great music and great people, who like to party like there is no tomorrow, bring it on that’s all I can say…… Q: How do you think this music conference will help the dance music scene in this region? And do you think it will help the rest of the music industry take notice of how the scene is developing here?
I think these types of conferences are a great way of people getting to hear about new music and DJs. I think it’s important for the local djs to be involved, so they can be seen by the clubbers that will come from other parts of the world. It’s also good for DJs like me, as I will hopefully take a piece of Sofia back with me and put it in my set. I will be going round throughout the night listening to what the locals play as I find that very intriguing and enjoy soaking up the music! Q: Are there any local DJ’s that you rate and that we should look out for?
I will tell you after the conference. I’m sure there will be and I am keen to showcase DJs from the South Eastern European countries at my Excentric Club Nights in the UK and Ireland and Ibiza. Q: Have you attended or played at any other music conferences?
I’ve been to Miami a few times which was cool. It’s good to get stuck rite in and strike up some new friendships, over a beer or ten! Q: What would your tips be to anyone going to a music conference for the first time, so they can get the most out it?
Try and see as many DJs and bands as you can, and make sure you go and listen to some music that you haven’t sampled before. That what these conference’s are about, SPREAD THE WORD! Q: The scene has changed since you first started out. How have you been able to stay at the top of your profession?
It has changed and developed a lot over the years which is great. When I started I had a pair of all in one decks that were really old and they were belt driven with only 33 and 45 pitch control which made things interesting! Now you have all sorts of computer software etc. I have started to use Serato, which is like Vinyl Scratch only with an option to use CDs, which I use. It means I just take my laptop and I have access to all my music if I need it…it has become my record box! I suppose I have done alright because I just play the music and I like and try to have a top party. I don’t think there is anything better I could be doing….. I’m very lucky.
Q: Will you be releasing any of your own productions this year or are mixing any compilations?
I have just released the first track on my new label its ‘The Book’ by the Saltcity Orchestra. I first heard this track when I was in a club…I must have been about 15 years old at the time. I was hooked on it so when I got the chance to sign it to my label I jumped at the chance. I have done a mix and Gregor Tresher has remixed it too and the original is also on there. You can buy on Beatport. The next track will be out soon called ‘El Capitano’ with a mix from Spektre who are two young guys from England who are very hot right now. I will also be mixing a compilation this summer for my label, so keep your ears peeled….. Q: You made your club debut at the age of 14. What tips would you give aspiring DJ’s to get started?
Yeah I was very young, it was a very exciting time for me and it’s been non-stop since then. I suppose you just have to keep focused and keep practising. Go to clubs meet the promoters and give them music and mixes, but I would send them one to their office too as you know what it’s like in clubs people forget things or lose things so best to send them one also just in case. Dedication is also a key ingredient with a bit of luck also. Q: In your opinion who are the next big DJ’s coming up?
There are a few people who will break through this year and next. Dave Robertson is a guy from Portsmouth who I do all my studio work with, He is a producer and also a great DJ. He is constantly getting his records played on the radio etc and is deffo gona be big. Jus Phil from Manchester is an interesting character. He plays all things techno and has his own label, Monumental Records so check that out on Beatport. Finally, Kev Gorman who is probably one of the best techno producers in the UK right now….he has a very distinctive sound that is very fresh. He has just been signed to DJ Hell’s label ‘ International Dee Jay Giggolo, so keep your eyes open for his album in the summer…. its gonna be big. Q: What else can we expect from Fergie in 2007.
Well there is so much going on for me right now! When I left Radio1, I took a step back to see what I wanted to do, which is something I wasn’t able to do during the past ten years. So I went to college and got stuck into a music production course, so I’ll be making a lot of new music this year and in the future.
It was the natural thing for me to do as I have started the Excentric Muzik label etc. I’m doing 4 residencies were I have my Excentric club nights in Birmingham, Scotland, London, and I will be taking excentric to Ibiza for the summer were we will do 13 dates back to back, so that will be interesting to say the least! We have also started an Excentric Artists agency to look after up and coming djs and producers. Its really an extension of what I was doing on my Radio1 show… we are trying to give new people a platform to show their stuff……..I think it’s important to push new people as it keeps the whole thing fresh. I feel excited and scared all at the same time! So there you go… I better sign of as I will need to get my ass into gear and get all of the stuff done that I have just told you about! Thanx for the chat I can’t wait to get over to meet you crazy people, spread the word (Interview by his pr company)
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