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1. You are currently promoting your new, digital download only mix compilation you did with Renaissance - can you tell us how this project might have required a different approach then your earlier, more conventional compilations, as well as what aspects might have been the same? The creative process is the same. At the end of the day you still have to make a mix of music from a set of tracks so its not diffferent in that respect. But this is different because its the first time anyone has collaborated with itunes from the get go to create a underground house music compilation. So its been a bit of a learning curve for everybody involved. Practically I guess you notice this most by the difficulties you can face in clearing tracks with digital licenses for singles... So that was a challenge. But im really happy how it all turned out. I know everyone would say that, but its true. The compilation is a good representation of what Im about.
2. Both you and Desyn Masiello got 1st noticed by mailing out hundreds of promotional CDs to other, already established DJs - what advice do you have for new DJs attempting to do the same today? When Desyn and I did that kind of thing 5 or 6 years ago people commented that it was a new way to promote yourself with CD technology and global mail outs etc. Nowadays its totally changed again with technology and the internet making it very easy to get your music out there. I think these days the most effective way to get noticed is to be a producer and a DJ. That’s just how it is these days with so many people trying to do the same thing. Obviously being a good producer doesnt mean you are a good dj and vice versa but it does seem to be the trend nowadays.
3 Being an international DJ, you become very much in touch with the state of the dance music scene around the globe - what new hot spots and clubs would you recommend our readers visit for their energy and vibe? I can honestly say I always have a great time in Hong Kong and I would extend that to South East Asia in general... Tokyo is a particular favourite. Recently Brazil also blew me away and I cant wait to go back.
4. Production work has been one of your strength from the beginning - what kind ouf sound should we expect from your studio work in the next few months, and how do you feel it might compare to your live DJ sets of the moment? Im beginning to find more harmony with my productions and my DJ sets in the sense that Im now making more records I would like to play in my DJ sets. This might sound ridiculous but my standards as a DJ are always really high and its taken me some time to get my producing to a standard Im happy with. Of course Im still improving and learning every day on all aspects of what I do..or trying to at least!
5. On the technical front, CDJs and laptops have become de facto standards in the studios and live sets - are there newer trends you're noticing and can you tell us what innovative tools have caught your fancy lately.
Ive been experimenting with tractor scratch which I find has become much more stable and usable. Ive been a long term user of the redzone cycloops and the variants of that.... Pioneer gear is pretty essential for me these days, from cdj1000s, the djm800 and efx1000. I use my studio skills a lot in terms of making edits and bootlegs to play and dj tools, so the two skills, producing and djing have become very interdependent for me. I still like to mix my tunes live together though! 6. Do you have any other creative outlets or hobbies that might be a source of creative energy for you or just a relaxation diversion from your heavy travel schedule. Im a lucky position where most of the time I don’t consider what I do to be work so the lines are a bit blurry... Its my passion and my job so Im always thinking about music in one way or another. Like most people I like spending time with people I love. I also have a passion for buildings... love architecture and exploring new places...and I like to try and exploit that when I can. The travel aspect of what I do makes that possible. Interview by: S.R.
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