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 This week we have the opportunity to catch Dan F, the well known man behind the wicked bar Yumla, plus an internationally recognised producer.
We find out what he is currently up to and to see what is currently going on in that creative head of his, what music he is into right now and how he classes himself when he performs in clubs and bars.
Q1: Could you give us a brief self-introduction?
I am Dan F... Disuye Recordings, record producer and owner of bar Yumla.
Q2: What kind of music do you play?
Started off exclusively paying breakbeat; but in the last 18 months have really widened my style - with a larger chunk of my set devoted to electro and tech-house plus I bleed in subtle elements from other stuff I like such as rock, hip-hop & pop. Breaks got very boring & dark last year, whereas the electro-tech scene is insanely fun right now. Loads of great music.
Q3: Who?s your biggest musical influence?
This changes all the time. When I started producing 6 years ago it was guys like Hybrid & BT (who were regarded at the peak of club music production) and I spent hours trying to copy their sound. Nowadays, anyone who can put together a good track gets my ears. After you've learned how to make a beautifully polished mix, then you really learn to appreciate the value of song writing. Take early blues recordings for example; great songs with zero production. That stuff will outlive anything I've ever made and am ever likely to make.
Q4: What makes you wanna DJ? And how did you start your career?
Never regarded myself as DJ... I've never "cut-my-teeth" nor am I bothered about collecting vinyl or playing endless hours in a sweaty basement. First & foremost I'm a producer, and I'll do a long (4 hour Ableton Live) laptop set about once a month just to try out new sounds, see what is working. DJing is more about experimenting and I only got into it to get first hand experience of how people react to music. Plus clubs are more fun than a laboratory.
Q5: Favorite track of the year?
Tough one. The Knife "Pass This On" M.A.N.D.Y. remix or Phonique "Red Dress" Teifschwarz remix. Actually, that might have been last year - whatever! Trentemoller is doing well this year, same with guys like Loulou Players and Guido Schneider or Jussi Pekka. And I didn't just make those up - daft European names are the new hotness. Hmm.
Q6: Best thing about playing a live set?
People dancing. And hot girls. Don't see many of either at your typical recording studio.
Q7: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Probably sat in front of this very same computer - wondering where it all went wrong.
Q8: When can we expect an album from you?
This has been a issue with me for years. I've co-produced on about a dozen albums, mixed & engineered countless more, plus released enough solo singles to fill a record box... but I can't seem to get my own album done. I really feel there has to be a personal reason to producing a collection of music, it up until now I've not figured out what that is.
Q9: Tell us about the latest project you?re working on.
At this very minute; producing for local hip-hop artist Ghost Style on his new album. Turning out absolutely wicked. I'm still releasing breakbeat as Dan F with three 12"s out this year already and two more in the pipeline. Have also started an electro-house project with two 12" singles lined up to appear before Miami, plus I did two tracks with Lee Burridge in that same style. Am also touring with Aussie rock band Regurgitator in November; got a couple festivals lined up where I've re-arranged / remixed some the band's older tracks and they'll play it live. I'm also collaboorating with a number of the Yumla resident DJs to get thier own tracks done; keep one eye on the bar business, and co-run a conceptual installation company (supermodified.org) with artist Simon Birch. I need cloning, badly.
Q10: Where are you currently performing?
Home turf -- Yumla. Love the crowd, happy with the sound system & the vibe is always upbeat. Just wish it was bigger. But then it'd be business headache. No thanks.?
Q11: Is this a full time job or do you also have a job during the day and if yes, what is it?
My?life is a full-time job. Hong Kong is a great city for hustling, and by just picking your projects wisely is usually enough to make a decent living.
Q12: Final words for fans in Hong Kong?
Underground music needs support. Same goes for local film, art and any other creative endeavour. You like it, show your support for it and buy the CDs, pay the ticket price, check out exhibitions or whatever.
Q13: If there was a DJ that you could spin with on the same night who would it be?
Would like to see Laurent Garnier again - not just his techno set, but one of his long multi-genre mash-ups. Anyway, I'd rather be hanging out listening, than taking up space in the booth! Let the pros get on with it.
http://www.disuye.com
http://www.yumla.com
http://www.supermodified.org |
