What exactly do you do?
I’m a DJ and producer. I make records and look after other artists.
What attracted you to speed garage and did you know when you first started DJing that you wanted to stick with music for a career?
Growing up with speed garage as a kid, ‘97, ’98…I started DJing at 16 and got a pair of decks. That’s when I started going to Niche and after about a year I knew. I asked them for a chance in Niche and it just went from there.
What do you love about DJing live?
It’s a challenge seeing what you can do that other people appreciate. Doing a CD in the studio is different but live it’s a challenge to get everybody to dance.
Why do you think garage and Niche music has become so popular?
Because it’s good. A lot of people seem to be brought up with Niche from a young age by brothers and sister and it just grows on you.
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Can you describe the difference between garage, speed garage, 4by4 and Niche?
Garage I class as 2 step. It started in the mid 90s with stuff like So Solid Crew and Craig David. 4by4 and Niche are the same, it’s just that people call it Niche because that’s where it originated. Speed garage is an older form of baseline which came around ’97 and got me started.
T2’s Heartbroken has really highlighted the style of garage know as Baseline. How do you feel about the North being the place that pioneered it?
It’s just how it is. It’s funny when others try to take credit for it. It’s sometime that we formed in Niche and it’s now getting recognised.
Do you listen to music maybe people wouldn’t expect and what do you chill to?
I listen to all types. I remix with a lot of different artists so you have to be open minded.
I’m working abroad a lot, Ayia Napa, Ibiza, Malia, Pathos. I’ve just done a remix for Ace Boogie which should hopefully be a big one. Boy better known. Skepta, Wiley, the Big London MC’s.
With being a big name these days do you get recognised or treated differently?
I’ve got recognised yeah, it depends where I am. Mostly in the Northern - Midlands cities. I don’t get treated any differently.
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How do you keep grounded?
Being from where I’m from I suppose. I stick to my own friends, round my own place and I do what I do. Money’s great but it’s not why I DJ. It’s doing something that I like.
Who would you like to work with in the music industry and why?
Justin Timberlake because he works with good people and makes good music. I like Timberland too and big producers and artists that are there for a reason.
Who’re some of the best artists you’ve worked with so far?
H2o, Wideboys, Alex Gaudino, De Lacey, Westwood. I also did a re-mix for Leona Lewis.
What advice do you have for young people wanting to become a DJ?
If you’re into baseline or any type of music, keep at it. Don’t expect to get somewhere straight away like a lot of people do. If you’re talented or even not, just keep practising. Don’t think that it won’t happen to you. It will if you keep trying.
By Charley Batham |