How has Miami influenced your career in the past?
“In more ways than one might imagine. It was in Miami that my first full production was played by Tony Humphries. It was also the place where I first met people like Simon Dunmore before Defected was even a thought. I met Ann Nesby in Miami one year before recording with her in the studio. It is impossible to count the number of relationships in this industry that I still maintain today because I was there.”
What advice can you give these new guys coming through the scene now?
“Figure out what you want to do, then do it. You can’t do anything right if you’re doing it half way. I find that the more you do what you LOVE to do, the better you become at doing it. Once you’ve done the preparation all you have to wait for is the opportunity, and believe me, that will come. So you have to be ready.”
Why should people come and see you play this year in Miami?
“‘Cause I am going to rock it. I love doing what I do and I consider it an honour to be a part of such a momentous occasion.”
Nice new Defected mix…
“Thanks, I’ve done some very special and exclusive things for this mix. Thommy Davis and I have done a track called ‘Over Again’. My boys Gary Hudgins, Irvin Madden and Marc Evans (The MuthaFunkaz) helped me re-mix Yass’s version of ‘When Doves Cry’, and DJ Meme’s version of ‘Any Love’. There are also a few classics that appear on this mix like the Masters At Work version of ‘Rescue Me’ by The Sunkids featuring Chance which was the hit of WMC a while ago. I have a few mash ups that happen in this mix as I always do, but I will leave that to being a surprise. I really feel good about it.”
Does Miami mean as much today as it did in the past?
“Not really. I like a good party as much as anyone else, but Miami has too many parties happening all at once. It’s kinda hard to be in more than one place at a time. Also it’s no longer about the Winter Music Conference. The actual conference has been overshadowed by parties. The conference was important for those who wanted to make connections in the industry once upon a time…”
What are your predictions for this year?
“I believe that music that has meaning will be very important this year. Music for the soul is on the rise!”
