Stuart Patterson (East Village head honcho) interviews Quentin Harris
Stuart Patterson: You have worked with many high profile artists over the years. Which project is your favorite and why?
Quentin Harris: I have had the honor and pleasure of working with so many great singers, songwriters, producers & musicians its hard for me to really choose just one project. There’s a few that really stand out for me. Working with Dance Hall Reggae artist Shaggy was really fun. I also love Re-producing the Justin Timberlake hit “What Goes Around Comes Around” even if wasn’t the most popular of my mix work I had a lot of fun experimenting with world music sounds. But I am very proud of the Album that I have produced with Ultra Nate’ It is so different for me and her. I think when people hear it they are either going to be supervised.
SP: In my opinion you was the only suitable choice for our 2nd birthday at East Village. Our loyal clubbers always ask when you will be DJing for us again. How do you feel about that and your return to our club?
QH: First let me start by saying that I’m so happy to be apart of this party. I know there could have been many different DJ’s you guys could have picked but you asked me and I’m grateful it makes me feel like I’m part of a family which is what this is all about.
SP: You have a new album coming out – can you tell us a little bit about it, have you collaborated with anyone, when will it be ready for release?
QH: Yes I do have a new album entitled “Sacrifice” due out May 2010 on Strictly Rhythm Records. It have been a lot of pain, passion and emotion that went into making this album. It actually took my 2 years to complete. I am very proud of it. This new album to me is much more cohesive then my previous album “No Politics” . If I could describe the sound of album I would say imagine if Prince, Murk & Myself went into an studio to make a record this is what it would sound like I think. I collaborated with some familiar artists and some new ones too. Jason Walker & Georgia Cee are back this time. I worked with Veterans Ultra Nate’ & Inaya Day. David Morales also makes a cameo. The new artist on “Sacrifice” Include Koffee A hot and up coming spoken word artist. Denise Henderson a gritty bluesy/rock singer from Maryland whom I discovered on my space and Drew Vision a young Soul singer with a very unique vocal tone.
SP: I’m sure you have many favorite clubs that you play in the world, but if you could name a few, which ones are the best for you and why?
QH: I have played many parties and clubs over the years and the ones that I really like are geared toward music lovers. Those clubs are Space Lab Yellow(Japan) I can play what ever I want to play there. Red Zone (Italy) I love that in this massive club I can play the kind of music that play to a very diverse crowd. Santos Party House(NYC) with the changing dynamic of New York night life, and not for the better i might add Santos is in my opinion the only club in New York that embodies underground dance music. No bells and whistles just a box of a room with a great sound system and just enough lights to be creative with , and of course East Village (UK) It is a great space that every time I have played each time has been better and better. Also it’s the only club that i have played at in the UK that people really dance! I can only speak for the Parties that I have done there (wink)
SP: What tunes are you championing right now, which ones never leave your record box? Is there any new talent you are getting excited about?
QH: I’m really into this group out of Toronto Canada Azari and they have 2 great songs “Hungry For The Power” and “Reckless With Your Love”
SP: What are your influences and what inspires you to make the music you make and the type of DJ sets you play?
QH: My influences are my parents and my surroundings, I am inspired by so much. My mind is always thinking of interesting ways to make and deliver music and sound. I never really know what I am going to play in any of my sets. I really try to give a broad spectrum of music as there is not one kind of person on a dance floor.
SP: How did KMBA start up, did you decide one day to involve Vivacious and guest DJs. How is that going, when’s the next KMBA gig scheduled ?
QH:KMBA Started when I was approached about doing a party in new York city . I had 2 previous parties Fresh Fruit and Carry On that were ok but I was a little apprehensive about doing another one until i see the space “Webster Hall” Right then and there I thought of all the great things that could be done in the space. The rest is history! Vivacious was suggested by one of the promoters that worked with me on KMBA we met and we just clicked. As far as the next KMBA I’m really not sure when the next one will be. I am really not a fan on once a month parties in NYC . I think that here people haven’t really gotten a chance to find out what I am about musically as a DJ if you come and hear me once month and then the next month it may be a little different. People have a hard time processing that and to get people into what I’m about I have to be playing on a much more constant basis.
SP: Michael Jackson played a major part in your influences, what do you think about his passing and the legacy that lives on?
QH: I was very stunned as the rest of the world was during Michael Jackson’s passing I didn’t leave the house for 4 days. His legacy will be felt many, many, many years to come.
SP: If you had to choose someone to play you in a biography movie, who would it be and why?
QH: Chris Tucker because for some reason every one thinks i look like him (It drives me crazy!)
SP: What can you tell us about yourself that not a lot of people know about, do you have any quirky hobbies, hidden talents or pets?
QH: I really don’t have any quirky hobbies but I consider myself a very good cook. I think that if I were not making music I would be a chef. I also have 2 French Bulldogs Machito & Matilda
SP: your schedule seems hectic all the time. Do you ever have any down time, if so, what do you do in your spare time?
QH: Spare time what’s that?!
SP: Do you like London? What’s your favourite food and choice of tipple, do you have any favourite restaurants here?
QH: Of course I love London I don’t go places I don’t like. 😉 My favorite restaurant in London is a place called Home (now The Book Club) they have the best steak there in my opinion.
SP: It’s our 2nd birthday on the 20th February, we are very excited about you playing a 4 hour set – what should we expect to hear?
QH: Well I’m not really sure I know that I will be playing, some new stuff from the album. But just expect to have fun and dance your cares away!
Quentin Harris (4 hour DJ set)//Stuart Patterson//Jimmy P (Faith fanzine)
//The East Village all-stars: David Hill (Rootikal)//Jimbo Raw Deal (Walking in Rhythm)//Simon Kurrage (SDM)//Amy (Drop The Bomb)//Richio Suzuki & Taka (Version Excursion) 9 pm – 5 am //£8 before 11pm, £10 after(A very limited number of advance tickets available at ticketweb.co.uk @ £7.50)
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=369110
East Village Club, 89 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3HX www.eastvillageclub.com