FENN, a young DJ/Producer from Maidstone, Kent. He turned 18 years old in December, and in the past six moths has had tracks released on Nervous Records, Hoxton Whores Records, Stash Records, We Are House Records and he has two tracks being put out on Automotion Nation this summer. In February FENN had one of his tracks played on Radio One’s Future Anthems, which left him buzzing. In an interview with a New York magazine last month Marshall Jefferson name-checked FENN as an up and coming DJ/Producer to keep a look out for, which left FENN buzzing even more! DMCWORLD checks in with the main man…
Interview by Ian ‘Snowy’ Snowball
Where does the passion come from for making your music?
What I like about making House music is the energy that comes from the tracks, and then once the track is made, being eventually able to play it out. There’s something special about creating a tack and then having people listen to it, and give you positive feedback. I think making a track is my opportunity to portray my feelings, and whatever is moving me at that time.
How did this musical journey begin?
I got interested when I was young, about ten years old. I was really into dancing, and always dancing around the home. I even got involved with a few dance clubs. Then it occurred to me that I liked the music I was dancing too, so I got more into the music side of things. This then led me to wondering if I could make my own music, so I explored that avenue, and that’s when I discovered House music, and DJing. So, I went from dancing, to listening to music, to making music and DJing. A huge influence on me were my mum, step-dad, and dad. They were always listening to House music. They’d suggest I listen to this track or that track, and I got really hooked on House. My family have been a massive support, and that means a lot to me.
You are a big fan of Toolroom, what is the connection?
I’m born and bred in Maidstone so Mark Knight and Toolroom Records mean so much to me. My mum knew Mark from back in the days when he was first playing out in Maidstone, and it was her who told me I should check out Mark’s music. I did, and I loved it. He just hasn’t made a bad track, and so he is a big inspiration. It was whilst learning about Mark that I then discovered Toolroom Records, and since then have been in love with their music, and the various artists that are on the label. It’s one of my ambitions to be part of the record label, and the Toolroom family. I have learnt a lot by listening to the Toolroom artists, especially the way their structure their songs and use their piano’s and vocals. What Mark Knight has done for Toolroom Records, and for Maidstone, and people like me is just amazing.
Away from the studio, what are you listening to at the moment?
Well Illyus & Barrientos, Maxinne, Siege, Leftwing: Kody, Martin Ikin. They are all putting out the best music. There’s also Camelphat, and Solardo, who just had a number one working with Marshall Jefferson on a new version of Move Your Body. I’m also checking into harder Tech House at the moment too. I’ve recently discovered Nookie too, and his music is inspirational. I’m in the process of remixing some of his awesome tunes.
The world is your oyster, pick three producers you would love to get locked in a studio with…
I would have to say Mark Knight, Camelphat and Leftwing: Kody. Getting to work with those guys would be awesome.
The dancefloor loves you thanks to your track I’m A Dreamer. Tell us the history behind it…
It was released on Whore House Records and got into the top fifty in one of the Beatport charts. I remember waking up one morning and checking my phone and seeing that the track was at number 47. I couldn’t believe it. It’s been a massive boost for me, and now have more tracks due to be released on Freakin 909 and Automotion Nation and others I’m just waiting to be confirmed. Plus, I have several gigs booked in. 2020 is going to be an amazing year!
