Interview by Nicky Trax
You’re coming to play at Tough Love’s Get Twisted residency on Friday July 8th . How did you connect with these guys, you signed to their label last year releasing the incredible ‘Joy’ track with them?
The connection goes back 34 years. One half of Tough Love (Stefan) is my brother. Stef and myself started DJing together at an early age but a career in football for myself made me take a 13 year absence from behind the decks. For years mates and family told me to get back into DJing but I really didn’t want to as the music had changed and so had the technology. In 2011 Stef persuaded me to cover a set for him as he had a gig as Tough Love (which he had just formed with Alex). Since then I have never looked back. It wasn’t until November 2015 Stef and Alex approached me asking me to go on tour with them in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It was there they heard ‘Joy’ for the first time and immediately said they wanted to sign it. After the tour the lads contacted me to talk about signing to the label which I agreed to do.
You looking forward to playing at the party?
I can’t wait!!! I’ve been to all the Get Twisted parties and every one of them have been quality. I played at the last one at Egg LDN and that was pretty special. I’m buzzing that it’s also at one of my favourite clubs to play in London.
Who’s sets will you be checking out?
I will be checking all the sets out. I’ve been supporting Ryan’s, N:Fostel and Tough Loves music out now for some time, so I know their sets are going to be non stop energy, I’m looking forward to hearing them all.
Do you have any secret weapon tunes you might be digging out?
I’m always digging for tunes, hours on end daily. I will be pulling out loads of gems I’ve found and of course some old classics for the night for sure.
Hailing from West London, can you please tell us how your music career started?
I started in 1994, my parents bought my brother and myself a pair of belt driven turn tables after we chewed their ears off for months talking about music and DJing. After a few months, they realised that we were serious about what we were doing and passionate about the music, they bought us a pair of Technics 1210’s and that’s how it started.
Citing influences such as 90s house and garage music, who were your biggest influences?
My biggest influences growing up were Karl Tuff Enuff Brown, Frankie Knuckles, Inner City, Todd Terry, Matt Jam Lamont, MK, Roger Sanchez, Todd Edwards but DJ EZ made me want to be a DJ. I remember listening to tape packs of him from parties in the 90’s and rushing home to listen to him on Ice FM and recording it on a TDK. Seeing him play at raves in clubs like Bagleys, Gass Club and the reaction he got, I was like, I want to do that. Listening to all theses DJs and producers got me in to electronic music and still to this day their music is still going strong in the scene and I’m still playing a lot of their tracks in my sets.
What was your first big break?
I honestly can’t remember it was that long ago…I think it may have been at Gass Club, Leicester Square or The Colisseum, Vauxhall. My first big break after my 13 year absence of DJing was actually at Egg LDN when the main room was the basement, about 5 years ago where I supported Tough Love and No Artificial Colours.
What’s coming up for you in the next few months in terms of releases, gigs etc?
I’ve got a few guest radio shows that I’m pencilled in for, a few gigs confirmed which I can’t mention just yet. The same with releases, I’ve got a release on GT/Sony/Columbia in the next few months and a couple on other labels which is under wraps at the moment. I’ve just released my remix of the club hit LiTek – ‘Drop That’ feauring Grace Davies which is out now on GT/Sony/Columbia.
Can you tell us about some of the highlights from your career so far…
I’ve enjoyed every aspect of my career so far, from the very beginning to now. DJing for the Kisstory Tour in Ibiza and UK was definitely a highlight for me and also some of the residencies I have had. I was a resident DJ at Rehab Warehouse in Coventry for 2 years which was a very special time for me. Since being back behind the decks I have been lucky enough to play with many DJs in the game from, Pete Tong, Hannah Wants, Tough Love, Eats Everything, GotSome, Sonny Fodera, Amine Edge, MK, Skream, Bontan, No Artificial Colours, Duke Dumont, Shadow Child, Ben Pearce, OneMan, Sam Divine, The Disciples, Darius Syrossian, Breach, Groove Armada, Miguel Campbell, Hector Couto, Franky Rizardo plus many more.
Can you please tell us about the records that you’re most proud of and why?
The records I am most proud of to date are Blaise ‘ oy’, LiTek – ‘Drop That’ (Blaise Remix) and Cat Delph – ‘ ire’ (Blaise Remix). The reasons why I’m proud of these records are the reaction and support I’ve had from other DJ’s and fans of my sound.
How has the UK music scene changed over the years?
For me the sounds and technology has completely changed the music scene over the years. I think its brilliant the way it has changed it because it makes DJing and the scene in general a lot more fun.
With the UK’s new school of DJ/Producers coming through, who do you rate right now?
A DJ/Produceer I rate very highly at the moment is LiTek. For me at the moment he is on fire with what he is bringing out and his sound and sets are always fun and high energy.
Artists who you’re always listening out for…
Dennis Quinn and Man WithOut A Clue are producing tracks that will always be in my set. These 2 are on spot on with their current sound and vibe at the moment. Also the Tough Love lads. They have been going from strength to strength over the years and are always pushing the boundaries with sounds which is exciting.
And lastly before we head out the door to the Tough Love ‘Get Twisted’ Party, what should we be listening to?
To get you in the mood for the night and to have a little taste of what to expect, you could listen to my soundcloud, www.soundcloud.com/blaisedj There’s a few mixes on there and also tracks which are available to download now.
Blaise headlines Tough Love’s Get Twisted residency at Egg LDN on Friday July 8th alongside Tough Love, Ryan Blyth, DJ Target, and N:Foster. All info on www.egglondon.co.uk
