The ace UK producer Knee Deep In Sound with her ‘Malificent’ EP
Interview by Dan Prince
Southern England’s Claire Ripley has been releasing material since 2008 via Tsuba, Dogmatik, Highgrade and Wiggle and playing shows at some of the most respected nightclubs across the globe such as Berlin’s Panorama Bar, fabric London and tours for Circo Loco. Here we see Ripley slot perfectly into the Knee Deep In Sound roster via a new EP in the shape of ‘Malificent’…
Claire a huge welcome back to DMCWORLD, where on planet earth are you today?
I am at home in Kent today after a hectic weekend in the studio.
A belated Happy New Year to you, let’s get the festivities out of the way first! Did you have a good Christmas, any crap gifts, where were you on New Years Eve and what was your midnight tune?
Happy New Year to you too! I had a great Christmas and did really well present wise so no complaints there. I was at a private party New Years Eve, was fab letting my hair down and the track at midnight was the classic Positive Education by Slam.
Do you think 2015 was a good year for dance music, it seemed to get rid of a lot of the shit?
Yes it was a good year for music, definitely better than 2014 that’s for sure.
What was your biggest tune of last year and best gig?
My biggest track of last year was Athea – Mind Game on Knee Deep In Sound. Last year I took a break from djing due to illness but I am pleased to be back this year and what a great way to come back.
So you have hit the ground running with a big new EP smashing our way on Hot Since 82’s Knee Deep In Sound. Three tracks including title tune ‘Malificent’, please talk us through the release…
Yes I am really proud to be releasing on the label. I feel really honoured to be signed by Hot Since 82. The release has three tracks, Yearning is the deeper of the three with a solid breakdown. Malificent is a stormy number with ethereal vocal murmurs and Only You is more stripped back with organ stabs and vocal drops. The e.p sees me picking up the pace from my previous deep house releases and I am really happy with making this transition as its something I have been hoping to do for years.
You have been releasing music since 2008 via the likes of Tsuba, Dogmatik, Highgrade and Wiggle…how did the Knee Deep hook up happen?
Daley (Hot Since 82) has always been really supportive of my releases and I sent him some music after he left some great feedback. He is still so grounded and deserves all his success, it’s very refreshing to meet someone still so down to earth.
Producers from around the world you’re giving high fives to at the moment?
One of the people I respect most is Andrew Weatherall, he has a new album coming out so I am looking forward to that. I am also really enjoying music from Hot Since 82, Midnight Special and Yard One. One of my favourite producers is Mihai Popoviciu, I always like his music.
What are the 5 big tunes in your box this weekend…
Greg Pidcock – Sunlight (Akbal Music) – great summer vibes with tight percussion, been playing this for a few months.
Midnight Special – Hogs Back, such a beautiful track from the talented Kev Griffiths and Justin Drake.
Sam Russo – Wanderer (John Tejada Remix) – I have always really respected Tejada and this track is a bomb.
Mihalis Safras – Barrage (Knee Deep In Sound) – phat sounds from a great artist and label.
Dachshund – Impact – got the deep, chunky vibes going on from this very talented producer.
Okay let’s rewind for a moment. How old were you when dance music first appeared on your radar…and how?
I was about 12 when I first heard The Shamen and I was totally obsessed with them, I had all their videos and everything I loved them that much.
What were some of the early clubs that you jumping around in?
The first big club I went to was Atomics in Maidstone which was a must every week from then on and Club UK in Wandsworth was insane!
When did the idea of a career in music first start forming in your mind?
In about 2005 when after years of being on the other side I thought I want to give this a go and I bought every piece of equipment necessary, good old credit cards.
What did your family think of your idea?
My family were supportive although family don’t really get it as it’s a different world to them and I think family see it as a hobby rather than a very profitable career.
First break in the music industry?
My first ever release was signed by Steve Bug to Dessous Recordings. When I posted the CD I said to myself this is the label I want and when Steve emailed me 3 weeks later it was a dream come true especially for a first release including a Gorge remix.
What was the dream back then? DJ or producing?
Both really, I think these days you need to do both.
Best gig ever?
4.5 hour set at Panorama Bar, Berlin, was absolutely incredible and I will never forget it.
It was a very sad day for the world of music this week with the passing of David Bowie. What are your own memories of the man and his music?
I felt so utterly sad at this news at it really is the end of an era being brought up hearing this legend. Bowie was an inspiration to everybody and his music was in another league. I loved him in the film Labyrinth too. The world is emptier without him here.
Where are some of the gigs coming up that you’re looking forward to?
I have a couple of appearances in Europe coming up I am really excited about, one of them is a festival but I can’t say too much just yet.
Let’s zip forward to this day in 2017. What do you want to have achieved over the next 12 months?
I want to have a release out every couple of months and to continue the success of 2016 so far by releasing on particular labels, with some great gigs along the way.
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
I am just talking to one of the big labels now about 2 tracks I am also really happy with so watch this space.
