The prolific UK duo return with the stunning ‘Changing’ featuring Paloma Faith
Interview : Dan Prince
Sigma’s remixes for Kiesza (‘Hideaway’), Route 94 (‘My Love’), Clean Bandit (‘Extraordinary’), DJ Fresh (‘Dibby Dibby Sound’) and DJ Zinc (‘Show Me’) have helped make 2014 their best year to date, further proof that the UK duo have big intentions ahead of the artist album they’re currently putting the finishing touches to. Leeds University alumni – alongside Rusko – Sigma met while balancing raving and studying, working in record shops and promoting events to top up their student loans. While some don their artist mantle when the occasion demands it, Cameron and Joe have made Sigma their ‘life’ since graduation. Early releases with Hospital Records, Viper, Bingo and DJ Fresh’s Breakbeat Kaos, as well as their own Life Recordings, quickly marked them out as producers to watch, while remixes for Eric Prydz, Ellie Goulding, Stylo G and Sway began to take them to a wider audience. The world, it seems, is now their oyster…
Cameron, Joe welcome to DMCWORLD…where in the world are you today?
“Hi Dan, in the studio in sunny Harpenden.”
Well 2014 just gets and better for you guys, a slurry of massive remixes, your single ‘Nobody To Love’ which quickly became one of 2014’s highest selling singles so far hitting No. 1 in 8 countries…and now you deliver ‘Changing’ featuring the mesmerizing Paloma Faith. Please talk us through the history, making and sound of this incredible record…it has had quite a journey…
“The single has been a lot of fun making. We have had different versions, different vocalists, and full orchestra and horn sections all added. We are really happy with the end result as it sounds modern but with a touch of soul, which we feel is lacking in a lot of modern dance music.”
What was Paloma like to work with?
“Paloma was lots of fun. She is really down to earth. The vocal didn’t take long tot record either, she nailed it in a few takes.”
The video was shot in downtown Miami, who was behind this visual treat?
“The director is a guy called Craig Moore. He also directed the video for ‘Nobody To Love’. We like the way he works, as he really likes to get a taste of the local culture by getting a lot of the local people involved. It’s fun!”
Check the video here…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAeotgCHL3E
I loved an interview you did a few weeks back talking about the months that has followed ‘Nobody To Love’s’ success. “A number one record is a rarity for any artist. But it doesn’t necessarily mean added pressure once you’ve done it. We don’t write tunes to go in the charts.” So…no pressure at all…?
“Not really, no. You always want to release your best material but in our opinion it doesn’t matter which chart position the release climbs to. Its just about creating a vibe that we are into.”
Drum & Bass fans can be critical, they are very protective over their sound. You guys just take the comments with a pinch of salt right?
“We never take anyone’s opinion on our music personally (within reason), as it is all subjective. If someone starts trolling our fan page we like to step in and take the piss a bit but, aside from that, we don’t really get worked up by people’s opinions. We like what we are doing. If you like it too then great, but it’s obviously not going to be to everyone’s taste. Whacha gonna do?”
You have just returned from a tour Down Under, a trip you described as “emotional”. What were some of your ‘take home memories’ from that trip?
“Receiving a platinum plaque from our label Universal In Australia. Nearly dieing in a snowstorm coming into land at Queenstown airport, and playing to some of the most enthusiastic crowds we have all year. Good vibes.”
What are the big 5 records in your box right now?
Sigma – Changing
DJ Limited – Everyday
Sigma – Slow Down
Dj Limited – Your Love
SinPrint – Hyperlink
True or false : You write your tunes in a shed in Joe’s parents back garden?
“True. Keepin it real!”
Massive downer at Carnival at the weekend in London. What happened?
“Yeah, it was such a shame that the Digital Soundboy stage actually ended up getting cancelled due to the weather and technical issues. We had both travelled down to find that the party was no longer going ahead. V disappointing as it’s one of our favourite events.”
Rumour has it that you have over 10 tracks ready to roll in the near future! What can you tell us about the next releases…
“We could tell you but we would have to kill you…there are a decent batch of tunes we have, just need to work out what will be next as a single and begin to finalise the album once that is sorted.”
You were over on the white isle last weekend for W.A.R. for Ibiza Rocks. Good gig? Did you get involved with the carry on back at Pikes?
“Afraid not. Our flights usually leave early in the morning. Pikes is a lot of fun though.”
Last week some superstar DJs including Paul Oakenfold, Afrojack and Steve Angello announced on Radio 1 that “Ibiza is too expensive” and that the “mystique of Ibiza isn’t there anymore”. Do you agree?
“Unfortunately as Drum and Bass artists, Ibiza is not really an area we are too familiar with. This is the first year we have been back and forth regularly to the island. The parties we played at were all fun, and it is definitely expensive, but hasn’t that always been the case?”
It’s that time of year again, the annual DJ Top100. I interviewed Arthur Baker this week, he remarked…“there are too many DJs and genres for a realistic competition – it needs to split”. What are your thoughts on that – do you give a shit?
“We never did really give a shit tbh. Good luck to them anyhow.”
So we head back to your gaff after the gig. What is a typical Sigma Back To Mine 10 you spin us to mellow the mood…
Wookie ft Zak Abel – Higher
Joel Compass – Forgive Me (Todd Edwards Rmx)
Shy Fx – Soon Come
Spy – By Your Side
Camo & Krooked – Loving You Is Easy
Billy Cobham – Heather
D’angelo – Brown Sugar
John Martyn – Small Hours
James Blake – Limit To Your Love
The XX – Crystalised
And finally, gotta ask. Have any of your fans/departed fans ever taken you up on your invite to come to one of your gigs for a cuddle?
“Not yet. The offer still stands though.”
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