Deep jacking grooves, warm rumbling subs, sweet sharp percussion and delicate vocals
Interview by Dan Prince
Dude welcome to DMCWORLD…where on Planet Earth are you today?
“Today, I’m back from my Asia tour and straight in the studio.”
Really exciting news for dance music at the moment with the news that the mighty Toolroom Records label are going under some major redevelopment right now incorporating new events, new artwork, a new website and new music…going back to their roots and focusing on cutting edge, credible House music. When did you first start talking to Mark Knight and the team about getting involved?
“Toolroom had been talking about it in general terms for quite a while now, over the summer last year and even before then. But Mark approached me in February with the idea for the #RESET campaign and the new ‘Toolroom Live 01’ album and I thought it was a great idea.”
What did you think of the whole #RESET idea at first discussion stage…did you think the time was right for Toolroom to kick on again?
“Definitely, the time was right for the label and team to move forward with the industry. And it all naturally came together for Toolroom so it was the right move without a doubt.”
Can you recall when you first became aware of Toolroom, the artists and songs that grabbed your attention?
“I’ve always been involved in the industry as a studio engineer, so I’ve been listening to Toolroom records for quite a long time now and have respected them from the beginning.”
What makes Toolroom such an incredible label?
“I have a great relationship with Toolroom. The whole team is really supportive, efficient and they really look after their artists. There’s always fresh ideas and, when you come down to the office for a meeting, you feel revived and you feel better and more determined about what you’re doing. If you’re working closely with a label, I think you have to have that personal relationship and not just a business one and Mark Knight and Toolroom look out for my best interests on the business and personal side.”
What are some of the roles you’re going to be taking care of at Toolroom’s #RESET mission?
“#RESET is all about House music so focusing on my music production will remain my key role as well as playing at Toolroom events. I’ll also be looking for new talent that I would want to have on my label if I had one.”
What are your favourite 3 Toolroom tunes of all time?
Dubfire “Roadkill(Original Mix)
Mark Knight “House Negro”
The Hedgetrimerz “Do You Feel It” (Original Mix)
You have just enjoyed your Asia / Australia Tour…what were some of the take home memories from that little trip?
“Without a doubt, it has to be the crowd reaction to my music. They welcomed me with open arms and really dug the music. Travelling to the other side of the world, you can’t predict what will happen, but every crowd on that tour was amazing.”
Where have some of the other stand out gigs been for you this summer?
“My highlight has to be playing at Fabric – that was a dream come true! I’ve always wanted to play at Fabric for years and, for me, it’s one of the few clubs in London that has never sold out – it’s all about quality music. We Are FSTVL was also amazing – the Toolroom arena was packed out all day and the crowd were great. Playing for Toolroom in Ibiza was really cool too – the line-ups have been great and I always love playing in Ibiza. I’d never been to Booom! before so it was really cool to play in the club for the first time.”
The 5 biggest tunes in your box right now?
Hyenah “The Wish”(Manoo Darkside Remix) Freerange Records
Tube & Berger “Come On Now” (Set It Off) (Weiss Remix) FFRR
Jay Luman “Empty Ghetto Bastard” Off Recordings
Moonwalk “Panik City” (Ruben Mandolini Remix) Snatch!
Macromism “Mondano”(Original Mix) 100% Pure
What is coming out next from you studio wise…a new track, a comp perhaps?
“I have my exclusive, ‘I Believe’, on my mix of the ‘Toolroom Live 01’ comp. That’s been getting some great reactions already. Al the moment, I’m working on some big remixes, as well as working with Green Velvet and Kenny Dope.”
It is the DJ Top 100 Poll next month, we interviewed Arthur Baker this month who stated simply there are too many DJs and producers out there now and the Poll should be split into categories…how relevant is this annual competition in 2014 to a label like Toolroom when other labels around the world are now management companies and see it as vital to their artists?
“It’s not something I think about when I’m producing music or playing out live. I suppose it’s more relevant to DJs making and playing out certain genres of electronic music than others.”
And finally, what are you most looking forward to the launch of #RESET…what has really excited you?
“The whole thing; I love the whole freshness of it. Toolroom are going back to their roots and it’s exciting. It’s going to give lots of up-and-coming producers that are producing really well at the moment a chance. It’s not all about the big records – it’s just about cool House music and that’s what #RESET is about.”
