With over 20 years of DJing experience under his belt, DJ Sneak is one of the world’s most talented turntable hero’s. Genius tune selection, total deck wizardry and a pure love of house music combine to bring us time and time again an unforgatable dancefloor experience. Sneak kicks off 2012 with a new album for the mighty Fabric featuring a mix ripe with carefully selected contemporary house nuggets, echoes of Chicago, the Jackin’ House sound he loves plus drizzles of techno and even some overtones of big band swing fun too – without the use of any computers! DMC checks into Sneak towers…
Words: Dan Prince
Carlos, welcome back to the DMC World. Back with a vengeance with a mighty Fabric release, everyone is saying the best from the London super club in a long time, well done sir. So let’s go back to the early sunshine days of DJ Sneak on the island of Puerto Rico – playing on the beach amidst salsa bands and people dancing in the surf. Music was all around you from an early age. How was family life growing up?
“Family life was good, I had loving parents, grandparents, uncles, aunties and loads of cousins. We were all different but similar at the same time, we all loved Latin music and dancing was a daily thing around the house. My family didn’t have much but they always knew how to have a good time. Even though I came from a family that was not financially rich, we were very rich in love and affection.”
You first encountered a turntable and a piece of vinyl very early on in life at the mother of a friend’s house. There must have been loads of popular Puerto Rican musicians in the pile, but can you remember any of the commercial artists you saw there that day?
“Mostly FANIA All Stars, some Beatles, Elvis, Celia Cruz, Cortijo y su Combo, Ismael Rivera…”
You moved to Chicago with the family from there, swapping the beach for bricks, the waves for the wind, the sea for sirens and the coconuts for cold. But one thing you did discover that first summer of 84 in Chicago was music. Tell us about the sounds from back then, this was before MTV so how did a kid hear the beats?!?
“Everything in Chicago was new and BIG. The radio was the main source of music, news, gossip, weather, you name it, Chicago had big radio stations that were so influential in many ways. From original Jazz, Blues, R&B, Funk & Soul and most importantly the beats of very early HOUSE MUSIC, all these sounds were playing on the same airwaves, it was the best in FM Radio. The mix shows on the weekends were the most anticipated, it was non-stop music for 5 hours, usually till 3 am. If you had a good sound system you could totally host a dope house party with nothing but the radio beats bumpin’. It was the best times to grow up in Chicago.”
You earned your DJ name from your graffiti skills. If I open a club with a blank canvas and throw you some cannons, do you think you could still burn it up?
“Hell Yeah, I got the skills in my blood! The last few times I got the chance to get creative were very liberating – like a beast inside that wants to come out and TAG, I love this in my life, like music & cooking too.”
During your early years in Chicago, you learnt a huge amount of music ‘insider’ knowledge working at some of the city’s more prominent record stores, how did these jobs help your insight into the DJ world?
“It motivated me in many ways, I loved being in record stores, I loved knowing what was hot, what people were playing, what people liked, I loved all of it. I was a great salesperson and actually took the time to learn what you liked so that every time you stepped in front of me you would spend at least $150 dollars, but I made sure you spent your money on the good stuff, I cared about what I was selling. I worked hard to put most of my money back into the stores, I always left with a fat stack of records under my arms – to collect, to sample and just to own.”
What is the greatest album in your collection?
“Some of the very first white labels I got back in 1985–86, DI International, Traxx Records and whites like Mike Dunn and Steve Pointdexter, some very early Lil Louis 12” before going big. Great times ~ great records.”
In the UK when Acid House was taking off, record stores like Eastern Bloc in Manchester and Flying or Black Market in London was a mecca for big DJs, most of whom didn’t pay for their tunes, Who were the established DJs coming into your store for the latest tunes – and did they pay!?
“Everybody paid for their tunes but some were also getting paid from their mix tapes – straight exchange. There were always the hook ups though, especially the good test records that used to show up at the shop. There was definitely a list of people that got first dibs on things they wanted, it was a way to get them into the store and we loved letting the word out that they were going to be by so we’d get all these kids coming from school to meet DJs like Bad Boy Bill.”
You said recently in an interview that…”personally I think music has hit a sad stage, nothing new is good, nothing is innovative, it’s always frabricated and over cooked like a bad salmon steak left on the grill for way to long … DRY!” Is that a dig at the huge amount of trance DJs (no names mentioned!) that are currently circulating the globe earning millions with their records which in reality, must take an hour or so to make?
“These days I’m trying my best to stay focused on the tasks I have to take care of for my style music. I try to stay focused on producing quality and playing what I love. People make and play music for all kinds of reasons but all I really have to be concerned with is why I am doing what I am doing, if I’m happy with that, that’s all that really matters. I’m here to work hard, to survive, but especially to be proud of what I’m doing, whether it takes me an hour, a day or 10 years to complete.”
Talk us through Fabric 62 – you have said that “I’ve listened to it so many times and I get really excited…that’s DJ Sneak right there!” – talk us through this journey of house heaven…
“I just jumped in like I usually do on the decks – confident, full of energy and ready to play a great set – I love this feeling. Once the music is going it’s party time. This is exactly how I put this mix together; all I can say is that I’ve given it the essence of being in the middle of a live set at Fabric – at the right time on the right night.”
What is it about London that makes GREAT clubs? The End, Fabric, Ministry, The Cross – just great clubs for losing yourself in music…you have enjoyed so many happy residencies in London town…
“I believe it’s the mixture of local clubbers and tourists from around the world that really get the clubs going. London in a central spot and a city that many get the opportunity to visit, when people get there they want to experience the vibes I’m sure they’ve heard people talk about. The crowds in London are ready to go out and do it BIG, while in London people party hard, when they go out they are ready to let loose and the clubs you mentioned above have done a great job at providing the space, the music and the classic vibe. There is also a really cool underground scene I got see last time I was around, some seller (Basement) parties that were super cool and fresh.”
What is the finest piece of vinyl you have ever played to a dance floor?
“J.M. Silk <http://www.discogs.com/artist/J.M.+Silk> Featuring Steve “Silk” Hurley <http://www.discogs.com/artist/Steve+%22Silk%22+Hurley> – Jack Your Body – Rca.”
What is the big current Sneak top 10 you are spinning?
Patrick Di Stefano & Lucas Doobie – Get through – OFFSPIN
DJ Sneak – Dirty Sneakers – Watch the Ride – MAGNETIC RECORDINGS
Luper – Shot the Criminal – M-In Remix – YUMA
Markus Homm – Going to Make it – HIGH GRADE RECORDS
Hector Couto – Creampie (Darius Syrossian Remix) PURA MUSIC
Cajmere & Russoul – Lets Dance – CAJUAL RECORDS
DJ W!ld Feat Hector Moralez – Take a trip – W RECORDS
Tripmastaz – No Turning Back – MAGNETIC RECORDINGS
DJ Sneak – Different Shapes of Clouds – SNEAK CLASSICS
Max Duke – Back to Universe – RED LIGHT MUSIC
We all know that your favorite place in the world is your studio. Mine is a beach in Mauritius, but each to their own! Looking back though, what programs and hard wares do you miss from long nights gone by?
“I really miss using the TR 909 midi to my Akai S-950. This is how I produced my first 25 Eps back in the 1990’s. I do miss the analog sound and the raw Sp1200 drums too but I can’t complain, I feel like I’m making some of the best of DJ Sneak with Mac G5 Cubase Xs3 and a keyboard. I still have all my outboard gear, so if I really feel like I need to wire in and do a few patterns, I do just that.”
But talking about your favorite places, one place that springs to mind with you is Timmins in Ontario where you really kick back and chill. I remember once you told me about your love of hunting there. What is the biggest beast you took down there?
“HAHAHHA! A partridge … smaller than a chicken bigger than a pigeon, It’s not a beast but you need a good shot. I also love to fish, I catch the 10 pound pikes”
What is the best restaurant in the world you have ever dined in?
“I still have not made it there yet, but I know I will one day. I have to say there a few runners up in Napoli, Italy.”
Not a lot of people know this, but DJ Sneak has a prize vegetable patch…
“I do, every spring I start to seed plants and work all summer long to get the best results for my Vegs. – Jalapeno peppers, cayenne, bell peppers, aubergine, tomatoes, zucchini, last year we had awesome spaghetti squash! It’s a great feeling to eat your own freshly grown veggies, try it, it’s going to be the way of the future.”
I can count my real friends on one hand. How many real friends can you count on one hand that are DJs?
“At this point in my life I’d say maybe 3, but trust me I’ve had many. People like to be cool and play real when they’re benefiting from the friendship, but if you dare say no, then things change. Even the cool ones turn.”
We have been promised a new artist album from yourself in Spring 2012, what is the latest on this project and what can we expect?
“Pure DJ SNEAK. I’ve been making beats non stop so when I decide to choose tracks I’ll have more than I can release which means only the best will be part of the play list. Jackin’ deep House with all the Sneak seasoning.”
The time a few years back when all of a sudden you were moved into Room 2’s of venues where previously you were main room status, must have been hard. Your music hadn’t changed, perhaps promoter’s perceptions had due to silly media – what do you recall about that time?
“I kept my chin up, I kept doing what I loved cause I certainly wasn’t going to change for promoters who were following the recent trends, I wasn’t going to sell out for those main room vibes. I moved swiftly, studied a strategy, made plans because I knew House music was not dead like many claimed. I knew things would eventually change, fads and silly styles come and go but underground House music survives cause those who know really don’t care about what the masses are following, we keep playing House music and we keep moving forward. I knew I was not done and I knew if I stayed true to my sound I would be in the main rooms again. I have contributed too many hours of my life to just feel defeated by some limited style that will die as fast as it pops up. I am where I am because I hustle to stay here, I move forward with the times and I still have respect for the craft and especially the music I love to play.”
We come back to your crib after the club. What is the DJ Sneak Back To Mine Top 10 you spin us to chill and groove to…
Earthshaker – The Republic
Higgely Piggely – Ian Pooley
Percolator – Cajmere
Disco Cubizm – I Cube
Life is changing- Cricco Castelli
Make You Jiu Jitsu – BJ Bang
Untitled – Chez Damier
Zapped – Johnny Fiasco
Indo Silver Club – Daft Punk
You Can’t hide from your Bud – DJ Sneak
We hear there are some new single releases in the pipeline this year including a collaboration with Riva Starr. Tell us what we have got expanding our ears…
“There are a few good things in the pipeline indeed, this collab with Riva is great, a super track called ‘Manduka’, a really fun track, very Latin influenced plus some Chicago meets Europe flavor to it. There is also another single called “Lupita” on the way that will be making major noise. We are just getting that signed now. Sorry I can’t mention label yet.”
And lastly, when you finally decide to hand up your headphones and house heels for the last time, how would you like to be remembered by the millions of clubbers around the world who you have put massive, happy smiles on their faces?
“I’d want people to think of me as a real MoFo who came and did his part in creating and keeping House music alive and well, someone who worked hard and maintained his dignity and style through the many changes in music, but I think I’d mostly want to be remembered as a gentle giant who liked to laugh, loved life and was real good at having fun.”
Fabric 62 : DJ Sneak will be released worldwide on CD and Digital on Feb 20th 2012 with the USA CD release on 27th March 2012. Promo video :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BHENXUsXgs
Tracklisting:
01 Strip Steve & Das Glow – Calcium [BNR Trax]
02 Markus Homm & Philipp Gonzales – Got To Make It [Highgrade]
03 Basti Grub feat. Agent! – Walking In My Blues [Desolat]
04 Yeshua Murillo – I’m Gonna Make You Mine (Joss Moog Mix) [Maracuja]
05 Arturo Garces – Light It Up [Jump]
06 Tripmastaz – No Turning Back [Magnetic]
07 Mike Jules – Crack Ass [Magnetic]
08 Hector Couto – Creampie (Darius Syrossian Remix) [Pura]
09 Mendo – Old School [Cadenza]
10 Alex Tepper – In, Out, Life [Saved]
11 DJ Sneak – My Love (Ramon Tapia Remix) [Snatch]
12 Sir James – Special (Ramon Tapia Remix) [Strictly Rhythm]
13 Christian Burkhardt & Einzelkind – Cooper [Jax]
14 Luca M – Funk My Sax [Inmotion]
15 Muto – Wait A Minute [Smiley Fingers]
16 DJ W!ld feat. Hector Moralez – Take A Trip [W]
17 Willie Graff & Tuccillo – To The Music (Tato Remix) [Isgud]
18 Cause & Affect – Beware Of The Swingers [Beatdown]
DJ SNEAK Tour dates:
Fri Feb 3: Headway, Dundee, UK
Sat Feb 4th Showcase, Paris, France
Fri Feb 17: Watergate, Berlin, Germany
Sat Feb 18: Fabric, London, UK (ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY!)
Fri Feb 24: Dolans Warehouse, Limerick, Ireland
Sat Feb 25: Grelle Forelle, Vienna, Austria
Launch Party: DJ Sneak at Fabric, London on Saturday February 18th, 11pm-8am alongside Terry Francis, Craig Richards, Ben Sims, Marcel Dettmann, Rob Mello, Maya Jane Coles, Carsten Klemann and Ed Darling.
