Prolific UK producer living the life and getting ready for a huge summer of massive releases
“The track pretty much demonstrates my style I suppose, techy, energetic with some great builds. I always say the simple things work best and this a prime example, once you have the acid line, the rest is history…”
As I’m writing this you will be on you way to Croatia for the start of your residency on the island of Pag for the month long Papaya Club festival. Every major DJ in the world will be appearing by the shoreline over the coming weeks, what makes this open-air delight so special?
“I was very interested in doing this gig from the start, as you may know I’ve been in Ibiza a fair few years now but have always relished any opportunity to go and see other open air venues around the world, especially as Ibiza clamps down on them somewhat. Papaya was amazing, great people, great vibe and above all a new experience I would recommend to anyone.”
You have been a prolific producer over the last decade, what else have you got lined up release wise from yourself in 2012?
“I’ve got so many tracks coming out it’s untrue. I’m currently finishing around 6 tracks (I like to get them perfect) – my next release will be a real housey track called ‘Champion’ that’s out on Toolroom soon.”
Your own label continues to bring mayhem to the dancefloor, what’s the latest with Dojo – have you any new artists coming our way?
“Lots of new artists like Cole Johnson, Marvel Child, Brady and Jed Stemp, James Trystan, Martin Budsen and Matt Mclarie. Hope I’ve mentioned everyone! Basically I’ve spent a lot of time A&Ring for the label this year and getting the sound bang on, expect some quality house music.”
As the story goes, you christened the label Dojo after a particularly messy night out at DC10 in Ibiza, what’s the story there?
“That’s the story really! I didn’t think of the name for a label it was originally for a club night I was gonna do, then I shelved the club night idea and when I wanted to start a label the name came flooding back to me.”
You grew up surrounded by music, your father was in the band The Mindbenders who were one of the first British bands to try and conquer America in the 60s. Surely he must have pushed you into playing musical instruments before you wandered next door and found those Technics in your neighbours house?
“I think I tried to learn every musical instrument but found technical things such as sampling and DJing more instantly rewarding. I’m a fairly impatient person so it just gave me access to what I wanted to make quicker, I think it definitely helped having a father who could point me in the right direction musically, otherwise I think I would be making some very odd music.”
Tell us about his DJ debut at Bora Bora a couple of years back. What did he play?
“Ha ha. I really can’t remember, I think it was my track ‘Dying To Live’, he was in the DJ box listening to it so I said “why don’t you play it?” I can’t say he was hooked, I think his exact words were “this is a piece of piss, you wanna get a real job!” Ha ha!”
Did you have any desire to follow DJs like Alfredo and John Kelly with a ‘son / father’ DJ act!!?!
“Not really no, one of me is enough for everyone to deal with I think.”
After getting your head around the decks, you went to Ibiza on holiday, blagged some DJ work and decided to move there permanently. How hard was it to rest temptation during the summer and not go mad every night of the week?
“I’ve always pigeonholed my partying and that’s the way to do it I think, well its worked for me. I plan when I’m going out, for instance if I wanna go to Cocoon on a Monday I make sure I get all my stuff done for the next day before I go cause there isn’t gonna be much happening from me the next day, if it’s not done I don’t go, I suppose you would call it method in the madness.”
Ibiza has had some peaks and troughs over the years, this year there are more club nights than ever. And although numbers are down, there is more diversity too. How do you think your beloved Sankeys are getting on this year, they have some great line ups…
“I’ve been a few times this summer and they are completely on fire, as far as underground and deep house they’ve got it sewn up for me, its such a great experience in there, to say you can let yourself go would be an understatement.”
What is your favourite beach and restaurant on the white isle?
“I like Cala Moli because it’s close to where I live and therefore easy. I have so many favourite restaurants but to name one I would say Sella des Bosch, amazing for a sunset meal, soothes the soul.”
“Mondaybar cruise, it’s like a festival on a boat, hope that counts as a club.”
What was the 1 record that changed your life?
“Massive Attack – ‘Unfinished Symphony, cuts me to shreds even when I hear it now.”
Where are the big open air events you are looking forward to over the rest of the summer?
“I’ve done a few already, Savannah Sessions Festival in Gibraltar was great and of course Papaya in Croatia.”
And finally, had you heard of the World Paintball Champion with the same name as yours when people started to get you two mixed up?
“I hadn’t at first but he actually e-mailed me and introduced himself, even became e-mail buddies over the years, he lets me know what he’s up to and where he’s been etc. He’s a really cool guy, well he’d have top be wouldn’t he…ha ha!”
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