‘What’s Happening?’ The Phonetic boss is happening! Massive tune from the guvnor
Interview : Dan Prince
Rob, welcome back to DMCWORLD…where in the world are you today?
“I have the pleasure of being back in London, enjoying the typical British weather. If I actually grew plants, I’d probably be winning awards with all this rain.”
Well just in time for Ibiza you have done it again, got the Buzz Chart office jumping through hoops with silly looks on their faces thanks to one of your tunes. This time round it’s ‘What’s Happening’ that is causing all the mayhem. Talk us through the sound, vocal and history of the track…
“That really means a lot, really chuffed you guys like it. House music is in a great place right now, the big sound coming out of London right now is Deep House, melodic riffs and some great songs. Stuff that will have a real longevity to it. With ‘What’s Happening?’ I wanted to produce something in that Deep House vein, but with a little twist…in a Max Linen kinda way if you like. There are quite a few tracks that are doing well right now and are being classed as ‘shufflers’ (ie. Just a really nice groove) I love those kinda tracks, but wanted to make something that got a crowd reaction when dropped and aimed at those Ibizan dancefloors as always. I’ve worked with Keithen Carter on quite a few projects now, he’s a Grammy award winner, singing on Madonna’s True Blue album, he has forthcoming projects with Doorly, Sonny Fodera & Full Intention. He set to work and has created a hypnotic vocal that really works with the track, on a big system it bellows out at you. The reaction when I’ve played it and that it’s receiving from Tastemakers & Radio has been wicked. Really looking forwards to seeing the reactions it gets on the Ibiza dancefloors this summer…
…here’s some earlyfeedback: http://www.pitch-one.net/phonetic/Reactions/ph74/ph74reactions.html
So Ibiza around the corner, we know you love We Love…at Space, but this year the Clockwork Orange boys are returning to the scene of their crime. I take it you’ll be on board?
“Yes, I’m lucky enough to be playing. They’ve a party at Es Paradis on Friday 25 July and another on Sunday 27 July at the new Sands beach club. The reaction to Clockwork has blown everyone away. They’ve been selling out 1800 capacity venues in London, two months in advance! Pretty unheard of. Danny Gould & Andy Manston have found a niche that was waiting to be tapped. Bringing that unique Clockwork feel and vibe back to our Dancefloors something that a lot of nights just don’t get. They host about 5 rooms ranging from classics to upfront Ibiza mayhem.”
Has Ibiza been missing nights like this? There isn’t anything like this on the island any more…?
“There are still some great nights in Ibiza, as well as nights that aren’t really what Ibiza is about. Clockwork Orange has a real magic to it, it was about the music, some wicked DJ line ups and a very serious party with a group of like minded people absolutely going for it. If anyone hasn’t experienced it, they should get those flights & Clockwork tickets booked sharpish. As with all their parties this is a definite sell out. Some info here…
https://www.facebook.com/ClockworkOrangelondon
When you think of Clockwork in Ibiza, what immediately springs to mind?
“Lots of things spring to mind, that lovely dusty pine smell from the Clockwork Villa, Danny and Andy’s quality BBQs, then some of the biggest DJ line ups put on by an Ibiza promoter. Smiling, friendly people all dancing their tits off. Lots of very messy after parties.”
Sundays at Space…why is this such an amazing event every year?
“Musically they always have their fingers on the pulse, Darren and Mark are experts in the field. As you reported Mark has moved onto new ventures this year, opening a boutique B&B I believe with Sarah. But he’s now also involved with the Garden Festival in Croatia. A great acquisition for the festival, he’ll be weaving his magic over there no doubt.”
Will it be the same without Mark Broadbent, what are you envisaging Safehouse Management boss Lynn Cosgrave will be bringing to the table, she is a lady with an incredible history in dance music…
“He’ll definitely be missed for what he’s done at ‘We Love…’ – but I’m sure he’ll be at many of the parties socializing as opposed to working, so all good. Andy has now stepped up to the plate after working with Darren and Mark for a while now, he’ll know his stuff and I’m sure will help contribute to a great season for the We Love family. Lynn knows the island inside out too, looking after Carl Cox and his parties, rest assured there will be some Ibizan magic coming from those guys this summer.”
What song always reminds you of Ibiza?
“Without doubt St Etienne ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ sums up the feel Ibiza gives me…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZAajrxvDs4&feature=kp
What is the current top 10 you are spinning….
1.Rob Roar Ft. Keithen Carter ‘What’s Happening?’
2.Rory Lyons ‘Piss Take No.2’
3.Made To Move ‘Perfect Lady’ (Ben Mono Mix)
4.Rob Roar Ft. Stella Attar ‘Rockerfella’
5.Deep Dish ‘Quincy’
6.Adana Twins ‘Everyday’ (Andre Crom Mix)
7.Rob Roar Ft. Keithen Carter ‘Crack Cadillac’
8.Rory Lyons ‘Wookie’
9.Anja Schneider ‘Something that’s for life’
10.Urula ‘Things I Didn’t Mean’
A recent quote from Dave Angel…“Well I believe true DJing is actually an art, but it’s a dying art, as everyone is pushing the sync button…it’s a real shame when you see a ‘DJ’ plug his laptop in and call this DJing. Music will always evolve but sometimes not in the best way.” Thoughts on that?
“I’ve had this conversation many a time, DJing is about creating a feel and a groove which in turn creates an atmosphere on the dancefloor. Having a Mac is certainly easier than lugging two heavy record boxes around. But it’s important, no matter what format you use to play with, you have to be able to understand a crowd and why a certain record may or may not work. Anyone can turn up with a laptop and play two records in sync, I suppose it’s like passing your driving test and the next day trying to drive a bus. You may get by if you’re very lucky but it’s never going to be that great! The beauty of it, is you can take so much more music with you, but certainly important if your new to it, to do those House or friends parties first to cut your teeth and get a feel for what and how it works on a dancefloor. I use 2 USB’s with tracks loaded via Rekord box, stick them in the decks and off you go. DJing as if it was vinyl.”
Another quote from a superstar DJ this week…“a DJ has to have a piss every time before he goes on the decks, and if somebody tells me that’s not nerves they are full of shit.” – Rob, you still get nervous before DJing?
“There’s definitely a nervous kinda excitement when you play the likes of ‘We Love…’ or any decent party for that matter. When you know there are some absolute gems that you’re just about to drop…and the reaction when they do, that’s a nice feeling. Although to be fair, I’ve usually had a few drinks by that point and when you’re doing a 2 hour set, it makes sense to beeline for the toilets beforehand. Getting electrocuted whilst DJing isn’t the best look. I do remember getting caught short at Back 2 Basics one night, DJing up a ladder and getting to the toilets whilst playing wasn’t an option and we were at emergency levels…lets just say I had to drop off a few bottles in the gents later on!”
Throw some names at us, some up and coming producers we should be checking out this year?
“Ben Mono out of Berlin is on fire.
Made To Move is a pretty serious talent too, we’ve signed his Perfect Lady single, uploaded by a fan of his, it’s had 3.1 Million Youtube hits!
Loving Anja Schneiders & Luke Larrels stuff.
Watch out for Rory Lyons too (and no it’s not me!). He was the producer behind Cassette Jam, everything I hear from him is seriously kick ass.
Check this lot out…http://www.pitch-one.net/phonetic/Reactions/ph82/ph82reactions.html
Where are some of the other big DJ gigs you are really looking forward to this summer?
“Obviously can’t wait for Clockwork Orange in Ibiza, there’s already a big buzz for it. I’ll be touring the USA and Australia towards the end of summer…always a really memorable experience. We’re also just talking to venues with regards to another Phonetic party, they’ve been wicked to date, a real Ibiza kinda vibe but in London…watch this space.”
Best ever moment at a festival?
“Running round Bestival, quite hammered with the heaviest downpour of rain I’ve experienced, which led to some serious land slide surfing!”
Right time to pick your brain. What is the record that…
Reminds you of being broken hearted?
Shaddap You Face – Joe Dolce
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFacWGBJ_cs
Always gets you singing along in the car?
The Drums ‘Lets Go Surfing’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeZbbx5SPTs
…is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Pharrell Williams – Happy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM
Always makes you think, I wish I had made this song?
Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
“Toolroom have just released a collobaration between Prok & Fitch & Max Linen called ‘Man With Soul’. The track hit No.2 in the Beatport charts. I’ve been in the studio a lot more lately and really enjoying it, singles coming this summer include…
‘Rockerfella’ The track hit No.1 in the USA house chart as an instrumental, now with a wicked vocal from the super talented (and she’s now a mum!) Stella Attar. Teaming up with Keithen Carter again on ‘Crack Cadillac’ a really nice Deep House outing. I’m half way through a new song with legendary writer Willy Washington, all exciting stuff. Just about to start the new Phonetic Ibiza Night & Day Album too.”
Rob Roar News Letter:
http://www.jakedavisdesign.co.uk/eflyers/robroar/index.html
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/phonetic-recordings/sets/rob-roar-productions-dj
Download Rob’s LIVE set from We Love Space
https://soundcloud.com/phonetic-recordings/rob-roar-live-we-love-space-1
DJ Bookings – Dave Seaman’s Two Point Zero Agency
http://twopointzeroagency.com/portfolio/rob-roar/
Twitter: @Rob_Roar @phoneticlondon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobRoar
Phonetic Tour Enquiries: agency@phoneticrecordings.com
