Interview by Dan Prince
Mr Patterson a huge welcome back to DMCWORLD. Where on planet earth are you right now?
Hey Dan, I’m in my house in Miami.
The best piece of new music you have heard today since rolling out of bed?
Actually the only music I’ve heard today is the music I am working on in the studio so I can’t really answer the question without sounding self absorbed – surely?
Massive news for you at the moment after signing to Insomniac Records in the US and the release of your new track ‘Vapour Trails’ featuring the uber talented vocals of Dave Wright. Let’s kick off by you telling us about the sound and production of the track…
The sound of the track is somewhere between upbeat club techno and melodic Coldplay esque vocals and melodies. I’m a massive fan of great songwriters like Coldplay, U2, The Killers – stadium bands that know how to write songs that literally break your heart or fill it with joy when you hear them. How it came about – Dave sent me a killer demo with the song layered on top of acoustic guitar and I just fell in love with all of it. The lyrics, the harmonies…And then I took his vocals and wrote all the music around them. In the end, I had to ask Dave to re-sing the vocals as the first take didn’t sound right because of some of the time stretched phrases. ‘Vapour Trails’ took about 6 months to finally complete – so it was certainly a labour of love.
How did the hook up with Insomniac Records happen, why is this the perfect home for your music?
I’ve been working with Insomniac for a long time in terms of me DJing at their events and so when the opportunity was presented to me I agreed. It was a challenge to make something that would meet Interscope and Insomniac’s expectations but I think with ‘Vapour Trails’ it has the required ingredients without me having to make any compromises.
There was a nice photo of you at your kitchen table signing the Insomniac contract. A nice cup of tea by your side in your favorite Sean Connery ‘Thunderball’ cup! A big 007 fan?
Of course man – what boy didn’t grow up wanting to be James Bond??? For me I was always a Roger Moore stalwart but I think Daniel Craig is phenomenal in the 007 role. I’ll be very interested to see who they cast next. I think Greg Downey would make a pretty solid choice. It would be good hearing a Belfast accent take on the role ha ha.
Dave Wright is a marvel in the studio and with his songwriting pen in his hand, it must have been a joy to work with him again?
We have worked together many times and it’s always an absolute honour. He’s a genius – it’s really that simple.
What is coming up next for you release wise?
I have a new single on VII in January which is kind of a follow up to Apex. It’s heads down off the chart tech trance of the hardest kind. After that I have a new vocal single I am toying with and something psychedelic which I have just started….
The 5 big tunes in your box this weekend…
Simon Patterson ft Dave Wight “Vapour Trails” (Insomniac).
It’s vast. People are now knowing the words and lyrics so it’s really taking the roof off everywhere which is so exciting.
Freedom Fighters – Clockwork (VII)
Huge production. So tight and on a big.
John Askew – Raven (VII)
Forthcoming single from John Askew on VII – I road tested it at EDC Orlando and it went off. Different league. Nuts.
Mariu Piu – Thunderstruck (Techburst)
Awesome take on the AC/DC hit.
Julian Jeweil – Myli (CDR)
When I get a chance to play techno this is my go to go guy. Fat track.
Right onto the dancefloor! You are smashing the States at the moment, where have some of your stand out gigs been recently…
All of the Insomniac and Dreamstate shows are always the big highlights. But I also love playing club shows in loads of cities including LA, NY, Denver, Chicago. In fact, we have the final 2 x Open Up parties of this year happening in Chicago (this month on 19th) and NYC (next month 17th).
What is the current state of the club scene in the US?
Vibrant, off the chart exciting and I’m pleased to say – with trance spearheading the whole fucking thing. EDM is dead and buried. Night night.
Looking back at 2016, has it been a good year for electronic music?
100%.
Tune of the summer?
Call me self indulgent but I’m going to say ‘Vapour Trails’ – because it’s true – it really has been the biggest track in my sets all summer.
What was the last GREAT…
Album you listened to
Fred v & Grafix.
Film you saw
Sicario.
Touristy thing you did
My Honeymoon in Thailand.
DJ you danced to
Eric Prydz in Miami.
Some producers doing it for you at the moment?
The seven people signed to VII. They are the future of the scene.
And finally, looking back at 2016…what has been Simon Patterson’s proudest achievement?
Getting married to the woman of my dreams.
