The King Of Euphoric Hard Dance smashes it with Example
Interview : Dan Prince
Steve welcome to DMCWORLD, where on the planet are you right now?
“Hi Dan, I’m in the UK right now. Here for 3 weeks recording in various studios and Technikal’s wedding! Then heading back to Sydney, Australia where I’m based.”
A massive day for you today with the release of Example’s ‘All The Wrong Places’. You claim it’s the first chance of a real chart position for yourself – where would you be happy to crash into the Top 40 this weekend?
“I’m happy wherever it lands! There’s more where this came from…it’s been an enjoyable ride making this record. Looking forward to making some more!”
The tune is the first track in a long time to carry hard dance and hard trance elements on mainstream radio – tell us the history of the track…
“Example heard a CD of our latest material and called us up and said let’s make some records. So we did. He really liked the Hard Trance vibe of our material but wanted a more breakbeat rave edge to it – so that’s how it’s ended up. Was a learning curve for us.”
Why does the studio production team work so well – who excels where?
“Technikal and I have been working in the studio for over ten years now so we’ve definitely got a sound happening that we’ve developed over that time that both parties have helped shape. We’re always tweaking things, trying to make different music, and introducing each other to new influences. It certainly helps we’re 10,000 miles apart for most of the year so when we do a marathon studio session we’re both really looking forward to it.”
When I told The Buzz Chart office I was interviewing you today they said…”wow, he is the probably the biggest producer of hard dance/trance ever!” Thoughts on that little comment…?
“Umm…I’m flattered! Cheques in the mail!”
How does it feel to be putting rave back into the charts, we’ve missed it right?
“Of course! It’s always nice to mix genres together in a tune! I think “All The Wrong Places” does that well…”
Looking back, what do you think has been your best ever piece of production?
“We went through our production folder earlier in the year and there were nearly 150 tracks in there! So what we’re going to do is pick our favourite 20 tunes and each do a mix CD of them and give it to the other! It’ll be interesting to see which ones are doubled up!”
I was going to ask you for your anthem of the summer but…
“…right! I haven’t had my summer yet being from down under. I’ll let you know once I’ve had it Dan.”
Who are some of the producers you are giving high fives to right now?
“I’m a fan of a lot of people. Try and listen to as much music as possible. There’s so much good material out there at the moment. Everyone from Showtek, DBSTF and Isaac from the continent, to Klubfiller, BK, Tranzlinquants and Y.O.Z in the UK, to Toneshifterz, Code Black and Audiofreq from Australia.”
You have collaborated with some mighty producers over the years…who is the most hyped up/over excited producer to get locked into a studio and make music with?
“I’d say Rob Tissera. Once you get the kick, bass, riff and vocal sitting right he’s bouncing off the walls! Love it!”
“You have performed in more than 50 cities worldwide and entertained over a million people over the years. Where have been some of the legendary clubs over the years that will always put a smile on your face…?
“Of course. I’ve been really lucky to have played some of the best clubs in the World…and continue to do so. My 3 favourites would have to be; Koko in London (UK), The Origin in Durban (South Africa), Space in Sydney (Australia).”
Who is rocking your boat producer wise in 2013?
“Zedd.”
“Let’s rewind for a minute, when you started DJing you already owned over 1000 records. If you hadn’t have become a DJ/producer…what else was on the cards?
“I have an Honours Degree in Marketing / Management so I’d probably be using that somewhere. Instead I’m doing what I love…and loving what I do!”
What was the first dance record you ever bought?
“Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley “Jack Your Body”.”
The one piece of vinyl you will never sell?
“Anything I have on Hooj Choons!”
The dance record you wish you had made?
“Energy 52 “Cafe Del Mar” – pure class!”
Early DJ heroes?
“I’ve been a fan of Norman, Frankie Knuckles, Dave Morales, Paul Oakenfold, Judge Jules, Carl Cox, Sasha etc since the early 90’s…and of course the late Tony De Vit!”
Tell us about the Mr Bishi live PA back in 2002…
“I’d rather not. I watched the footage back last year. Was really funny! Our MC drank a bottle of vodka before going on stage in front of 4,500 people. It went downhill from there!”
How do you get over writers block?
“Leave the studio. Go for a kickabout in the park or a trip to the pub…or I watch some trash TV – that usually does the trick!”
I interviewed Kaz James this week, something he said was kinda interesting…”I don’t think it’s necessary these days to actually be a good DJ like it was 15 years ago at the start of my career. These days you can get away with pressing play on a laptop.” Discuss…
“I’d never be able to fake it and just press play. One reason I’m not really into doing live shows with my material is they are restrictive ie. the tracklist is prepared. I like painting on a blank canvas with an audience. I DJ around 80 shows a year and each one is different. Maybe some are happy to just press play and get away with it…I wouldn’t.”
So we come back to your gaff after the club, what are some of the Back To Mine type tunes you’d spin us to mellow the vibe?
“I did a mixtape of all my favourite chill music a few years back as it saved me jumping on the decks when I got back from a gig so I could chill too. Everything from Kruder & Dorfmeister to Radiohead to Depeche Mode to MGMT etc…quite varied really.”
What is the one genre of music you can’t stand?
“I’m not really a hater of genres. I know what I like when I hear it. So try and listen to music I like as much as possible!”
And finally, what is coming out next from your studios…?
“We’re back in the studio after Technikal’s wedding. So it’ll be interesting to see what we come up with. We always have a few months in between studio sessions so we’re both itching with new ideas. Watch this space!”