The South Coast Turntable Superstar
Martin, welcome to the DMC World. A Brighton boy, I used to check you out down on the south coast in the late 80s at various fantastic nightclubs – what were the club nights back then that still stick in your memory from your home town?
“My first ever night with Mexx from Blackgrass in 1991, ‘Funky Yeah Funky’ @ The Factory, Worthing.Loads of great memories from those nights. And how could we forget the legendary Sterns @ The Mansion House, Worthing in the early rave day?. Sensational.”
What were the artists that first got you into dance music, who were you nodding your head to growing up?
“Parliament, Funkadelic, James Brown, the early Kool& The Gang stuff and the Street Sounds Electro Albums.”
So a massive album ‘Against The Grain’ coming out on October 26th, 48 tracks over two CDs with some big artists such as The Stantons, The Plumps and Pendulum that feature on your mash up – what are you favourite tracks on the album?
“Wow there’s so many….Freestylers – Push Up (Plump DJs Remix), DJ Dan – N20 (KraftyKuts Re-Rub) &Twocker – Stitch (Basskleph Mix) (KraftyKuts) Re-Rub)… if I’m pushed!”
Tell us about the iPhone DJ Tool connection?
“It’s a simple tool that you can plug into your mixer and play effects over your sets. I’m really excited to be taking the iphone to the next level.”
DMC were very proud to have you produce a Back To Mine release – one of the finest we have ever put out, what has been your favourite?
“Groove Armada – an outstanding comp of luscious grooves.”
One of the questions that always comes into my mind when the DMC World Mixing Finals swings around every year, is why haven’t you entered? Is the Turntablism scene, just not your scene?
“I enjoy the Turntablism scene, but unfortunately just don’t seem to have the time these days to dedicate the energy that the routines deserve.”
You have DJ’d at so many festivals over the years in so many different countries – what has been the greatest?
“The Big Day Out &Field Day in Australia with Dynamite MC. Mindblowing.”
Big 10 tunes in your box you are playing right now…
Deekline& Tim Healy- ‘Don’t Smoke the Reefer’ (KraftyKuts Mix)
OuEst Le Swimming Pool – ‘Dance The Way I Feel’ (Armand Van Helden Remix)
KraftyKuts feat. Stella MC – ‘Children of The Night’
KraftyKuts feat. DJ Asult – ‘Shake Them Hips’
Laidback Luke & Lee Mortimer – ‘Blau’ (KraftyKuts Re-Rub)
Will Bailey – ‘Hit The Club’ (KraftyKuts Re-Rub)
Blacknoise – ‘Check The Blast’
Trevor Lovey – Organ Donor Mixes
Tim Healy &Deekline – ‘Bring It Party’ (KraftyKuts Re-Rub)
Jack Beats – ‘Get Down’ (VIP Mix) (KraftyKuts Re-Edit)
Martin, your discography reads like a dancefloor encyclopedia – it just stretches on and on. In your mind, can you tell DMC what is…
Your best ever single release?
“‘Bass Phenomenon'”
Your best ever album release ?
“‘Freakshow'”
Your best ever remix?
“Stakker Humanoid – ‘Stakker Humanoid’ (KraftyKuts Remix)”
Your best ever un-released edit?
“Plump DJs – ‘Rocket Soul’ (KraftyKuts Re-Edit)
Your best ever Mix album?
“Instant Party’ & ’10 Years of Against The Grain'”
Your best ever collaboration?
“A.Skillz & KraftyKuts – ‘Tricka Technology’.
Best ever club you have ever played at?
“‘An Evening with KraftyKuts’ @ Matter, London.”
Favourite tune of 2009?
“Deekline& Tim Healy- Don’t Smoke the Reefer (Krafty Kuts Mix)”
A lot of DJs on the world scene make music for corporate companies Oaky doing the Big Brother theme tune probably the most famous. You have created music for a Coca Cola advert and PlayStation 2 in the past – are DJs selling out, or is the DJ of today simply the best person for the job?
“Making Music for movies and TV is a great source of income and can lead onto better things. Times are hard in music these days, and everyone needs to make a living so I don’t think it’s selling out, so much as making money in order to continue doing what we love most, making music for the fans. It’s also a good opportunity for people to discover music through other sources.”
You conquered the Breaks scene after coming from a Hip Hop groove background – and then returned to the world of Rap – why?
“I just wanted to go back to my roots, with party influenced funky beats alongside the master of that trade and close friend A.Skillz.”
Best ever Hip Hop band?
“De La Soul – definitely!”
Best ever (apart from yourself!!) – best ever Breaks DJ?
“A.Skillz”
What have been the ‘An Evening With KraftyKuts’ night’s been like at Matter in London? Who really rocked it?
“They’ve exceeded all expectations. The crowds have been mega up for it and it’s great to hear the various sounds of Hip Hop, Electro house, Drum N Bass in such an awesome setting. Everyones surpassed themselves and really rocked it, from Pendulum, Cash Money, DJ Format &A.Skillz to The Jungle Brothers, Rahzel, Shy FX and the Freestylers.
You have appeared on stage wowing crowds alongside the likes of The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim and The Rolling Stones – what one artist you have spun and shared a stage with, that has left a lump in your throat?
“Jazzy Jeff – The worlds most gifted DJ EVER.”
What is coming out next from the Krafty studio?
“Look out for the brand new album that’s on it’s way, featuring many Krafty Kuts favourites plus some exciting new heads.”
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