You are recognised as a DJ who has a true love of total quality music. Not an easy start to your career though, running away from home, sleeping rough before bagging a DJ set at Brighton club Toppers. Tell us about those early days…
“Is this a free consultation? Good – then take a seat. I had a really bad childhood (like a lot of kids) – luckily I had a passion and love for music and that helped keep me on the straight and narrow. I got work in Brighton clubs – I even mananged to get myself a gig in Amsterdam and just worked very hard to get where I am today doing lots of work for little money until I had enough experience that I could take it further. I also had a thing for computers (which were just starting to be available to a few people at school) and found I could use these to create music. It was a rough ride without any help but I got to where I wanted to be, with luck and perserverence.”
And you’re known for a love of The Damned…
“Brilliant, brilliant group. Finally got to see them in Holland this year – ‘Machine Gun Etiquette’ is my favourite album of all time.”
Was there any rivalry from Hastings DJ John Digweed back then who was also DJing around town?
“No not really, he always played a different style to me, we were never in competition although back in those days, DJs used to have their own flyers and he was outside Toppers doing just that – we all worked hard I suppose, doing what ever was needed.”
John Peel gave you the nickname ‘The Baron of Techno’ after your early, and stupendous ‘Red’ releases and debut album ‘Archive One’ – was John a mate from then on?
“Not according to most of those ridiculous books about him! Yes he was someone I greatly admired, an early supporter of my music, he came down with his wife just to see me gig at Brighton Live, I really really miss him and what he stood for, there was a man with the greatest integrity that English music radio has ever seen, and all the artists felt we owned him in some family way, especially if he took residence on your sofa when going into a big story and eating pizza…he became Uncle John. The English music scene owes him big time, I evened smiled to myself when we got out from the Dutch archives at VPRO parts of his show so I could edit it into a tribute programme, he played Knights of the Turntable. He was a pure genius at spotting leftfield music that had potential.”
“You’re a big fan of the Detroit Techno sound, which DJs stand out for you from over there?
“I honestly wouldn’t just single out that city, Chicago was a massive influence, as was New York – and Detroit happened for me after hearing Juan Atkins on John Peel late one night in my dad’s car when I was half asleep in the back. The whole scene is global now regarding Techno – I learnt a lot from all of those guys. Juan for the future, Kevin for the bass and massive percussion, Kenny L for the deepness and comedy, Blake for the honesty and sensuality – the mid 80’s to mid 90’s was a marvelous period for Detroit – Aux 88, UR, Hood. I mean, the list can go on and on and on.”
You are mentioned in the Daft Punk track ‘Teachers’ – how cool?
“Especially as it goes backwards, that was a sweet homage. I never hear from them at all now – they are in LaLaLand. They used to come down to the Rex and be shy in the corner, I always wonder how they are now as people.”
So what’s with the dislike for politicians?
“They lie and cheat a lot in the UK, going to war in Iraq / Afganistan for instance, being unable to look after our personal data with the respect and delicacy it deserves. I am not an anarchist (I have met far too many selfish ones) and I do believe in what good government can do for society as a whole, I just wish it was more transparent with longer more coherent viewpoints.”
What clubs are getting you excited these days?
“Fuse is still doing it in Belgium, Fabric in London has the best sound system (and people who operate it), Doornroosje in Nijmegan is fantastic as is the new Melkweg in Amsterdam. Spain has incredible atmosphere and Golden Gate in Napoli is a madhouse of excitement.”
You’re playing at the forthcoming Amsterdam Dance Event – looking forward to it, it looks awesome…
“ADE is so much fun, and yes I am greatly looking forward to it.”
