So another young star to be hitting the decks from an early age, you started at the tender age of 16. But when did you get into the music – what sort of artists/pirate stations/DJs hooked you up into all of this madness?
“From an early age I had always been around music, my Father was a DJ and I admired what he did I always aspired to be a DJ. I began playing House music in the years of 2003- 2004 and at the time through working in a record shop (wired4sound) I got to listen to various genres of music and house being of my main interest.”
So what was your first break?
“My first break would have to be when I was 16 years old; I got to play in Denmark at a New Year’s Eve rave. I was so excited, this was a whole new experience for me.”
You began spinning Jungle back in ’95, what were your early big tunes you can remember?
“I remember Shy-fX, Wolf and Helicopter – they would have to be the tunes that stand out the most for me.”
Then two years later when the scene went its different ways, you started to play UK Garage, why? And did you think that this was the end of Jungle?
“When UK Garage first hit the scene I wasn’t really interested in it, I thought it was a passing phase but it grew on me and I started to love it. And yeah, I did think it was the end of the jungle scene.”
What’s the best bit of advice a fellow DJ or artist has ever given you?
“As I said previously my Dad was a DJ and he always gave me the best advice, his words were ‘be original’.”
Tell us why working at Wired for Sound Records in Hackney for eight years was so important to you?
“I had a passion for music so obviously being able to purchase my vinyl whilst working helped so much. I was able to also network with other promoters and DJs within different scenes which was a godsend.”
Did you ever pay for your records?
“Some I did, some I didn’t. Working there helped me get loads of promos but the people at the shop were good to me.”
So an inevitable change in the music came about – what put you off Grime?
“The hype around Grime meant trouble which meant there were no raves to play at. This really put me off.”
Late ’04/’05 along with Angie B, Footloose, Wigman and Pioneer you pioneered the sound that is now heard around the world. Girls play it getting ready every Saturday night in their bedrooms, you can’t get away from it Summertime in the Med, record stores can’t stock enough of the compilations, trance clubs such as Gatecrasher are now clamoring for nights such as Hed Kandi and Fierce Angel – did you know the monster you were helping to create?
“To be honest with you Dan, I just played it because it was good music, I have a good ear for music and I knew it was going to fill dancefloors. I didn’t think it was going to be as big as it turned out to be though, who could have?”
Who was the best DJ in the world in the 90s?
“DJ EZ was the best by a mile.”
Appearances at hundreds of major clubs in the UK and all over the world, pick three and explain why they mean so much to you…
“1.The Rotterdam Festival in 2000 as it was the biggest crowed I have ever played to with 5000 + ravers. I did a set I was proud of.
2. My School disco as I got the chance to prove to the teachers that I was talented which was fun.
3.’Red Carpet’ at Turnmills where the event was packed with loads of people, good vibes and throughout the whole of my set I had the crowd hyped to the max.”
What is the greatest record ever made?
“Michael Jackson’s ‘Human Nature’ 1984.”
What is your favourite magazine, TV show, and which five people dead or alive would you invite around for dinner?
“1. Dio1 Magazine
2. Sorry guys, Eastenders!
3. Toni Braxton, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Bernie Mac and Bob Marley.”
What is your tip for the big `summer anthem?
“Fuzzy Logic feat. Egypt ‘In the Morning’.”
Funniest thing that has ever happened to you on the road gigging?
“Falling down a whole flight of stairs at Club Insomnia whilst carrying all of my records in my hands.”
Most dangerous place you’ve ever played?
“Anywhere in Brixton.”
What record is your guilty pleasure, a record you love that nobody knows you secretly like?
“‘Optimistic’ Signs of Blackness.”
What was the moment/DJ you stepped onto the decks to take over from a DJ or perhaps warm up for them and thought, wow, this is it?
“Again, Rotterdam Festival where I had to take over from Ramsey and Fen on the main stage. Mind blowing.”
Who has been the biggest star you’ve had on your dancefloor?
“Lennox Lewis – pretty big!”
And finally, what is the best record you’ve received in the last seven days?
“‘Bring Me Joy (Funky Mix) by TJ Cases.”
