The UK’s only Cocoon endorsed festival is back this summer! July 10th 2010 will see Sven Väth and a handpicked selection of his house and techno cohorts take over the rolling grounds of Temple Newsam – a 450 year old mansion house on the outskirts of Leeds – for an open air and bespoke, one day festival.
The line-up includes Adam Shelton – the promoter and resident DJ behind underground Birmingham bash Below. He’s someone who, in the last decade, has played everywhere from Panorama Bar to Space, and is one of this country’s most respected residents.
What is the role of a resident DJ do you think?
A resident DJ should be able to play at any point throughout the party and be versatile enough to know what to play to create the right mood I think a lot of people get this wrong and just play what they want, they should also be able to warm up for the guest dj or play after them set them up or follow on with the same vibe. You see a lot a guests finish their set and a resident go and they clear the floor. I think it is down to researching the guest and knowing what you have to do.
Why do you like the role so much?
Because you can really get a buzz off taking it from an empty dancefloor to a full one if doing a warm up, this can be a very satisfying set, or playing after somebody who has totally smashed it and is somebody you really look up to that nervous/ adrenalin feeling before you go thinking am I going to do a good job is what gets you really going.
Is tune selection and sequencing or technical mixing ability more important do you think?
I think both, if you are top of your game both for sure!, say at an after party when people have been partying for hours then selection comes over technical ability.
Where/from whom do you get your inspiration/influences?
I have a whole host of inspirations, this can be a very long list, mainly dj’s such as derrick carter, francois k, master at work, derrick may, ron trent, and labels such as trax, junior boys own, nu groove, classic, Chicago trax and clubs such as body and soul, Robert Johnson, hacienda, secret sundaze, back to basics. The list could go on.
How did the hook up with Cocoon in the park come about?
I have met shane and keith from system before when doing a gig from asylum, they are great guys and like what I play, also they are big fans of dj’s that play vinyl which was nice to hear and I think was a factor in the booking, also I give a helping hand where I can with the party as have lots of gigs around the u.k where I can spread the love on the event ( not that it needs it ) everybody is up for it!
What did you make of last year’s event?
Last years event was for me the gig of the year, and I think for a lot of people, the whole thing was so well done, the production, the crowd, the weather and was extra nice for me when not only did I get the gig but got to fill in for sven and luciano at the mint club who were meant to be doing a nine hour set. Really good stuff!
What can people expect from one of your sets at the moment?
Really depends on what time I am playing but I always try to stick to one thing if it is an afters, main set of warm up. HOUSE MUSIC
And how different are your sets at an open air festival or in say a smaller club?
Smaller clubs I feel you can really take it up and down more, the crowd are closer and more willing to go with whatever you want. Larger events I think keeping it more solid is very important, also when you have more massive production it is nice to play solid grooves that really have an impact.
What else are you working on in 2010?
2010 I am working on my record label I run with subb-an called one records which is going really nice, we have our third release out at the moment and are getting a lot of cool people on board and really trying to push u.k based artists. I have another project doing edits under the name of s.a.s which we have just had our first release on new foot and mouth label which has been going really great. Also below has it’s 5th birthday on june the 5th and will be in it’s new home of cellar door ( underneath the rainbow pub) our original home. So all looking good for 2010.
Check out Adams mix: http://soundcloud.com/adamshelton/cocoon-mix-mp3
