John Graham joined us at iBeats for an interview this week, have a read as John talks Miami, New Tracks and how Digital download’s…erm…Smell!? . .

iBeats: Hi John, Welcome to iBeats. It’s a pleasure for us to have you as our first interview. John, your work is synonymous with the dance scene, people will no doubt know you for your work as Tilt�, Space Manoeuvres� and Quivver�. You have collaborated with the likes of Sasha and remixed tracks for some of the biggest names in music including Simply Red and Kylie Minogue. With all that quality array of production under your belt, is there any work your particularly proud of?

John: It’s difficult to choose because so many of them are attached to really good memories. Right now i’d say my favourite quivver mixes are probably stoneproof “everything’s not you ” and Tilt feat. Maria Nayler “Angry Skies”

iBeats: You’ve just got back from miami haven’t you? How was the WMC for you this year, any memorable gigs or stories to tell us about?

John: The most enjoyable gig I played was at Leama and Moor’s album launch because it was a warm up / play what you like set outside by a swimming pool at sunset and i played everything from the Beatles to Sigur Ros and DJ Shadow, stuff which i would never normally get to play in a club.
The best party I went out to was the TCA boat party with Sasha and Digweed. That party is always wicked and this year was no exception.

iBeats: You have recently released the new Quivver track ‘Not Givin Up’ are you happy with how that turned out? Niki Mac provides some awesome vocals, how was it working with her?

John: Yeah i’m really happy with the track, Niki’s got a really versatile voice, she can go from whispery and sweet one minute to soul diva the next and she’s very easy and quick to work with.

iBeats: Talking of vocalists, you do a bit of vocal work yourself. You’ve recorded vocals on several of your own tracks and you recently performed vocals on several tracks on the new Planet Funk album and even performed with them at Live 8 in Rome! What was it like performing at such a big global event? and Do you enjoy doing the vocal stuff as much as producing records and DJing?

John: Yeah live 8 was amazing. It was scary performing at such a huge event and I had to have a few drinks before we went on stage but it was also the best natural high i’ve ever experienced, and one of the most exciting and memorable days of my life.
Playing records is a lot of fun and its a lot easier on the nerves than singing in front of a crowd but the connection and reaction from a crowd at a good live gig is a proper buzz.

iBeats: We heard you’ve been working with the Hybrid boys too on their new album, what can you tell us about that?

John: It’s gone really well. I’ve always been a big fan of their stuff and they’re good lads and great to work with. I’ve done vocals on 2 tracks so far and we’re really pleased with them. We played them live at the Coachella Festival in California last weekend which was awesome. I’d never been before and its in a beautiful setting out on a huge polo and golf club with palm trees everywhere, surrounded by mountains. definitely the nicest outdoor festival i’ve ever been to.

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iBeats: What are you working on at the moment? Are there any new singles, remixes or collaborations we should keep our ears to the ground for?

John: The first mixes of ‘Not Givin Up’ with Niki Mac should be out anytime now (my Quivver mix and a great mix from D-Nox and Beckers) with more mixes to follow in july. I’ve also just finished a DJ mix CD which will be out in July featuring some new Quivver remixes and a collaboration with Audio Magnetics (Bill Hamel and Barry Jameson).

iBeats: It’s no secret that the dance scene has changed over the years and continues to change further. There has been an increase in the amount of DJ’s embracing new technologies like the use of laptops etc. How do you view this change? Do you use any fancy gadgets in your sets or would you like too in the future?

John: I’m not intending to start mixing on a laptop anytime soon but I do like some of the fx processors like the Kaoss pad (although I don’t actually take one to my gigs with me).

iBeats: Another area that seams to have rocketed is the introduction of digital downloads. You run you own label, how has this change affected things at Boz Boz? Do you like the idea of a digital format for new releases or would you prefer for the emphasis to still be on vinyl releases?

John: It’s a shame that vinyl is disappearing because it smells nice. CD’s don’t really smell of much and you can’t smell downloads at all. It’s inevitable though so we’ve just gotta get used to it. I know some producers now who have stopped releasing their stuff on vinyl altogether. At least people are paying for their downloads a lot more now so producers and labels can still make a few quid.

iBeats: Finally, where can John Graham fans expect to catch you this summer? are you playing any festivals this year or will they be able to catch you in Ibiza?

John: I’m doin a few more live gigs with Hybrid. We’re doin a festival in Athens June 23rd, EXIT Festival on July 1st , glade on July 14th and Global Gathering on July 28th. My DJ dates will be on my website ( www.djjohngraham.com ) or myspace music - Quivver (John Graham)

iBeats: Best wishes John, thanks for speaking to us at iBeats. We’ll look forward to hearing from you in the future.

John: no probs, all the best!