What was your overall approach to constructing a Audio Therapy mix?
The label is 10 years old this year and we felt that was worth celebrating so we went through our back catalogue and hand picked some of the finest new producers of this generation to remix everything. It was a tricky task marrying the right producers with the right tracks but we were blown away by some of the results. It was pretty much a no brainer for me to put together a mix of some of my faves.
How would you describe the sound of the mix?
I’d prefer not to outside of saying it’s warm and melodic electronic house. Brian Eno said in an interview recently that his advice is to try to resist classification, so who am I to argue. I’m with Brian. Art isn’t really meant to be put in a box.
How did you go about selecting tracks for the mix?
Well obviously because it’s a label compilation the field is narrowed down somewhat to tracks that are on the label. In a lot of ways that made the whole process a lot easier. It was like here’s 25 tracks, pick your favourite 15 and mix ‘em together. Simples.
Would you say your musical policies as a DJ are accurately reflected?
To a degree yes but I think it’s impossible to totally represent everything I’m into in just 70 minutes. It’s a good start though. I’m happy with the result.
You’ve made it 10 years for the label and even longer for your DJ career – whats the secret to your success?
Hard work and making the most of opportunities that have come my way. I think the key thing is that I still absolutely love what I do and consider myself blessed to be able to make a living at it. As long as that remains in tact then you’re gonna have trouble getting rid of me!
Was musical diversity an important concept to explore for you while making the mix?
Not in a broad sense no. I’ve done mix compilations before that have taken in lots of different styles over one CD (over two or three CDs is a different matterand it’s a tough one because it can just end up disjointed and incoherent. I believe mixes to be all about the ‘flow’. About setting a mood and then unfolding layer after layer with subtle shifts in tension. So trying to cover many genres over a relatively short space of time can end up sounded a bit like a ‘megamix’ and ultimately falling short of wholly pleasing anyone.
How do you think the album compares musically to your previous mix releases?
Well I like to think I’ve set myself high standards particularly with the last two releases. I’m very proud of Therapy Sessions Volume 4 and Renaissance Masters Vol. 10 but I think this mix stands up. Obviously though, it is a label compilation so it’s representative of the stuff we put out on Audio Therapy.
What do you feel about the house scene at the moment in terms of the quality of musical output?
There’s loads of fantastic music around. There always is. I think it’s just getting harder to find it in a market saturated by the average and the disposable. It’s so easy to make a track these days but not always that easy to make truly great and inspired music. A lot of people tend to settle for second best. Banging out tracks one after another with a really low quality threshold. I think there really is a need for some more quality control sometimes but you know, everyone’s entitled to have their piece of the dream. It’s what the scene was built on. The democracization of music.
On the back of the Album release, how packed is your DJ schedule?
Very. Although I only do a maximum of 3 gigs per week. I’ve got kids now so it’s also important for me to have some time with the family. But I’ve just finished a month long tour of America, Mexico and Canada (they came with me!!), was home for one day and then went straight to Japan. This weekend it’s Amsterdam, Munich and Thessaloniki and so it goes on. India, Glastonbury, etc, etc
Are there any upcoming shows that you’re particularly looking forward to?
The aforementioned Glastonbury is always a highlight of my year. I’m playing both Friday and Saturday this year and am very excited about that. Also I’m about to play Matter for the first time in London for Renaissance so I’m really looking forward to that. I actually haven’t got round to going yet. I missed the opening with the Chicken Pox. But I’ve heard really good things so that should be a good night.
Preferred method of mixing: Vinyl or CDs?
CDs at the moment. I haven’t played vinyl for a few years now. Although I have been looking at the options of Ableton, Serato and Traktor recently. Maybe I’ll make the jump soon. I’m still weighing up the pro’s and cons.
All-time Favourite Club to perform in?
Impossible to pick just one. There’s been so many over the years.
Favourite Producer of the moment?
James Harcourt, Style Of Eye, Guy J, Apparat, Peter Horrevorts. I could go on and on.
Secret weapon in your record box?
I did a mash up incorporating the Animal Collective’s ‘My Girls’ which has been getting some attention. I’m always getting asked what it is.
What’s your worst experience behind the decks?
There was this one time when the club ran out of Vodka!! Can you imagine?!! I mean how’s a man supposed to work under those conditions?
