JamX Exclusive Interview

1. What are you working on at the moment?
I’m still working everyday on new productions. After “Dumonde” I decided to work by myself and with a guy called “Daniel Körber”, we produce together on projects like “JamX, Beam & Vace” this is more Electro/House and of course Trance.

2. Where do you see dance music going in 2010?
I think it goes in the TranceVipe again, more Electro but back to Melodies.

3. What makes a good DJ?
Oh that’s a very special question. If you working as Resident in a club than you have to go different ways, if you are traveling DJ you present your own style or your own music, but for both you need a good feeling to get into the crowd an build up your set to the point.

5. Tune of 2009/Most influential artist of 2009?
Too many, on big one is Joachim Garraud.

6. What can we expect from you in the future?
I try to produce music that I like, my love is still hard trance, now I try to make a combination of Trance and Electro

7. How did you get into DJing?
1981 I go in a Club and ask the owner for some help to get a DJ. I work for maybe 3 mounts 1 hour every night, then the DJ is ill and I have my moment, I take the chance and have success ☺

8. Favourite gig you have ever played?
Sorry, there to many, Trance Energy 2001 / Global Gathering 2003 and Nature One 2003!

9. Event of 2009?
A little event in a short club with 300 Limited People in my hometown, an with only my favorite music

10. Twitter, Facebook or Myspace ?
Facebook & MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/jamx-music/
http://de-de.facebook.com/people/Jurgen-Mutschall/1185341808

11. What is your most prized possession?
My Studio-Building

12. What tunes are on your playlist at the moment?
My Set is changing all the Time, i play a lot of Electro / House

13. Cats or Dogs?
Cats

15. What do you do in your time off?
I’m really working all the time with my music, after that I’m playing with my Son

16. Have you ever received strange gifts from fans?
No, sorry

17. What would be your ultimate holiday?
Going 10 Years ago and have this unbelievable time again

18. What would you say is your worst trait?
I’m too hotheaded (?)

19. What was your first experience of Nukleuz?
I think it was the Remix what we have done for CRW – I Feel Love and a lot of good tunes

20. Has it ever all gone completely wrong?
Oh, I can’t remember… ☺

Check out JamX ft Lulo Reinhardt – Guitarro

Click here for more info on Lisa Pin-Up

1) How did you get into DJing?

It all started from being a mad clubber and just being obsessed with the music, at the start I used to buy tons of records without even having decks! I had an old record player and just wanted to hear my tunes during the week as I could not wait for the weekend to come. I finally thought “what the heck lets buy some proper decks” and became totally obsessed with being able to mix and spent hours a day practicing. As I was always on the club scene I got to know a promoter of a club I went to every Saturday, I then handed them a mix which they loved and gave me a warm up slot. After this I got busy promoting myself and sent mixes to clubs all around the county. I think my passion showed through and it was not long before I had a residency @ Freedom (London Bagleys film Studios) and was also asked to be managed by Miss Moneypennys.

2) What makes a good DJ?

I think a good DJ entertains the crowd and makes them go home at the end of the night feeling happy. What I try to do is put myself in the clubbers shoes, I still remember being on the dancefloor before becoming a DJ and I wanted to hear good music that made me want to stomp my heart out plus be dazzled by some fancy mixing. I remember back then that certain DJs would always deliver a good set and i could not wait to see them at parties and others just bored me and I would just stand on the dancefloor waiting for them to finish! I also loved waiting for the end of each record just to see how they would mix in their next tune, my husband who came clubbing with me could never understood why I used to get so excited just listening to what the DJ would think of next.

3) What was your first experience of Nukleuz?

Back in the day I really liked what BK was doing with the Hard Beat series so I wrote to Nukleuz to say “please let me come in the studio!”. They said yes and over the years I have had a great working partnership with them with many a happy memory. So far I have produced 20 tracks for them and mixed gold disc selling albums. Nukleuz was even kind enough to give me a couple of the gold framed discs to hang on my wall, which sit very nicely in my deck room :-)

4) What are you working on at the moment?

Been a busy bee promoting my new Neon Glam tour which have travelled to some of UKs finest events. So far I’ve taken it to:- Insomniacz Magna, Storm, Pams House, Escape Swansea (twice!), Hard energy-Newquay and RPM-Southampton also some dates planned for Ireland soon.

5) Tell us more about your ‘Neon Glam’ tour?

I’m so pleased this tour has really taken off and its everything I hoped for. I was worried that my “God Save The Queen” tour would be a hard one to follow as it was such a huge brand but neon glam is shaping up to be just as successful. I decided on something new just to keep things fresh and with all my nights I love to make them a bit cheeky with a theme. A tour is also a great excuse to get all my clubbing friends under one roof for a massive party and if they do fancy dressing up in a bit of neon, that is fun too! For a free Lisa Pin-Up track to go with this tour, go to www.lisapinup.com/music

6) Where do you see dance music going in 2010?

That’s not a question I can answer as I don’t really take make notice of what everyone else is up to. As a DJ I like to follow my own heart as I know the clubbers come to see me for my own individual style and I hope they put their trust in what I am doing.

7) What can we expect from you in the future?

I’ve been so lucky to have spun at the best clubs over the past 14 years as well as produce for some of the biggest labels. So for the future I just want to carry on being happy doing what I’m doing, spinning my tunes at some fabulous events and meeting loads of amazing people each weekend.

8) Favourite gig you have ever played?

My favourite sets have always been on my tours. I suppose its the pride of seeing all those people coming along to one of your nights that really gives you such a huge adrenaline rush. My first ever God Save The Queen tour @ Tidy – Heaven in London was a very special night indeed, I really was overwhelmed that I was actually speechless for once! Since then I have had tours all over the place, even an arena with Contagious @ Global Gathering.

9) Event of 2009?

Honestly there are just to many to mention, I was just blown away by a lot of clubs last year and it would be unfair to single anyone out.

Photo by Louise SAvage

10) Twitter or Facebook?

So far Facebook, i’m scared to join twitter as know I would become obsessed with that too, as you can tell, I am a very obsessive person! You can join my facebook group by using this link http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=122102973070&ref=ts I send out a news letter so you can be kept up to date on all my Lisa Pin-Up gossip!

11) What is your most prized possession?

If there was a fire at my house the things I would grab before leaving would be my wedding photos and my tunes (as well as making sure my dog and husband were out the door too ;-)

12) Cats or Dogs?

I was always a cat person growing up, loved their independence and if I was to be animal that is what I would pick but a few years ago I got my first dog and they really are your best friend.

13) What is the weirdest experience you’ve ever had behind the decks?

Someone tried to lick my legs once while I DJing and I also seen someone chop their finger off on the dancefloor by falling on a barrier. I even gave them my torch to help to find the tip of their finger!

14) What do you do in your time off?

Always on my webs sites chatting to clubbers, lately a lot of my time has been organising my tours, editing every tune for my sets so it have my own individual sound and doing all the press side of my job, there really is not enough hours in the day!

15) Have you ever received strange gifts from fans?

I always get great gifts from fans, my favourites are a “I love vodka” t-shirt and a rubber duck that lights up in the bath. Another guy travels around the world and always brings me back a shot glass from where ever he stays. But I do like to return the favour and buy them strange gifts back, I have been known to given out snow globes and even photo cushions!

16) What would be your ultimate holiday?

Anyone where there is sun, a great daytime cocktail bar and somewhere where i can go a bit mad at night.
17) What would you say is your best trait?

I was put on this earth to party and I hope people enjoy my happy vibes.

18) Has it ever all gone completely wrong?

Going to the clubs, spinning the tunes and meeting people is the wonderful part of my job but a lot can go wrong with the travelling side of things. I’ve been stranded at airports for days and not to long ago put the wrong Petrol in the car and had to stand on the hard shoulder for most of the night when coming home from Exeter. This was bad enough but it was when there was heavy snow so was freezing plus I was so knackered as that weekend I had already been Newquay, Leeds.

Hard Dance Revolution – Mixed by BK, Andy Farley, Nick Sentience, Lisa Pin Up, Steve Hill, Andy Whitby, Ed Real, Cally Gage & Phil Reynolds

Lisa Pin-Up – Biggest Baddest Mutha

2010 is already shaping up to be a hot year for Scott Attrill aka Vinylgroover, one of the hottest Hard Dance DJ / Producers in the world described by some as…

“The new King of Hard Dance” I-DJ
“One of the best the hard dance scene has to offer” Mixmag

This week sees one of Scott’s biggest tracks Vinylgroover & The Red Hed “Everlasting” getting the 2010 remix treatment from Melodia, Neal Thomas, Allya & Taylor and of course Scott Attrill’s own Hard Electrik Mix. Check it out here exclusive to Trackitdown.

With all this going on Scott Attrill has taken time out for a chat, here’s what he had to say when he came to Nukleuz HQ…

1. What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I am finishing my mix for the ‘Riot! In Ibiza 2010’ album compilation, its sounding really cool, it’s a double album mixed by myself & Luca Antolini so it’s an exciting project. I have also just finished another remix for CR 2 records after doing ‘Sidney Samson’ for them too so well happy!

2. Where do you see dance music going in 2010?

Sky is the limit, there is some amazing music out there & new producers coming through and the start to the year has been great, I’m pushing the ‘Hard Electrik’ sound I’ve been working on for some time, it’s a fusion of Electro / techno / Trance & hard dance so there is a lot of scope there for some real interesting ideas.

3. What makes a good DJ?

Diversity I think, its time for a change musically, I think ‘Rave’ is truly back so there are no rules, don’t pigeon hole yourself into one sound as I think you only limit what you can do as a DJ, if it works & sounds right then do it!!

4. What’s your favourite bit of kit, and how does it sit in your overall set-up?

Its all been about the Sylenth for me – quite simply the bit of kit at the moment, very edgy, and the control over sounds is perfect.

5. Tune of 2009/Most influential artist of 2009?

Tough one, I loved ‘Virus’ by ‘Neal Thomas’, a really great track & a producer that is really putting his mark on things! An inspiring producer from last year would be ‘Wolfgang Gartner’, he does cool electro stuff that has a really nice vibe & some cool tricks. Other than that it’s me of course…lol, all my tracks and everything I do is fantastic!!! Haha

6. What can we expect from you in the future?

Well apart from the ‘Riot in Ibiza’ album I am working on my next artist album too, you are the first to hear about it! I have most tracks ready and the artwork is coming together right now so that will be my main focus towards the end of the year. Till then I have my new single ‘Rise’ that’s just been released & ‘Adapter’ is coming soon, lots of remix projects on the go as well for Luca Antolini, CR 2 Records, Alex Kidd, Neal Thomas, The Organ Donors so there will be a nice flow of releases over the summer. Oh and the Riot! Events, watch out for those too coming real soooon…

7. How did you get into DJing?

I started out from school, it was all I wanted to do watching the rave / old school DJ’s like Carl Cox & Slipmatt, I just worked really hard and was fortunate to get a break at an under 18’s event, I havn’t looked back since & have loved every minute.

8. Favourite gig you have ever played?

Would be two, have to say Fusion at Wembley arena, that was off the hook. Also doing last set at an event in Palm Springs / America, the biggest dance event in the states, just a sea of people in front of my with the sun rising in the desert, it doesn’t get much better.

9. Event of 2009?

Has to be Riot! At Matter, the O2 arena, unbelievable…

10. Twitter or Facebook?

Easy, Facebook!

11. What is your most prized possession?

My cdj’s & I have a pretty cool collection of shoes!

12. What tunes are on your playlist at the moment?

I am still loving the ‘Empire of the Sun’ album from last year so that’s on, have lots of 80’s stuff on there at the moment like The Human League, Gary Newman & Joy Division, all kinds of retro stuff that is heavily influencing my productions.

13. Cats or Dogs?

Dogs, I have a shingle driveway and the cats sh*t on it all the time, its so annoying, especially when it’s dark and you cant see where your stepping!!

14. What is the weirdest experience you’ve ever had behind the decks?

That would be some years back, full flow in the middle of a set at this club on the Isle of White, getting well into it & some doughnut tripped & pulled the plug on the whole system, it was weird because I didn’t have a clue what I had done & spent ages trying to figure it out before being informed of what had happened!

15. What do you do in your time off?

I rarely get much time off what with running Riot! & Traffic as well as the producing and DJ schedule. When I can I like to see my family & friends, I have a few nieces & nephews who are all wicked, always fun being around them. Or just watch a movie, Wii sessions with friends or you may well be likely to find me at a whisky bar propped up on a stool in the corner!!

16. Have you ever received strange gifts from fans?

My fans are brilliant, I get things made for me like t-shirts & necklaces, they have my name on & stuff and I get them a lot at events. The strangest though that springs to mind would be a pair of ear muffs, they were cheeseburgers either side, very random, but thanks to that young lady! While we on this I have to say a big thanks to all my Facebook friends who are just the best!!

17. What would be your ultimate holiday?

I have had a thing for ‘Mauritius’ for some time, pure blue sky & sea staying at one of those wooden homes on stilts in the water.

18. What would you say is your best trait?

I like to help people

19. What was your first experience of Nukleuz?

That would have to be the release of ‘Move your Body’ with them some time ago, going into the office the first time & meeting all the guys including of course BK, Ed Real & Tom Neville who were all there at that time, it was brilliant working with them & the whole place was buzzing and creative, I’m really happy to still be working with the Nuk team.

20. Has it ever all gone completely wrong?

Always, it goes wrong on a regular basis but I just take it on board for next time.

Check out Vinylgroover & The Red Hed “Everlasting 2010″ Exclusive to Trackitdown.net

When you go to see the boys expect a pinch of high paced NRG with some tasty bootlegs and mashups with a side order of scratching, served up with lots of bouncing around and interaction with the crowd!

They are also well known for their groovy warm up sets and have a reputation for being down to earth and tongue-in-cheek and never failing to entertain.

With joint residencies for superclub Frantic and smaller night Summit as well as their separate residencies the boys have already made their happy, smiley mark across the hard dance scene. They also hold regular slots at famous afterclubs Shine and Twist.

When these two DJ’s get together, there’s no telling what’s going to happen. Many back to back acts simply don’t have the level of tightness in working together as these two do. Combining Matt’s energy with Andy’s trickery along with their productions they compliment each other perfectly. Between them their track selection is outstanding, and I have never known this double act not to deliver a high standard of professional mixing that is expected by promoters. They also have an extremely strong following all the way up and down the country, and any clubber that has missed them these last few years should chalk them up as one to watch

After providing Nukleuz with a stonking 2nd show for episode 5 of the new Nukleuz Hard Dance Podcast series, I found some time to pick the brains of Pickup & Rise.

1. What are you working on at the moment?

Matt – I’ve been working hard on our new digital label RiseUp Digital. We have a release out every Friday so it’s always going to keep us busy. We have been hitting the studio hard too with Cally Gage, Ben Stevens, Leon Allen and we have some dates booked in with Mini Minx & Gem Stone too so really busy Times in the Pickup & Rise camp.

Andy – This interview for the brand spanking new look Nukleuz website. Seriously though I’ve got a couple of tracks for RiseUp Digital on the go at the moment and I have also been coming up with ideas for our podcasts Matt and I are working on, watch this space people!

2. Where do you see dance music going in 2010?

Andy – 2009 has been a massive year for dance music; you can see that looking at the charts with artists like The Black Eyed Peas & Kelly Rowland working with David Guetta, and you couldn’t go to a festival last summer and not hear Armand Van Helden & Dizzie Rascal’s Bonkers. Not all the tracks I’ve mentioned have been my cup of tea but dance music being more in the mainstream can only be a good thing for the whole industry.

Matt – That is a tough question to answer because the whole dance scene evolves year by year, different trends seem to hit the clubs, which is a good thing because it keeps dance music fresh & new. I think the whole dance scene has been hit really hard by the recession over the last year or so, but I have noticed clubs starting to sell out and fill up again which is brilliant news for the scene. There are a lot of new up and coming producers too bringing their new and fresh vibes to the music so on the whole I feel quite positive about 2010.

3. What makes a good DJ?

Matt – Choice of Tunes, Personality, Hard Working & Sense of Humor. (Oh and can beat match)

Andy – Crowd Interaction is a must for me, yeah a DJ has to be playing good music to be getting the place going but if the club can see the DJs interacting and looking as though they are enjoying themselves then it definitely pays off.

4. What’s your favourite bit of kit, and how does it sit in your overall set-up?

Andy – My beloved Blackpool FC home shirt, it usually sits on my shoulders on match day ;-) My best piece of kit is my pc armed with Fruityloops & Ableton; I’ve lost many an hour with them. I have always used software to produce until recently when I purchased a midi keyboard so I have been using that to help me create music.

5. Tune of 2009/Most influential artist of 2009?

Matt – My tune of 2009 would have to be Pretender & Agent Zero – S Express. The most influential artist of 2009 is Andy Farley. (The king of hard house, if we can achieve half of what Andy has over the years I would be more than happy)

Andy – A slightly biased track but Pickup & Rise Vs Ben Stevens – Koko Pops was probably my fave track of last year, which leads me on to say Ben Stevens is without a doubt the most influential artist of 2009. Ben’s been working like a trojan horse in the industry for years but since he’s opened up his studio doors his production has come on ten fold and more.

6. What can we expect from you in the future?

Andy – Vie been keeping as busy as I can in the studio making tracks, and you can expect to hear a lot more of us on Nukleuz.com with our podcasts.

Matt – Who knows I’m not mystic Meg lol but I can guarantee a lot more of what we have been doing now with production and we plan to bring RiseUp Recordings on cd releases as well as digital.

7. How did you get into DJing?

Matt – I got into DJing from going to Gatecrasher & Insomniacz when I was a youngster and watching people like Andy Farley, Paul van dyk, Mauro Picotto and I thought you know what , I reckon I can do that. So I bought some decks and the rest is history.

Andy – I’ve always had a massive passion for music, I started piano lessons at a young age and got to grade 4, I was in my high school band and jazz band playing the keyboard. I then taught myself how to play guitar whilst I was also at High School so music’s always played a big part of my life. I downloaded a pair of mp3 decks just after id left school and was instantly hooked, I got my first decks 6 months later and I’ve never looked back.

8. Favourite gig you have ever played?

Andy – That’s such a hard question to answer, pretty much every gig I’ve had chance to play has been amazing for many different reasons but our Tidy Weekender debut was one that sticks out in front of most. Tw1 was the first hard dance event I attended so to find myself years later closing the main room on the Friday night was such a dream come true.

Matt – I would have to say either playing at the Bulldog bash festival with 3000 Crazy Bikers or when we played Koko main room for Frantic’s 11nth Birthday, the atmosphere in there was electric.

9. Event of 2009?

Matt – Frantic Hard House Academy at Brixton Academy.

B2t Vs Frantic at Gatecrasher on the May Bank Holiday was out of this world! The venue is second to none!

10. Twitter or Facebook?

Andy – Facebook. I’m on Twitter but I never use it.

Matt – Facebook

11. What is your most prized possession?

Matt – My Goldfish (Called Sharona)

Andy – My Daughter

12. What tunes are on your playlist at the moment?

Andy – When I’m not practising or producing I usually find myself listening to all kinds of music. The most listened to albums of the moment are Eminem – Relapse and The Libertines – Time For Heroes (Greatest Hits). The Jack Beat’s Essential Mix has also been floating my boat, they have been making some barmy music recently.

Matt – 1. Mini Minx & JoJo – Betty Boo (Fireball)
2. Pleiades & James Nardi – Supernova
3. Sage & Abe Gurner vs Riggsy – I’m Not Going Home (RiseUp Digital)
4. John Kerrigan & Frank Farrell – Chicken Face (HardSounds)
5. Karl Davis & Nik Denton – Stampede (Trade Up)

13. Cats or Dogs?

Matt – Dogs.

Andy – He would say that wouldn’t he? Cats, all the way for me.

14. What is the weirdest experience you’ve ever had behind the decks?

Andy – I’ve had some extremely random requests to play, DJing with Matt is usually a weird experience in itself.

Matt – Without a doubt it’s seeing 3000 leathered up hells angel bikers with glow sticks at the Bulldog bash Festival going absolutely mental to hard house. It is definitely one of the most surreal moments I’ve ever experienced behind the decks, absolutely crazy but an awesome place to play.

15. What do you do in your time off?

Matt – Football!!!!!! I play Football for our 6 a side team (Bacon & Hove Albion) & I like to see my team play Blackburn Rovers. I know a lot of people think its boring but I also like cricket too, nothing better than going to watch Lancashire or England and having a few Wrongbows.

Andy – Time off, what’s this crazy new fangled thing that you speak of? When I’m not working or spending time with my daughter I like watching comedies, just building up my collection of South Park boxed sets at the moment, I’m hooked.

16. Have you ever received strange gifts from fans?

Andy – Yes!!! I think its probs best I just leave it at that though.

Matt – Quite funny you should ask that question, I came out of Twist on New Years Eve with the campest hat you have ever seen, but ill be honest though, god knows where it came from.

17. What would be your ultimate holiday?

Matt – I do Love Ibiza, I’ve had some brilliant and memorable times on the white isle. I like hot places, I don’t do the cold, me and the Mrs. have been looking at St Lucia or Australia for next year so probably there.

Andy – A trip to Amsterdam or a damn good Festival :-)

18. What would you say is your best trait?

Andy – Insanity.

Matt – Enthusiasm.

19. What was your first experience of Nukleuz?

Matt – I’m not sure what My First experience was, it was either when I bought Lisa Pin Up – To Love is to listen or Fergie – Hoovers & Horns (Both wicked tracks)

Andy – My first Nukleuz experience was listening to Vinyls in Hmv when I first got my decks, I’ll never forget Sunnys North in 02 when Nukleuz hosted the back room. It was my first time at Sundissential but I spent the majority of the night in the Nukleuz room.

20. Has it ever all gone completely wrong?

Andy – It usually does most days to be fair ;-)

Matt – New Years Eve 3 years ago, I and Andy were playing 1 – 2 am. Us being from the north and not realizing that at new year the police close roads off in London for the fireworks we managed to get trapped in our car and missed our set between 750.000 people surrounded us as we got stuck near Vauxhall bridge. We managed to play later but it was an absolute nightmare the headphone socket on the mixer fell through and to top it off it took 8 hours to drive home.

Andy – Take that for example!

Check out Frantic 11 on Double CD and Download – Out Now – Mixed by Anne Savage, Proteus, Cally Gage, Frisky, ADAM Lab4 and of course… Pickup & Rise!

Cally’s relentless passion is further rewarded as she becomes this years Storm resident alongside her position as one of Frantic’s key residents and coincides with her move to CODA Agency, (the same agency team responsible for Calvin Harris, Annie Mac, and Fergie). This hugely important milestone underlines Cally Gage as a true global artiste who is at the top of her game.

2009 saw Cally Gage notch up killer productions of her own alongside some of the biggest hard dance talents in the world including BK, Jon BW, Gammer and Ben Stevens and this is just the start! Cally’s next project is to launch her own record label CGR. And as if to prove her immense versatility, Cally has been asked to design and put her name to a range of club-wear; her first collection will be released through Contagious Clubwear in the coming months. With so many accolades to her name, one has to wonder where Cally goes from here. But one thing is for sure, if Cally Gage represents the future of Hard Dance then the scene is in a very exciting place.”

Nukleuz caught up with the new Queen of Hard Dance for a quick chat after the launch of her first podcast for Nukleuz… Nukleuz Hard Dance Podcast 001.

1. What are you working on at the moment?

Work never seems to stop if I’m honest with you, when one project finishes it’s onto the next.

I’m working on a number of things at the moment, which will all be ready to launch in the New Year, so I can’t say anything for now. That’s such a rubbish answer I know, but it’s very exciting, so you’ll just have to watch this space.

2. Where do you see dance music going in 2010?

I can only speak for the hard house scene, but I think it’s only going to get better. There are more and more new, exciting producers coming through and they’re all trying new things, which is keeping the scene fresh and alive – they’re not scared to try something new.

I personally can’t wait to see what 2010 can bring and am really excited to be a part of it.

3. What makes a good DJ?

You have to have the whole package as an artist and not just be someone that can mix 2 tracks together. There are so many budding DJ’s out there at the moment, it’s hard to break through nowadays, so you have to be unique in your style and sound and never give up.

4. Tune of 2009/Most influential artist of 2009?

I’m going to have to say that the tune of 2009 is going to be my own, shameless plug I now!! This year I have concentrated on production a lot more than I have in the past and the one tune I’ve made that stands out the most is a track called ‘Feel It’. I made this collaboration with the very talented MDA & Spherical and have had such fantastic feedback on it, it’s very flattering. (Featuring on Nukleuz Hard Dance Podcast 001)

I don’t know if there is one particular artist that stands out as being the most influential of 2009, but what Andy Whitby has done with his brand and within this scene, is quite simply awesome (excuse the pun)! He has stuck by and pushed his sound right from the very beginning and this has definitely paid off, his events sell out and his releases are always in the top 10 downloads on every website. He is a very unique artist and is also very talented as well; he definitely influences a lot of people and clubbers in the scene.

5. How did you get into DJing?

I got into DJing about 6 or so years ago, after being a clubber for a number of years. I used to go clubbing up and down the country every weekend, but the main 3 DJ’s that I used to follow around were Paul Glazby, Andy Farley and Tara Reynolds – I used to stand as close to the DJ booth as possible, so I could watch them mix and also look at the vinyl they were playing, so I could find out the names of each of the tracks. The next step was to purchase my own set of 1210’s and practice every single day and that’s what I did really.

6. Favourite gig you have ever played?

God, there are so many to choose from – let me think.

The one gig that stands out from the rest is when I played the closing set for Monday Bar Boat Cruise at the end of last year. The Monday Bar Boat Cruise is a massive cruise liner filled to the rafters with 3,000 crazy ravers, this particular cruise went from Sweden to Turkey and back again over 2 days. I was booked to play the last set of the 2 days in the main room and I really didn’t know what to expect, I was pretty nervous as well because all the other sets that were played over the weekend were all hardstyle and there was little old me with my cd wallet packed with hard house tracks. When I stepped up to the decks I decided to just play how I normally do and show them what I was made of, as that was the reason why I had been booked in the first place and to be honest, it went down a storm – I enjoyed the set so much and the reaction I got back from everyone was insane. I guess the reason why it sticks out so much is because I managed to play a sound that a lot of them hadn’t heard before and to be such an influence like that is the reason why I do what I do.

7. Event of 2009?

It’s difficult to narrow it down to just one, so I’m going to have to choose two please!!

The first event has to be playing b2b with my other half Andy Whitby at Tidy…the Homecoming earlier this year. The event was held at the mighty Magna and we were playing in the main room. We were on fairly early, but the room was absolutely rammed – there were people as far back as I could see and they were all going crazy, I had goosebumps all over during the whole set, I loved it.

The second event will be Frantic’s 12th birthday party, which was held at the legendary and very famous KoKo in London. I played a peak time set in the main room and it was absolutely bonkers from start to finish. Everything just seemed so perfect – the place was rammed, every tune seemed to make the clubbers go crazy and I had the time of my life, I was grinning from ear to ear for about a week after that event!!

8. Twitter or Facebook?

This is a tough, one as I use both on a daily basis. But I think I’m going to go with Twitter, as I’m lazy and you don’t need to do much with it! Simple but effective!!

9. What is your most prized possession?

My iPhone, sad I know but it has everything on it that I need and it’s with me at all times!

10. Cats or Dogs?

Dogs all the way, I have two of my own at home. They are two gorgeous little (always naughty) West Highland Terriers called Henry and Archie.

11. What do you do in your time off?

Work!! I rarely have much time off to be honest. I still work full time, so with that most of my evenings are taken up getting ready for the weekend, updating my portals, getting new music and working on my projects. When I do get time off, I like to chill out and spend some quality time with Andy and socialize with the amazing friends that I have – the simple life really.

12. Have you ever received strange gifts from fans?

No I haven’t actually, but that’s a good thing I suppose.

13. What would be your ultimate holiday?

Something to do with animals, a safari I reckon. I’ve always loved animals and have always wanted to go on a no expense spared safari, maybe somewhere like South Africa. I’d like to do that for a few days and then chill out on the most beautiful beach you could imagine, with Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktails on tap please.

14. What would you say is your best trait?

My friendliness and that I’m very approachable, although this can let me down sometimes.

15. What was your first experience of Nukleuz?

Back in the day when I used to buy vinyl, that was when I first heard of Nukleuz and now it’s grown into a lovely friendship!!

16. Has it ever all gone completely wrong?

Not yet and I hope it never does!

Check out Cally Gage’s mix on the Frantic 11 double CD!

www.callygage.co.uk

For all bookings please contact / roman@codagancy.com
Tel: +44(0)20 7456 8888 / Fax: +44(0)20 7456 8800

As such Proteus can boast headline sets around the globe for the likes of Dance Valley, Frantic, Hardhouse Academy, Global Gathering, Creamfields, Impulz, Defqon1, Streetparade Zurich, Transmission Sydney, Utopia, Pharmacy, Enchanted Forest, Time Tunnel, Lab-4’s Laboratory Experiment, Ground Zero, Sonic, Energy, Slammin Vinyl, Goodgreef, Tidy Summer Camp & Weekender and Torture Garden. This lead to Proteus supporting bands like The Prodigy and Juno Reactor!

Proteus and his friends are running their own club night called Säde in Helsinki, Finland which has been voted The Best Club in Finland at the Finnish Club Awards. Proteus is also organizing industrial/fetish events called Graveyard Party and Torture Torstai in Helsinki.

Besides of dance scene Proteus works very closely with Finnish industrial and metal scene. Proteus has done several remixes for Finnish bands and one the major ones has been remix for mighty Apocalyptica. Apocalyptica has sold millions of records worldwide and has done close work with legendary Metallica.

Proteus is also famous for his Proteus Live Show which is breaking boundaries between dance music and industrial metal concert. Proteus plays electric guitar, keyboards and percussions with his full band and they have done several big shows in Finland for 3000 people and for the full Brixton Academy in London!

We caught up with Proteus in one of his few spare moments…

1. What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on my second artist album at the moment. The album will be out in late spring and it’s based on “Proteus remixes” for different bands and artists from different music scenes… very busy time at studio every day.

2. Where do you see dance music going in 2010?

It would be great to see hard dance getting bigger again after all this electro and minimal trend and I believe it will happen. People get bored when they hear same sounds all the time, it’s time to get some raw energy to the market!:)

3. What makes a good DJ?

Definitely good choice of tunes and good basic technical mixing skills are the receipt to be a good DJ. It’s really important that you are open minded with different music styles when you build your DJ sets. Also it’s very important if you can create your personal style because there are million DJs there and that’s not easy to do.

4. What’s your favourite bit of kit, and how does it sit in your overall set-up?

In my studio I love my Macbook Pro, It’s unbelievable reliable comparing to PC laptops. It’s the center of all in my studio and it’s surrounded by my mixers, synths and guitars. I use Logic and Ableton as my main software.

5. Tune of 2009/Most influential artist of 2009?

My favorite tune has been “Ultraform – I Feel”. Ultraform is very talented Swedish producer and his I Feel tune is all about what I love in hard dance track; heavy, dark, energetic and industrial influenced. Most influential artist has been Lab-4, both Adam and Les. It’s amazing how these guys rock the dance floors always as “number one” even they have been so long in the scene!

6. What can we expect from you in the future?

More tunes, endless touring and more own events in Helsinki! We will never stop!

7. How did you get into DJing?

Basically it all started with collecting records in the late 80- and early 90-. I went to my first rave parties here in Finland in 1992/1993 and saw DJs playing and crowd going crazy. I was thinking “wow!” and then I bought my first mixer and decks. All my friends saved money and bought cars and stuff but I put all my money to music. I had my first proper Proteus gig in 1995 and here we are now.

8. Favourite gig you have ever played?

Very difficult question because there have been so many great gigs. Definitely big festival gigs like Dance Valley, Global Gathering and Defqon1 have been amazing experiences but same time smaller club and underground warehouse gigs have been amazing too. Also when you play at your own events it’s great when everything goes well after long hard work.

9. Event of 2009?

I would say Defqon1 festival in Sydney Australia was my favorite event of 2009. Absolutely amazing!

10. Twitter or Facebook?

Facebook, because it allows you to do so much more than Twitter. I have never been big fan of being in internet all the time. I prefer to use my phone if I need to reach somebody.

11. What is your most prized posession?

My engagement ring… love never dies ha ha!! Also my record collection is priceless: I have about 15 000 vinyls and thousands of cd albums. Different kind of music from goth rock to terrorcore techno!

12. What tunes are on your playlist at the moment?

My top3 are: DJ Guld – Hannya Proteus Remix, Miss Djax & Human Resource – Independence Day, Tommy Pulse – Messiah.

13. Cats or Dogs?

Dogs, I have one year old Portuguese Water Dog. It’s my best friend and baby. It’s unbelievable great when you come home and someone is always on good happy mood! People should learn lot from dogs ha ha!!

14. What is the weirdest experience you’ve ever had behind the decks?

I used to play lot at different kinky clubs in the past and it’s unforgettable badly weird when somebody is jerking in front of you at the crowd when you are djing… not very nice ha ha ha!!!

15. What do you do in your time off?

I try to be as much as possible with my girlfriend and my puppy dog. It’s most important that things are well in your home, in the end that is really what matters in everyone’s life. Not always your career.

16. Have you ever received strange gifts from fans?

Yes many ha ha!! It’s great! I have one shelf at my studio where I put all the gifts from my fans. The weirdest gift probably was “rubber fake sheep sex toy” which I received from Finnish girl fan many years ago. I had to throw it away because I didn’t want that my girlfriend sees it and gets any wrong ideas of me ha ha ha!!!

17. What would be your ultimate holiday?

Just at least two weeks somewhere warm relaxing place with my girlfriend… and without any phones or computers.

18. What would you say is your best trait?

Many people say that I’m very kind and trustable person, I hope it’s true ha ha! Also I’m hard worker and I believe that if you try enough you will reach your goals.

19. What was your first experience of Nukleuz?

My first experience of Nukleuz was old Nukleuz vinyl release “Astra – I Need It”. It includes really good BK & dBm Mix! I used to play it lot in 1999! Great tune! Also I loved Hard Beat EP series.

20. Has it ever all gone completely wrong?

Yeah many times but we will survive! Ha ha ha!! Good humor helps when you face shit!

Check out the Proteus DJ Mix on Frantic 11 (2 CD Compilation)

For more information:
www.djproteus.com
www.myspace.com/proteusfin
www.facebook.com/pages/Proteus/17712036908?ref=ts
www.dontstayin.com/parties/proteus

Following an incredible couple of years leading light in the trance scene Pierre Pienaar (aka Melodia and P.H.A.T.T.) has made himself one of the key DJs and Producers in the world to watch, an incredible feat when you consider he is based in Namibia! Picking up huge support from the biggest DJs and producers in the world including… Paul Van Dyk, Above & Beyond, Carl Cox, Armin Van Buuren, John O’Callaghan, 4 Strings, Ernesto vs Bastien, Mark Sherry, Andy Moor, Judge Jules, Matt Darey, Dave Pearce, Lost Witness, Bobina, Vicky Devine, Stoneface & Terminal, DJ Choose, Blank & Jones, Marcus Schossow, Sean Tyas, Lange and many more!

Now to kick start the new decade with a bang Head of Nukleuz Green Pierre Pienaar announces 2 exciting projects, compiling the brand new fortnightly Nukleuz Trance Podcast and mixing the massive new album Trance Adrenaline 2…

Trance Adrenaline 2: Mixed by Pierre Pienaar
Nukleuz Trance Podcast 001

With all this going on we managed to grab Pierre for a quick chat before he headed back into the studio…

1. What are you working on at the moment?

I’ve been locked away in the studio for the last few months working with new kit and trying out new production methods to implement fresh sounds and ideas for my 3 main aliases (Pierre Pienaar, Melodia and P.H.A.T.T.). Right now I’m working on the new Melodia track which follows the regular chilled vibe under this alias, but adds a warmer, more analogue sound.

2. Where do you see dance music going in 2010?

I’m really excited about how dance music has been getting back into the groove of things in 2009, and in 2010 it can only get better. Electro is starting to mature (hence the fact why it’s entered the mainstream) and it’s branching out and being used more subtly by other genres. But Trance is the one to watch for the next 2 or 3 years. I predict it’s going to be a sound that focuses more on good song-writing and composition than just being aimed at the dance floor. Roger Shah, Armin van Buuren, Cosmic Gate, John O’Callaghan and Paul van Dyk has been trend setters of this sound lately, mixing sounds from traditional trance with real instruments.

3. What makes a good DJ?

There’s no one thing that makes a good DJ..Apart from good song selection and mixing capabilities, it’s the whole image and the presence that a DJ emits which makes or breaks him or her. Take Carl Cox for example, even if you’re not into Techno, when that man steps up to the decks his character and charisma just draws you in.

4. What’s your favourite bit of kit, and how does it sit in your overall set-up?

My studio is completely software based and I use various plug-ins and VST’s but if I could only pick one it would be between the Minimonsta and +z3ta. The Minimonsta for it’s raw, dirty sound and the +z3ta for being a jack of all trades. You can almost make any sound with that synth.

5. Tune of 2009/Most influential artist of 2009?

There’s been a few..I absolutely love “Corderoy – Kyrie” as it takes you back to that ’99 era of trance. It’s simply a beautiful and inspiring track. I’m also feeling Roger Shah & Chris Jones – To The Sky. It’s extremely well written and nicely composed. But I think “Dash Berlin with Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren – Man On The Run” would be my number one pick for 2009. Wherever I played this, trance events, harder dance floors or commercial clubs it always got a massive reaction. Most influential artist would be Nic Chagall (for both his solo work and co-production under Cosmic Gate) as well as Myon & Shane 54.

6. What can we expect from you in the future?

Hopefully establishing myself further to the top of the trance scene and touring new cities and countries! The year will also begin with the second volume of my Trance Adrenaline mix series, so keep an eye out for that!

7. How did you get into DJing?

I’ve always loved music from a young age but I never thought I’d make a life out of it. My sister was the one who took music classes and played different instruments while I was more into sport (Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, Athletics, football..you name it, I played it). I was about 15 when the DJ’ing bug bit me and it was through listening to early dance tracks from Faithless, Brooklyn Bounce etc that made me take an interest in mixing tracks together and playing it out to people at house parties, weddings and wherever I wasn’t kicked out.

8. Favourite gig you have ever played?

Am I only allowed to choose one?? I’ve played many amazing clubs and events in different countries and it’ll be unfair and impossible to choose. I’ll have to say the first time I played at Traxx in Durban (South Africa) was really fun. I was surrounded with great people and the atmosphere was absolutely electric!

9. Event of 2009?

ESP in Johannesburg and Amnesia in Durban (both in South Africa) was fantastic and Total Blackout right here in Namibia was simply amazing.

10. Twitter or Facebook?

Facebook, the chicks are hotter.

11. What is your most prized posession?

Mmmm, good question…I don’t know actually..oh wait..My pair of Technics SL1210’s since they’ve been discontinued and in a few years it’ll be my meal ticket when I sell it on Ebay!

12. What tunes are on your playlist at the moment?

On my Winamp playlist it’s the new Hard Dance Mash Up album that I’ve just downloaded from a torrent since nobody sent me a copy…In my DJ box the top tunes at the moment is Roger Shah & Chris Jones – To The Sky, Cosmic Gate – Under Your Spell (Myon & Shane 54 Remix) and Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren – Beggin You (Armin van Buuren Remix).

13. Cats or Dogs?

Cats because they taste better.

14. What is the weirdest experience you’ve ever had behind the decks?

I was playing at a “club” in a rather dodgy part of a particular country (I’m not going to say where). The DJ booth was in a locked room behind glass to separate the DJ from the crowd and while I was playing a “steadily-built” girl managed to into the DJ booth, hit one of the securities and came right at me but before I could react she pulled out a Tiesto shirt and asked me to sign it…The funny thing is she actually thought I was Ferry Corsten! I have the best job in the world!

15. What do you do in your time off?

What’s that? I run my own media services company here in Namibia so when I’m not in the studio or on tour I’m working full steam with that, so free time isn’t really something I have. I do love being outside though, so any activity I can do outside whether it’s playing touch rugby, having a braai (read BBQ with wood) or terrorising grannies would suffice.

16. Have you ever received strange gifts from fans?

Yes…I’ve had a few strange photos sent to me..some I’d rather forget…But I got a finger puppet once from a South African girl which was pretty interesting (if not a tad bit weird).

17. What would be your ultimate holiday?

I really like Switzerland, especially the French part like Montreux and Geneva and would like to go there with a few good friends and just have a chilled time.

18. What would you say is your best trait?

Loyalty…I’m very loyal to friends, family and pets.

19. What was your first experience of Nukleuz?

BK, Mauro Picotto, Alphazone and Nick Sentience…need I say more? It was the tracks released on Nukleuz back in the day that got me into the more club orientated side of dance music.

20. Has it ever all gone completely wrong?

As many promoters will tell you, I have seriously bad omens when it comes to touring. I’m a very rigid and process orientated person, so things are always in place and I make sure everything is right and sorted..yet when I travel things just tend to go wrong..On one particular trip to Australia my entertainer’s VISA arrived late and made me miss my initial flight from Namibia with literally just a few minutes. I bought another ticket from the counter to South Africa. Got there and the flight from Johannesburg was delayed. Finally got on the plane and they somehow double-booked my ticket so being the gentleman that I am I offered the seat to the lady and managed to get a middle seat at the back of the plane. Arrived on Sydney airport too late for my connection flight to Melbourne, so had to book another ticket there. I had no way of contacting Luke (the poor promoter) and the gig was the next night. Finally got to Melbourne only to find my luggage got lost!!! I’ve had many other experiences in my career where things have just gone bad but it’s all brought me to where I am now, and I wouldn’t change it even for 700 virgins.

Download from iTunes

1. What are you working on at the moment?
Busy busy at the moment! We are pushing the brand new Hard Dance Mash Up album that out now as digital download, we have some brand new music and remixes forthcoming on Tidy and Rave on Recordings next year. We are mixing the next Riot Music Journal so compiling that, working on our new F.U.N live show set for launch next year, putting the finishing touches to our brand new samanddeanomusic web portal and we are pretty busy with the gigs over the festive period, all in all we can’t complain!

2. Where do you see dance music going in 2010?
The minimal backlash begins….! I think (and hope) the fun is going to return to Dance music in general, enough of the chin stroking, lets all just party! There is definitely a lot of 90’s influence coming back into dance music which can only be a good thing as it was a golden decade for tunes.

3. What makes a good DJ?
Stage presence, track selection, technical ability, charisma and the ability to rinse drink riders!

4. What’s your favourite bit of kit, and how does it sit in your overall set-up?
Our new favorite bit of kit of the Akai APC40 that we have started working with for our new live show. It’s basically a midi controller designed specifically for use with Ableton, the functions are great and it opens up some amazing possibilities for live performances! Watch this space….

5. Tune of 2009/Most influential artist of 2009?
There has been a few tracks stood out this year, ‘Ilogik – Tronic Equator’, ‘Rob Tissera & Technikal – Freefalling‘ and ‘Stimulant DJs – Crazy Love’ have all stood out and still get plays months on after their release. Most influential artist from a production point of view is either BK or Technikal, with Andy Whitby and Rodi Style on the DJ front!

6. What can we expect from you in the future?!
More of the same; pumped up party nonsense for those who like it hard!

7. How did you get into DJing?
We where forced into it by our pushy mothers.

8. Favourite gig you have ever played?
Too many good gigs to mention, but one of the best that will always stick in our minds is the first time we ever played in the main room at the Tidy Weekenders. From going there as a wide eyed clubber to being a part of making the event happen was a massive thing for us.

9. Event of 2009?
Tidy’s Magna Homecoming in March – over 3000 party people cant be wrong!

10. Twitter or Facebook?
Facebook all the way

11. What is your most prized posession?
Sam – My home studio set up (if you can call it one possession)
Deano – A carrier bag I found in the park

12. What tunes are on your playlist at the moment?
Top 5 at the moment are:
1. Ben Stevens vs Sam & Deano – Rescue Me (Your No Good)
2. Base Graffiti – Scirocco
3. Jaffa Ramakin – Haddock Nuff
4. Stimulator – Cry For You (Technikal’s Tidy Two Remix)
5. Munk Jack – Illuminate

13. Cats or Dogs?
Dogs, Cat’s are arrogant wankers.

14. What is the weirdest experience you’ve ever had behind the decks?
Apart from people asking for R& B and Shakira tracks, and drunk kids trying to mess with the decks whilst we have been playing there hasn’t really been much weird stuff happen to us thankfully.

15. What do you do in your time off?
Either in the gym or in the pub!

16. Have you ever received strange gifts from fans?
We once got given a monkey on a motor bike wearing a crash helmet! Long story…

17. What would be your ultimate holiday?
Anywhere hot with all our friends!

18. What would you say is your best trait?
Our dashing good looks and razor sharp wit. LOL

19. What was your first experience of Nukleuz?
Buying Hardbeat EP 4 from the local HMV – I miss record shopping!

20. Has it ever all gone completely wrong?
Every Sunday about 6am in the morning ;)

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