Iain, you live in Manchester, one of the most exciting cities for dance and indie music. Does it have any influence on you?
Of course it influences me. It’s the city where I live and has such a great musical heritage that you cannot help but get inspired by it. From the record shops to the clubs and bands, the city has had a massive effect on me. I think Manchester is and always will be one of the world’s great musical cities. It attracts people from all over the world who want to be a part of its vibrant scenes.
You will be playing at Dragon-i. Is it the first time you will have played in the HKSAR?
This is the first time I will be playing a club in Hong Kong. I have DJ’d in Hong Kong before though… well in a way! I stopped over for a few days in 2005 while I was touring China and Australia and hooked up with DJ/producer Dan F and a friend called DJ Ladystar. We got drunk and started playing records in Dan’s bar. It was loads of fun but hardly a proper DJ gig.
We know you love music. But there must be some downsides to being a DJ?
For me there is no worst part, I love what I’m doing. If I had to choose something – maybe other DJs jealous of your success or having to deal with people who have a very narrow mind towards music and scene snobbery. It really saddens me when I see people who are only into one specific genre, who shun all other types of music and who are not welcoming to other ideas, genres or music from the past. I guess you’d call that ignorance which I hate in all parts of my life.
If there is one DJ that you can trade yourself to be for a day, who will that be?
I’m totally happy being me. So I don’t think I’d trade, besides which, that would mean someone would get to be me for the day and I’m too good, people would learn my secrets. (laughs)
DJ’s are actually like pop stars now. What do you think
about that?
DJs are entertainers and, like all entertainers, there needs to be an element of showmanship. Photo shoots are also great places to get creative and add a visual aspect to your music. As far as pop-star DJs go, well, that is not really my kind of vibe. Fans are a sign that you are doing something right and I think that if you do something well, you deserve to gain admiration. But there are loads of people out there who are into music for the wrong reasons. For me it’s not about fame and popularity or money – I’m here because I love what I’m doing and because I love music.
Who is your music hero?
Too many heroes to mention! Anyone who has been a musical innovator from Mozart on is a hero to me. I particularly respect the musical exploits of the early hip-hop and dance music pioneers from Europe and the USA. Quincy Jones and Curtis Mayfield, De La Soul, Leftfield and Guns N Roses all rank at the top as well.
We know about your music, but how will you describe yourself in terms of your personality?
There are two types of music in this world: good music and bad music. I play bad music… not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good… Sorry I couldn’t resist dropping in an old RUN DMC quote there. My music is from the underground. Deep, melodic, hypnotizing dance music to make your booty move. I use up to six decks where possible and use effects to create a truly unique soundscape and, in the right circumstances, take people to another place.
Catch Iain at Dragon-i (UG/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham St, 3110 1222) on April 5. Party starts at 10pm. Tickets costs $300 at door.
|
