What are you up to now?
It’s Friday night and I’ve actually got a night off! But I was working last night and spent the whole day travelling back home on a very slow train. I’m a little tired but there is still work to be done and interview questions to be answered before I go to bed!
So your idea of heaven is curling up in bed and watching loads of DVDs. How often can that happen?
I usually get at least one day every couple of weeks to hide from the rest of the world. My favourite DVDs are TV series where I can watch lots of episodes all at once. Shows like Prison Break, Boston Legal, The Wire, The Shield, Heroes, Smallville… the list goes on and on!
Tell us about the day of a label owner when he isn’t drowning himself in TV shows.
It’s really like most other jobs. During the week, I usually work in the office Tuesday to Friday starting around 10.30am and finishing around 7pm. My day can include anything from choosing which tracks are going on the next album, recording our radio show, coming up with new art concepts or simply paying the bills and boring paperwork!
How would you differentiate between your two creations, Fierce Angel and Hed Kandi?
The main difference is that Fierce Angel is my own business. Many people do not know that I never actually owned any part of Hed Kandi. Although I created and ran the whole concept for over seven years I was only an employee of the company. The main reason I left was to have some ownership over my ideas. So I think if there is any major difference it is that Fierce Angel is a lot smaller and more personal.
Frankly, have you ever worried that Fierce Angel will not grow as big as Hed Kandi? I mean 10 years from now, you would prefer people calling you ‘the man behind Fierce Angel’ instead of ‘the man who used to be behind Hed Kandi’, right?
I don’t worry about growing as big as Hed Kandi because that was never the idea with Fierce Angel. We are a much smaller team and want to keep things a little more exclusive. Obviously we need to grow and make sure everyone worldwide knows about Fierce Angel but I learned lots of lessons with the massive success of Hed Kandi – and sometimes smaller is better. I think I’ll always be known as the creator of Hed Kandi and I’m extremely proud of it but I don’t really worry what people call me as long as they enjoy the music!
Money and fame is not a big concern for you anymore, I guess?
To be honest, I never did this for the fame. I love all the attention I get through the business but it’s never been about being massively famous… although it is nice. Money is what keeps everything alive, and it’s always a concern when you are running a new business. Everything I had went into setting up Fierce Angel and we’ve got a lot more work to do before I can retire!
What’s next for you? You have created one of the biggest dance labels/club nights, started another one, are again getting things on track and you are only 39!
I really don’t know. I want to keep releasing the finest fiercest compilations, I still love DJing and we’ve got some amazing artist projects coming up. On top of all that I think I’d like to do some more writing, producing and remixing and who knows what else!
Mark Doyle, the brain of Fierce Angel Records, will be spinning at Drop on August 28. Entry is $100 (includes one drink) after 11pm.
 Beat‘nTracks
spinning round the clubs
August 16
Heavy brings MC didjelirium, DJ Ozone and DJ Drunk Monk to Sammi’s Kitchen. Entry is $100 with a standard drink included and it begins at 10:30pm. 137–139 Connaught Road, Central, 9849 5566.
Celebrate Indian Independence Day with DJ NYK at Cliq. Call 6627 6606 or 9043 8225 for advance tickets at $200 or pay $250 at the door, both prices include one drink. 2/F, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central, 2868 3111.
August 21
New York-based hip-hop amd R&B DJ Cosmo Baker will perform at Volar. Free entry for all on the guest list before 12am, for non-members it’s $150 after. B/F, D’Aguilar St, Lan Kwai Fong, 2805 0028.
August 22
NEON at FEVAR will feature a mix of electro, house and rap music and the dress code is neon colours. The door price is $200 and the party begins at 10pm. 4/F California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, 2525 3933.
August 23
Dance music diva Barbara Tucker will be at Dragon-I tonight. The door price for the night will be $300 and the excitement explodes after midnight. UG/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, 3110 1222.
DJ Ricky Stone shares his future-tronic sounds with Q97. The party begins at 10:30pm and entry is free before 11:30pm. After 11:30pm, the door price is $200 with one standard drink included. Basement, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar St, Central, 2868 6062.
August 28
Pete Gooding spins deep house/techno/downbeat electronica at Beijing Club with supporting DJ Tai Pan Dan and Arun R. The beat starts at 10pm and entry is $220 for men and free for ladies. 2-3/F, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, 2526 8298.
August 29
Celebrate the launch of DJ Morett’s new CD at Volar on August 29. Entry is free for those on the guest list before midnight, but after 12am, it’s $150 for non-members (includes one drink and a CD). B/F, D’Aguilar St, Lan Kwai Fong, 2805 0028.
DJ Roy Malig plays at Beijing Club from 12am. $300 entry at the door, 21 and above only. 2-3/F, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, 2526 8298. |
