Instagram | Picture: Khali Ackford
Can you describe some of the best moments you’ve had surrounding your ‘Horizon Red’ club hit?
There have been so many since the release but what sticks on my mind most is the first day I wrote it. The first few piano chords came together in such an organic way and the whole picture for the arrangement was so clear. It was instantaneous and I knew I had something special.
How do you handle music requests?
I don’t get many these days. When I was younger and I was playing in bars it would happen more often. I was happy to oblige if I liked the request. Fortunately, when I play now, the people came for a reason. It’s like they trust me to do what I do.
What do you do when equipment goes on strike?
There’s always a workaround. Sometimes if a synth is broken it forces you to use it in a different way which can deliver interesting results.
You’re underway your Blue Marlin residency in Ibiza, how have the isle shows been going so far?
It’s been great fun. At the end of May we had a Sunday where there were thunder storms on the island and all the roads were flooded on the drive to the venue. We were sure the party would have to move inside but about 20 mins before my set the clouds parted and we were treated to a beautiful sunset. It was really special.
Are there any show highlights you’ve had this year?
I really enjoyed my tour of India. It was my first time visiting the country and I got to travel around by car and see a lot of the country. The last gig was in Mumbai in this cave. It was dark and sweaty and I played 3 hrs longer than I was scheduled to. The next day was the Holi Festival so the city was vibrant and full of energy. It was great to experience that.
What are your musical influences from childhood?
My earliest memories of music were what my parents listened to. Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, Donovan & Dire Straits. As a teenager I went through various phases from grunge through to hip hop. I only started getting into electronic music in my late teens when I started going to Ibiza.
Is it even possible to argue about musical tastes?
Depends who you’re talking to haha! Taste is personal so I guess not.
Which track would play when you made your entrance for your boxing match?
Big Pun & Fat Joe ‘Twins’
What was the worst job you ever had?
I had a trial day at French Connection when I was a teenager. The manager followed me round the shop the whole day teaching me how to fold clothes. I didn’t take the job.
Describe your sound to someone who has never heard it before.
Groove and melody combined, usually on the darker more twisted side of house.
Do you have any good tour stories from clubs or festivals?
I played at festival in Dublin once and I took my wife. The gig was on a farm and It was really good. The promoter told me he had booked a hotel but the driver dropped us off at a hostel. Turns out they had run out of budget and had booked bands and DJs into communal dorm rooms. I walked into my room in the early hours of the morning with my wife to find 8 other random men snoring away in bunkbeds. We had to sleep on the floor in the foyer. The next morning everyone was really pissed off because we had all been stitched up.
What would you do if you weren’t a musician?
I’m also a digital designer. I’ve been doing it all my life and still make my own content. It’s another creative output that I really enjoy.
Which style of music should have the most followers? And why?
This comes back to the question about taste. Everyone has their own preference which is cool. No one can tell you what you should like. I don’t even know what my favourite genre is. I just like music that give me a feeling.
What is the most important musical equipment invention of all time – and why?
The microphone. I‘m down with instrumental music too but imagine if Nina Simone or Otis Reading had never recorded their voices!
What would you advise to become a professional?
Firstly you have to have the passion for what you do. If you’re not completely obsessed with your craft then you will never perfect it. Perseverance and confidence to believe in yourself is also key. If you love what you’re doing and it represents you then don’t let anyone tell you it’s not right.
