Spectrum head honcho Pete Jordan talks to Godskitchen ahead of January 31st

This article is about Godskitchen's January Special feat Eric Prydz, Sebastien Leger and more @ Air in Birmingham (UK), Sat 31 Jan

DJing is a dying art well thats what certain sections of the media would like us to believe. Where some DJs might feel compelled to be a parody of their own previous triumphs, there is a breed of entertainer who avoids following the rules and stereotypes laid down by others. Pete Jordan is one of this breed.

Well known in the UK breakbeat scene as the resident and promoter of the multi award winning Spectrum night, Petes musical repertoire spans much further than the nu-skool of breakbeat. Equally at home spinning a discerning brand of hip hop, funk, beats, house, leftfield, electro, broken beat, you name it, if its good hell probably play it somewhere and play it well. From the full on auditory assault of a peak time Spectrum set, to the laid back grooves of a more intimate gig, Jordans savoir-faire highlights his broad musical appreciation, something that the best performers always display.

1) Hi Pete, thanks for doing this interview, what have you been up to recently?

No problem. Recovering from a mental 2008, and just preparing for another hectic year full of DJ gigs, Spectrum events and whatever else comes up I guess. I’ve also been spending some time producing as well, which has been long overdue.

2) You are the promoter of Spectrum, tell us a little about it, how did it all come about?

It’s funny, I still don’t consider myself as a promoter. I was (and essential still am) just a DJ who decided to put on parties to try and showcase his own sound and put on the acts that I like. It all happened by accident 8 years ago in Nottingham, and it’s all gone from strength to strength. These days I effectively oversee the brand, rather than directly promoting it per se.

3) If you had to think of a favourite Spectrum memory from over the years, what would it be?

Man, that’s a hard question. As I’ve been so involved from the start, I’ve seen pretty much everything. From overseas tours, road blocked events with touts selling tickets for 5 times the value outside, to all kinds of inspirational performances and crowds. For me, the best times have come with me on the decks, controlling the party and loving the music along with the crowd.

4) Any embarrassing stories from over the years? Any dirt you want to dish on anyone? Any axes you want to grind? All in good taste of course, now’s your time……

I’ve seen some funny stuff – people doing odd things in clubs, DJs too, most I’d rather forget about. The worst thing is dealing with far too many acts who have lost a sense of reality and where they started out. Names? No chance, all publicity is good publicity for these acts who think that they are bigger than people who come to see them.

5) What have you got planned for Spectrum in 2009 then?

First big event is January 31st at Air, then February though to March sees us get on the road for our ‘8 Years in the Game’ tour. Hitting our regular haunts across the UK, plus a few special one off events. A couple of weekender events at Pontins in March, then onto the summer season. More overseas shows and a returnto a rather special festival in July, not to far from Birmingham! ;o) The rest of the year, we’ll have to wait and see!

6) On a more personal note, what’s going on with you these days? Are you happy to concentrating on Spectrum or will we be seeing your name in lights in the near future too?

I think anybody who promotes events has to be happy to sit in the background a little, however as time has gone on, it’s become more difficult to just play the support role. The crowds keep getting bigger for each of my sets and stepping into the starring role seems to come naturally. I’m a totally different person when I’m DJing. Due to having a top team who work with me to push the brand, I’ve been able to focus more on my DJing, and more and more bookings seem to come all the time. I can’t lie that the intention is to keep going higher up the bill, yet I’m still very selective about where I play. I guess I’ve been spoilt with the amount of top events I’ve played at in the last few years.

7) Times change and things have moved on a lot in the UK dance scene in recent years, where do you see it going over the next few years?

I started going out to clubs in 1995 and I have seen a lot of the worldwide club scenes. As long as people are on this earth, they will want to go out and dance – simple as. Yes, trends and tastes change, but that’s half the fun of it. It you stick around for too long and don’t develop in a positive fashion then you quickly become a dinosaur. People who say it isn’t how it used to be are accepting the fact that they have gotten old and forgotten what it is like to approach each night with an open mind and ready to enjoy yourself.

8) If you could have any super power what would it be?

I would definitely want to be able to duplicate myself. There’s never enough time in the day to do everything I want to.

9) Who’s your favourite Girls Aloud member?

Ashley Cole

10) Finally, what can we all expect from the Spectrum crew on 31st January?

Well the customary top class and varied line up as ever. Herve’s debut set at Air, up and coming act Dolby Anol from Glasgow making their first ever Spectrum appearance. Spectrum residents, the hotly tipped Heavyfeet from Manchester return after a massive NYE set in Birmingham, and of course myself making sure Eric Prydz brings his A game in the main room. ;o)

Hope to see you there!