C- Kay interview

Where does the name Where does the DJ name Ckay come from, And did you think of anything else before that?

It's a very boring story really. Basically, my initials are 'CK', so that's what i was at first. Then after playing on pirate radio and doing a few gigs, i discovered there was already a CK in hardcore, so instead of changing the name and confusing people, i just added the 'ay'. n That's all i've ever been known as.

Describe your sound as a up and coming producer and how you would say your different from other producers in the hardcore scene?

Well, it's no secret that i love piano's, and i love vocals, so i'd say it was very 'hands in the air', uplifting and fun. I am still learning how to do things for myself, and trying to get my name out there. Once i feel confident enough, i will be trying new things and try to create my own style, but for now, i'm very happy doing what i'm doing.

Uk hardcore has taken a bit of stick for going very trancy and boring at the moment, whats you views on this and what would you do to change it

I wouldn't say it has become boring personally, there are loads of producers out there with their own style. Gammer is one that stands out, always trying new things, Darwin is another one that isn't afraid to try something, Al Storm and Fracus are making some amazing music right now as well. The 'Trancey' thing is just a progression of the old sound. Things have to evolve in order to stay fresh.I dare say it will change again soon. It's all just opinions at the end of the day. There is loads of variety out there, you just have to find it

So when you play out do you tailor your sets to particular venues or play it by ear, would you say alot of djs out there have lost the skill of reading a crowd?

It depends on my set time to be honest, if i'm on last, i tend to play alot of 'big tunes' to keep the crowd there. If i'm on at a peak time, i can get away with playing new/more obscure tracks. i NEVER plan set beforehand, i'd never stick to it anyway if i did haha. I think reading a crowd is a learning curve, when i first started playing out i just used to play anything anywhere, but i have learnt how to construct a set over the years

How do you feel your mixing and technical ability has evolved over the last few years?

Oh it's improved no end. The thing with me is, i got my first set of decks in 2002, a pair of dodgey Soundlabs, i had to sell them after about 5 months to make up the rent on my flat. Then i got onto pirate radio, so really i learnt how to mix while i was playing to hundreds of people across Essex. Plus being on radio, you weren't allowed to alter the gains whatsoever, so my mixing wasa bit ropey.But during that time, I played at S E One, The Junction Zest and many other places, so i must have been doing something right

What do you prefer DJing, or producing and why?

DJing, because i'm an attention seeking whore I do prefer DJing to producing, i love the feeling of watching a crowd dancing to what i'm playing, especially when it's one of my tunes. Maybe in years to come when i'm producing properly that may change, i do enjoy the experience of writing music alot, but for now, give me decks over a PC anyday.

As a dj whats your tools in 2008, Cds or vinyl and why, and would you say that the mp3 era is killing the scene and record shops?

Up until last year, i was vinyl all the way, but things change. The likes of Fracus, CDJay@ RFU Recordingz and others were sending me promo's over MSN, so it made sense to switch. Plus as i was beginning to make my own tracks, it was the best option. I still play 96-2002 stuff off vinyl, so i havent abandoned it completely.

What artists around the scene inspire you and what other music do you like to listen to? Who do you like to hear when you are out and about in the scene and why?

Force & Styles are my heroes. They never made a bad record as far as i'm concerned, i have so much respect for what they have achieved over the years. I have so many inspirations within Hardcore, Hixxy, Breeze, Fracus, Al Storm, Darwin and Gammer are just a few. Outside of Hardcore, i listen to everything. My favourite band of all time are Nirvana, but my CD collection consists of sucha random mixture of artists, from Stone Roses to Maria Carey, Boyz 2 Men to The Fratelli's, Sugerbabes to AC/DC. I just love music full stop. I'm really into Goldfrapp at the moment, her voice sends shivers down my spine

who is the most famous person you've ever met and how, and is there someone you haven't met yet that you would like to?

I met Chris Moyles last year, That was quite weird, i love his show, so meeting him was rather cool. I've also met Peter Andre, but we wont say anything more about that haha. That's it i think. I'd love to have met John Peel (RIP), his passion for music was something else, if i could have a pint with anyone, it would have been him!

What do you think was your highlight in 2007, obviously playing for Flabbergast , but what about another?

2007 was easily my best year yet. Playing for Flabbergast is always a pleasure, the atmosphere is amazing at the events. I also promoted my first event, where i got to book, and play before one of my Heroes, DJ Force, so that was awesome. I also got 2 records signed, to 'Warped Science Records', which is something i've always dreamed about. The ultimate highlight though was getting permission from Darren Styles to cover one of my favourite Hardcore tracks of all time, '5am'. plus the track geting picked by Seduction for his 'Hardcore Adrenaline 3' mix, i couldnt have asked for anymore.

So whats coming up for C-Kay in 2008, any suprises?

Hopefully a lot more music for starters, i'm working on a collaberation with Andy L & Fraz as we speak, which is sounding amazing so far, and this track will get it's first ever play at Flabbergast. I also have collaberations lined up with Dave M of the SMS Crew, which will be interesting, plus alot more solo stuff
also want to push my DJing and gain more bookings, and i'm also getting back into promoting, and hopefully building the Flabbergast events up to a bigger and better standard than they already are.

So any shameless spam and shoutouts you wanna chuck in?

firstly, www.myspace.com/ckaydj - that has loads of info, clips of tracks and the usual crap, also Audioscape,C-Kay & Kelly C - Need You More is due out in the next few weeks on 'Warped Science Records', so buy it, make me happy. Also '5am', with an Al Storm remix will be out in the coming Months. Shout outs - The Flabbergast crew and Ravers, Grant Epidemik for everything he has done for me. Force & Styles for being the legends that they are and inspiring me tio become a DJ/Producer, Fracus for all the studio help, Al Storm for signing my tracks, Seduction for puttin'5am on his album mix,and last, but not least, my gorgeous Lauren, for being who you are

Dont forget peeps you can catch C-Kay right here at flabbergast