This article is about Absolute @ Studio 24 in Edinburgh (UK), Fri 15 Dec 2006
1) Hello John, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Fave colour of pants!! That kind of thing. Hahahah well I guess this makes a change from the usual kind of questions I get asked… ok so pants then…. For me its normally black ones although I do have a few combat style ones, just in case I go into war lol. Not sure what else you want to know about me? I’m 28 years old, I love partying, playing poker online, normally losing at it… and finally I’m a closet Metallica collector/fan.
2) Are you happy to be getting involved with Absolute in 2007, what are your thoughts and what can we expect from you next year?
Since I last played with you guys earlier in the year I have been raving about the night in all the interviews I have done and with my management so I am major buzzing about becoming part of the team. For me, Absolute is one of the best nights I have played in Scotland so confirming these extra dates really gives me something to look forward to and focus on here in my own country. Ideally I’ll be pushing the Kuffdam & Plant style of sound but also my own style of DJ’ing, which should fit in perfect with the clubs guests and residents.
3) After such a successful year both dj’ing and producing, what does next year hold?
Well right now we are busy working on a few new remixes, one for Vandit Records and also some new tracks for our own releases. I’m spending New Year in Cyprus where I will DJ with Plant and also alongside John O’Callaghan. This will also allow me time to get back into the studio when I am there so hopefully we can put the finishing touches to the new tracks. 2007 is already shaping up well with regards tour dates with Poland plus return dates to Vaccine @ The Gallery confirmed. With those and of course some regular visits to Absolute, we can just hope for yet another busy year head…. That’s what we live for so bring it on.
4) What do you make of dance scene in Scotland at present?
That’s a tough one… Its weird because I feel like its certainly not like it used to be and so many nights struggle to get off the ground or they really seem to find it hard when it comes to pushing the barriers with regards guests. With that in mind I still think there are some superb nights on. As I mentioned before, when I’m asked in interviews how I feel about dance music here there are always a few nights that spring to mind that I love to talk about, Absolute being one of them. When I came over to play this year I really didn’t know what to expect from the night but I can honestly say that I was simply impressed. The crowd were so up for it and simply there for a good night, the residents were spot in with the style, track selection and vibe created and now I’m just buzzing about checking out the new venue. I’m sure Absolute will give me plenty more to talk about when I’m there on the 15th December.
5) The Macdonald Brothers? Good or Bad?
Hahahaha BAD, very bad… but I still voted for then…. It’s a pride thing I guess.
6) Who are your favourite producers at the minute?
Well it would probably be people like Stoneface & Terminal, John O’Callaghan, Sander Van Doorn… but one thing that I do love about websites like MySpace is that it allows you to get in contact with so many new and up and coming producers. I’ve been sent some wicked tunes over the last year from guys that might never get a release. Websites like that can really show up some hidden gems. I have also to give a mention to some guys I have got to know over the last year that never fail to impress me with they’re attitude and work… Frase, Ben Gold and The Viceroy. All 3 are putting out some superb tunes and it’s been a real pleasure to hook up with them and work them during 2006.
7) When you last played for us, you were using Ableton. It seems to cause a fair bit of debate amongst djs and clubbers alike, why do you use it?
Simply… I love it. For almost 2 years now while we were either performing or working on our live show, Ableton has been the tool of choice and it’s allowed me to really get to grips with it and see its potential for performing. There is always going to be this pro or against argument for any type of equipment but at the end of the day it should be the artist or DJ’s choice to work on what they feel they can get the most from. I’ve been DJ’ing for over 10 years now and I have done the rounds on decks, cd decks etc, but for me just now its all about Abelton. Personally the flexibility the program gives me is what counts, to be able to edit, remix cut and chop a track as I see fit is a major winner. I’m simply hooked.
8) Any strange habits?
Nail biting…. I hate it but done it for years so just can’t seem to quit.
9) Can you give us some background on how you came about producing with partner Plant?
We actually met through and agent that I was working with. I had just toured Cyprus and when I returned Plant got in touch with her to pass on some tracks to me. I think this was about 2001 and we started chatting online. At the time Plant was working with 2 other guys in Cyprus but when that ended we decided to try and work together. With us both being in different countries we had to overcome the initial problems of sharing ideas and sounds but Reason was the answer. The program fitted our needs and since then we haven’t looked back. Our first big production Balearica was picked up by Above The Sky and it’s just been a rollercoaster since then.
10) What has been your favourite Kuffdam & Plant production so far?
It’s always going to be hard to pick one as we really do try to put everything into each one… They all mean something so us for one reason or another but if it was a life of death question…. "The Ones We Loved" has its own special meaning between our own friends so that would be my pick.
11) When you are not Dj’ing or producing what do you get up to in your spare time.
I’m a massive gig fan. I love to go see bands live and I try to get to as many gigs as I can each year. This year I have seen Metallica 3 times in 3 different countries, Tool, Kasabian, Tenacious D, Placebo, Trivium and a few others…
12) Outside Dance music, what else do you listen to?
Well as you can probably see from the list above of the bands I have seen, Metallica is my main band. I’ve been collecting Metallica records for about 12 years now and its almost taken over a room at home. I have 100’s of vinyls, 1000’s of cd’s and just general stuff from the band. My music taste is pretty varied and I do like to drift between different bands depending on my mood etc. Please check out www.kuffdamandplant.net www.myspace.com/edinburghabsolute www.myspace.com/kuffdamandplant www.clubabsolute.co.uk - Being updated!!!
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