For those out there who don’t know who you are, tell us a bit about your background?

Well I’m a DJ from Manchester, I've been playing records for about 7 years now. I run 2 record labels (Flatpack Traxx and Digifunk Records) with a friend of mine Craig Hamilton. I’m currently doing some production work which slowly but surely will see the light of day when I can finally make time to finish them. Growing up I was always mad on music and it was always drilled into me in many different forms from my mum playing her old northern soul CDs to my babysitting cousins whacking out new kids on the block. I got into DJing when I was 18 and have tried almost every genre of music so far none of which I enjoy playing as much as house music.

How would you do describe your style?

I try to make my sets as fun as possible really, I like to make a balance between old and new tracks. I mean everyone loves it when you throw in that forgotten gem.

What are your thoughts on coming to play in Lancaster?!

I’ve played in Lancaster a couple of times before and always had a top night so I’m really looking forward to playing SoulFunk. This will also be my first fresher’s party so it’ll be double the fun hopefully.

What DJs / producers are hot for you at the moment?

I think house music is in a really good place at the moment as there seems to be loads of quality new artists coming through, but a few I regularly buy records by are people like Jimpster, Inkland Knights and Giom.

Who or what was your inspiration to get involved in the music industry?

I would have to say an old mate of mine Jonny, his parents owned a club and he used to play there when we were younger, since then I have always been interested in DJing. I suppose the big name DJs that inspire me most are people like DJ Sneak and Justin Long, they’ve been in this game for years and still amaze me with how much they improve all the time.

What is the best gig you have ever played and why?

Wow, I’ve played some really cool places over the last couple of years but if I had to pick one it would be a night called What’s Cookin? In Belgium. The event was at a yachting club in a remote part of Gent but it was completely packed and the crowd were amazing. The whole organization and atmosphere of that night was spot on.

Have you ever had the opportunity to play alongside any big name DJs?

Yeah I’ve played before and after a few big names like Timmy Vegas from Soul Central, Luke Solomon from The Freaks, DJ Raoul, Gene Farris, Hector Moralez, Slum Science, Craig Hamliton to name a few. I feel really lucky to have shared the decks with a lot of these guys and it makes all those early years practise worth it.

You mentioned you run 2 labels? Tell us about your previous releases and what’s in the pipeline for the future?

Well the labels are mad busy at the moment what with our first vinyl release due out anytime. We’ve had about ten releases out so far which have all been really well received and got massive support from a lot of major DJs. Personally I have a few European dates lined up for later in the year as well as some more local gigs before the year ends.

What was the first record you ever bought?

The first vinyl I bought was Cassius - 1999, I was into trance when I first started buying records but bought this because of the cover. Not something I usually do but I’m glad I did because it’s still one of the best house records I own.

And finally...CD’s or Vinyl?

I would have to say CDs, I love playing vinyl and have a big collection but CDs are my first choice now. These days hardly anyone sends out white labels and with running a label you get sent loads of tracks that aren’t on vinyl plus you can carry loads more CDs than records which helps when you’re travelling.

For more information on Leon's labels log on to Flatpack Traxx or Digifunk Records

Who Built That House? are also on...

WBTH? listens to...