SLAANG is back with a more intimate party in London Bridge this Saturday 9th June, with Friendly Fires DJ Set, Deadset LIVE, and a host of other DJs including those guys from SMOKEYBEATS. "Who they?" I hear you cry! Former Home resident, Toolroom Trax artist and SMOKEYBEATS main man Paul Barkworth revealed all...

Who are you and what do you do?

Hi, I’m Paul Barkworth, the man behind the BEATS. I’m a promoter / DJ / producer, and one half of The Bronx.

What’s your party all about?

SMOKEYBEATS is a creation developed over a period of time. I have dedicated my life, soul, and energy to its growth and made many sacrifices along the way to ensure that the imagination, vibe, and journey of SMOKEYBEATS stay fresh and unique.

The philosophy behind the vision is targeted towards the more animated music lover and offers a good balance of humour, charisma, and non-pretentious flavours. SMOKEYBEATS is the perfect catalyst to create a memorable night out.

Sounds pretty fun! How did it start and was it a banger from the off?

The BEATS came about after I lost my mum, who inspired me so much musically throughout my life. I really wanted to do an event that paid tribute to her support for me over the years. I put on a couple of parties in Shoreditch which were overwhelmingly successful, so much so that Darren Hughes (WE LOVE SPACE) invited me to become resident at Home.

If budget was no matter, which DJs would you book for Smokey Beats?

Kraftwerk (Live), Booka Shade (Live), playing alongside Claude Von Stroke.

And which venue would you use? In London or otherwise?

Fabric, obviously for its amazing space and quality sound system. Failing that any 10,000 square foot warehouse space where I can build my own unique and theatrical production.

What was your most rocking party to date and what made it so?

The ‘Isle of MTV’ gig on a beach near Barcelona that had 15,000 people in two arenas. As I was playing between Tiefschwarz and Laurent Garnier on one stage, I looked up after the first record to see every hand thrown up in the air, not only on the beach but on top of every balcony, rooftop, and even at the castle on the hill. I didn’t find out until later that whilst I was playing the Black Eyed Peas had taken a break in the other arena so MTV pumped through the live feed of me DJing…everyone just went crazy!

You produce as The Bronx, and recently had your track ‘Electrik Park’ released on Toolroom Trax. Was this your first major success in terms of production? What else have you got lined up?

This is my first major success although I have released a couple of singles in the past. I’m going to progress with The Bronx but I’m also releasing some solo production having just launched my new digital download label, SB White.

Intriguing...so what goes into your productions? Influences, techniques and so on?

Every track starts out as a blank canvass. I don’t sample, I create from scratch. I tend to start off with the rhythm section, then the bass line, and build from there. My influence is history. My techniques? That would be telling…!

You’re playing at SLAANG presents Fake Religion on Saturday 9th June somewhere in London....how did this all come about?

Bobby, Kevin and I have all known about each other over the last couple of years as I’ve helped them out plugging their parties. Having built up a relationship through that, they asked me to come on board with my crew.

What can we expect to hear from you on the night? Both behind and infront of the decks...

You can expect pure acid house with some live blowing horns and sirens in the background! You’ll be sure to catch me on that dancefloor too… Just make sure there are no microphones to hand!


Check out SLAANG presents Fake Religion here....

http://www.dontstayin.com/popup/bannerclick/place-1/music-1/bannerk-7251