Tranz-mission is fast approaching, and Headlining the Hardcore Heaven Arena is the one and only DJ Gammer! Here's what he's got to say...

So Tranz-mission is your first big event in 2009 as the newly-crowned Best Hardcore DJ. Have you got anything special lined up for your set?

It's far to early to say, to be honest (and it's an unprofessional thing to say) but I generally just make up a set as I go along... well I think of what my first 2 songs are gonna be, and the judging off the crowd reaction from those I just kinda go with the rest. As it's a big one though im sure ill be pulling some bootlegs and what not out of the wallet for the occasion!

What does it mean to you to be voted Best Hardcore DJ at the Hardcore Heaven Awards?

As i say every time it's a tremendous honour. The last couple of years I've had fun with my sets, just doing little edits and rips and trying to do things just a little bit different from everyone else. Winning Best DJ though I never thought was possible, i seriously didn't... I've always had the biggest respect for all my peers and obviously have worked hard to get to where they are, and believe it or not, I still don't see myself above any of them.

Describe a typical week for Gammer - the DJ.

Wake up monday, be a grouch in the studio all day with Dougal putting up with me (but my god he makes a nice coffee)

Tuesday-Thursday, absolutely power through doing anything, be it hardcore, our other projects, or even just doing admin stuff (fueled by Dougals amazing coffee)

Friday, sleep in a bit if either of us have gigs, take it a bit easier in the studio, treat ourselves to cod and chips for lunch (as well as a lovely Dougal coffee)

What gives you more pleasure - working in the studio or performing on stage?

Definitely performing. I've always loved DJing more than producing, the whole 'real time' aspect of it as well as having a crowd to react off. And the mad thing is my passion for DJing has had a knock on effect into the studio, where now whenever I write anything I always have the crowd in mind.

As well as Headlining Tranz-mission, you're also top of the bill on the Saturday night and the Sunday day line ups at the Hardcore Weekender - so will you be on site all weekend in true Hardcore style?

I go all weekend every year. Now I know I'm meant to be 'serious' cos im a 'DJ' and 'DJs have to be serious', but seriously, expect to see me stumbling round in the worst drunken state on the friday night. Saturday will be more serious and sunday I'll be hungover barely scraping through the set with Kevin Energy.

You're doing three sets at Tranz-mission - what's involved in the live PA, and is this you working twice as hard to retain your Best DJ title this year?!

First off I'm back to back with Kurt, who quite rightly won best breakthrough DJ last year. Kurt's sound is like an exciting new style of bounce, it's simple and straight up for it stomp music, I always enjoy doing back to backs with people who play a different style as it adds more impact to the set.

The PA, admitedly is more Dougals forte, I more or less just turn up and scratch, I'm sure it's gonna be the usual (tried and successful) combination of vocalists, bright exploding stuff and me having to witness our studio being pulled apart!

Then I'm doing a back to back in the Frantic Arena with one of the most exciting DJs in hardhouse (and a very close friend of mine) Andy Whitby.

Andy is very much a one of a kind hardhouse DJ, he's seen what makes hardcore appeal to its crowds so much (the fun over serious aspect) and injected that into his own music, playing hardhouse that is more focused on making people have a good time, rather than playing music that is serious because it's expected to be. I have involvements on his label (under the name Matt Lee), we've done back to backs before and always had a good laugh, that is whenever i get a look in - as captain 'chop-a-lot' seems to have difficulties getting away from the faders (despite that short outburst I'm sure we'll end up cuddling behind the CDJs!)

Finally, as for the best DJ thing, obviously I'm going to keep pushing and doing what I do but I'm never in this to win awards. For me, i enjoy the awards being a symbol of appreciation by the ravers of what I do, rather than shaping what i do to win awards, even if i didn't come out with a single one this year, I genuinely wouldn't mind as I'll always be grateful for all the fantastic opportunities and successes I've enjoyed so far and all the support that the ravers have shown me. I genuinely love this music and nothing makes me happier.... that's all from that camp outrage!

Many thanks to Matt for that - it is much appreciated! And remember if you don't want to miss his sets at Tranz-mission, you can get tickets now at slamminvinyl.com

For more info on DJ Gammer... check these out:

dsi.muffinmusic.net < dontstayin forum
myspace.com < myspace
youtube.com < new youtube scrapbook