The forthcoming Party Proactive 5th Birthday, May Bank Holiday…Sat 2nd May is not short of some big name DJ's. A cracking line up indeed with the likes of international superstar Axel Karakasis, house and electro Pacha Ibiza resident Jonty Skrufff, Andy Farley, and 2PhunkedUp to name just a few of the DJs dishing up the grooves on the night. But, there’s one man who’s been making the hairs all over our body stand up, not to mention on the back of our neck, since being appointented resident all those years ago and that is the one and only PETE WARDMAN!

Having been involved in the dance music industry since the age of 17, Pete’s career has taken him on all kinds of adventures – from establishing a radio station to being a resident at Trade. His production skills are enviable and his back catalogue proudly lists tunes which many rank as ‘classic anthems’.

With that in mind, we managed to ask Pete a few questions:

Pete, I’ve read that both of your parents were music teachers and that your involvement in music started at a young age. Care to tell us what instrumental skills you have besides DJing?

PW: I was kind of forcibly ‘encouraged’ by mum and dad to learn the piano from the age of 6 or 7. I also learnt to play the clarinet at school, on the promise that “once I’d got the hang of it…I could go on to play the saxophone” (which was what I really wanted to be playing but there weren’t enough saxophones at school to go around!). I did all the grades on the piano, but with the clarinet I stopped at grade 5 and haven’t touched one since!

The irony is how useful learning the piano has been to me now, working in the studio – so in retrospect I’m very grateful for being forced to practice as much as I was when I was young!

You’ve been involved with many different aspects of the music industry from setting up Power FM to production and DJing. Which aspect of your career are you most proud of?

PW: I’m very proud of my achievements at Power FM after we launched in 1992. Running a radio station which was competing head-on with Radio 1 for an audience AND we were doing it on a budget of 800% less than the BBC, was exceptionally challenging!
I guess though there have been successful moments (and some not so successful ones) in most parts of my career. I’d prefer to remember the good bits though! I’m very proud to have been a part of one of the best clubs ever (Trade), and I think I deserve some green shield stamps for sticking with Kiss FM. Got almost 10 years of them when I was there!

You’ve had a prosperous and extensive career. Is there anything you still long to achieve?

PW: Yes! But I’ll talk to you again if and when they are achieved!

Your career has influenced a lot of young DJs. Who were your biggest influences?

PW: I’ve been influenced by loads of people, but especially those who are (or have been) totally committed to what they do. When I was 16 I was lucky enough to strike up a friendship with Anne Nightingale (Radio 1’s first female DJ – She’s still going strong there and doing a brilliant job – as enthusiastic about new music as ever!). She took me ‘under her wing’, gave me loads of advice and tried to instil in me some self-confidence when I was at an age when I had none. I’ve always thought of her as ‘my mentor’ although quite why she was so nice to me (a spotty 16 year old) I will never know, but will be forever grateful.

You’ve worked with a great many DJs and producers in your time. Who did you enjoy working with the most?

PW: Working at Trade has probably led me to work with the most influential – from the ‘original crew’ of Malcolm Duffy, Tony de Vit, Steve Thomas, Ian M and Alan Thompson to the ‘Trade future’ crew of Malcolm (still there like me!), Gonzalo and BK. Some of the best times I can remember were at Trade Birthdays and taking Trade on tour (esp. South Africa 1997). In the studio I have had fun working with Baby Doc, Rachel Auburn, Red Jerry and now Ryan Fisher. At Kiss FM, we used to have a ball doing the yearly ‘Kiss in Ibiza’ weeks – I’ve spent happy hours in the company of Judge Jules, Roy the Roach, Brandon and Alex P – All talking nonsense and watching sunsets…wouldn’t change it for the world!

Sounds like you have some tales to tell! And while you’re down memory lane…you began DJing at 17. Does it still give you the same buzz?

PW: When it’s a good night, at a good club, with a great crowd (and I’m playing decent records) DJing is still as exciting as it ever was! When its not…I’ll stop.

There are a lot of new faces pushing hard to make a name for themselves in the industry. Any tips on how to succeed and survive the test of time?

PW: The best tip I can offer is to learn to be yourself with the music you play. Even now, I hear too many DJs playing literally ALL the same records but in a slightly different order. There really is no point in this. Much better to be a ‘first rate’ you than a ‘second rate somebody else’. Another good tip (Tony de Vit told me this one) is that ‘it’s better to be a 7/10 all the time than a 10/10 once in a blue moon.

Sound advice from a man who knows his stuff! Party Proactive is back after a holiday! We are all looking forward to your set in May…care to give away any hints as to what we can expect?

PW: To be Honest, I never really plan sets at all in advance. I’ll know what I’ve got with me in the boxes and roughly where I want to take the set, but it’s important to ‘fit in’ with the DJs before and after your set. I know that I want to play out as much new stuff as possible and road test their reaction on the dance floor! I guess there will also be a few requests for the odd classic tune as well.

We’ll see you at Party Proactive The 5th Birthday as once again you take over the helm and lead the charge as Party Proactive resident.

PW: Thanks!