Beta Blokka hail from Portsmouth and describe themselves as "an electronic dance act". Wade Bennett and Ian Pinnington met in 2004 through their involvement in south coast promotion Soundproj-x / Stimulate where they were both resident djs. In January 2005 they both enrolled to study midi sequencing and software at South Downs College in Portsmouth, where they were tutored by local hero Dave Robertson. They were soon producing their own tracks under the Beta Blokka name and by the end of July 2005 they had completed their first self-titled production that was promptly signed by Chris Vaux to PunchFunk Records. To mark it's official release this week I caught up with the boys to get the low-down.

You met in 2004 when you were both residents for Soundproj-x/Stimulate. Tell us about how Beta Blokka came about?

Well we knew each other from going clubbing to Slinky and Gatecrasher that but lost contact, Wade won a dj competition in the summer of 2004 and got in contact from the promoter of Stimulate. I was already involved with the night so we just became friends from there. In Jan 2005 we enrolled on a midi sequencing and software course, this set us on our way. We started writing together directly after this.

And why the name?

Ian: Well it just came to me one day, I cant remember how. I mentioned it to Wade and he liked it so it stuck.

And for those not familiar with your sound how would you describe it?

Big rooom Electro with a techy edge.

How did you both get into djing and have you always been passionate about music?

Wade: Ive been into dance music for most of my life, I was a clubber first, I used to go to Slinky and Gatecrasher and other dance events across the country. My passion was Trance back then so I started buying records and mixing on my friends decks whenever I got the chance to. It just evolved from there. I won a dj competition in Portsmouth in 2004 and my first gig was at Ministry of sound a few months later.

Ian: It all started for back in 2001 when I went to Homelands I was hooked from that moment on. Decided to get into djing in 2002, playing Trance and Progressive house. It wasnt untill 2003 I started getting into it more seriously, a good friend of mine built me a studio and taught me to mix. I got my break in April 2004 playing at Po Na Na in Portsmouth for Stimulate, I had to adapt my sound from Trance to House to get the experience I needed to be playing in clubs.

Do you still play solo gigs or are you pushing yourself more as a duo these days? What do you enjoy most and least about b2b sets?

We have decided to push forward as an act, it just works for us we both enjoy playing as a b2b duo. We understand each other musically and know what direction to take it.

Let's talk about production. I've read on your MySpace page you were taught by all round nice guy and local hero Dave Robertson and you had your first self titled tune signed to new label PunchFunk. With a Dave Spoon remix topping it off nicely the tune received support from industry heavyweights such as Fergie and Nic Fanciulli to name a few. Due for official release this week, on PunchFunk Records, with two additional mixes you must be pretty proud?

Wade: It's crazy to think we are getting support from such big names in the industry, Fergie played it on Radio 1 back in March and introduced it to the nation. We must admit we were delighted. The whole EP is strong, the Dave Spoon mix rocks it for us.

What productions have you got in the pipeline? I believe you have some more material due out on Silver Planet next year.. how did you get involved with that label?

Ian: Evolve & Out of sight is due for release early next year. Social Handgrenade is currently up for digital download @ www.djdownload.com. Its doing well, its currenly number 4 in the djdownload chart.

We came to be involved with Silver Planet because I'm mates with Luke Dzierzek and he recomended us to the label. We sent them Social Handgrenade this time last year, they loved it and offered us a 3 single 6 track exclusive deal on the back of it.

Remix wise we have two releases coming out Nikola Gala - One way (Beta Blokka Remix) for Lost Language. This will be a digital only release on www.beatport.com and D. Angelovski Sunshine (Beta Blokka Remix) for Slovenian label Tested.

What's your sequencer of choice and do you use any hardware or solely software?

We use Reason and Abelton live, we feel Abeton live is where we want to be next year, the programme is amazing. Playing live is the future.

Which artists inspired you at the beginning and who do you look up to today? Who features heavily in your sets?

Both being big trance fans in the early days our main inspiration came from Marco V. Today our inspirations are people like Luke Dzierzek, Trentemoller, King Roc, Dave Robertson, Ali Perc..... theres too many to mention to be honest. These above artists who are sets made up of plus our own productions.

What ringtone have you got on your phone? Any crazy frog antics or something hip and happening?

Wade: Thunder Cats theme
Ian : Just a nokia ringtone - it's amazing!

What's the best bit of advice you have ever been given?

Ian: Dont tell anyone your secrets lol.
Wade: as above (let your music do you talking)

Finally you have two exciting gigs coming up for Punchfunk this week, one at the Millenium (Spinnaker) tower for SVG TV (16th November) and then at Nu-Religion in the PunchFunk & Shuffle room (18th November). Tell me more about what we can expect from you on both nights?

SVG night we are playing an early set so expect some good chunky house and some minimal techno. We are looking forward to this at the Spinnaker Tower, its the first time such an event has beeen hosted there. The fact its so high up will make it a night to remember.

For the Nu Religion night at Hidden expect some big room electro and some techno from
us. Think we are on at 3.30am so it will be rocking.