You are Canadian. Canadians get a lot of stick. Why is this so, and do you feel it’s justified?!

Ha, well it’s probably because we do everything a lot better than our nearest neighbours to the south and they always kick up such fuss. Everyone else on the planet just follows suit because its easier to poke fun at someone when you’re standing behind the big, mentally-challenged, poorly dressed bully haha.. :p

Have you travelled the world much? Which countries did you get a good vibe from if so?

Playing in Switzerland was brilliant, both times. I can’t wait for another go again...(hello to the Soulpreachers!)

I’d have to say, South Africa was an amazing experience. I’ve always been a real city, urban kind of guy and didn’t expect to be so blown away with the outdoors. I was though, and completely loved every minute. I’d definitely go back, especially to play (any promoters in SA reading this... call me!).

On the flip-side of that coin, partying in Detroit was an eye-opening experience to say the least. Venues without any toilet facilities, dealers who carry guns into the parties, muggings in the parking lots and actually being chased on the highway back to Canadian border by a car full of gangsters (full details withheld) are just a few of the highlights from the 3 Detroit parties we checked out. Passionate followers of the scene over there but slightly unnerving to say the least!

Where in the world would you most like to DJ? Club or otherwise?!

Well, I’m expecting a collective gasp here, but I’ve never even been to Ibiza *cringes and waits for slap*. The tales of senseless debauchery, frivolous sexual attitudes and, of course, music from far in the future mean I am probably meant to spend a great deal of time there. Playing at any, and all, of Ibiza’s great party venues are serious goals of mine… watch this space.

What has been the hottest tune in your box recently?

Future Now by Tim Paris always goes down a treat, I’ve also started re-playing Bilingual (Jose Nunez) cause it fits the whole minimal groove that’s in at the moment – always goes off! Lastly, I have to be cheeky and say that my own track, Kango, always gets a HUGE reaction. I’ll definitely be dropping it at UP^^. It’s available to download off my site if anyone wants to play it in their sets. www.brad212finlay.com

What have been the highlights of your year? What have been your proudest achievements?

Well my first major gig of the year, closing the main room at Turnmills after Junior Jack & Kid Crème was just amazing. I’d warmed up that room about 10 times in the past but this was completely different. Dropping bombs to a room full of psychos is definitely a nipple tickler. My hair stood on end for hours afterwards.

More recently though, Ben Dela-Pena and I played back2back at the last UP^^ and gave the nastydirtysexmusic room a serious run for their money - that’s probably my most successful gig this year. I normally hate playing b2b but Ben and I seem to vibe really well together. You rock, Ben! I’m looking forward to the 3rd mate!

What is your outlook on life like?

Try to be a good person, live for your dreams and take in as much variety as possible. Appreciate the little things like good food, fresh air and cold-pillows. And most importantly, ALWAYS approach cooking and love with reckless abandon! (I did, and found the perfect girl... she’s been elemental in everything I’ve done).

So, how was the last edition of UP^^? October 8th at Ministry of Sound I do believe?

Whooop whooop!...It was amazing! My ears are still ringing but Fu*k it. I think over the past few months Ben and I have really come to terms with how we want to approach the night (musically speaking) and with all the cross-genre interest at the moment, the scene is wicked – people are after new ideas so its satisfying to see something new take off like this.

When we were half-way through out back2back set, the place was totally thumping – full tilt - all sanity was lost. One of those nights where it’s so hot you can hardly grip the vinyl under your fingers. New hair-cuts were plastered to sweaty foreheads and people looked ecstatic. It just got better and better as we went on. I CAN’T WAIT for the next one. *..drifts off into 5 mile stare…. *

Are there any nights in London which are sadly deceased that you really miss?

Well when I first got to the UK, the first party I stumbled on was a little night at the Velvet Underground (later called Velvet Room). Carl Cox, of all people, was resident at this tiny 1-room bar in Charing Cross road and his Thursday night party was really cool. He’d bring guests in like Sneak to rock the four corners it’s this tiny venue and each week it was packed with total party freaks. I miss the intimacy of that night but now love playing in small rooms as a result.

The next UP^^ is on December 3rd, at Ministry of Sound once again, in conjunction with Sander Kleinenberg’s ‘This Is Everybody!’ CD launch. Who else on the line-up can you recommend?

Well apart from some new guys who we’ve got in our room who I’ll be keeping a keen eye on, I’m definitely keen to catch some of The Beginerz set in the Bar. They’re on fire at the moment. Their productions are tough chuggers with ample filth – good solid house. By all accounts their DJ sets are smoking too... lots of hype about them at the moment.
Mark Knight’s playing in the main room that night too and I’m really looking forward to hearing some of that! He’s a huge name and anyone who listens to / buys Toolroom Records will tell you he’s got more than a few aces up his production sleeve.

Then of course the headliner, Sander Kleinenberg. I don’t really know what to expect from him to be honest, apart from his crazy techy, bouncy housey stuff. I think every producer from the Netherlands must have been on acid for some stage of their childhood... I love it.

How would you describe the vibe in the Baby Box compared to the other 2 main arenas at Ministry? There’s definitely something about it when it goes off in there…

SMOKING HOT! Its one of those rooms that takes a bit of work to get started (plenty of distractions from the other rooms to contest with) but once you get it going watch out! That intimate, small room vibe is perfect for the sort of house the UP^^ nights are famous for. Bassline driven, techy, edgy, jackin’, sexy and just a hint of vocals to keep it intense.

The sound system in that little room really adds to the experience too (it’s PHAT!). It’s like everyone’s wearing a pair of personal headphones so every little beep & squeak hits you smack between the eyes… *rubs goose bumps off arm*

What kind of stuff can we expect to hear you playing on the night?

Smelly, dirty, violating bass, chugging drums and percussion, hypnotic vocal stabs, a smattering of funk and a good helping of “hands in the punched-up air” moments. Bring it on!

See you on the dance floor.

Xx
212
www.brad212finlay.com