Every now and again a DJ / Producer comes along who demands some attention. Tipped by iDJ Magazine as ‘one to watch’ in 2007, Sam Ball is one of these. As Sam is playing for Coordinated, we thought we’d catch up with him and chat about 2008, and the usual vodka and beer....

Hi Sam, tell us a bit about how you first got into dance music and how you got to the sound you play now?

I started Djing when I was 16, and was made resident at Club Class (after a tongue-piercing bet with Serg the promoter! Don’t ask…), so I've been playing for 5 or 6 years. I have always played all variants of house and techno and started producing about 3 or 4 years ago and releasing on Urbantorque to begin with.

Who would you say were your big influences as a DJ and as a producer?

Loadsa people really.

DJing wise Luciano, Paul Woolford, Fancuilli and Garnier for sure – all fantastic DJs who have influenced my style of DJing. From the producing front I would say Nic, Woolly and Garnier again but also Underworld are a massive part of how my music has evolved. Also people like Anil Chawla, Jim Rivers and Scope - all pals of mine who are constantly amazing me at how good their music is sounding at the mo. Bloody show offs!

However there are so many great DJs and producers put there at the moment it really shows how fresh and exciting the scene is at the moment worldwide.

There seems to be a lot of DJ talent coming out of Maidstone; do they put something different in the water down there?

Yes plenty off Vodka!!!!!!

Club Class is very much an influence in Maidstone and this gives exposure to a lot of people who in turn decide they want to get involved in djing, producing etc…With local guys like Nic fancuilli around it’s a massive inspiration for people to get stuck in and see what can be achieved. Plus we all like a good rave down in Maidstone!

Your production has been getting plays from all the head honchos in electronic music, what is it like and what advice can you give to any budding producers looking to start up?

It's mad – having people who have influenced you in music turning round saying that they're playing your track is such a buzz and hearing it in a club is even better! For all those looking to start, the best advice I can give you are to have a thick skin and be prepared for some knock backs. Also be sure you're 100% happy with the track before you send it labels and perhaps get some feedback from people you know to begin with - get an honest opinion. But, also remember to enjoy what you’re doing otherwise there’s no point!

What do you find more enjoyable working and finishing production on a record or playing a gig to a packed crowd?

Both for sure! Packed clubs is an instantaneous buzz and I love doing that because you are in full control, testing new tracks and working the crowd, but with finishing a track it’s a prolonged buzz as you have to get it out there and see what DJs are playing it, and see it rocking a club. So I like both equally.

Where's been the best gig you've been to in the last 6 months?

Best gig was NYE at Global in Lithuania – what a mental club and brilliant crowd – the gig was outstanding.

Speaking of amazing gigs, you're headlining for Coordinated at Renaissance, what can people expect to hear from you?

Really looking forward to this one and people can expect a mixture of house and techno – across the board really!

What are your plans for the near future? More production lined up?

Lots of new music and remixes in the pipeline at the moment plus the launch of my label "I – Fi" due to launch in March!

Will you be heading to Ibiza this year?

Definitely !!!!!!!!!!! – The place is becoming like a second home now!

And finally… vodka or tequila?

Vodka all day long!