Graeme Lloyd is one of the new breed of DJs who have emerged from the London club scene and are now making their mark internationally. Graeme has also firmly established his credentials as a producer with the success of tracks like ‘Candiru’ and ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’, and his latest track, ‘Waveform’ is released by Stripback Records on Monday, June 8th.

‘Waveform’ is the third release on the recently established Stripback Records and maintains the label’s reputation for forward thinking and energetic progressive and tech house. With its well crafted percussion, rolling synth lines and acid touches, it’s a dancefloor bomb that builds and builds but never loses its essential groove. This is the sound that Graeme has been championing at his regular sets at The Gallery at the Ministry of Sound and has found favour with big names like Nic Fanciulli, Dubfire and D.Ramirez.

A strong remix package sees Stripback’s other signing I:AM – the duo of Fabian Chui and Hannibal Soares – take ‘Waveform’ deep into electro house territory for some serious big room action. Hotly tipped techno producer Tommy Four Seven takes the track in a whole new direction with immaculate production and a clever twist at the end, while Dan Cat creates a deep tech vibe full of electronic strangeness for those after hours sessions.

You can catch Graeme at The Gallery on June 12th and then on July 17th when he’ll be making his main room debut, while this summer will see him flying out to play in Romania and Russia. Check out the Gallery website for their latest podcast mixed by Graeme too.

So what makes Graeme tick? Read on...

How did you first discover dance music and then become a DJ?

“I was actually a professional dancer working with artists like All Saints and Robbie Williams. This led me into working with lots of dance acts like Tall Paul’s Camisra and I became a member of the group Strike who had a big hit with ‘U Sure Do’. I was hanging out with lots of DJs and so picked up a pair of decks and started to mix.”

You play regularly at The Gallery at the Ministry of Sound in London – tell us more.

“The best night in the world and has been for years! I cut my clubbing teeth at Turnmills and always wanted to play there, so when I started to play there regularly it was a dream come true. The Gallery just grows and grows, and has fitted into Ministry like a glove.”

You're also doing the next Gallery podcast – what can we expect to hear?

“Big Tunes!”

What are the favourite moments from your DJ career so far?

“I have played some really cool gigs but playing Cream at Amnesia in Ibiza and last New Year’s Eve at The Gallery was just amazing.”

How did you get started as a producer?

“It was a natural progression from DJing really. I had worked with other producers and then got bitten by the bug once I learnt to engineer myself.”

‘Waveform’ is your latest track but give us a little rundown on what else you’ve released.

“Well, this is my second release on Stripback Records. The first was ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ at the end of last year. I’ve also had tracks out on Playtime Records including ‘Candiru’ which was a big track on the Space terrace in Ibiza last summer.”

How would you describe your sound?

“I guess progressive techy house, but it really depends on my mood at the time when I am making the track.”

We hear 'Waveform' has already been getting support from some of the big names – tell us more. What about the remixes too?

“The reaction has been great with Axwell, D.Ramirez and Dubfire all supporting. There are some really cool remixes from techno rising star Tommy Four Seven, Stripback label mates I:AM and Dan Cat.”

What are your favourite tracks/producers/labels at the moment?

“You’ve got to love Toolroom, they really do put out some good music. Paolo Mojo is one of my favourite producers around at the moment. So far 2009 has been a great year for dance music – there are loads really.”

What makes a good DJ?

“Someone with a good taste in music and an understanding of what should be played and when.”

... and a good producer?

“Patience”

What do you after a hard night behind the decks?

“PARTY! Then sleep.”

What do you think will be the next trend in dance music?

“Things are always coming and going. I’ve always loved progressive house and like the fact that it’s really coming back this year.”

What's your favourite album outside of dance music?

“Anything by the Doors or the Rolling Stones.”

Tell us three unusual facts about yourself?

“1. I have a betting license as my Grandfather was a bookmaker and I love a good bet.

2. I never get out of bed before 10am

3. If I wasn’t a DJ I would love to have been a stockbroker.”

What do you hope to be doing in five years time?

“Exactly what I am doing now.”

‘Waveform’ is available from Beatport, djdownload.com and most major download stores. For more information on Graeme Lloyd and Stripback Records visit myspace.com / myspace.com