Since landing his first DJ gig at the age of 18, Lewis Ryder has smashed venues such as Inigo, The Cross, Egg, The End and The Loft, while as a producer his debut (‘Rock Out Of Bed EP’) drew praise from the likes of Laurent Garnier and Hernan Cattaneo. Lewis DJs regularly in and around London and heads up a party called Hindsight with Javier Espanol. Yes, Lewis Ryder is on fire – and he’s only 22 years old!

Get Diverted caught up with him before his set @ Plan B, Brixton on Saturday March 14th.

What was your introduction to dance music?

I nicked a Trance Nation CD off my dad years ago. I Think it was the Brave Heart theme tune remix that locked me in.

You landed your first gig at 18, had you been DJing long at this point or were you thrown in the deep end?

Kind of thrown in the deep end. I got given that given that gig and had only just passed my driving test. So jumped in he car with my younger bro (15) and found our way to the Fulham Road. Played a small club called Bondai. We had to play cheese all night long dropping the odd dance remix of Kylie and that sort of thing. Those were the days of vinyl, so my record collection does represent big time on the funky house :-)

You have accomplished a huge amount at a young age (Lewis is 22).  Would you say your age is an advantage to you or a potential hindrance?

I see it as a big advantage. Because I've got so much time ahead of me where I can achieve all my goals. The list is always getting bigger!

Winning the Space DJ competition is a huge, life changing experience.  What is your perception of DJ competitions?  Do you think they are a fair assessment of what a DJ can do at a club in front of a crowd?

This was the first DJ competition I'd ever even thought about entering. I'm not a fan of these competitions you see down the local small clubs and I think they tend to be seen as a bit lame. But when one of the best clubs in the world put one on you know it's special and definitely worth a pop at. And I really believed this happened at the right time. With my label launching and productions going well, in my mind I had the credentials to win it. Also I had this video camera just sitting around collecting dust and so badly wanted to film me shaking my arse around in my room :-D

Did you really say “touch me I’m famous” during your Beatportal interview after being announced as the winner?

Erm yes... but I am! (You see I'm well funny)

Was DJing on back to back with Danny Tenaglia at Space your most enjoyable DJ experience to date?

Well I only got to play one track in there with Danny. The conversation literally went "Hey I'm Lewis", "Hey I'm Danny... you've gotta play at least one track in here with me!" It was pretty damn crazy to say the least! Having DT braaaap my name on the mic was the best part. I'd never seen Danny play before but heard about his vocal outbursts. And some of my mates see him as an absolute legend, so I was just made up when he started doing that, knowing I was going to be able to go back and brag about that :-)
It was right up there with my favorite experiences in DJing, but it's too hard to pick one. There have been lots of things happen in the past 12 months, each time they just seem to get better and better!

You run your own label Bigger Deer recordings, what was your thought process behind starting the label?
I want to build something up alongside DJing. So the idea is it will grow as i grow as a DJ/Artist. Plus it's something to do innnit.

Where would you like to see Bigger Deer recordings in 3 years time?

To continue growing and building on the support from all over the world. I've got some great artist lined up on the remix front including Alecs Marta, Einmusik, Betoko,Randall Jones, Dale Anderson and many many more! This year really is looking good for the label. With the latest release out in Febuary by Oliver Dahl and the next due out 30th March; my birthday ;-)
Also going to be starting up a Bigger Deer Podcast so keep an eye out for that.

Any particular artist you would like to work with or sign to the label?
Dee Green is my producer of the moment. Also D.Diggler. Check them both out!

You have received glowing endorsements from hugely respected brands Jaded and Clubclass, what does that mean to you?
Yeah it's great and this is one of the main things that has given me the drive to sit on my computer every day working away at new tunes.

How would you describe your sound?
House & Techno. None of this sub labeling as I've found lately lots of people who may not go out to clubs regularly have been saying things like "oooh you play that minimal sh**t". That word has become commercially used since Sammin - Heater was released and gained lots of attention in the mainstream. So house and techno will do me :-)

And which DJ’s and producers are doing it for you at the moment?

Deep Blend who is signed to Bigger Deer is really making some sick sick tunes! His got this tribal sound locked down. Its very individual.
DJ wise Loco Dice probably played my last favorite set, that was at the Minus party at The End (RIP).

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you when DJing?

Someone thought I was Paul Woolford once, and was chatting to me saying great set at Jaded one Sunday morning last year. Paul was standing not far from me at the time, was pure genius. And yes I did say thank you!!

What can the Get Diverted crowd expect from you on the 14th March?

A bit of a ride up and down through all the house and techno flavors. Bit of deep through to banging techno. Maybe even a few piano stabs in there is ya lucky ;-)

And the quickfire round…

CD’s or Vinyl?
CD

South London or East London?
South

Zabeila or Fanciulli?
James's technical skills mixed with Nic's tune selection.
But I do tend to prefer brunettes :-P

Facebook or MySpace?
Both are great for stalking!

DJ booth or Studio?
Studio. I actually live in it.

booking@lewis-ryder.com
Press/PR: sian@biggerdeer.com

Sites:
myspace.com
facebook.com
myspace.com

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR:
BDR005 Lewis Ryder - Green Soup (With Betoko & Alecs Marta Remixs)
Out Monday 30th March
Available @ Beatport exclusively