It doesn’t seem to long ago that we were last talking to Alex Metric. However, the Brighton based workhorse has outdone himself since that time, knocking out not only a remix for the Infadels new tune, but also putting the finishing touches to an EP for the Marine Parade label. So it seemed only right that we catch up for some more chat…..

So Alex, what's been going since last we spoke?

I’ve been running around busy as hell! Trying to juggle remixes, my album and a busy DJ schedule has been tricky. But I've managed to fit it all in. since last time I played the end I’ve done some great album tracks, lots of remixes, finished the Freeland record and played the gig of my life at the Exit festival in Serbia.

You've been hard at work doing a lot of high profile remixes recently, which are you most happy with?

I'm really happy with all of this batch of mixes actually. Sometimes you love some more than others but with this run I've tried to do something different with every remix. It would very easy to fall into a trap of going through the motions and having a bog standard remix sound and template. (as some people are very guilty of) I like to have a distinct vibe with every one. So I guess the Alphabeat mix is a personal favourite. It's only 112bpm but rocks hard out. I'm not sure whether people will have the balls to drop it... we'll see! The Infadels mix turned out really well too. Epic as hell! The Treasure Fingers mix is fun... gah I like em all for different reasons.

What's the best gig you've played this year and why?

Exit festival. Amazing amazing amazing. I played to a packed arena of 15,000 people before Tiga and Soulwax. It was the biggest crowd I've ever played to. And they were so receptive, lapped up every record. I tried out some new album tracks and they went down a storm. Such an amazing vibe there, great setting and a great crowd. The perfect gig. There are some videos on my MySpace to see my view into the crowd.

Other than the usual software and hardware, what do you consider to be a 'studio essential'?

Bad 80's records.

The falling cost of production software and cheap machines means that more and more people are turning to producing. Is this a good thing, or is the scene in danger of being overly diluted?

I think there is already a huge amount of crap music out there, such is the way in the digital age. Where before there were a certain number of checkpoints and artists had to get through to get a release... A&R men, label bosses, distributors, mastering houses, now people can bounce a track out of logic and have it on Beatport the next week. Which means there is a lot more shit out there but at the same time there's a lot of amazing music being made too. And I firmly believe the good stuff always rises to the surface.

Are you any closer to your Keytar dream for your live show?

Well, the album is nearer being finished. And that's got to be done before I take the live show out. The albums taken on a new vibe in this second half of writing for it. The first sessions I did ended up quite poppy and 80’s, now it’s going epic and emotional. There is going to be a great mix of songs to choose from. I'm finding my feet vocally with every track I do too, really enjoying exploring that. Even gone full falsetto on one tune! Choir boy stylee haha

Do you feel the much lauded ‘credit crunch' has had any impact on the world of dance music as a whole?

I haven't noticed it much. Gigs still seem to be busy; long may I not feel it!

And finally......can you recommend us a cocktail, and describe how best to make it?

No shit... this is our Glastonbury cocktail. Beware; if you drink this it will turn you into a twat. A bad version of yourself. And don't drink it in a car while your friend is driving. Bad things happen!
Energon:
Get an empty litre bottle. Fill it with:
1/3 cheap vodka
1/3 Blue WKD
1/3 Redbull

Drink it and get ready for the sugar caffeine booze rush of your life. Also worth noting Mega Energon can be made by replacing Redbull with Redsquare.

CHEW THE FAT!
@ THE END, LONDON
Friday 12th September, 11pm – 6am
www.thefatclub.com

IN THE MAIN ROOM…
TOUCHE
BOBMO (Institubes)
BOY 8 BIT
ALEX METRIC
KID BLUE
BADLANDS

IN THE LOUNGE – EDEN COLLECTIVE... presents
KAZEY (Institubes)
MUMDANCE
EDEN COLLECTIVE RESIDENTS

£12/£8 NUS; 11pm-6am
The End, 18 West Central Street, London, WC1A 1JJ
Info: 0207 924 1333 / www.thefatclub.com
Dress code: Trainers OK
Capacity: 1,000