Interview with Vaccine resident and promoter - Ben Beaton

Ben Beaton began his DJing life back in 2001 when he was snapped up by a Dutch DJ agency named Equipe Hollande and was quickly spinning on radio shows around The Netherlands and playing in some of the biggest Dutch clubs, such as ‘Nighttown’ in Rotterdam. Inspired and feeling that more could be done for the UK scene, Ben embarked upon a new and fresh concept – Vaccine, which from its humble rots, is enjoying continued success and is fast becoming one of the leading trance nights in the UK.

Ben, Vaccine has been going since April 2004, can you tell us how it all came about?

Having been part of the Dutch scene for a while, I was eager to bring something new, original and exciting here in the UK as I believed there was a real need to spice up things around here. Vaccine was created with the intention of not only showcasing the best of European talent but also to give opportunities to unsung and up and coming UK talent.

Vaccine has come along so far in such a short space of time and it feels like an eternity since spending those early, do or die nights in the Anexo bar on Thursday nights, where a few people here or there would mean the difference between success and failure. I was lucky to initially get the chance to start Vaccine with the help and guidance of Gallery resident Gavyn Mytchell who really helped me along in the early stages and for that I’m eternally grateful to him. I was soon joined by Adam Truran and together we put on our fist night with headliner Goldenscan. It was clear from the off the off that Vaccine had something special about it. Adam was a great help for a while before having to leave due to the pressures of uni.

When were you joined by The Viceroy?

Whilst flyering on one cold morning outside Turnmills, I met the bleary eyed Tom as he stumbled out of the club. We struck an instant rapport and subsequently formed a strong alliance, putting on our first co run nigh in June, where we had Phynn over from Holland for his UK debut.

Tom is the reason that Vaccine is where it is today and I could not wish for a more committed, focussed and reliable friend to co run Vaccine. Tom is an absolute legend as a mate, a DJ and a promoter.

What were your highlights of the Thursday night Vaccine’s and were there any low points?

Every Vaccine was a highlight but I particularly look back on August 2005 when we joined forces with ‘Serious’ to put on a massive night in T2. What a night that was. It felt like a Friday rather than a Thursday and Simon Patterson rocked the place. It was our first big night in T2 and it was by far our biggest crowd.

One of the biggest worries for me was our night in July, just after the London bombings. However, even though numbers were down somewhat, the party still kicked off and I have fond memories of what turned out to be a great night, thanks to our main guest Michael Splint.

How is Vaccine different from other nights?

Tom and I are always striving to make Vaccine stand out from other nights in the UK by sticking to our ethos of originality and quality. We pride ourselves on creating interesting and exciting line-ups rather than putting on repetitious, tired and uninspiring ones. Vaccine dares to be different and we continually welcome many overseas DJ’s, many of them DJing for the first time in the UK.

We are always on the lookout for up and coming stars of tomorrow, both from the UK and the rest of Europe to headline and provide the support acts. I personally remember how tough it was trying to get even the smallest of gigs when I was starting out and so now it gives me a warm feeling to be able to give opportunities to people who really deserve it because of their passion and ability.

Those that have been to Vaccine will I’m sure back me up in saying that our nights stand out for all the right reasons.

How does it feel being one of two resident Vaccine DJ’s

The feeling of being up there on stage, interacting with an amazing crowd and spinning the tunes that I love, is just too good to express in words. It’s incredibly fulfilling and it gives me a massive buzz, not only at the time but for a long time afterwards. I think that when you enjoy yourself up there on the decks, it shows and rubs off on the crowd in such a positive way. I feel really privileged to be the resident alongside The Viceroy and can’t wait to play on June 16th!

Who are your big influences in the industry?

My biggest influence has to be Ferry Corsten. In my opinion he dominated the trance scene and has constantly brought new and pioneering sounds to the forefront, all the way from his System F sound, to ‘Right of Way’ and through to his current ground breaking genre forming L.E.F. Ferry never ceases to captivate me and is undoubtedly one of the nicest and most down to earth guys in the industry.

Armin, Tiesto, Ronald Van Gelderen and Lange and are also inspirational to me but there are so many more I could list go on and list pages and pages!

What’s it like now that you have your night in association with The Gallery on a Friday night in T3?

Unreal. The crowd is just so up for it every single time, right from the start and it’s a pure joy to be part of such amazing and much loved night. All our DJ’s so far have excelled themselves and put on performances to remember. It’s a real honour to spin with the DJ’s I’ve always looked up to – something I once thought would never happen. We would never heave got to this stage however without the support from Turnmills in particular Danny Newman, whom I want to thank sincerely for believing in us and for giving us the opportunities to prove what we can do.

I would also like to say a massive thank you to all the Vaccine faithful who have supported us from the off and who rarely miss a night! You help to make Vaccine what it is!

I’ve heard through the grapevine about a Vaccine offshoot?

Ah yes, I believe your talking about our forthcoming label – ‘Vaccine Digital’ which is as it says, is a digital only label to be featured on all the usual download sites within the next month or so. The first release will be an incredible production in the shape of ‘Karl G vs The Viceroy – Perception’ (Original and Kuffdam & Plant Remix). This has gained massive support from the big jocks, including Paul Van Dyk, Jon O Bir, Gavyn Mytchell to name but a few. Both Tom and myself have hammered this at Vaccine so I’m sure you have heard it by now! Tune! Follow up tracks on the label will include ‘Ben Beaton & Joey V – Red Shift’ and some amazing stuff from Ben Gold. More details of Vaccine Digital will appear on our website soon.

What is in the pipeline for Vaccine in the future?

We have some seriously storming line-ups for the summer months, following on with our ethos of originality and quality. You can expect a live act in July but more to be announced in due time! We also have something very very special lined up for the late summer….. But as much as I want to shout about it, has to be kept under wraps for now…!

Our website (www.vaccine-turnmills.co.uk) is currently undergoing a re vamp which will be up and running soon.

When is the next Vaccine extravaganza with The Gallery?

I thought you were never going to ask! You can expect a real feast of talent on Friday June 16th in the shape of Alex MORPH and Fred Baker who are undoubtedly two of the most well known and prolific names in the scene, set to deliver some heavy slabs of uplifting and tech trance! I will of course be joined by my ever-energetic partner in crime – The Viceroy, plus rising stars Mat Lock and Joey V. See you all there for what is promised to be another superb night!