Manchester, arguably the North’s coolest city with a diverse, exciting and world-class music scene, gained an incredible new acquisition in 2008. AREA 51, with it’s immense Funktion One sound system, unique layout and décor, and a future line up list that would make any of its rival clubs weep (Mr. C, Hot Chip, M.A.N.D.Y and Jesse Rose to name a few) is heading into 2009 with its sights set high. Prepare to be taken on a journey through techno, electro and every kind of house you could imagine, and the biggest promotions and international artists around elbowing each other off the decks. And Saturday 14th Feb sees one of electronic musics most talented young producers make an appearance, Luke Dzierzek.

Luke Dzierzek is a name that has made a massive impact on electronic music in the past twenty four months. With huge basslines, groovy as hell rhythms, massive stabs and admirers including the likes of Sasha, James Zabiela, John Digweed, Nic Fanciulli, Dave Seaman it's no wonder why. The release of his forward thinking productions have gained many fans the world over and resulted in Dzierzek being recognised as one of the planet's finest up-and-coming talents. 'One Day' and 'Echo' received acclaim from both clubbers and journalists alike, with the EP staying in the Buzz Chart for two weeks and being aired three times on Pete Tong's Essential Selection Show and being hammered by everyone from Tiga to Paul Van Dyk. And 2009 is set to see Dzierzek takeover the scene.... we caught up with him ahead of his appearance at Area 51 to get the lowdown.

How old were you when you first started playing on decks?

I started playing on decks around the age of 13/14 years old playing progressive house and techno records, the music on labels like Drumcode and Bedrock really interested me. I remember going around to all the different records shops locally and around London to find the latest promos and random white labels that they had in, which I used to loved doing! I get most of the records digitally now.

I moved onto CD’s at the age of 19 but have recently been playing my sets with controllers and a laptop as there are endless possibilities! I have been producing music around the same time I started Djing I really love seeing the way that things are change and progressing. Its great!

You have achieved so much so young how do you think you’ve become so successful at such a young age?

I think it’s down to having a strong passion and developing a massive interest for music at such a young age, which has always been part of me and I have always wanted to be part of it! I have had a great musical up-bringing and can play a variety of instruments. At the moment I have 7 guitars, 4 keyboards/ analogue synths, an old drum kits, bongos, decks and all sorts of stuff that I play around with in my studio. When I was 14-16 year old I was in a band, multi tracking my own music on tapes and running events in my area and at the same time Djing in local pubs, and working part time at a local recoding studio. I got my first break when I applied for work experience at Silver Plant who has established artists such as Timo Mass and James Holden. They heard some demos of mine which I left in the office and they ended up signing me at the age of 19.

Who have been your main influences?

It’s got to be legends like Underworld, Leftfield, Orbital, Sasha, UNKLE, James Zabiela and James Holden. I used to listen to loads of Cream records and Hendrix. I love all types of music and have been inspired by so many different genres.

Your logo on your my space is ”stay true to music and to yourself” do you think your music reflects you and your personality?

Yes, I do as all of my production come within and I am able to express myself through my music. My DJ sets are also a very part important of me expressing myself, I have always been a believer of pushing fresh new music, sometimes its hard because you get pushed into things that you don’t really want to do as an artist when opportunities arise… But I have done the best that I can to stay true. I also run a label called Fling, which is purely there to fuse new and established artists through which are making innovative underground cutting edge music that I believe in pushing forward.

Sasha, James Zabelia and John Digweed have all said they are massive fans of yours, how does that feel?

Its really cool, I’m glad they like my music, its great when you have can the support from other DJ’s to help push your music forward. I also try and help others as much as I can.

You have accomplished so much over the past few months, what is next on your list?

After taking some time out to start Fling I am just getting back into the producing side of things which what I do and love the best, so I will be working hard in the studio for the next few months finishing tracks.

I’ve have really enjoyed travelling and seeing different cultures, I’ve played in over 28 countries now. I’ve learnt so much so quickly about industry and I feel I have so much more to offer. I have realised that this my job and am taking things more seriously now so working 24/7 but still enjoying it as much as I can and am going to keep doing what I am doing!

One Day and Echo were such massive hits, even Pete Tong and Paul Van Dyke hammered them on their play list, how does that feel knowing such massive names are using your songs?

I wasn’t expecting them to do so well, they were the first ever tracks I actually finished, and Echo was the B-side.. It amazed me how much Echo was crossing over and has become the bigger track and successful in its own right.

What other DJs have you heard that have impressed you?

Adam Beyer, Ritchie Hawtin, Ricardo Villalobos Marco Corola and James Zabiela continue to impress me.

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