Chris Lake; a rising young star on the electro house circuit is moving swiftly towards superstar dj acclaim, with remixes for the likes of Stretch & Vern, Lifelike and Kris Menace, Noir and many more being some of the hottest tunes of the year.

His own productions have stormed their way up the dj, hype, buzz and cool cuts chart to number 1 leading to “Changes” being made Pete Tong’s essential new tune (twice!) with its release due in early September.

We catch up with Chris in his studio via MSN chat before his Norwich debut at Unique @ Lava on the 27th of August.

How did you get into dj’ing and music production?

“My now best friend from school was a keyboard player and got me interested in synths and the like. I became a bit of a gear freak and started buying loads of synths. Only got serious about the music making in about 2001. DJing was just a natural progression for me really around that time. playing out what I made”

What have been you biggest influences?

“Hmmm. tough one. Musically, I love what the Chemical Brothers and what the Prodigy have done. They know few boundaries. Obviously I sound nothing like them, but I think I have tried to approach my music with no limitations, and I find this gives me the best results.”

Changes has now been Pete Tong essential new tune twice as well as being number 1 nearly ever dance music chart will it smash the national charts as well?

“I have no idea. I'd be pleased if I got into the top 40. Anything after that is a bonus really huh”

What remixes and projects do you have on the go and is their going to be a follow up to Changes?

“Not got anything sitting ready to follow changes up with, but I am writing in the studio and if something big comes up, yeah it could be used as a follow up. Recently completed remixes for Pete Tong & Steve Mac, Axwell, and Sebastien Leger!”

What unfulfilled ambitions do you have left?

“I'd like to do an album. That would be a challenge for me, but would definitely like to do this. Am also turning a lot of focus to my record label. Would like to help push my artists further and help them achieve. Would also like to see more of the world DJing.”

Do you think Norwich can cut it as one of the top clubbing cites in the UK?

“I'm sure it can. It has the population and not loads of cities really close by that can offer direct competition. I haven't been to many clubs in Norwich but if the venues are right I am sure it can.”

What else do you like doing beside music production and dj’ing?

“I can't remember the last time I did anything else! haha. I like watching films, playing the playstation, and going down to the pool hall. Chills me out (unless i'm losing)”

What is the worse thing that’s ever happed during a set and how did you get out of it?

“eeek. Nothing out of the ordinary happened really. Just the usual power cuts etc. I've been lucky I suppose.”

More and more dj’s are turning to use CD’s rather than vinyl what do you use, and why?

“CD's now. I love vinyl, but with the technology now, I have no need to lug a heavy record box around. I can take a cd wallet with my headphones, and not have to put it on a plane as baggage, which means I wont lose it. Big deal to me really”

We understand you have a connection with Norwich, but what we really want to know is can you drive a tractor?

“Yeah, I can drive one! Ooooh Aaaargh! Was born in Norwich and left when I was 12. Still visit regularly as most of my family lives there.”

For more info on Chris Lake please visit his website:

//Click To Listen:

Chris Lake - Changes
Chris Lake - One To Many
Chris Lake - Release
Chris Lake - Electro Retro

//Remixes

Noir - MTV (Chris Lake Remix)
Lifelike & Kris Menace - "Discopolis" (Chris Lake remix)

//Full Event Info:

For full information on this event including the awesome hard house / trance line up provided by Pams House featuring Matt Darey please click: