...this year's Radi8 xmas party is set to be one of the best events of the year, with an allstar local line-up to celebrate the festive season. You can expect to see the likes of Dan Stone (Anjunabeats / A State Of Trance), Jumby & Scotty.A, Neil Holmes, Burt, Louis Guererro, tripster & Keefy George.

Team Radi8 Catches up with Dan Stone before the big event...

... after being signed to one of the best dance music labels world 'Anjunabeats' nearly a year ago now, how have things changed for you?

Things have changed a lot!! its so nice being respected by trance fans from all over the world rather than just locally, I suppose that’s my reward for putting the hard work in.

... Made In Bahrain gained a lot of support from some of the best dj's in the world such as Paul Van Dyke, Armin Van Buuren & Tiesto, how does it feel to have these people behind your productions?

Incredible!!!! its still not sunk in having the worlds top 3 all supporting your track in some shape or form! its given me huge belief and confidence in myself production wise too. A definite story to tell when I’m old and grey! ha ha!

... how was it having your very own launch party for Made In Bahrain, right here in Norwich with Radi8?

Its was awesome, and of course thanks to you guys for helping me out (PLUG!!). I was extremely nervous as to what the turn out would be like, thanks to everyone who made it so special.

... you are now part of the Armin Van Buuren's 'A State of Trance' label with a remix of Mannix vs. Kaymak - 'World gone mad' due for release shortly, how did this opportunity come about?

Well, I was chatting to John O'Callaghan (Mannix) on email in the summer and we were exchanging a few tracks, he liked my sound & style and asked if I would like to remix 'World Gone Mad', the deadline was very tight and only just made the vinyl release! an opportunity that I’m so glad I took.

... You recently joint headlined with Anjunabeats Artist 'Sunny Lax' at Slide in Liverpool, how did that go?

The Liverpool crowd are so mad!! they're so friendly and up for it. Being my first time in Liverpool and furthest gig I’d played at, they made me feel so welcome and the reaction I got especially when 'Made In Bahrain' was dropped was phenomenal, I’ll be making quite a few trips back in the north next year!!

... have you another release for Anjunabeats scheduled yet?

I can't really give too much away yet as things are still not 100% confirmed but my latest offering 'Spinal Chord' may be the follow up on the label next year, it was aired on Above & Beyond's TATW show recently, so keeping quietly confident.

... 2006 saw the launch of your melodic vibes show on ETN.fm, tell us a bit about how that’s going & what artists you've featured on your show & who can we expect to hear guest mixes from in the near future?

The show started in April, its been a great way to get my name out to the trance scene on a regular basis. We've had some big names in the guest mixes.... Sean Tyas, Jon O'Bir, Mike Koglin, Ronski Speed, Mike Shiver, with of course up and coming names, such as Jumby & Scotty.A (another PLUG!). Next year I’m going to concentrate a bit more on up & coming names, there's so much talent out there, its not just about the usual big household names but about giving new artists a chance!

... you're in the process of finishing a collaboration with London Based trance dj 'Ian Betts', when can we expect to see the release of 'Colliding Circles' & have you any other collaborations in the pipeline?

Ian and I worked on a collaboration at the start of the year, it went really well, the track has had great response, we are planning on doing our own remix versions with another huge remix name lined up too! will be out early next year. I also have collaborations lined up in January with MIKE KOGLIN and a long awaited project with MARCOS.

... your next release 'Road Test' which is under your alias 'Aruba', has been signed to ‘Sential’ records, why did you choose such an up & coming label?

I sent the track out to quite a few of the big labels and Sential came back to me the most interested. They also gave me my own choice as to who I wanted to remix the track (which is quite rare in this industry), I of course chose SIGNUM and they accepted the offer and are working on the remix as we speak, a dream come true!!! I’ve heard a sneaky test version and it sounds awesome, should be out early next year.

... you maintain residencies for 'Radi8' & 'Big', would you say you've tested out most of your tracks first at these events?

I'd say I’ve tested out all my tracks, especially at Radi8 as you guys specialise in Trance more, as for BIG I generally play a tougher set so I really have to hand pick my productions playing for them, to keep the crowd going. I have some tougher projects lined up next year which I’m sure will be heavily road tested at BIG.

... as you look back upon this year, where have you enjoyed playing the most & where would you like to play in the future?

This year gigs have really picked up, I’ve had a lot more bookings outside E.Anglia, been great cause I absolutely love playing out! The buzz is immense. My biggest gigs have been Vaccine @ The Gallery, Turnmills & SLIDE in Liverpool, both huge gigs and the atmosphere & reception was incredible!! I've also had some wicked nights at BIG & Radi8 this year and hope to continue that in 2007!!
Like any trance dj, my dream would be to play at Passion, Gods, Crasher or any of the big festivals really, I’ll keep dreaming.....for now!! ha ha!

... What has been your most played tune this year?

I was thinking about that last week, its a difficult one, I have to say that Mike Koglin & Mark Pledger's 'Ultraviolet' track has been in my CD wallet the longest, its got everything in it, great drums to mix and an awesome breakdown, the vocal sample is what gets me in this track mainly!!

... What tunes can we expect to hear at the Radi8 xmas party from yourself?

I'll have the completed 'Spinal Chord' track ready, my remix of 'World Gone Mad' may get sneaked in and you never know 'Made In Bahrain' may come back to finish the year off nicely!! there'll be some new bits from other artists too......Nitrous Oxide, Sunny Lax & Sonicvibe maybe, looking forward to it guys! ITWT!

... what has been the biggest highlight for you this year?

The biggest highlight....mmm.....there's a few really, 'Made In Bahrain' getting Radio One playlist on Judge Jules's show was amazing and confirming SIGNUM to remix my ARUBA 'Road Test' track has to be one of the highlights too! as well as gaining support from the world's top 3!!

... what are your career plans for 2007?

I going to absolutely hammer the productions next year!! I’ve been getting my studio sorted the last few months so can't wait to crack on again, I’m getting itchy fingers already! ha ha!
I'm also looking forward to the gigs side of things too, got quite a few bookings lined up already for 2007! really can't wait!!

.... Many thanks to Dan from all at Radi8, for taking the time out to answer our questions & clue us up on what we can expect to see from him in 2007.

HAPPY XMAS FROM TEAM RADI8, hope to see you all on the 22nd! Cliclk I'll be there