iLLuMIDanCe interviews Digital Harry!

This article is about iLLuMIDanCe Trance with Digital Harry, Willzeh, V-i-C and residents! @ Venus Vodka Bar in Portsmouth (UK), Fri 03 Apr

As Friday fast approaches we quiz Digital Harry before his debut set for us at iLLuMIDanCe.

Hi Digital Harry, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions and giving us an insight into your world. Lets start with your DJ name, why do you call yourself Digital Harry, as your real name is not Harry?

As a teenager, I was pinned with the nickname Harry due to the fact that when I wear round glasses, I look a spitting image of Harry Potter. All my friends call me Harry and its just a name that has stuck with me since then.

OK, just a few quick fire questions...

Tea or Coffee?

Earl Grey Tea!

Crisps or Chocolate?

Galaxy Chocolate, Every Time!

A quiet night in watching a DVD and Saturday night T.V or out on the town with your mates?

Gotta be a night out with my mates.

Michael Jackson or Janet Jackson?

Michael Jackson

Right, enough of the trivial stuff...

We are now quarter of the way into the year, how would you describe 2009 so far and what have been the highlights?

I'm really happy with 2009 so far. I set myself a few targets this year...
1. Secure a residency.
2. Play outside of Brighton.
3. Start producing myself and finish a few tracks with the help of a sound engineer.

What is your style of Trance and who do you aspire too? Who are your influences?

My style of trance is rather gritty. I would describe myself as a cross between Jochen Miller, Simon Patterson and Ronski Speed. I love to play intelligent tech, with rasping basslines and swinging grooves. However I do enjoy a little bit of euphoria every now and again.

For anyone unfamiliar with you as a DJ, how would you describe your sets?

I love being behind the decks. It gives me power to express my music. I love getting technical and using all the equipment available to me to get the crowd really going. I have lots of energy behind the decks and love playing off the crowd to get people singing and having a great time...

What was the first track you bought?

Skydive by Freefall ft Jan Johnston.

Do produce your own material? Are there any tracks you are working on at the moment?

My housemate (Lee Walls) is a very talented producer/engineer so I have worked with him. We currently have a track called Assault which I hope will get massive support. It's never been played out and it will debut at iLLuMIDanCe. We're currently working on a two remixes and hope to start a second original track after these. I also cut and chop tracks to fit my sets, be it create an intro mix or add/remove a vocal.

With the forever changing DJ scene and advances in modern technology, which do you prefer and why?

I currently use CDs but am looking into using Ableton. There are certain benefits over CDs and the way technology is moving you must be able to keep up. I've had talks with other producers about the process of playing "Live" and find it certainly something I'm interested in, however, the cost of equipment is massive and I'm at such an early stage in my production career that it will simply take time.

If you were to play amongst a line-up of your own choice, what DJs would be accompanying you on your dream gig and why?

Oooh, difficult question.*Thinks* Well, First State followed by Stoneface & Terminal then Ferry Corsten headlining. John O'Callaghan after that and myself playing the closing set with the event played at Magna in Sheffield...

What does the future hold for Digital Harry? Where do you see yourself in 2 - 3 years time?

I'm looking to advance my production skills further and hopefully get a few successful releases under my belt. I'm happy with my rate of progression and have a bright future ahead working with Vision Control and their record label.

And what future DJ dates can we catch yourself at?

I'm at the Honey Club on the 5th June for Vision Control @ Hardsouth!

OK, thanks Digital Harry, may the future bring you nothing but success. Before we let you go, name us your three top trance tunes from any period...

Simon Patterson - Us (Original Remix)
Ferry Corsten - Out Of The Blue
Outsiders (Jose Amnesia Remx) - Kirsty Hawkshaw

Thank you once again and we'll look forward to seeing you this Friday!

Facebook Event Page: facebook.com

DSI Event Page: iLLuMIDanCe Trance with Digital Harry, Willzeh, V-i-C and residents!

Interview by Nathan Hunt (Edited by Stuart Wooster)

Please click image for event page!