About Me
Steven and Martin first DJ'd together at a club called Break It Down. I caught up with them as they were putting the finishing touches to their first album release.
I was eager to find out what would set them apart in an already crowded scene.
"You could say that, between us, we play a huge broad section of music. A very diverse mix that worked really well on the dance floor," says Steven with a knowing grin and mischievous twinkle in his eye, "its diversity that makes things really interesting."
"I couldn't agree more" Martin adds. "We both have our own very distinct styles of sets and music, not just different methods of DJing and favoured interfaces. Mixing that up created something that translated into a very special atmosphere on the dancefloor. A really fresh and energetic, vibrant sound."
Why an album ?
"Music production is a logical step for DJs. It really started first for us when we started to create music to play out during our DJ sets. As we began to roadtest each track, we saw some really favourable reactions from the crowds and also we realised that what we were writing was a snapshot of one of our sets." explains Martin. "Taking our sound out of our club and into other clubbers' and DJs' hands alike is where it gets interesting. But also to test whether it can survive outwith a club environment."
Steven adds, "we'd like more people to enjoy our music and for other DJs to play these songs like Martin said. We've some very interesting material now, I'm just eager to see what happens !"
How do you write your music ?
"We both have our own writing facilities. We can write either together, or independantly then hook up and amalgamate what we've done," Steven explains. "Having a fresh pair of ears, a fresh perspective is a real bonus. Writing's also half the fun. We've got a studio where we can really get into mixing and post-prod."
"Also, being able to road test material and then fine tune is invaluable."
When will you be DJing again ?
"Probably as soon as the album is completely finished. I'm not sure when that will be, as we want to get the album 100% spot on. Then, I guess, the withdrawal symptoms of DJing will be too much !" Martin adds, "we wanted to take time out and get a lot done, rather than release stuff gradually whilst DJing. Also to summarise the past two years then see what happens next."
What do you forsee for dance music ?
"Globally, its very healthy I think. There are now the facilities for more people to write great music. The creativity is amazing. So many tunes, too little time to play them all." laughs Steven. "I agree - the catalogue of great dance music is growing all the time, and some older stuff can still sound very fresh."
I am lucky enough to hear some of their forthcoming music, which re-iterates the boys' points. I thank Steven and Martin for their time, and wish them much success.
Sarah Thompson,
UK-dj FM, 2007
