Platinum Mules

Originally from Holland, Northwest based Don Heersema (aka Kreecha) has been DJing for over 16 years. Purchasing early hip hop and electro records in his early teens, he would spend time systematically destroying them with early attempts at scratching and cutting. Fuelled by the likes of Kraftwerks Tour de France and Herbie Hancock's Rokit, it soon became evident that this early synth and drum machine sound would indeed shape his future.
1989 proved to be an education for him, as he took the deep plunge into the world of clubbing, by frequenting the legendary Quadrant Park. Regularly witnessing the insane Acid house sets laid down by the now infamous Cream owner James Barton and being awestruck with live pa's from the likes of Adamski and N-joi. Buying a set of decks in 1990 led to 6 years of recording mixes for mates and perfecting scratch routines. 1996 saw Kreecha step out the bedroom into the local underground scene playing at free parties, local bars and festivals.
Hooking up with Jay Parker after playing for him in 2000 at a local eclectic night, they formed what is now known as the Janatah DJs, combining techy, hard breaks with influences from over the years to produce a unique sound. They have played all over the UK and abroad including Air, Influenza and Caf Tetra (Amsterdam) to name but a few, whilst holding residencies at Hendre Hall in Bangor and Butane in Liverpool, playing alongside the likes of Phil Kieran and Elite Force. The Janatahs can be found in the Boiler Room, every Wednesday on www.nuskoolbreaks.co.uk radio.
Don, Neil & Ash AKA Platinum Mules
Australian born Asher Jones and Merseyside lad Neil Barber have been DJing and producing House music for about 7 years. After meeting up at college whilst studying on a music course, the duo decided that with very similar tastes they should promote parties and push their sound in the Northwest Area. With regular visits to pioneering nights Bugged Out, Voodoo and Orbit the boys were influenced by acts like Peace Division, Express 2, Leftfield and The Chemical Brothers.
Both experienced percussionists with 5 years in a local samba band, Neil and Asher have been inspired by strong Latin and Cuban influences. With the keyboard skills of techno loving Asher they spawned what is now know as the Tech House outfit, Rhythm Code. With their first signing Meltz to minimal records in March 2003, the duo have been on remix duties for Ty Tek, Harry Choo Choo Romero and Nine Mile Men as well as working with labels such as Slip and Slide and Alternative Route and completing their own healthy catalogue of original material. They have drawn great reactions from the likes of Pete Tong, Roger Sanchez, Laurent Garnier, Plump DJs, Lee Burridge, Sasha and DJ Mag with string after string of driving Tech House releases. Playing at their own nights and events such as Wakestock, Eden in Lincoln, Honky in Cardiff, and Tonca in Liverpool with their 4 deck, effects and live percussion show cases.
2003 saw Neil and Asher set up the Moov club night at Hendre Hall in Bangor and host the awesome Minimal and Dirty Blue label party with Justin Robertson, Chris Lake, Piliavin and Zimbardo. The night regularly played host to guests such as Slam, Percy X and Gregg Vickers.
A natural, experimental progression from House and Techno led Neil and Asher to hook up with their fellow Moov resident Kreecha in 2003 and delve into the world of breaks under the guise Platinum Mules. First responses were amazing to say the least, their remix of JDS Elements gaining support across the board from Radio One to all the big jocks. They continue to produce and release a unique multi genre style of breakbeat with hard hitting twisted bass lines. 2005 has been an amazing year for the Mules with 3 releases so far on West Records and MOFO Recordings. Roc Out Wide featured a remix from Klaus Heavyweight Hill and they are currently receiving support and plays from Annie Nightingale, Plumps, Meat Katie, Aquasky, Jay Cunning, J Me, Steelzawheelz, IDJ, DJ Mag, Jimmy MOFO, Ben N Lex, HighEight, Clodhoppa, Sticky Fingers and Jimmy Brayks to name but a few.
Make sure you keep the stable door bolted as these Mighty Mules are set to storm throughout the next few years.