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Promoter and resident of Tilted Disco and resident for the capital’s hottest new techno party Closer, his enthusiasm for the genre and skill behind the decks are winning him admirers far and wide. Taking his name from his former voracious appetite for strawberry blotter tabs – and indeed his enduring love of Roland 303s and their seminal acid sound – his nom de plume is as memorable as his tough, groovy sound
Steve describes his mixing style as “quick funk†– blending techno with the tougher side of house and electro across 3 decks and a Roland-808 drum machine for added clout. Citing key influences as diverse as Jimi Hendrix, Sun Ra, Don FM, Radio Active, Metroplex Social Club, Missile Records and Blake Baxter, it’s easy to see where Steve’s tripped-out, psychedlia-tinged techno style comes from
Steve’s musical journey began in the early ‘90s, when he became besotted with the more abstract and experimental music he was finding on pirate radio. Not long after buying his first pair of decks, he made his debut in Bournemouth in 1997, with a gig that gained him a two year long residency at the Millennium Club. Word of his skills traveled fast, and soon he was playing at nights such as Eurobeat and Freedom Sound, alongside huge names like Billy Nasty and Jim Masters. Gigs supporting Joey Beltram in Ireland on his Tresor Album Tour and for Mistress Barbara (as one of Trevor Rockcliffe’s Stomp DJs) cemented his status as one of the leaders of the new school of UK techno DJs. Having also supported 430West legends Octave One, his experience in warming up for some of the biggest names on the circuit has been invaluable
After moving to London and continuing residencies for Euro Beat and Analogue City, he was introduced to Terry Mitchel of Dark House Music fame, with whom he started a night called Box – while simultaneously setting up the labour of his love – Tilted Disco. This burgeoning club night has featured big guns of the techno scene such as A Guy Called Gerald, Robert Armani, Deetron and Dave Angel plus more recent breakthrough artists like Samuel L Session, with Colin Dale as resident alongside Steve
After having taking venues like Sub Club, Mass, The Telegraph and Ministry of Sound by storm in true techno style, Steve and his Tilted Disco crew are looking to further the party’s concept in 2008 by creating a whole world within clubland – with weird and wonderful performers and décor transforming their venues into twisted electronic music wonderlands. Meanwhile he has been cherry-picked by the promoters of new underground techno party Closer as their resident and frontman, helping to construct line-ups and play alongside the likes of legendary figures such as Luke Slater and Kevin Saunderson. Quite simply, Steve Strawberry is big news on London’s techno scene
"It’s rare to find a DJ with such talent and passion while so humble. I can’t recommend Steve highly enough for any of your Techno needs." – Will Paterson, Closer
“Steve Strawberry rocks simply because he is one of a few London promoters keeping the Techno scene alive in London. Tilted Disco always has really cool guests from all over the globe along with one of the most dedicated following in the whole of the UK. Not only is he a great promoter but he's also a brilliant dj as well.....2008 is going to be his year.†– Colin Dale, Wildlife AM
*The "old boys" of UK techno are coming back (Slater and Slam sound very fresh, Clarke is still kicking, there's Inigo Kenedy, James Ruskin). But, as an experienced label owner, can you recommend some really good young UK based techno deejay(s)?
Out of the up 'n' coming DJ's I'd say Steve Strawberry is the strongest i've seen / heard recently, definitely a name to look out for. - Ben Sims interview