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Lee Burridge @ Sonar

I must admit I had some reservations about seeing Lee Burridge: Ive only known him as a Cream dj but the flyer didnt advertise him as playing trance. He was supposedly going to play a wide range of styles. I have heard many a trance dj unsuccessfully branch out and I was wary of Burridges learning curve. So, as I made my way to Sonar I was unsure if I was going to spend my night screaming and shimmying or sulking and smoking. I hoped for the best.

And thats exactly what he played. Lee Burridges set was one of the most satisfying shows I have ever attended.

Musically, he is all over the place. Hes totally left the linear world of trance in favour of something more funky and contemporary. At Sonar, tech-house was the prevalent genre but he also spun break beat, tech-trance, a couple of progressive house tracks, and this one tech-pop song which was so ridiculously good.

And gone is the linear style of mixing. I guess linear isnt even a choice when youre juggling so many genres; you cant just fade in and out. Lee Burridge was pure creativity and ingenuity. Frankly, I thought it was magic. I was completely amazed and captivated by his talent and it seemed like he totally commanded the dancefloor from behind the decks. He made me feel like I had no control over myself; as if my dancing was a manifestation of his music and energy and as long as he was spinning my energy would never fade (when I interviewed him afterwards I told him I would call himThe Puppeteer from here on in thankfully, he didnt think that was too cheesy). The maneuver that most astonished me was his ability to follow a certain beat for awhile and then suddenly throw something on that was way harder or had a contrasting rhythm. I loved it. Instead of creating consternation, it brought an overwhelming feeling of joy and another rush of energy.

Afterwards I pressed him about that. His style of mixing sets him apart from most other djs Ive listened to. He told me that he likes to experiment with his mixes both in the nightclub and in the studio. He rather risk a trainwreck than have a neat mix because neat is clinical and clinical is boring. Many djs fall into the trap where the music sounds very similar and youre not sure where the record finishes and where the records starts (it) sucks the funk out of it a little. As well, he appreciates the fact that mixing is as important as the record choice you make and since you cant overplay a certain track, you shouldnt do the same mix more than a few times. Furthermore, he mentioned that he doesnt use just two turntables. Usually he has a third turntable, cd player, or tape deck all in the name of screwing with peoples heads. Amen.

I also noticed that Lee Burridge has such a wonderful energy and he is able to invoke it in everyone. How can you not keep dancing if they dj is egging you on? And during his last track he actually came down to the dance floor and shook his little white ass with us. So cute! And then after his set, he had no problem talking to those who had stayed, handing out his e-mail address, and answering random questions. He was even so kind as to indulge me in an unscheduled interview.

Actually, I think this may be another reason for why he is such a great dj. He can jump all over the electronica gamut without creating chaos on the dancefloor because he loves the music and he loves to dance. First and foremost, hes a party kid. How else would you explain the fact that hes been djing 17 years, shows no signs of letting up, and is constantly embracing new styles? Plus, how many djs do you know of who dance before/after/during their set? How many British djs do you know who do that? Not many. He appreciates our presence as much as we appreciate his and he knows why were on the dance floor and he wants us to have fun.

And this is why hes not an egotistical dj. Hes like the antithesis of the superstar dj: He is rated as one of the top djs of this time but he doesnt play the part. He seems content being the lesser known of the big name brand djs as long as hes able to do what he loves. For him, djing is a trade and a passion, not an ego trip. When I asked him if he always took into consideration what the previous dj had played he answered that you have to be aware of what somebody before you does (and) get on with it. You cant just go on stage and interject the nights continuity with some long, dreamy intro so the people know its you, but try to keep the flow of the evening. So true.

I really wish more people came out to see Lee Burridge: It was one of the best shows I have ever seen and hes so damn cute that I think I will have to buy every cd of his.