John Digweed Interview

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John Digweed Interview

By djvibe ⋅ October 7, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

John Digweed began DJing around age 13. His breakthrough came in 1993 when he got a gig at the Renaissance Club in Mansfield after fellow DJ Alexander Coe (aka Sasha) heard his demo.

Digweed is known for promoting the progressive trance/house sound that became popular in Europe and North America in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He started the record label Bedrock Records to further promote the music he was playing at the time. In addition to starting the Bedrock imprint, he and friend Nick Muir produce under the Bedrock alias. In his sets, Digweed is noted for adopting tracks with new and different styles.

Between 2000 and 2005, Digweed promoted his “Bedrock” sound with monthly club nights for members and newcomers to the electronic music scene. He played Thursday nights at Heaven in London and Friday nights at a smaller club night at The Beach in Brighton. These nights featured numerous guest DJs including Phil Thompson, Hernan Cattaneo, and Chris Fortier. As Digweed’s international schedule increased, these events drew to a close, although occasional reunions are still held at Heaven.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us.

Congratulations - It’s been 10 years! Did you ever expect Bedrock to go so long?

I think as long as you are having fun and enjoying it you don’t really look at the clock that much. We have been very lucky to work with some amazing talent who inspire us.

Bedrock has been instrumental in many DJs careers namely Danny Howells, how does that feel?

Danny was one of those talents that just needed the right stage. I think the early years in Hastings and at the start of Heaven gave him a real understanding of how a night works from start to finish; not just turning up and playing your set. I think he gets it and that’s he has gone on to do so well.

You have gone down a different route to the usual â€˜Greatest Hits’ type album. Tell me about the concept.

Well all the tracks are on the label and have been available on vinyl and digital so there is not really any sense in just mixing them for this album. People expect more these days. The original idea was get some of my favourite tracks, get them remixed and release them on a double CD then… however, I decided to mix the 2 CDs and then add a bonus CD with some new tracks from artists like Funk D void, Pindrop, Bradler and Nick Muir to name a few. The whole Album is pretty much new remixes of the catalogue or original tracks so a pretty collectable album.

You had loads of tracks to choose from, how did you make your choices?

I really to choose my favourites from the last 10 years, unfortunately some did not get finished in time so there may be an EP some time next year with those on. Keep an eye out for it.

How come you came up with these producers to remix the catalogue?

I wanted to use people that have really impressed me with there work over the years or showcase some of the new talent that there is out there.

Do you think there is a limit on how much you can interfere with someone else’s music?

If the end result works, I don’t have a problem with it.

Is there any stand out tracks for you?

I love the Jamie Stevens remix of â€˜Warung Beach’ and Tom Middleton’s remix of â€˜Forge’, but to be honest I like all of them.

You are holding the 10th Anniversary Party @ matter when the Bedrock Parties have always been at Heaven, why the change?

Heaven is a magical place and somewhere that I, and many Bedrock fans, have had some amazing nights. We just felt that for the 10^th Anniversary it would be good to do something really different and matter is run by the people behind fabric so you know the sound, lighting and production is going to pretty special. It’s an amazing venue and people have been blown away by it so its really exciting to do our party there.

Who is djing at the party?

I am in the main room from 10pm until the end and room 2 will feature Tom Middleton and Funk D Void, I am really looking forward to playing all night, It starts at 10pm on the 10^th of the 10^th (October) so ties in really well with the 10 year Celebrations.

The Bedrock parties were THE industry hang out! Do you have any special moments that you can think of?

I loved the show with Rabbit in the Moon - it was a pretty special night.

You are touring extensively for the album? Are there any shows you are looking forward to?

I am looking forward to all of them but am really looking forward to going to Japan - it should be great as always.

What do never leave home without?

My CDs and headphones.

What piece of kit can you not live without?

Apple laptop.

What makes you groove?

Music with soul.

How have you seen the music scene evolve over the last 10 years?

Well I think the saddest thing is the demise of Vinyl and record shops. I know technology moves on but having a vinyl release is so much more satisfying for a producer than a mp3. On the flip-side being able to access so much music now when you are on the road is amazing

What are your highlights of the last 10 years?

Twilo in New York, Big Beach with Fatboy Slim in 2002, coming No.1 in the DJ Mag Top 100 poll but most of all, its been the great fan-base that have supported me all that time.

Quick Fire Questions:

House or Techno -

House

Beer or Wine -

Wine

Dancefloor or VIP -

Behind the decks

Dress up or Dress Down -

Some where in the middle

Home or Away?

Lucky to do both

CD or Vinyl?