Monthly newspaper and online publication targeting 18 to 35 year olds. The ultimate guide to the hottest parties, going out and having fun. Music, fashion, film, travel, festivals, technology, comedy, and parties! London, Barcelona, Miami and Ibiza.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/88421
Issue 44 / 2012 ROB MELLOW The British DJ/Producer/ Label co-owner interviews Mellow about his career and how he gets his amazing sound. Joe Le Groove joe@guestlist.net What music inspired you when you were a teenager? I spent my teen years in the 80's also being I would love to do an album. The thing is I don't want to do a straight up dance album. Contemporary influenced and inspired by the music being played constantly at home. My parents were (and still are) into their music. They were into everything. African jazz, reggae, soul, rock, rhythm and blues and more. I honestly love it all. At what point did you realise you wanted to be a DJ/producer? I don't think I ever had that "light bulb" moment. I production of quality music more accesible; without the use of a studio with loads of awkward gear. How do you currently produce in today's climate? I've gone completely the other way. For me, it's technology has made the really just ended up doing this through a variety of happy accidents. You co-produced the theme for the cult film 'Human Traffic', how did that opportunity come about? I was introduced to Justin [Justin Kerrigan, the Director] as he needed some guide music for a very rough cut of the film. No writing was involved at that point. It was just finding tracks that would fit the mood for scenes in the film. As the process unfolded, I found myself getting more involved. After a few meetings with Pete Tong and Arthur Baker, I ended up writing the music with Matthew Herbert for the whole film. An amazing experience. I remembered your set at Secret Sundaze about 6-7 years ago, and it was one of the best sets that I heard at Giles and James' party. Your precision mixing on vinyl is not a one off, as technology has changed the game and you too are playing a lot of CDs; what's your view on this subject? Well, to be fair, I still play mainly vinyl. Yes, I do play CDs as well. For me it's really just a case of what suits the way you work. I think there are benefits to playing with any medium. I don't think the public really care. It still comes down to the music that you play and probably should always be this way. Studio-wise, it's been remixes and original material and Vinyl-only releases on my No Ears Label. Also I have been working on the acoustics in my studio; building acoustic panels and bass traps. Now I'm hoping that this will improve the mix downs in my studio. What projects have you been up to this year? You have been producing for some time now, have you thought about producing an album? always important to keep my options open and try new ways of working. By spending the last decade trying different approaches working inside the computer, I now find myself working less and less using the computer when writing. I've been using external sequencers mpc3000, sp1200 TR 909 and various synths and recording live. I'm loving it. If you were not in the music industry, what would you be doing today? One of my other passions that doesn't involve staying up all weekend is cooking. So I would probably be something along those lines. I've created a pop-up restaurant that was very successful, but was really hard work. In the meantime music will do just fine. You are a quality producer, a wicked Dj and an around nice guy. with your attitude and charm, it would be a better place. What has kept your feet on the ground all these years? *laughs* Thanks for the props! Well, I do have my moments, trust me. I do what I do because I love it, but it doesn't define who I am. I've invested a lot of time into music, but I couldn't have done it without the other parts of my life allowing it to happen. If the scene had more people If you had to create a new music genre, what would you call it? My old time studio partner and good friend Zaki Dee and I used to make tapes for each other. Essentially, for listening to on our headphones. These tapes would consist of very indulgent deep house music that you could lose yourself to. We used to call it "Headphone House". they could use the name for one of their compilations. In fact Slip 'n' Slide asked us if If you were stuck on a desert island and had to take 3 famous people with you dead or alive, who would you take? Sasha Shulgin, Elena Arzak, Minnie Ripperton. For more information check out www.myspace. com/noears HOUSE / TECHNO 6 www.guestlist.net 7 31 JOE LE GROOVE´S TOP 10 1. Another Planet - Planet 7 - Planet Dust 2. The Deadstock 33s - Ritual - Solitary Cyclist 3. Another Planet - Stargazer (Joe Le Groove (Ghetto Clart Edit) - Planet Dust 4. Jib Rafill - Indian Summer - Brake Horse Records 5. Sonnox - Sonnox - Teng 6. Elon & Jen Lusker Featuring Joe Le Groove - At You - ReSolute Label 7. Sven Kegel - Black Jack - Ama Recordings 8. Grand Corporation - Wonder & Amazement (Yosa Rough & Tough Inst.) - The Clas- sic Music Company 9. The Mansisters - Theme from Haris Pilton - My Favourite Robot 10. Cj Hartmann & Joe Le Groove - Dirty Lord