Date: 03.10.07
Interviewer: Marco Giannini

Yo Hipp-e, how are you? Where are you and what are you currently up to?

“HELLO!! I’m doing well thanks, I recently moved back to Denver Colorado, where I am from and it’s been very nice. Also I’ve been working quite a lot in the studio and have found a renewed love for it… along with some nice new releases and a mix comp for Om records.”

You’re approaching 20 years in the Industry, when you turned professional in 1989 did you think that you’d still be as heavily involved in the House scene today?

“Well I am VERY blessed as well as thankfull to the support I have had over all these years, and a bit shocked that I am still in this and in fact I feel a new found love yet agin for both DJing and especially production... ask me in another 5 years and lets see how I feel then!! LOL”

What have been some of your career high and low lights so far?

“This is a tuff question actually, I have SO many fantastic times to reflect on and so many to name but, I would say one of my favorite times has been being on tour in Bali and Thailand, I come from VERY humble beginnings and when I get to some of these places it really takes me back, I am just so thankfull to expierience the world like this… It’s magic. Low points... sitting in airports... missing flights... dodgey promoters.. Things of that nature make it work at times.”

Over recent years technology has moved so fast for DJs, have you yourself embraced any of the computer programmes like Ableton or Final Scratch in your sets?

“I am actually using Serrato in my sets, I really enjoy having a massive amount of tunes at my disposal and with travel these days it getting alot harder to check in and bring lots of luggage. So I would never have that amount on me. It's great to keep up with technology, plus it lets you focus on the art of mixing and programming.”

With the current trend for Ableton/laptop 'live' shows, is the art of mixing two records together a dying skill?

“I think whether you are mixing records, using live, serrato or any other type of tool you still need to know what to put together… and its defintaely a talent. I think it starts to raise the bar as what you can do with music.”

With Production software so readily available nowadays and also with the rise of digital labels, it means that its easier for budding producers to make music in their bedrooms now and get it signed. Do you feel that the knock on effect of this is that there is more shoddy music being produced or do you think it’s a good thing that so much music is coming out?

“I think it’s great because for every crap track you may find one dope new track, the bad stuff will weed itself out and you will start to see alot of great new producers thats how I hope it works anyhow. Also because there are alot of new faces its very inspiring to guys like myself who have been around a bit.”

What tips would you give to any budding Producers out there?

“Have fun, keep with it and progress. A lot of producers including myself get stuck on a groove or a sound for too long, keeping the finger on the the pulse of the sounds and trying to push for better sound is very important, I only recently found myself getting into making music again, so I think it comes in waves, creativity just happens for me and I can’t force it too much or it becomes flat, this is stuff the new guys should think about for sure… and have fun with it.”

Do you think the human element is being lost from music?

“Good question, well the computer can’t do everything and definately can’t write music or DJ alone, again I think the more tools we have at our disposal can’t be mistaken for lazyness. It still takes a creative person to make it all gel together in a good way.”

What's the weirdest thing you've ever found in a DJ Booth?

“Hmm... I haven’t really expierienced anything beyond the ordinary in a DJ booth but I have seen some pretty odd things in different clubs around the world... sometimes it’s a bit mad!!”

How receptive do you find the UK crowds in comparison to other countries you play in? What are your favourite clubs in the UK?

“Well the vibe in the UK is always consistant, there is great support for what I do and also just clubbing in general. Still my faves of the UK are Fabric, Retox @ sosho, The Arches, and Chibuku has always been fun.”

Which DJs and Producers are currently doing it for you?

“Man there are SO many at the moment across the board from techno to deep house. I am getting right into all the different styles at the moment, my sets are a bit all over as well, (hopefully in a good way!) but to name a few, Justin Martin is a good freind and doing great stuff. The Dirtybird Guys in San Francisco are Great!! I love the Buzzin Fly stuff as well, and the boys at Toolroom in London are MAD!! Really across the board as I said but all great tunes.”

You’re playing at the Stylus 4th Birthday in October, what can people coming down expect from your set?

“DIRT!!! We will have to see what the peeps are feelin but I hope they like it DIRTY!!”
  
Right, that’s me nearly done, just the final tough question… Man United or Man City?

“OOH, well my mate Tony Hewitt that runs Nightshift with me would chin me if I said anything but CITY!!”

Hipp-e plays at the Stylus 4th Birthday on Saturday 13th October 2007

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