Tweet
On February 7th Mr Prog himself, Nick Warren will be playing an extended 4 hr past, present and future set for Twisted Audio at the intimate surroundings of Babalou in Brixton. We caught up with him earlier on this month to talk about 2008, modern progressive house, Global Underground and Twisted Audio.
Happy New Year Nick, how was your Christmas and New Year, did you get any special presents?
Happy New Year! Christmas and New Year were great, plenty of time with the family and two great gigs at Cream and Budapest. Petra and Esme got me a chocolate fountain among other things.
What were your highlights of 2008 in terms of best tune, producer and festival/gig?
Best tune would be Robert Babicz – Dark flower (Joris Voorn remix), producer Superpitcher, festival Glastonbury and fave gig the GU Lima party.
Who do you see making their mark in 2009, DJ and production wise?
DJ wise Loco Dice and Astronivo are making great music.
Why do you think progressive house has lasted the test of time whilst other house music genres have come and gone?
I think the warmth and melodies of progressive house has always appealed to people. They also seem to prefer instrumental sounds. Progressive has kept evolving and taking influences from other genres which has helped it’s longevity.
GU are championing you as playing “modern progressive house” although to many of us you have been a pioneer from the start-what is the difference between where you came from and the new prog label you have been given?
I honestly don’t think there’s much difference, I’ve always just wanted to play cutting-edge music and not think about the genre labels too much.
“Lima” saw you become the most celebrated DJ in GU history, given the company on that label you must be chuffed.
What does it mean to you as a DJ and an artist?
It’s a great honor, I am really please with how Lima was received. GU is a great label to be involved in and it’s a privilege to have been asked to compile 8 albums for them.
What was the starting point for “Lima” and how do you go about putting together an album representing a city?
The starting point is to let all labels and producers know I’m compiling a new album, speak with producers and let them know what I’m looking for as far as vibe and tempo . The album reflects the vibe of the party and the music played.
Your gig at Twisted Audio last Feb was a road block and many people’s best night out of last year- how was it for you?
It was a fantastic night, it was a pleasure to do a gig in a small underground club in London and to play to such an enthusiastic crowd.
We loved it so much we have got you back almost a year to the day - for those not there last year, what can people expect to hear you play?
I’ll be playing a special ‘Past, Present and Future’ setreflecting the sound of my GU albums and what I think the sound of the future is. The new Way Out West album is nearly ready so you’ll hear some unreleased WOW tunes too.
Babalou must have been a bit of a shock for you, a crypt of a church in deepest Brixton, what did you think of the venue?
I thought it was a great venue, very intimate. You’re literally one feet away from the crowd so interaction is very easy. It’s not often I get to play in places like that anymore.
And finally a few quick fire questions for you;
Festivals or clubs? Clubs
Fishing or football? Fishing!!
Sushi or fish and chips? Sushi
Allen & Heath or Pioneer? Tough one... Pioneer
Vinyl or CD? Vinyl but its impossible now
Bristol or Ibiza? Ibiza in the summer and winter in bristol
Cosy night in or massive night? out Both!
Sasha or Digweed (!)? both of em B2B
Many thanks for you time Nick and we look forward to hearing what you have in store for us on February 7th.
Happy New Year Nick, how was your Christmas and New Year, did you get any special presents?
Happy New Year! Christmas and New Year were great, plenty of time with the family and two great gigs at Cream and Budapest. Petra and Esme got me a chocolate fountain among other things.
What were your highlights of 2008 in terms of best tune, producer and festival/gig?
Best tune would be Robert Babicz – Dark flower (Joris Voorn remix), producer Superpitcher, festival Glastonbury and fave gig the GU Lima party.
Who do you see making their mark in 2009, DJ and production wise?
DJ wise Loco Dice and Astronivo are making great music.
Why do you think progressive house has lasted the test of time whilst other house music genres have come and gone?
I think the warmth and melodies of progressive house has always appealed to people. They also seem to prefer instrumental sounds. Progressive has kept evolving and taking influences from other genres which has helped it’s longevity.
GU are championing you as playing “modern progressive house” although to many of us you have been a pioneer from the start-what is the difference between where you came from and the new prog label you have been given?
I honestly don’t think there’s much difference, I’ve always just wanted to play cutting-edge music and not think about the genre labels too much.
“Lima” saw you become the most celebrated DJ in GU history, given the company on that label you must be chuffed.
What does it mean to you as a DJ and an artist?
It’s a great honor, I am really please with how Lima was received. GU is a great label to be involved in and it’s a privilege to have been asked to compile 8 albums for them.
What was the starting point for “Lima” and how do you go about putting together an album representing a city?
The starting point is to let all labels and producers know I’m compiling a new album, speak with producers and let them know what I’m looking for as far as vibe and tempo . The album reflects the vibe of the party and the music played.
Your gig at Twisted Audio last Feb was a road block and many people’s best night out of last year- how was it for you?
It was a fantastic night, it was a pleasure to do a gig in a small underground club in London and to play to such an enthusiastic crowd.
We loved it so much we have got you back almost a year to the day - for those not there last year, what can people expect to hear you play?
I’ll be playing a special ‘Past, Present and Future’ setreflecting the sound of my GU albums and what I think the sound of the future is. The new Way Out West album is nearly ready so you’ll hear some unreleased WOW tunes too.
Babalou must have been a bit of a shock for you, a crypt of a church in deepest Brixton, what did you think of the venue?
I thought it was a great venue, very intimate. You’re literally one feet away from the crowd so interaction is very easy. It’s not often I get to play in places like that anymore.
And finally a few quick fire questions for you;
Festivals or clubs? Clubs
Fishing or football? Fishing!!
Sushi or fish and chips? Sushi
Allen & Heath or Pioneer? Tough one... Pioneer
Vinyl or CD? Vinyl but its impossible now
Bristol or Ibiza? Ibiza in the summer and winter in bristol
Cosy night in or massive night? out Both!
Sasha or Digweed (!)? both of em B2B
Many thanks for you time Nick and we look forward to hearing what you have in store for us on February 7th.
Comment