Carve it up: Interview with Alex Calver
Reported by south01
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Submitted 22-09-04 19:15
Having just returned from touring the States, Alex Calver has also finished collaborations with Andy Whitby and Daley, started his own record label Glitch Records and gained respect from industry veterans D.A.V.E. The Drummer, Chris Liberator and Daniel Bunter—so the term ‘up-and-coming’ seems a tad trite. We finally track down this fast rising dj and producer for a chat before he plays the foyer at this weekend’s HeatUK 3rd birthday party at Brixton Academy, alongside the likes of Mark Leish, Ali Wilson, Tara Reynolds, Karim, Justin Bourne and the Great Gatsby.
Alex Calver
How long have you been djing for?
I bought a set of decks and a mixer about 3 years ago, been playing out about 2 years.
What inspired you to start?
I had been learning to produce tracks for a while and thought it would make sense to be able to play the tunes out myself. I really wish I had started learning earlier coz djing helps production along immensely.
You have developed and diversified your genres, how would you describe your style?
Hard for me to say really, it’s best if I just let people make what they want of it. I predominantly buy and play techno so it might fit in that genre somewhere. Maybe we could call it ‘Speed Bungalow’.
Is it true you used to play guitar in a band?
I used to play guitar and scream my head off in Thrash bands, I was playing gigs from the age of 16 and loved every minute of it, but I got a bit tired of relying on other people and started making music by myself, I also found messing around with a sampler a lot more creative than just having 6 strings to work with.
Your ‘Glitch’ label and other joint ventures are going from strength-to-strength. Has that changed things for the better?
I’m very lucky and honoured to be working with some very experienced and well respected people in our scene like Daniel Bunter for our Subsonix project, Aaron n’ Chris Liberator with my Glitch label and I’ve recently been taken on by the ‘Airborne’ dj agency run by Hilary who also runs the wicked ‘Upfront’ magazine; this has given me more time to concentrate on djing and making tracks.
Have you played a favourite gig?
All my gigs in America were fun.
Worst gig?
Worst gig I played was at a ‘Feersum’ record launch party in Brixton, I hadn’t slept for 2 days and wasn’t in a very good frame of mind (to say the least), I lasted 3 tunes and had to stop (doh!) I’ll try not to let that happen again.
You’re one of the most respected producers in the scene at the moment. Do you have any new tracks on the go at the moment?
I am currently remixing a track for my friend Kernzy for his new label ‘Submatic’. The track is called ‘Crackman’ and the original is a belter. I usually make between 2-4 tunes per week if I get the chance.
Are there any musicians that inspire/influence you?
There are so many amazing musicians/producers out there, too many to mention them all, but a few of my fav’s are Henry ‘D.a.v.e The Drummer’ Cullen, Swedish tribal techno god Patrick Skoog, Eric Sneo, Kay D Smith, Gunjack, the Techno scene is so vast I’m discovering new producers all the time.
Do you have a favourite track/s?
My favourite track of my own is usually what I’ve just finished, so that would be Alex Calver & Mark Maitland – ‘Drunk Wid A Gun’.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a successful dj and producer? What are your other interests?
To be completely honest music takes up my whole life so I don’t really get much time to do anything else. God only knows what I’d be doing if I hadn’t been able to make the jump into doing this for a job, I just hope I can keep it up!
Has your music taken you overseas?
I’ve been to the States 3 times and have more trips planned very soon, I love it there and have made some very special friends. I hope to visit as many different countries’s as I can, travel is very inspiring.
HeatUK’s 3rd birthday boasts the likes of Paul Glazby, Karim and Justin Bourne to name a few, are you pleased to be in such company?
It’s very nice to be part of such a well organized and high profile event, I’m looking forward to it immensely.
Do you have any other upcoming gigs?
I’m playing after Ian M at Storm in Coalville on the same night 3-4am (sept 25th), before Mr Glazby at ‘Toxic’ in Sheffield Thurs 30th Sept, Skankadelic with Mark EG and Chris Liberator Friday Oct 8th, some tour dates with Toast in October/November, Tasty Nov 6th, I’ve also been asked back to play for Frantic in November, more listed on my website – www.Glitchrecordings.com
You have found success, what advice can you give to aspiring amateurs?
If music runs through your veins and you really want to make a career out of it you won’t need my advice, you will find a way. But it is tough sometimes so make sure you doing it for the right reasons.
You can see Alex Calver at:-
HeatUK Third Birthday Celebration
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On:
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Saturday 25th September 2004
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At:
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Brixton Academy [map]
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From:
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9:30pm - 6am
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Cost:
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First 1000 Tickets only £10 - Advance Tickets £22
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Website:
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www.heatuk.com
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Ticket Info:
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24 hour Credit Card Hotline 0870 771 2000
www.ticketweb.co.uk or www.heatuk.info
Club Tickets 08717 10 010 (1 free per 10 tickets purchased)
Outlets: Mad Records (Soho) 020 7439 0707
Cyberdog (Camden) 020 7482 2842
Ticket Agent: Maria 07813 684399
Info 07984 427575 / 07931252095
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Here unfolds the biggest birthday party in the Capital! Three years ago, what began in the promoter's backyard has now upgraded and treated clubbers to the finest venues across London.
This year we surpassed all expectations with the 10.000 capacity outdoor event known as "South West Four". The biggest DJs in the world have now experienced a HeatUK festival sized backyard party.
Tonight we bring you The Cross, Turnmills, Pacha, and all the Ibiza parties rolled into one production spetacular. Joining us for this celebration in one of the mos flamboyant performers in the world today - YOJI BIOMEHANIKA(see profile below). This DJ from Tokyo Japan rarely performs inside the UK. Witness one of those rare performers who sets the benchmark of showmanship.
Like all our events, the line up MUST be as big as the flyer! Four arenas of music competing for your attention and programmed to provide the best party on the planet. From that euphoric big room sound through to the hard as nails foyer. We're not afraid to mix it up and tonight is no exception as we are joined by 4 of London's best house/funk promotions in the same room. TRY not to dance.
For those who spend time away from the UK over the festive season - this is your invitation to see why HeatNYE is the clubber's choice every New Year's Eve at the Academy. This year will be no exception. So get ready for more than just a dress rehearsal. Get ready for one of the best nights of your life!
Enter The Tokyo Underground at London's Brixton Academy...
YOJI BIOMEHANIKA
Described as the japanese Lord of NRG or Nu-NRG Master, and Japan's No 1. NRG DJ overseas. Headling arenas at all the major festivals around the world. Without a doubt the most flamboyant showman in Nu NRG scene. While his music style is categorized into Hard Dance, Hard Trance or Nu-NRG, his style is full of originality while retaining pumpin' grooves and melodic uplifting sounds. His knowledge and skill are reflected to his DJ techniques. This is precision perfoming made so natural.
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Flyer:
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