This article was originally published on THUMP UK Like most people, DJs and producers have specific songs tied to events throughout their lives. In Crate Expectations, we extract a playlist from their memories to tell their story. This week's subject: The Revenge.What's the first song you ever loved?
I think it was 'Boogie Nights' by Heatwave. I remember going to Florida as a kid and it was on the radio when we were driving to the hotel from the airport. I can't remember how I found out who it was by, but I managed to find it in a record shop there and was ecstatic. I later found out that the Rod Temperton from Heatwave was an English dude that ended up writing 'Thriller' and many others for Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson.
I think something from Gang Starr's Best Of album—probably 'Mass Appeal' and something else, as I loved that track. I got my decks around when I was 19 years old and was really just starting to buy more records, mainly French house stuff and hip-hop.What is your worst guilty pleasure song?
Cutting Crew's 'Died in Your Arms'. I was a child of the '80s and there are many to choose from in this department. Whitesnake's 'Is This Love' is another stone cold classic. Maybe I should get a nice long perm like Dave Coverdale? Send your wedding DJ requests this way. I'm available.What song have you had on repeat for the last month?
Simplicious featuring Eugene Wilde 'Let Her Feel it' always creeps into my mind. It's got a great intro and classic '80s drum machine business. I really need to get some large shoulder pads and the slipon's with no socks for dancing to this one. This is the instrumental dub mix, which is great.Which track of your own do you love the most?
Probably 'MWI', it started as a quick live jam and turned into a monster. It's got an edge of insanity to it. There's a short snippet from a Steve Martin album at the start where he's talking about gurning. 'MWI' actually stands for 'Mad With It', so I think the track fits the bill.What track of your own do you hate the most?
Hate is a strong word, but maybe 'should have done better' is more appropriate. My cover of SOS Band 'Just Be Good To Me'. I did too many mixes of it and should have kept it simple as I had a great vocal to work with. Danielle Moore has such a great voice. Less is more sometimes. Maybe I'll go back to it and some point and do another nine mixes of it. Actually, just listening to it again for the first time in a while, I forgot that my mate Kenny played some extra guitar on it - I owe him a few beers!What track are you most excited to drop in a set?
A new track that is coming out soon, from Harri Sub Club and myself called 'Clown Prosecution Service'. It's got a big breakdown which works if you get the timing right. I generally steer away from big breakdowns, but we jammed this one and it felt right to stretch it here. We were probably quite stoned in fact, and got lost in the moment.
Bobby Lyle's 'Inner Space'. It's beautiful and I've actually used it in a new mix I'm working on for the Summer Solstice in June. It sends chills up my spine every time I hear it. I wasn't that keen on the album to be honest, but this one stood out for me.What's the last song you want to hear before the lights go on?
Steve Bender 'The Final Thing'. It's that slow-mo, sexed-up groove with a great vocal and production. Even if you've never heard it, it's difficult not to get your groove on to it. Great name too, Steve Bender. It's got the whole package really.
I think it was 'Boogie Nights' by Heatwave. I remember going to Florida as a kid and it was on the radio when we were driving to the hotel from the airport. I can't remember how I found out who it was by, but I managed to find it in a record shop there and was ecstatic. I later found out that the Rod Temperton from Heatwave was an English dude that ended up writing 'Thriller' and many others for Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson.
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What are the first two songs you ever mixed together?
I think something from Gang Starr's Best Of album—probably 'Mass Appeal' and something else, as I loved that track. I got my decks around when I was 19 years old and was really just starting to buy more records, mainly French house stuff and hip-hop.What is your worst guilty pleasure song?
Cutting Crew's 'Died in Your Arms'. I was a child of the '80s and there are many to choose from in this department. Whitesnake's 'Is This Love' is another stone cold classic. Maybe I should get a nice long perm like Dave Coverdale? Send your wedding DJ requests this way. I'm available.What song have you had on repeat for the last month?
Simplicious featuring Eugene Wilde 'Let Her Feel it' always creeps into my mind. It's got a great intro and classic '80s drum machine business. I really need to get some large shoulder pads and the slipon's with no socks for dancing to this one. This is the instrumental dub mix, which is great.Which track of your own do you love the most?
Probably 'MWI', it started as a quick live jam and turned into a monster. It's got an edge of insanity to it. There's a short snippet from a Steve Martin album at the start where he's talking about gurning. 'MWI' actually stands for 'Mad With It', so I think the track fits the bill.What track of your own do you hate the most?
Hate is a strong word, but maybe 'should have done better' is more appropriate. My cover of SOS Band 'Just Be Good To Me'. I did too many mixes of it and should have kept it simple as I had a great vocal to work with. Danielle Moore has such a great voice. Less is more sometimes. Maybe I'll go back to it and some point and do another nine mixes of it. Actually, just listening to it again for the first time in a while, I forgot that my mate Kenny played some extra guitar on it - I owe him a few beers!
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A new track that is coming out soon, from Harri Sub Club and myself called 'Clown Prosecution Service'. It's got a big breakdown which works if you get the timing right. I generally steer away from big breakdowns, but we jammed this one and it felt right to stretch it here. We were probably quite stoned in fact, and got lost in the moment.
What's your favorite track that you wish worked in a set?
Bobby Lyle's 'Inner Space'. It's beautiful and I've actually used it in a new mix I'm working on for the Summer Solstice in June. It sends chills up my spine every time I hear it. I wasn't that keen on the album to be honest, but this one stood out for me.What's the last song you want to hear before the lights go on?
Steve Bender 'The Final Thing'. It's that slow-mo, sexed-up groove with a great vocal and production. Even if you've never heard it, it's difficult not to get your groove on to it. Great name too, Steve Bender. It's got the whole package really.