Chris Dew, South London, England The Official Interview

Name: Chris Dew
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Born: UK
Location: South London

1.For the not so clued up person in regards to the world of Soulful House and Garage, UK Underground music could you tell us how you got started in this game?

I saw some KISS 100fm graffiti on a bus shelter when I was walking home from school one day. I tuned in out of curiosity and heard a whole range of music I'd never really been exposed to before - contemporary soul and jazz, US garage and house. The structure, vocals and harmonies in the music hit me in a way I'd never experienced and it was as though I'd filled a void. Crikey, that sounds really pretentious but I can't describe the feeling any other way! I've still got hours and hours of tapes I recorded from the radio in those days.

1a. Who or what had the greatest influence on what you listen to today? 1(a) Was through listen to your parents (Did they have an artists or performer that they constantly kept going on about that influenced you) 1(b) Was through listening at a early age to the Radio to a particular sound or artist 1(c) Was through going to the church (being part of a choir?) 1(d) Or was it by being forced to take musical lessons that influenced your choice?

My parents always listened to music at home and in the car - they weren't the kind to stick to one genre so I got everything from rock to motown. I was trained in several instruments including keyboards and sax, although the tunes I used to be given to play were completely uninspiring and I gave up formal tuition, although I still play the keys every now and then.

2. Who was your first musical hero? Was it Artists from the.. Soul area Hiphop scene Rock/Heavy Metal scene, Pop artists, Drum and Bass artists... Or just any particular artist/s?

I don't remember ever having one, although my friends would tell you I had a liking for Five Star as a kid!

3. You are a DJ?(*Or have been in the past!!). What was the first club that you played that allow you to gain vital experience to that is invaluable now! Is it still there now?; and have you gone back to play there from time to time? What was the first Club that you ran completely.

I'm not actually a DJ as such. I just collect records because I love the music and like to play it in my house. I do make mix CD's for my own listening pleasure and that of my friends, plus when requested I've played at parties and stuff.

4. I posed this question to quite a few Dj's across the world and now I'm going to pose it to you. Have been given the chance to play on those famous/infamous Pirate Radio Show's within your area of the world; any of them at all? What are your views towards Pirate Radio, are you in favour with them. Or is it time for them to go?

Pirate radio is important in pushing forward boundaries and playing music that wouldn't get airtime on commercial stations which need to attract the advertisers. I have to say though I'm very disappointed with the standard of London Pirates which seem to be either stuck in a mid to late 90's timewarp, or constantly stick to formulaic UK garage with some second rate MC biggin up his crew every 2 seconds.

5.Are you a resident DJ some where, or do you work Freelance?

No. Been offered spots in the past but never somewhere with the right vibe. One day would like to be involved in running a night, which would ideally be a mix of soul, disco, rare groove, and soulful jazzy house.

6.I have interviewed you in the past, when you located at the University of Nottingham,in England. You called Nottingham, the capital for Deep House music in England. Do you see it as so, or has times moved on? Have you been back to Nottingham, England, lately?

I still go back but haven't really checked out the clubs up there recently. DIY are still doing their thing so I guess deep house is still pretty big there.

7. Are you a resident DJ some where, or do you work Freelance?

See Q5.

8.Deep House has a very special place in your heart, that I know. I have to say that it is a magical music when dropped just right. Why then hasn't it caught the imagination of the big record labels?

Because it doesn't make them enough money.

9. What are your thoughts on the music known as 2-Step Garage music that is busting out of London? The music has bulldozed its way into the Garage world. Its the newest hybrid of the music within the scene. Some people hate it. Some people love it. The recent Mobo awards of 2001 here in England, highlighted the appeal of UK/2-Step Garage music in this country. It has be asked many time/s. But I will ask you. Can Uk/2-Step Garage music break the Usa via the mainstream?. Or are we all fooling ourselves? Will Uk/2-Step Garage music be properly accepted by the Americans in your opinon? What are your views on the scene and the music culture?

There has been a lot of speculation about whether 2-step will break the states. This question seems to have been around for a good couple of years or more, but when I was in Washington in October I heard absolutely no UK 2-step on either the urban radio stations or cable shows. Craig David was on MTV, and that was about it. I doubt the UK can ever successfully export a music format to the states, Drum n Bass never really made it big over there either.

9A. The appeal that Craig David is having in America is good. However, should Craig and the Artful Dodger made more records as a team for the appeal of Uk Garage in that country? Would it have been better for Uk Garage as a whole if the Artful Dodger, and Craig David had stayed together as somekind of team to give America somekind of base in which they could see Uk Garage music represented? The music as such has no stars for many Usa music lovers to associate with. Was this a missed opportunity? The Artful Dodger and Craig David together making records on a premtenate basis for Uk Garage sake?

I hope Craig David has a long and successful career, he's a young talented guy who doesn't need Artful Dodger to succeed.

10. There seems to be a love for House and Garage music of all levels in England that resembles clamour for Hiphop music within the USA. Labels are being sought after, the pirates are canning the music. Underground clubs via word of mouth are becoming " Sought after places to visit". Is the bubble going to burst soon though do you think? Can House and Garage music get any bigger then it has done. What are your thoughts?

I doubt that "house and garage" can get much bigger, it's already all over the airwaves in one form or another. I used to fear that the commerciality of it all would lead to the underlying roots of the music disappearing, but this doesn't seem to have happened. Of course if it stops making money then the majors will drop it.

11. Kiss 100 Fm Radio station (London) London's former favourite pirate has come in for a lot of stick for a couple of years ago for moving away from its dance music ethos in favour of a more commercial and pop orientated sound, which has infuriated a large amount Londoners. But we have seen Kiss trying to repair the damage that is it caused itself by trying to get Dj's of the calibre of, Ez and Roger Sanchez, with their own weekly shows on the station. What would you do to continue the repair of Kiss100 Fm? What are your thoughts? Are you a keen listener to Kiss 100 fm.. Has things improved??

I am one of the infuriated ones you mention! I never listen to Kiss now its just dreadful. It's sometimes on in my gym and you get "artists" like Kylie Minogue and Hearsay played on there, what the hell is that about?! At least before Emap took over the specialist DJ's with daytime shows would sometimes slip a few decent tracks in, and quality groups like Nu Colours used to be playlisted. The demise of Kiss is a musical tragedy for London and the surrounding counties.

12. BBC Radio 1 seems to be championing the cause of dance music. Now with plans of a New digital radio service catering for Black dance music. Is this good in the long run; or is this is fools gold?

The new Network X is definitely a positive move, although the target age range of under 24 year olds may mean that some elements and genres get ignored.

Radio 1 itself is now streets ahead of stations like Kiss. In particular BBC local radio in London deserves a big mention, having picked up the likes of Bob Jones and Norman Jay.

12a.Is this only a case of dance music being fashionable so that the BBC are panicking and getting pressurised in putting on these soul, drum and basss and garage shows in fear of getting left behind? Have the pirates really rocked the BBC?

The fact that Radio 1 is increasingly catering to these tastes is a reflection on what society wants to hear. They had to move away from the likes of Status Quo sooner or later! In the last 5 years or so the have successfully turned the station on its head. Unless the pirates can get more original, the BBC has little to worry about.

13. One track that did capture everyone imagination was John Cultlers, "I'm yours" (2001). Was it the record of the year for you? If not please give me your choicee?

It wasn't record of the year for me, but it's certainly a good tune - positive and uplifting and an unusual crossover success. Well the years not over yet, and its impossible to just pick one tune - but Lovely Ones by Blaze is beautiful, and Joy by Big Moses is a quality garage tune in the old sense of the word. I'm bound to have forgotten a few others!

14.Dubbed the New Ibiza by music critics and fashion experts alike. Do you fear for the islands (Ayia Napia, Cyprus) beauty? Do you think that the island will attract all the wrong types of people? Watching the film called the "Beach" starring Leonardo Da Capiro. We all saw what could happen if rules are bent and relax to accommodate wealthy holiday makers. Do you think that Ayia Napia, as a holiday resort could be spoilt.? What are your views as a Brit (Uk)?

Also, do you think that the terrible events that have happened since September 11th, 2001. Will it effect Ayia Napa, Cyprus??

Having never been to either Ibiza or Ayia Napa, I can't really comment.

All I will say about the aftermath of September 11th, 2001 is that people should not let media sensationalism cloud their judgement and restrict their lives.

16. What are your thoughts on the Winter Music confernce 2002. Will Chris Dew being heading out there to meet his heroes this time?

I would love to go, although I don't think I can afford it for 2002.

17. You are running a very successful website called "Deep Grooves" which is noted all over the world. What gave you the inspiration to create this website. Anyone or anything in particular? What is the main driving force of keep Deep Grooves going?

Well you are partly responsible Carl! I found your website whilst a student, and loved reading the interviews etc. I also wanted people worldwide to be able to hear music they otherwise wouldn't be able to due to lack of radio stations etc.

18.Do you still do your own stint of record shopping or hunting? I usually go to Rhythm Division for 2-Step Garage, and Black Market for other things.What about you. Or do you leave it up to being supplied by labels, etc to keep you up to date? When you play out?(If you play out) A lot of DJ's nowadays survive by living of what given to them by Record labels of all shapes and sizes. What about you. Does this apply to you?

As an impartial reviewer. I buy 99% of the records on my site out of my own pocket. I use mail order a fair bit and also Selectadisc because they are very cheap and the tunes are all out on the shopfloor so you don't have to do battle with hoards of spotters at the racks.

I love rummaging around in second hand shops too, its hard to beat the excitement of finding a 12" from years back that you've always wanted.

19. As labels go..Have you a favourite. One that you always stop by as you flick through the piles of Records in your specialist record shop?

My all time favourite is probably Freetown records from the UK. Currently I always check Giant Step and Yoruba.

20. Record mixing and Djing. Your technique when playing out. Do you use a style of blending when you playing out; or are you a person who like to jump straight in and out of a track without warning!!! What styles do you like to use?

In the sets I record and do for the site, I guess I go for smooth mixes and changeovers, although when I started I was much more into cutting tracks into and out of the mix (inspired in that respect by Paul "trouble" Andersen - London , England). When I'm out clubbing I'm increasingly appreciating DJ's who only mix records of the same tempo, and who aren't afraid to drop a track in its entirity from start to finish.

21. Of late France and Germany are creating some great Deep House and Soulful House tunes. The same goes for many of the Scandinavin countries. The appeal of the music seems to be spreading. Have you been presented with any mixes from China or the Soviet Union with regards to Deep Grooves?

For me France are beating the USA at their own game, the music coming from across the Channel is just such high quality. Japan also is doing good things, and from what I understand the music is very popular over there.

22.Larry Heard is probably Deep House music most famous artist of them all. He's music is beautiful and crafted. But is he your most favourite artist House artist? Please tell me who is if this isn't the case..??

I do admire Larry Heard, I also love his voice - its got such a mellow quality about it. Angel Eyes from his Back to Love album is one of my all time favourite tracks.

The ultimate artists I think would have to be Blaze -New Jersey, Usa. They sum up the classic garage sound for me and have been responsible for so many gorgeous tracks - plus Josh Milan (aka Alexander Hope) is my favourite male vocalist. You are lucky enough to have interviewed them too!

I'm not ashamed to admit that both Blaze and Larry Heard have both brought tears to my eyes with the beauty of their music.

22. The term "Funky House" seems to be all the rage at the moment with the House movement here in England. Is it just a cheap gimmick to bring forth another style of Soulful House into the movement? Is this something that you've noticed?

There's nothing soulful about the majority of "funky" house records - or anything funky for that matter! The same goes for filtered house.

23. Christmas (2001)is coming and the goose is getting fat. Will we see Chris Dew Djing anywhere over the festive break, or will he be taking it easy?

Will be taking it easy with my friends and family, although I should imagine I'll take advantage of the time off work to check out a few midweek nights.

24. Who do you rate as one to look out for in the future (DJ Wise?) Who should we keep an eye out for! From your own country? DJ/ music artist/s producer and from what you have heard or seen from abroad? DJ/ music artist/s producer.

I have so many great sets sent to me for my website. If you listened blind to one of their mixes and one by an "established" DJ, you really wouldn't be able to tell who was who. That's why the web is so great for giving exposure to "ordinary" people! Not everyone wants to push themselves into the limelight and rake in the bucks, rather are quite happy plugging away out of love.

25. Have you got any advice for any aspiring record label producer/s, DJ or club owner or Dj/Dj producer/s out there? Any rules that he should adhere to!

I'm not really in a position to advise, just be true to yourself I guess. Maybe it won't make you rich and famous, but the dedication will shine through in what you do.

Interview conducted by Chris Dew, South London, England

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