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Features
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Universal Language Preview: Interview with Nick Sentience
Reported by Shaezel
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Submitted 29-01-04 11:13
Unquestionably one of the brightest talents on the hard dance scene, Nick Sentience has locked himself away with video animation specialist VJ 2012FX for the past 18 months to work on the huge task that has been the production of the Universal Language music DVD. Now that this has finally reached fruition and a full release is imminent, we caught up with Nick to chat about life, the DVD and everything...
This is actually the first time we've run an interview with you on HarderFaster (!) so it would be great if we could get some background on your DJing and Production - how did you first get into the scene?
I had been working in the studio’s at Nukleuz since I was 18, and when BK and Frantic started to make their names I started to go to the clubs to check them out and decided I would switch from writing the break beat music I was doing at the time and give club music a go.
What made you make the transition from being in a band to being a DJ and producer? Lugging all that kit around?
That can have a lot to do with it! Turning up with records is definitely a lot easier. Plus the Sentience band was breakbeat so when I started doing dance music we went our separate ways.
What do you consider to have been your first 'big break'?
Radio 1 and Kiss FM single of the week was a good one. I got some high profile mixes off that like “Time to burn”
Tom swears that he read somewhere that he saw that your old band, Sentience were reforming for a gig. Any truth to this or is he imagining things? Do you still keep in contact with the old members of the band?
The members were Martin (Hawk Dawson) and Tom Neville from the Ignition Crew who do the house room at Riot. We still keep in contact, as they are old school friends. I have started a track with Martin and we are hoping to get Tom to do a remix for the Quality Trax but no gig plans as yet.
When did you and Craig VJ 2012FX first meet?
Craig and I met at Endorphin where he did the visuals. He used to do our flyers for us and we got to know each other through that.
How did the idea for the DVD come about?
Craig was already talking to Sony about doing a DVD and had one on the go and I approached him and said I was just starting my artist album and it might be a good idea to do a one for that. It wasn’t meant to take quite as long as it did but we just kept adding ideas to it.
What's been the most challenging aspect of producing the DVD?
The whole project has been challenging . . . from the technical side of producing it on a bunch of home computers right through to trying to promote and market the concept of a audio-visual combination album.
Is the music synchronised to the animation? How is this done?
It is in quite a lot of ways. Craig has been in the film industry for quite a few years so has all the top programs to do it. The graphics and animations have been specifically designed, built, created, animated, cut and edited to the music. We also got some nice new computers in to speed up the process a bit. I’m really pleased with how it’s turned out. From the people who have seen it they have said it flows through the whole thing and keeps you watching.
What are the plans and timescales for the release of the album tracks?
We are taking orders on the web-site www.qualitytrax.net and those will be sorted out first and then we also have stalls at Heat on Feb 21st and Hard House Academy on 28th Feb 04 where a limited amount will be available, then we are doing the official release through Amato Distribution first week of April. At the end of March we are aiming to release “Afrotekno” & “Essence” and shortly after (maybe mid April) “Cause and Effect” and “Imaginate” on vinyl for DJ’s to play. I will also put a few testers in the London record shops to get some feedback.
When and what will be the first release on your new label, Quality Trax?
Nick Sentience “Afrotekno” in March 04
With BK's Klub Kollaborations being released in 2003, your upcoming DVD and Phil Reynolds in the studio producing a studio album it seems that artist albums are in fashion at the moment. Why do you think that is?
I think people are expanding their musical tastes and trying new things. We’ve all been producing for a while now and like making anything from Hard dance to Techno and Breaks. I find making all of them keeps my ideas fresh.
Obviously your DVD is going to invite comparisons with BK's album - what's your impression of the difference between the two?
I think Ben’s was more designed to be an album representing his club sound, whereas mine was a bit more meant for home listening. It builds up into the harder stuff but takes a lot longer to get there.
Once the DVD is done and completely released, what's going to be your next focus?
Mainly releasing the tracks from the album in demand, on Quality Trax. I’m starting a breakbeat album just for fun and I’m talking to BK about a combined album project hopefully with another of Craig’s mind bending DVD’s with it. Running the label is a big job as well so trying to combine that with doing studio work and remixes.
We first heard about Quality Trax in the middle of last year – has setting up a label been a lot more work than you imagined or is it all part of the grand plan to only release tracks from the DVD once it is out?
A lot of it has been to do with how long it’s taken to get the album finished as the DVD project kept being expanded on until we thought it was all finished.
Who will be doing A&R for the label?
Mostly myself as I will be using it to release a lot of my own material and anything else I can get hold of from talented and up and coming producers.
What tracks other than your own have you signed for the label so far?
I have a new Ali Wilson track “Wolf” and collaborations with Phil Reynolds, James Lawson. Danny Gilligan is working on a track for me as well.
Congratulations on your first place in the HarderFaster 'Remix of the Year' Annual Poll with 'Come 1'. Did you envisage this being such a huge track when you'd done it or was it a bit of a shock to you?
Thanks very much! I have to say it is really Faithless that can take the credit! A very simple riff that seems to contain a lot of magic. I was also pleased to get second place as well with the Hostile mix. Many thanks to all those who voted for them.
Who inspires you in the scene today (or outside of it)
I always enjoy working with Phil, James and BK. Mr Farley still gets me on the floor and Glazby’s Vicious Circle Label is a good example of a vision for harder music. Looking forward to the events I’m playing at with Heat and Frantic this year and working with MostWanted DJ Agency. Outside the scene I like the work of Layo and Bushwaka and Way Out West to chill out to. I’m also a big movie fan and get a lot of inspiration from them. Lord of the Rings was a good one for effects and the Animatrix as well.
Is there anyone in terms of production or DJ talent that you think will do well in the future?
I’m expecting a few new tracks through of Ali Wilson and Danny Gilligan for Quality Trax. I’m looking forward to Phil’s album and am working on some new tracks with him for that. I’m also trying to persuade James Lawson to do his artist album for Quality Trax.
Where do you see the sound on UK dance floors heading over the next 12 months?
I can see a lot of variety coming. A mixture of tech-trance, breaks and harder music all at the same nights. Lashed in Ibiza for example had Hard DJ’s in the main room and breaks in the second.
Are you still producing tunes for Nukleuz or are there no longer any ties there?
All is on good terms with Nukleuz, I just have a lot on trying to launch the album, run the label and DJ. I’d like to work with them in the future though.
Are there any prospects for more Endorphin parties in the future?
Possibly, a lot of people are asking about it. Event management is a tricky business though. You only need too much rain on the night and you’ve lost thousands! Big gamble. Great experience though.
What's been the highlight of your career so far?
I have to say completing “Universal Language” It’s taken so long that to finally see it finished and be happy with it is a good feeling.
What's your personal favourite of the tracks that you've produced so far and why? And your favourite remix?
I’m pleased to say there’s quite a few to choose from. I’m always happy to hear “Instrumental” “Discotech” and my mix of “Time to burn” still played. My new remix of NRG’s “Never lost his Hardcore” forthcoming on Tidy is going down well too.
What for you has been the best set you have ever played and what made it so good?
This is one of the hardest questions to answer as I’ve done quite a few now! I really enjoyed Heat NYE 03, and Gatecrasher summer sound system last year was good. Tokyo Liquid rooms as well. This weekends sets at Heat @ Pacha & Phil Time @ Camden Palace were amazing too. . . Thanks Damo & Will.
Do your parents still tell you to 'get a proper job'?
They have in the past! They used to have to put up with me banging it out in my room.
Who do you see as your potential audience?
I’m hoping to get quite a range of people that like anything from breaks to hard dance and techy stuff. I enjoy all sorts of music and hope open-minded people will like my new projects.
Thanks for your time Nick.
Thank you guys and I hope to catch up with you soon.
To pre-order your copy of Universal Language, visit the Quality Trax website.
Nick Sentience and VJ 2012FX perform live at Heat: The Final Curtain at the Camden Palace on Saturday 21st February - for full details Click here
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Other Features By Shaezel:
Interview with Phil Reynolds - Part II
Interview with Phil Reynolds - Part I
Tolerance 1st Birthday - Review
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: Norris123 on 2nd Feb 2004 12:48.56
Absolutely wicked. There's a reason why Nick's the Headline act for Fusion... 
From: Paul Henry on 2nd Feb 2004 12:52.07
What a legend you are Nick Sentience! The DVD is awesome, go out and buy it people, you won't be disappointed that's for sure!
From: Richard Launch on 2nd Feb 2004 13:08.24
Well done Nick. The year looks promising for you and Quality Trax...!!!!
From: Pete M on 2nd Feb 2004 13:08.26
Oh, yes. 2004 will be a good for Mr Sentience. 
From: Danny Gilligan on 2nd Feb 2004 13:09.02
banging it out in your room ah nick, nice!!!! that a boy
From: Craig Paxton on 2nd Feb 2004 13:28.56
LOL.. Gilligan you beat me to it.. Nice one
From: Martin Begley on 2nd Feb 2004 13:29.44
A DJ and producer that many can only aspire to... Well done and good luck!!!
From: Gordon Darley on 2nd Feb 2004 14:08.56
Can't wait for the label to start up!! Nice interview, nice interview.
From: matt mara on 2nd Feb 2004 17:06.07
nice one nick, glad you and nicki think my tracks r sick!!
From: Nikki S on 2nd Feb 2004 17:44.12
Nice one babe!!! The music on 'Universal Language' is amazing . . . definately your best work to date. The music totally represents who you are as a person . . . I love it. I can't wait forw your LIVE PA at Heat 'The Final Curtain' @ Camden Palace 21st Feb. Bang it out Sentience! xoxo
From: Liquid_ian on 2nd Feb 2004 18:10.57
Good work guys. see you on Fri
From: Matt Smallwood on 2nd Feb 2004 18:25.42
Nice one Nick you legend! Album/DVD is superb!
From: scottie-nye on 2nd Feb 2004 20:37.06
far and away the most consistant, standout producer on the hard dance circuit - some of his earlier stuff sounds as fresh today as it did when released (discotech, trippy) and it is great to hear that 2004 will see some original Nick Senience material being released.
From: Lizzie Curious on 2nd Feb 2004 21:00.45
am really looking forward to experiecing the album! and can't wait for quality trax to start releasing.
From: onthebass on 3rd Feb 2004 03:43.30
OMG - this album/dvd is the absolute nuts! Congratulations to all those involved in this amazing project. Well worth the wait. Sentience, you are legend! 
From: Brad Aspin on 3rd Feb 2004 07:46.10
Nice work my friend, We await our Sunday Kick on's to be forever changed upon the release of the album.. Wikked!!
From: Donna Birt on 3rd Feb 2004 14:04.20
Sentience Twins.... what can i say, excellent album, excellent people! Congrats on the forth-coming release of this spectacular album/visual display... it is inspirational. Nick, looking forward to new things from Quality Trax and those live-PA's you have in store. Noiiiice x
From: Elz on 3rd Feb 2004 17:46.42
What an Album/DVD....Well done Nick. Can't wait to be able to play the CD at home. You can watch the Dvd over and over again and never get bored. It was great fun watching it all come together.
From: V.J. FX on 3rd Feb 2004 19:58.48
Nice one my brooder, you are a inspiration to work with and are a true artist.our only limit was our imaginations with this dvd.cant wait for Camden we are going blow some minds with the PA!!
From: djviticus on 4th Feb 2004 09:01.34
hey nick, great interview, great album mind bending to say the least craig and nick the dvd is of the chain, cant get enough of it. all the new tunes are truly amazing and i am truly honored to be able to play a few of them out for the california ravers. cant wait to see you do your thing in s.f. legend to say the least!!!
From: Gurnmaster Deluxe on 4th Feb 2004 12:59.26
Quality interview, Shaezel, and well done for even getting it, i don't think ive ever seen a Sentience interview before...
From: Hoochie Koochi Man on 4th Feb 2004 13:51.57
Great interview Shae. It is interesting he refers to Layo&Bushwacka. I have always thought that Nick's talents are wasted in Hard Dance and he would make an excellent tech-house/tribal producer/DJ. Perhaps he may move into this genre under a different moniker?
From: Ali Wilson on 4th Feb 2004 15:13.39
Get stuck in mate, quality stuff! 
From: fire club on 5th Feb 2004 00:57.42
Can't wait to see the DVD. It was very exciting having you guys down at the club and alot of fun.
Just hope my ugly mush never made it onto camera as I was trying to avoid them all day!!!
From: damoj on 5th Feb 2004 14:13.13
Nick Sentience - 1st DJ I Ever Saw!!!
Wouldnt be having all this fun now if it wasnt for u - thankyou 
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