Hard dance's multi-deck wizard Ilogik returns to the biggest stage in clubland
Reported by benz
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Submitted 11-04-06 18:34
Not quite as omnipresent at the moment as he used to be, Ilogik remains one of the most hard-working, determined and talented people in hard dance. His live show, which he debuted last year, broke the rules for live PAs, controlling the sounds on CD decks at the same time as manipulating visuals on DVD decks.
It was a daring move to take on so much, and brought some much needed innovation into the scene. Since then we have seen many a hard dance DJ strive to make their set that bit more special — but none have surpassed Ilogik’s technical prowess and daring style.
He’s been a bit quiet on the production front lately — in terms of releases anyway — but by the sounds of things he’s got plenty of work lined up in a multitude of different genres. He will be bringing his spruced-up, fine-tuned version of his live show to Tranz-mission on April 15th to show the Frantic arena just what he’s been up to since he last did his live PA. Seeing that it was pretty shit-hot in the first place, the Alexandra Palace are in for a bit of a treat. All hail the Elasticman!
So, I think the last time we spoke was just before you were debuting your live show around May 2005. How have you been keeping since then?
I’ve been good thanks, busy, busy in the studio with lots of different projects and have been on tour a few times.
You released your first artist album ‘My Definition of Sound’ last year to coincide with the launch of your live show. Were you pleased with the way the whole concept turned out?
Yeah definitely, it was a learning curve and I learned lots of important stuff. The album was good to do and I’m a happy bunny. Same with the DVJ concept — looking back on it, it was a bit rusty but things always are when they first start. Now it’s developed a lot more as things do and I’m so happy now with how it has developed.
What about the reviews? Was the album well received?
The reviews were great from everyone and most importantly the old timers, who I really respect, their comments said they absolutely loved it. People like Ian M, for example, had some great comments, which are always good to hear.
What material have you been working on since then? What sounds have been influencing your music?
I’ve had lots of different projects on the go from house to hard house classics. The house stuff is coming on really well with our vocalist, so watch this space.
With the hard house I’ve been doing a lot of remixes lately and a lot of them will be released on the new Elasticman Platinum label due to be launched. I have many influences from lots of different genres as I love all music.
Your label Elasticman has been very quiet over the last year or so. What’s the story there? Is this anything to do with the slowing vinyl sales situation?
Not at all to do with vinyl sales, sales are down for everyone as we know but to be honest I’m still getting good enough sales from it. I was just busy with my album and didn’t want to release any tracks before it was out etc. I have a lot of stuff ready to come out to you will notice a mass difference in how much I put out.
How long do you think vinyl has got left? What do you see as the main single factor for its demise?
I’m not sure really, think it’s got a few years in it yet. The main reason for its demise is the MP3, its just ruined it all and people are just downloading tracks now, many illegally, which is a shame. I’ve not given my tracks to any download site as I’m just not into it yet. The artist doesn’t get enough money from it for a start, which means they will be doing less music, which is not good for the scene.
So we can’t get our hands on Elasticman MP3s?
You can’t get them. Elasticman is only available on vinyl and will be for some time. When I decide and if I decide to do MP3s they will be exclusive to my web sites.
Are you still in love with hard dance? Are there still lots of producers out there who are exciting you?
I love hard house when it’s good, unfortunately there is a lot of throwaway stuff out there at the moment, which is not good for the scene in general. There are, however, some top tracks around too. I’ve not really picked up on many good producers, not yet any way. Will wait with baited breath! lol!
How do you program your sets these days? When I last saw you play I think it was generally hard house with more hard trancey beats towards the end of the set…
I always make sure I program my sets and put a bit of thought into them. I like to build things up in some way or form, whether I start off minimal and build it up that way or even start and end trancey, it depends who I’m playing after.
My favourite set structure is to build it up quickly from minimal stuff, then to the harder stuff, but to mix this up with hard trancey stuff just to keep the crowd on their toes and not keep the music on the same level and sounding boring.
You will be performing your live PA at the massive Tranz-mission event at Alexandra Palace on April 15th in London. How has the live concept evolved since you first began performing it?
I’ve got lots more videos to my tracks now so things are easier to say the least. Back then I had to keep music videos in sync at the same time as mixing hard house music, so I was working on 4 decks and 2 mixers, which is stressful to say the least. I can remember that I didn’t even have time to have a drink in my sets — it was madness.
I think it has helped me being able to control 4 deck mixing, I have always done 3 and 4 deck sets and this is similar, so I thank God that I can do this.
So can we expect lots of new material from this set? What about Ilogik classics? I’m sure there’s a few everyone would love to hear…
Umm not sure yet, I will be showcasing a few new remixes of some classics that will be coming out on my Elasticman Platinum label and also some new tracks too. Also I’ll probably bung the old classic in there to keep people happy.
This event will see 10,000 people partying across 5 arenas… if it was up to you to fill up these 5 arenas with the world’s best DJs and live acts — how would you theme the rooms and who would feature?
I would love to see one big room and a carefully structured night of DJs from all different genres and would like to see the crowd going off to all of them, from say the likes of James Zabelia to Carl Cox to Andy Farley to Ilogik to Karim to Breeze and Styles. The whole thing in one, it would be good if it was like that.
Have you travelled the world much in the past year? Which countries have really made an impression on you, for one reason or another?
Funnily enough I’ve just got back from touring Australia and New Zealand, which was as amazing as ever. I love going over to the Auckland crew and to the Christchurch and Fevah Wellington crews. I’m just having a tour planned as we speak to go to Canada, which I’m looking forward to, as well as Brazil and Argentina.
Photos courtesy of Ilogik. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Tranz-Mission
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On:
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Saturday 15th April 2006
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At:
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Alexandra Palace [map]
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From:
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2000-0600
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Cost:
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£20+
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Ticket Info:
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020 8363 5566.
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Slammin’ Vinyl present Tranz-mission 2006
London’s largest dance music event of the year
DRUM & BASS * HARD HOUSE * TRANCE * HARDCORE * OLD SKOOL * HARDSTYLE * TECHNO * FUNKY HOUSE
Tickets from only £20.00!
Fresh from selling out the NEC on New Years Eve, Slammin’ Vinyl return to London for the 2nd Edition of the annual Tranz-mission series, transforming one of London’s most historic and beautiful buildings into a dance music paradise.
Last year’s landmark event exploded onto the scene as 10,000 people took over the Palace for one very special night and reclaimed London’s crown as the centre of the clubbing universe. This year history will repeat itself as we stage the one and only proper dance event at this spectacular venue.
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Flyer:
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Region:
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London
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Music:
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Hard Trance. Hardcore. HardStyle. House. Funky House. Hard House. Vocal House.
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DJ's:
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DRUM & BASS – ONE NATION
ANDY C b2b DJ HYPE
MARKY (3 DECK SET)
MAMPI SWIFT
DIESELBOY (USA)
FRICTION
PENDULUM
NICKY BLACKMARKET
SUBFOCUS
MC’s FEARLESS, GQ, SHABBA D, STAMINA MC, EKSMAN, SPMC, IC3.
HARD HOUSE & TRANCE - FRANTIC
Special Guest: Yoji Biomehanika
NEC LIVE!
Organ Donors LIVE!
Andy Whitby
Proteus
Lisa Pinup
Andy Farley
Rob Tissera
Cally Gage vs Little Gem
CALLY&JUICE vs M-ZONE feat MC SHOCKER!
Kutski
ILLOGIK LIVE
HARDCORE HEAVEN
SY, SCOTT BROWN & Hixxy (4 deck set)
ESSENTIAL PLATINUM LIVE
Featuring DOUGAL & GAMMER, JENNA & LISA-MARIE
Kevin Energy B2B SHARKEY B2B ARKITECH B2B K Complex
MARK EG
DARREN STYLES
BREEZE
SEDUCTION
RECON
D-ICE & REALITY
MC’S STORM, WHIZZKID, WOTTSEE & SMILEY
OLD SKOOL-RAINDANCE
SHADES OF RHYTHM LIVE
2 BAD MICE LIVE PA
THE RATPACK
SLIPMATT
NICKY BLACKMARKET
Billy Daniel Bunter
GLEN ASTON
GEE MAGICAL
DANNY C
NIKI DIMENSIONS
MC’S ROBBIE DEE & 5ALIVE
FUNKY HOUSE – KINKY MALINKI
GRANT RICHARDS
JAY FRICTION & DJ K
DAMO
ANIS
DANNY FLEX
PAUL GRAY
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