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Innovate preview: Nick Sentience’s ‘Dance Planet’ album launch
Reported by Ashley James
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Submitted 13-02-07 13:03
On Saturday 17th February one of the hard dance scene’s creators and longest standing producers is going to follow in the footsteps of Sir Paul McCartney, Elton John, Kylie, Faithless and Paul Weller and take centre stage at Shepherd’s Bush Empire as Innovate moves to its new home to launch his new album, ‘Dance Planet’. Nick Sentience has just finished the project and is ready to rock. I caught up with him at his East London studio to get the low-down on what it’s all about.
So, what is your new ‘Dance Planet’ album all about in a nutshell?
It is a double CD with one CD mixed by me and the second CD unmixed with bonus tracks for DJs to use. The music starts with tough electro and tech-trance, then gets more uplifting and then gets stuck into a bit of driving hard trance towards the end. It has a couple of cover versions of classic tracks and plenty of new Sentience tracks to be getting on with.
The project is a culmination of a year’s worth of production; how do you feel about the project now it is ready to go?
I can say for sure that this is my favourite of any project I have worked on in my career so far. I always intended this CD to be aimed at a club environment, so I have included tracks that have been road tested throughout my tours last year. Also, this is a different concept for an album, it’s a lot of material that is going out at once, so I’m interested to see how the whole thing pans out on a number of levels. I’m pleased with the range of music on there, I have quite an open mind and like a few different styles from electro and techy up to euphoric and harder music, so I’ve tried to include it all.
This album features three tracks which have guest vocals, how did this come about?
Meeting both Andy and Lizzie happened just at the right time, I had just moved into a new studio in Tower Bridge which had a vocal booth set up, so I was looking for vocalists to work with to use it. I met them both at the Fridge at different times and we tried a few ideas in the studio and found that we got along really well.
Meeting Andy (MCHyperA) will always stick in my mind because I was just getting on the dancefloor at Innovate when Nicki S was just starting to crank up the beats for the last set, when I found myself next to a guy who was jumping around and having a great time. He started rapping at me on the dancefloor and I asked him if he was an MC. He hadn’t done anything seriously but did it for fun, so I took his number and we hooked up in the studio. He hadn’t been in a studio before, so I had to get him to relax a bit at first, but we cranked up the beats and he jammed out some lyrics and I made ‘Beats Like This’ from what he laid down. It was really good to try something new and BK liked the track we did, so we just did another track with Andy for Ben’s forthcoming album called ‘Come Alive’.
Lizzie did the vocals with me on a breakbeat record we were working on, but then I was making a hard trance record and laid the vocal on top and I really like the effect of the moody vocal up against the uplifting riff, so that became ‘Supercharged’.
What equipment did you use to produce the album?
A Mac G5 running Logic 7 is the main system. I use the rather phat Mackie 824 monitors which have got the best bass outside of a club system, so I basically crank up the large beats all day long! I have a bunch of synths, both software and hardware, and keep pressing buttons until they make the noises I want them to make.
You work in a studio with BK just down the corridor, do you guys influence each other much?
One of the reasons we moved into the same studio block was so that we could be more involved in each other’s work. We both find it beneficial to have someone around to ask advice or to check something out. We both decided that having a studio space outside the home is essential for productivity. We’ve been working at Tower Bridge studios for just over a year and both of us have just completed new albums and have each contributed material to each other’s projects.
Being just down the hallway has made collaborating much easier! I’ve known Ben since I was 17, so he’s seen me go from fresh faced youngster to the present day, and I think we learn a lot from each other still, so it’s always good to have the other on hand to check the mixdowns and just discuss what’s going on.
You have released the album on www.trackitdown.net three weeks early exclusively. Does this mean that the MP3 download era has truly taken off?
I don’t think anyone can argue with iTunes selling a billion downloads, and sites like trackitdown are providing a great platform for dance music fans to hunt for new and old material. I think that having the music online and accessible is a really good thing, because at the touch of a button you can check out a new album that is hot off the press.
Put it this way, as I’m writing this interview, it is the evening before I have to go into the studio in the morning, finalise the album and hand in the files to trackitdown to upload on the web, at which point, within two hours of the album being completed, the entire global internet community can download and hear it. Now, you can’t get music much fresher than that can you?
We are pressing CDs as well, because I also think that there is nothing like a real copy you can hold with all the artwork done properly and in a finished package. I think downloading is great in some ways, but I think an album is only complete on a CD format with all the trimmings. Downloading is a really good way to get your music quickly and easily, but as with a CD, you get a physical product, and especially for most DJs who play off CD now, I think that we need to get with the times and accept that labels need to supply the CDJ world.
We heard that you have some new live visual graphics to go with the ‘Dance Planet’ Tour. Do you think that the combination of DJ and VJ is something we see a lot more of in the future?
Anyone who has seen the Universal Language DVD knows I have always been interested in combining visuals with music, and with the new Pioneer DVJs, the possibilities are endless. The only thing is, building 3D animations is very expensive and time consuming. I have invested tens of thousands in getting graphics made and as a result, can now go on tour with my music being linked up to visuals — which I love, but if you don’t have that money to invest, you either have to be able to make your own graphics, or DVJ’ing will be out of your reach. Until it is made easy and cost effective for people to make their own graphics with their music, I think it will be a select few who are able to do it. But I have to say, I don’t mind that because I’m one of those who can do it!
What is your favourite track from the album and why?
I think it has to be ‘Beats Like This’, because I think it is one of the most original sounding tracks I have written. The rap vocal with slamming techno beats is quite different for me. There is quite a lot of uplifting music in the middle of the album as well, so a full on track like this lets everyone know I can still have it large when I want to!
The last album was called ‘Universal Language’, this album is called ‘Dance Planet’, we detect a space theme going on here…. Are you an astronaut in the making?
I can definitely tell you I’m a big Star Trek fan! But I do also love space and cosmos related subjects. I do have a fascination with the space thing, so expect to see all sorts of galactic wonders on the screens at Innovate.
The album features some collaborations with your long term colleagues of the scene such as BK, Andy Farley and James Lawson, but we have a new face in the form of Technikal. What was the difference between working with a new producer as opposed to an already established one?
I think we all know that Alf is pulling out some great tracks at the moment. I know him well and I found him refreshing to be in the studio with because he has still got the enthusiasm of a producer who is on the rise for the first time. Anyone who survives in music will have their ups and downs and it’s easy to get caught up in the politics if you’re not careful, which makes some people cynical. But having said that, when I worked with BK on the tracks for our albums I learnt a lot from his experience with production techniques, so much so that I went and re worked the whole album with the new tips I had picked up, so working with experienced producers has benefits also. The reason I like collaborating with different people is that you can learn things from everyone and you all leave the track having expanded your knowledge.
You are launching the album at one of London’s premiere venues Shepherd’s Bush Empire, which has seen world class acts such as Paul McCartney, Faithless, Paul Weller, the Sugar Babes, the Black Eyed Peas, Elton John, Kylie and Destiny’s Child. How does it feel to stand on the same stage as these bands for your own club and album launch party?
Honestly, to have that venue is special. A good friend of mine used to work at Radio 1 producing the Annie Nightingale and Scott Mills shows, and we were chatting on the phone the other day and when I mentioned that the launch party was at the Empire, his jaw dropped, and I think that reaction from someone who is used to working at the top end of the industry said it all for me. Nobody would have thought that a hard dance producer would get that venue for a show, but next Saturday guys, it’s all ours…
What can we expect from your live show on Saturday?
This live show is all about the future! I may throw in a couple of classics for good measure, but this show is the 15 new album tracks being jammed out on Ableton Live with brand new live graphics on massive screens to take you to that next level.
Where did the name ‘Dance Planet’ come from?
It is a respectful homage to the first rave I ever heard of when I was a young lad of about 15. Someone at school brought a mixtape of Ratpack live at Dance Planet, and this was in the days when raves were still new and had a mystery about them. To us, a rave was something we had only heard about on the news, so the tape from Dance Planet was like catching my first glimpse of raving. I thought it was a great name that needed to be brought back, and also it tied in nicely with the concept that the music on the album has been inspired by what I was hearing on my international tours last year.
What next, now you’ve finished this album?
The immediate future lies in preparing the tour for the album — we’re going everywhere from Japan to Australia — then it’s time to start the ‘Universal Language’ remix album that will be coming up in a few months.
How was producing this album different from making ‘Universal Language’?
‘Dance Planet’ is aimed at being a club album where all of the tracks are about the dance floor and the DJ being able to play the tracks as well. ‘Universal Language’ was more of an entertainment package, with the DVD and also some pretty out there music, as well as the hard dance to keep in tune with what people knew me for.
You are launching Extreme Records with this album. What is the concept behind the label, and how does it affect Quality Trax?
Extreme Records was started as an outlet for DJs on the Extreme DJ Agency, so that it links their music and DJing together. The DJs on the roster include BK, James Lawson, Ed Real and Edison Factor, so we have quite a pool of talent to get material from when needed. Edison factor are looking at doing their next album through Extreme, and I am signing all Quality Trax material over to the label for the ‘Universal Language 2007’ project later this year. So it’s all go really.
Join our friends and check out clips on
www.myspace.com/extrememusicandevents
www.myspace.com/nicksentience
www.myspace.com/innovateparties
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Other Features By Ashley James:
Heat & Logic present “Forces of Nature” @ Heaven
Redtrip presents Corrosive @ The Telegraph, Brixton - 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: Danny Gilligan on 13th Feb 2007 13:36.15
top man cant wait to see the show on Saturday! good work matey!
From: Jim Wild on 13th Feb 2007 14:05.33
Good stuff matey
From: Trevor McLachlan on 13th Feb 2007 14:19.13
Well done mate, aboslutely can't wait to see you perform at Innovate... And what a venue for the launch!! 
From: Matt Church on 13th Feb 2007 14:48.13
Good stuff mate, looking forward to hearing it!!!
From: dani d on 13th Feb 2007 16:00.13
Witcked ,can't wait for the live stage!!!!
From: anushka007 on 13th Feb 2007 17:38.07
SO young and so talented 
I heard his album and WOW i just cannot wait to hear it all on proper sound system and now home for innovate its perfect for this.
Well done Mr Sentience bring on the madmess 
From: Lee Osborne on 13th Feb 2007 18:37.20
Legend! The album is FAT mate.... See you @ Innovate
From: Gordon Darley on 14th Feb 2007 00:38.46
Roll on Saturday. Really looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve for this mate
The Colada will be waiting for you on the bar after 
From: Donna Birt on 14th Feb 2007 00:42.27
Nice one babe... would have loved to be there! Have a great one and maybe catch you on the flip side x
From: James Terry on 14th Feb 2007 08:30.12
Love this guys stuff, has always been a true pioneer in electronic music. One of the best producers there is.....absolute LEGEND!!
From: Nikki S on 14th Feb 2007 17:24.19
Hopefully it's a better story?? What's that all about?? Name another hard dance label that's released an album & DVD project. I bet not too many spring to mind.
Anyhow, wicked interview Nick & Ashley!! Roll on Innovate.
From: NickSentience on 14th Feb 2007 17:39.22
LONG LIVE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE!
sorry lx, if you didn't think it went well!
well you can't please everyone can you, for me I was happy enough with winning Best Album on harddancelondon.com, being nominated for tune of the year in Mixmag for Cause and Effect, making loads of money of album sales, touring the world with Live Graphics, and being the first hard dance artist to have music-visual album.
But if those things don't float ya boat then I guess I'll never live up to your expectations!
if you feel that bad about it i'll buy you a drink on Saturday!
peace
Nick x
BTW UniLang remixes - audio and visual 2007, this will be another level - new technology, logic 7, faster animation studio online lets rock
From: Martin Begley on 14th Feb 2007 17:50.25
GO Nick!
The album's great, absolutely loving it! Keep going!
Bring on Universal language rmxes!!!!!!
From: Red5 on 14th Feb 2007 17:51.19
What can I say about Nick that hasn't been said 1000 times before? Utter class, utter legend.
Can't wait to hear the new album
From: Dave Austin on 14th Feb 2007 19:57.38
Fantastic Nick......just got some of the tunes from Trackit down & cant wait to hear you play them at Innovate.
See you on Saturday.
From: djviticus on 15th Feb 2007 07:49.57
wicked as always man. i will save the cheese. i know it is going to kick ass..
as for some comments earlier in the thread.. all i want everyone to know is what a massive success U.L. was and still is really. it changed many peoples lives and opened manys minds to new sounds.. one of my fondest memories was when i was over visiting and you came back for scotland and we listened to the final mixdown.. i know this album will have the same impact!! bar none
rock on fella
usa mike
From: 00Frenchy on 15th Feb 2007 11:38.26
Looking forward to hearing this one... good luck on saturday
From: spangledwench on 15th Feb 2007 13:43.59
GTFRI babes ;o) lx - were you even listening to the same albulm as everyone else?!!! Nick & Nicki, can't wait catch up with you guys on Sat, will be ever so slightly different to listening to the new album on my crappy stereo @ home, hehe... BIG love xxx
From: Charlie Bradley on 15th Feb 2007 17:52.07
Universal Language was the business and I'm sure this one will push the boundries even more.
Looking forward to hearing it!
From: Maria on 15th Feb 2007 18:29.51
Quality music and interview! Looking forward to be hosting the room with Solid Kiss this Saturday at Innovate. See you all there!!! mmwwhhhaaa
From: danj on 15th Feb 2007 18:57.24
Massive respect
From: jFrantik on 16th Feb 2007 05:46.26
Absolute LEGEND - both musically & in person!
Lx ur trippin'.. lay off the smack geezer!
Rock on Nick!
From: BobStah on 16th Feb 2007 06:25.01
Hey, wish I could get up to London for the night. And Lx you really missed the bus on Uni Language. It received rave reviews downunder in Ozz....
Best of spinning on Sat PM Nick and hurry back to see us Yokels!
From: Letty Bird on 16th Feb 2007 09:13.27
 you rock! xx love all your stuff.
From: Baby Ali on 16th Feb 2007 09:52.16
Wicked stuff babe!
And I think that 'winning Best Album on harddancelondon.com, being nominated for tune of the year in Mixmag for Cause and Effect, making loads of money of album sales, touring the world with Live Graphics, and being the first hard dance artist to have music-visual album' is GOOD f**king work my friend!!
Mwah! x
From: DebB on 16th Feb 2007 09:56.02
Great interview Ash and Well Done to Nick, all the best for Sat!
From: Lizzie Curious on 16th Feb 2007 10:18.44
Fantastic interview Nick, one of the most talented people on the (Dance) Planet!!!!
From: NickSentience on 16th Feb 2007 10:31.52
Big shout to all above... specially friends in far away counties.. miss ya.. lets party soon
From: onthebass on 16th Feb 2007 10:53.23
^^double drop to that^^ 
Just got my copy off TID and the last track is so off the hook it ain't funny. Brings back memories of that drive back through the reality barriers that was Earthcore haha. Awesome stuff mate and so happy to see that its now out there for all to get groovin' to. QTY!
From: Elz on 16th Feb 2007 19:20.25
Wicked interview hun!!!! Bring on the wknd. Can't wait for tomorrow night. Gonna be good.
From: Nikki S on 17th Feb 2007 00:52.45
Listening to Dance Planet now ...
Carte Blanche
Supercharged
From: Nikki S on 17th Feb 2007 00:53.30
It's all about the bassline!!!!
From: 4ip on 18th Feb 2007 19:29.21
Absoloutly loved Innovate! It's always an excelent event! Keep up the good work! See you next time.....
From: CallyGSI on 19th Feb 2007 15:26.24
Hey Nick, long time no see, hope this one's as good as Universal Language. Also hope you have another album with visuals in the pipeline. Look forward to catching up at Bionic mate
From: grim_reaper on 19th Feb 2007 16:56.09
Nice one nick!
Keep up the great work!
From: AVFX on 19th Feb 2007 21:20.39
Well done Nick!
Having had a chance to listen to the new album back in the USA in full now i would just like to give ya a big pat on the back and say well done that man, the new album is stunning, production as always is stop on!
Was well chuffed to make all the new Video Graphics/ Album cover for Danceplanet.
As always its been my honor to be able to do my part to make your live Audio Visual shows round the world stand out above the rest.
Keep on rocking bro!
Love Light and Megabytes from NYC AVFX/VJFX
xxx
From: Mark. on 21st Feb 2007 12:14.08
Absolutely quality album, again. Sentience is unrivalled as the best hard dance producer.
Picked up my copy at Innovate and it hasn't left the CD player yet!
Looking forward to Universal Language 2007.
From: sexyminx on 22nd Feb 2007 20:00.27
Hope it well well for ya Saturday. All the best for the future Wicked interview Ashley  well done babe 
From: -David- on 22nd Feb 2007 21:07.15
?? The dvd is possibly the best thing I have ever seen!! AMAZING!
Total respect to someone who knows what he is doing and is trying to push the boundaries.
Well done Nick!!
From: Ian Edwards on 23rd Feb 2007 18:22.23
Strange world and Carte blanche are the best remix's of those Classics to date.. Awsome..
From: Emma Dicey on 27th Feb 2007 13:47.05
Absolutely love the album!
Restores my faith that hard dance is evolving in the right direction and tracks are still being made that I absolutely love.
Fav track.. Beats Like This!
From: crazyclubber66 on 1st Mar 2007 20:38.36
this albulm has restored faith in the dance scene i hope we will all suppot it and buy it its now available from track it down .........2007 is def nick sentience year .........
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