Graeme Lloyd Q & A

Graeme Lloyd Q & A

22 June, 2009 | 8.32AM

• Written by: YvonneSedition
• Filed under: Music News : graeme lloyd, stripback records

Graeme Lloyd chats to us about his new release ‘Waveform’ on Stripback Records and his past as a dancer.

DJ and producer Graeme Lloyd is a familiar face on the London club scene and plays at nights like The Gallery on a regular basis. He’s well travelled on the international scene too and is starting to establish his credentials as a producer with the release of his third single, ‘Waveform’ on Stripback Records which follows on from the success of earlier tracks like ‘Candiru’ and ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’.

‘Waveform’ is the third release on Stripback Records and maintains the label’s reputation for forward thinking and energetic progressive and tech house. With its well crafted percussion, rolling synth lines and acid touches, it’s a dancefloor bomb that builds and builds but never loses its essential groove. Remixes come from label mates I:AM, rising techno star Tommy Four Seven and Dan Cat.

Check out the Gallery website for a recent podcast mixed by Graeme and read on to find out more about the man himself.

How did you first discover dance music and then become a DJ?

“I have always been into music from a very early age – I started out as a dancer and actually trained as a professional dancer. I appeared in shows as a teenager in London’s West End and went on to become a commercial dancer with pop and dance acts like Robbie Williams, All Saints and Tall Paul’s Camisra. You can also find me in some pop videos with some more embarrassing artists that I am not going to mention! My real interest in DJing came when I became part of the group Strike who had a big hit with ‘U Sure Do’ and worked with Andy Gardner (Plump DJs) and Matt Cantor (Freestylers).”

You play regularly at The Gallery in London - tell us more.

“Well, I used to hang out at the club back in the Turmills days and just loved the place. My favourite DJ was Tall Paul and I used to watch him play, standing at the door to the main room box. I never imagined that one day I would play there. I have been a regular at The Gallery for a few years now and the move to the Ministry of Sound means I get to play for the best night in the best club in the UK. I’ll be making my main room debut on July 17th.”

What are the favourite moments from your DJ career so far?

“There have been lots and I have really loved playing at some of the biggest clubs in the world including the Ministry of Sound, Cream (Amnesia) and Bora Bora in Ibiza, and, of course, Turnmills. One of the most amazing gigs I played was a six-hour set on a beach in India in front of 2000 people. It was so hot but it rained during the night which made the place go nuts with everyone dancing in the rain. Then as the sun came up in the morning I could see over the crowd to the sea. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”

How did you get started as a producer?

“I think every DJ has loads of ideas for tracks in their head and I wanted to see if I could do it for myself. I had worked with an engineer in the past and thought that it was time to start making tracks myself. It does take time but I feel I am really starting to produce some good work.”

‘Waveform’ is your latest track but give us a rundown on what else you’ve released so far.

“I had two tracks out last year, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’ which was the first release on Stripback Records and ‘Candiru’ which came out on Playtime Records. I was in the studio last summer when a mate called me from the terrace at Space to say that Nic Fanciulli was playing my track – that was wicked!”

How would you describe your sound and how do you think your production skills have developed?

“I guess I would say that I produce driving tech house with a progressive twist.  I always find that question hard to answer as there’s such a big crossover of sounds now. I think you develop with every track you make. One thing I love about production is there is always something new to learn.”

‘Waveform’ has already been getting support from some of the big names - tell us about the remixes too.

“We have had some great feedback from the top DJs. It’s really amazing when guys like Axwell, Dubfire and D.Ramirez are supporting you. I think we’ve also put together a really great remix package which hopefully has something in there for everyone, Tommy Four Seven has done an amazing, deep driving mix, new boys I:AM take the track on a more techy journey and Dan Cat has rounded things off with a dark and twisted 6am mix.”

‘Waveform’ is available from Beatport now.

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