Interview with Richard Dinsdale on his ‘U-Turn’ release

Interview with Richard Dinsdale on his ‘U-Turn’ release

28 November, 2008 | 2.46AM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News : richard dinsdale, toolroom records

We grab Richard Dinsdale for an exclusive interview ahead of his much anticipated artist album ‘U-Turn’ dropping on Toolroom Records in December.

Richard tells us about his favourite synths, his views on minimal and his secret passion for Phil Collins…

Your upcoming album, ‘U-Turn’, is hotly anticipated, what did you set out to achieve when making it?

I really wanted to create an album that represented what I’m all about and where my taste lies in music.

Doing the album allowed me to mix a number of different genres which I would have been unable to explore if I was doing multiple singles or e.p’s. I wanted there to be something for everyone on the album.

With your reputation for taking your time when making new productions you could imagine the album was a while in the making, how long did it take from start to finish?

In the initial stages of creation, I wasn’t actually aware that what I was making would become part of an album.

It wasn’t until I’d made about four or five really cool dance tracks that I decided to make them part of an album and this obviously gave me a bit of freedom to really explore other genres in the remaining tracks.

It’s hard to put an exact time from start to finish, but if I was to estimate from the time I first started thinking about the first track, ‘Sonica’, I’d say it’s between nine and twelve months.

You are releasing under the huge and highly respected Toolroom Records, has it been a welcoming reception at the label? Did they have much influence in what you made?

I’ve always had an awesome working relationship with Toolroom Records and I think it’s a relationship which is beneficial for both parties.

They are always very frank and honest about their feelings about tracks I send them, and I’m the same with them.

There have been a couple of tracks that they haven’t been ‘feeling’ and I take their advice/criticism on board and I go and make the relevant changes and modifications.

These transactions have played a major role in what the album is today and I am incredibly appreciative for their ongoing guidance and support.

The album is a real mix of genres, with some thumping bass, alongside vocals, alongside uplifting techno and surefire anthems, were you trying to reach out to all genres and cover all bases?

Yes, I wanted there to be something for all dance music lovers.

A lot of DJs now rarely use vocals in tracks, especially those championing the new minimal sound, what do you think to this movement? Are you still an advocate of old school vocal house?

I don’t think much of this movement. I still love to use vocals on tracks as it definitely adds more soul and is generally far more uplifting.

A crowd can only take so much minimal music. Most of my tracks contain dubs anyway so it gives the dj a choice to play a vocal track or not.

What are your top 3 pieces of equipment for making tracks at the moment?

I’m still using the Nord Lead 3 a lot but I also use the Arturia ARP 2600V & Moog Voyager.

All three are really great synths that get the job done and they also have so many great features to play around with.

If you could remix any other artists songs who and what would they be and why?

I would love to do a Depeche Mode remix just because I love the sounds they use and his vocal is so dark and haunting.

I would also love to remix the Chemical Brothers. Everything they touch is amazing and the hooks they make are so unique and catchy.

You are backed by some heavyweight DJ’s, who has really blown you away both with support and with inspiration?

The time you find out a really renowned producer/DJ is a fan of your work is the time when you feel like you’ve really made it.

When I found out Fatboy Slim was playing my tracks, I knew I was finally on the right track and it was a terrific compliment.

When you get reactions like this back from such an amazing producer it definitely fills you with confidence and inspires you to work even harder.

What or who do you listen to yourself when your going about your lounging about at home?

I’m very eclectic when it comes to music so I like to listen to a lot of different styles and genres.

I listen to everything from Phil Collins, Michael Jackson, Motown - even Abba!

I listen to this music for enjoyment but I also like to study the production of the tracks.

Some of the greatest producers in the world created these albums so it’s great for inspiration.

Which other artist do you see becoming huge in 2009? Anyone you’d like to work with?

I think Style Of Eye and Mark Mendes will be getting more recognition next year. The tracks and remixes they do are all really good.

Interview by Alex Jukes At Jukebox Media

Richard Dinsdale ‘U-Turn’
Exclusive Beatport Release Date 17th December 08
On Toolroom Records

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