1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I learnt the trumpet and piano around age 12 and then guitar a couple of years later. I played in a few indie bands for a few years until I discovered the turntables and Dj'ing. I then swapped the guitar for the synthesizer and the stage for the Dj booth and the rest is history!
2. What training have you had?
I completed a diploma in sound engineering and music technology from islington Music Workshop in London. I am also level 1 certified in Logic. The most important training I have received though is sitting for hours on end at my studio making music!
3. When did you get into recording?
Recording demos for the indie bands I mentioned earlier. Then recording vocals for my tracks as DEF inc. and laterally Rebel Sonix. I also worked in London studio Rollover in around 2005.
4. People you have worked with/for?
I've remixed Coldplay, Kylie, Roots Manuva and John B. Labels I have released on include Parlaphone, EMI, Fingerlickin, Eight Fx, Quantum, Botchit and Scarper amongst others. I have composed music for Sony Playstation games, Sky tv, J&B Whiskey, Lexus cars and the BBC to name a few. I have produced online tutorial videos and have had a 1 hour production video in Music Techs magazines cover DVD. I have also Dj'ed at events such as Glastonbury festival and Miami WMC and touring extensively all over the world.
5. Why are you so good at training people?
Well hopefully I have a clear and concise training method mixed with a serious passion for making music. I have previously worked for Apple teaching Logic and also regularly lecture on Logic and electronic music production. I also teach the Ministry of Sound DJ academy in London which involves teaching an introduction to Djing as well as in depth seminars on using NI's Traktor and also Serato Scratch Live. As a producer making cutting edge electronic music, I have to remain at the forefront of new sounds and production techniques. I mix my time between different areas of the music industry - production, remixing, DJing and also teaching which allows me to develop all those skills simultaneously - so I can improve my teaching ability whilst also continuing to develop as a producer (something which you never stop doing!)
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