| Interview with Simon Patterson aka Dogzilla ( 17.05.2007 - 19:30 GMT UTC )
1. What is your musical background ?
Simon Patterson: My grandfather signed and discovered Van Morrison and helped break the Rolling Stones so music was always in my family. Although he didnt want me to be in music! I used to play semi - pro football until i have a car crash when i was 16 and couldn't play again. But then i found dance music and that was the right path for me!!
2. At what age did you become introduced to EDM ?
Simon Patterson: When I was about 15. I used to listen to Judge Jules on Radio 1 and really loved uplifting trance. I never thought about buying decks or becoming a DJ. I just loved listening to the tunes!
3. What are your feelings towards the evolution of trance music ?
Simon Patterson: I think now its got much better produced but that is it for me. It hasnt really moved on and i guess to a certain extent it cant cause most things have been done. There are loads of sub genres within trance like i like, progressive, i also love techno and trance. I think with trance music people need to start pushing the boundries and trying different things. Not the same old thing, but unfortunatley thats what people seem to want..
4. Do you write the lyrics to your own vocal productions ?
Simon Patterson: No, when I do Dogzilla stuff with Richie Kayvan we both do it. Him more so than me. Although I am actually working on a solo vocal track which I am trying to write vocals for now!
5. What inspires you to write those lyrics (if you do) ?
Simon Patterson: Life in general, experiences mainly.
6. Do you see Dogzilla working with any female vocalists in the near future ?
Simon Patterson: No def not in the near future..
7. Dogzilla is a rather unique name, where did this name original from and who decided on it as the group name ?
Simon Patterson: Richie decided on it. The first track we did reminded us of Godzilla wrecking a city so he changed it to Dogzilla as a track name, the label thought the act name would benefit from that too so it sorta stuck!
8. Which other DJ's or producers do you like working with the most ?
Simon Patterson: I dont get the chance to work with many other people. I admire John O'Callaghan, Sander Van Doorn and anyone who comes up with unreal riffs and melodies!
9. How do you like working with Richie Kayvan ?
Simon Patterson: I love it. Hes the most talented person I have worked with and should be producing for the likes of U2!
10. What are the characteristics that an artist would need in order to be lined up along with some of the Top DJ's ?
Simon Patterson: I think the most important thing is hunger. If your hungry you'll make things happen. Yes, talent is also important but I know loads of people who have all the talent in the world and do nothing about it.
11. Who are some of your influences as a producer ?
Simon Patterson: No-one really. I love Push for his riffs but in terms of who I aspire to be, I really love listening to rock music and taking ideas from bands and stuff. Astrix in the psy genre is amazing so these would be the only people that I really spend time trying to work out what they did to make it sound like that.
12. What is your favorite record of all time ?
Simon Patterson: In trance - Plastic Boy - 'Silver Bath'. In rock - Metallica 'One' or Nothing Else Matters
13. Do you listen to other genre's of music besides trance ? If so, can you tell us some of your favorite artists ?
Simon Patterson: At the moment I love a new band called Headway - they have just been signed to Geffin in the US. They are going to be massive. Quite melodic like Coldplay, but amazing lyrics. They are from the UK. I also like a band called Sigur Ross - so uplifting!
14. What song would you says is your best work out of the tracks that you have produced ?
Simon Patterson: F16 without a doubt. Still cant match that!
15. Do you have a home studio ? If so, what does your set up consist of ?
Simon Patterson: Yeah I have just moved from Pro Tools LE to Logic. Just consists of loads of software and the Virus TI. Going to invest in an amazing reverb unit in the next few weeks...
16. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time when you are not in the studio ?
Simon Patterson: Eating and working out. I eat the most in the world!
17. Which event would you say is the greatest EDM event of all time, whether you were attending or performing at the event ?
Simon Patterson: Sunrise in Poland - no words can describe how unreal this is!
18. Is there anywhere in particular that you would like to perform and have not had a chance to yet ?
Simon Patterson: Yeah LA is the number 1 place for me. to be honnest USA in general.
19. What do you feel the ideal type of sound system is and what size room can it accommodate ?
Simon Patterson: Funktion 1 is the best. Any size room is good for me!
20. Can you tell us anything regarding your other involvement in the music industry besides DJing and Producing ?
Simon Patterson: I used to work for Seb Fontaine and Judge Jules as there A&R. I also used to be A&R at Ministry Of Sounds Incentive label.
21. What advice would you give an aspiring producer or DJ ?
Simon Patterson: Find your own sound and keep knocking on doors!
22. I just wanted to say that you did an excellent job in New York spinning along side Sean Tyas and Tom Colontonio. Did you enjoy yourself in New York ?
Simon Patterson: Yeah unreal. Wicked gig. Really enjoyed it. The warmth of the people, the hospitality on the promotor and hooking up with Sean and his circle of mates was a great experience. I love NY and when I come back I will be wearing the t-shirt to prove it!! Brilliant place.
23. Can we expect to see you spinning in New York again soon ?
Simon Patterson: I am counting the dayz till I return. In talks at the moment about it. Hopefully very soon!!
24. Are there any other comments that you would like to add to address your fans ?
Simon Patterson: Just thanks so much for coming and for all the support and kind words, means alot and next time i come it will be even better! ;o)
Interview made by Zaneta Soroko aka Euphoria (TranceSound.net forum moderator)
Links:
Dogzilla official website
Simon Patterson @ MySpace
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