| Interview with Steve Lawler ( 25.10.2007 - 20:50 GMT UTC )
1. You do a lot of hosting of shows around the world specially London area, is that something You enjoy ofcourse but can You please tell us more about the places You had been and other djs You had seen ? Just a small brief, thanks.
Steve Lawler: I have been brought up on Dj's like Tenaglia, Junior Vasquez, Sasha, Mike Pickering, Derrick May, Frankie Knuckles.. where back in the day, DJ's all use to be a part of a club or a night, I was brought up on DJ's being residents, so I have always found it an important part of my career to have a residnecy. I do not host the night as such. I am a resident and a true resident cares about all aspects of the night. I currently have a 6 year residency at The End in London, and a VIVA Residency in Toronto, in my career I have had a 7 year residency at Space in Ibiza, a 2 year residency at Amnesia in Ibiza, a 3 year residnecy at Cafe Mambo in ibiza, a 2 year residency at Home in London, a 2 year residency at Cream in Liverpool to name a few. I have always had a residency in my career at some point over the last 17 years..
2. What about Your latest album/double CD release, can You tell us a little bit about that aswell, and are You gonna be touring the album, and if so, do You have any details to share with us ?
Steve Lawler: The album is in the process of touring as we speak, it will be an on-going thing for the next couple of months.. The album it self really is a musical imprint of VIVA Harlem nights, which is my residency at The End in London, this CD is for the thousands of people that have been through the doors and for the thousands that havent that live in countries outside of the UK that want to hear what Harlem Nights is all about. My fans know that this residency is an important part of what I do and this way they can see what its all about musically. From now on I only see real purpose in mix compilations if they are for my residencies..
3. The EDM lovers are definitely feeling the “Black Russian” record along with Audiofly, how did You all come with the idea for that song ?
Steve Lawler: Just having some fun in the studio, we wrote 2 tracks in 2 days and it was alot of fun, it turned out really well, because what you get is a true indication of our different styles in 1 record, it doesnt sound exactly like an Audiofly record and it doesnt sound exactly like 1 of mine, so you end up with a real unique sound that could have only come from us together.. There now good friends.. I love those guys, I have been hugely behind them, because I believe they are very talanted, and above all very nice people..
4. So Steve, let me ask You this, what goes into Your mind before You decide to give somebody some support and play their record in the club, radio, or however You do it ?
Steve Lawler: Just simple weather or not its a good record, I play what I love, and in Audiofly's case they were very consistant, making great music, I was playing there first records and noticed these guys were very talented, but not many people really knew about them, that had to change.. the music will speak for its self above all hype or shoulder rubbing, the music is what speaks.
5. What else can You tell us about Your monthly show residency at The End club in London caled Viva Harlem Nights ?
Steve Lawler: It is into its 6th year now, it is always rammed with good people, alot of which are regualars and know each other, it is very very friendly and it goes off to the best music. I honestly couldnt ask for anymore.. this crowd really is the best in the world for me, they understand me musically, and they have trust in me and that is what you get from a proper residency. The Club is amazing, good size for around 1200 people, great sound system, low roof, very nice staff at the club.. the people that run the venue, love the venue and you feel that, and it matters.. honestly, Viva harlem nights is special, and I believe you could ask any of the regulars and they would tell you the same.
6. It might be an off topic questions, but I`m always trying to find out more about it from almost all artists I have interviews with. Do You think fans over seas are more appreciative of Your music than fans here in the UK, more like Europe ?
Steve Lawler: No, I dont think it works like that, I have fans all over the world, and in every continent you have crazy fans, huge fans that have all your records, fans that just come to some of your shows etc, I dont think its measured by country.. but Europe definitely appreciates the deeper sound more than say the US..
7. Looking to the future, the series of Viva albums will take place in other cities, specially Toronto, Canada which is the next one... any other places You might want to let us know about after Toronto ?
Steve Lawler: After Toronto will be Ibiza, inconjunction with what club! I cant tell you right now ;)
8. Have You ever felt that lately, whenever You would like to produce or create a new record, You might need to simplify Your lyrics since today's audience is more concerned with beats, rhythm and hooks ?
Steve Lawler: I have never been a real vocal producer anyway, nor Dj for that matter, I only play vocal tracks when the vocal is a good one, there are alot of vocal tracks around, but they are more vocal tracks for the sake of being commercial rather than being a good song.. so unless I am about to write a good song, I wont be making any vocal tracks, I am not concerned with what the present state is for everyone else or what they want, I would and will always write music for me.
9. Please tell me more about this record on Your double CD “Courses For Horses” signed to Renaissance Recordings, how did You come up with this name ?
Steve Lawler: Well, I thought that was obvious, and as I am not one for stating the obvious, I will let you work that out ;)
10. Appreciate the interview Steve Lawler and I look forward to “VIVA London”, anything to say to the readers of TranceSound.net or anyone reading this interview ?
Steve Lawler: Yeah.. Please dont illegally download the album or copy it off your mates!!! buy it!!! ;) hehehe
Interview made by Cosmin Lukacs aka Dj K8oard (TranceSound.net admin/founder)
Links:
Steve Lawler official website
Steve Lawler @ MySpace
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