Episodes
An important local music influence over the last two decades and a key character, Episodes brought an open minded approach to music and DJing that raised the standard for all.
Known for his award winning (see gallery) DJ sets and his original musical taste. Current single ‘Melting Soul’ with The Spescialist still available.
1. Influences?
Has to be the innovators and not the imitator’s, some include James Brown, Lalo Shiffrin, Stevie Wonder, David Axelrod, Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy, DJ Premier, Massive Attack, Herbert, Moody Mann, Photek, Moritz Von Oswald, Strata East, Mo Wax, Ninja Tune, Compost, Strictly Rhythm, Nervous, Planet E.
2. Tell us about your DJ/production history.
It all began with John Peel, I would listen to his entire shows for the 1 or 2 hard to find Hip Hop tracks he would play, (He was the first to play Hip Hop and Electro on national radio in the UK, way before electronic dance shows existed) this was a taster and major tease that fueled my desire to go search for underground US Hip Hop in Soho, London. Several 1000 records and a couple of years later Richard’s Records and Fat Alberts Records staff began a night in the legendary Penny Theatre in Canterbury, the music I heard sparked an urge to go ‘Crate Digging’ for 60′s, and 70′s Jazz, Funk, Latin, and Soundtracks, the source of samples in many late 80′s/ 90′s Hip Hop tracks I had become obsessed with. My DJ-ing career began in the early 90′s with a couple of guest slots for the Phat Alberts crew in Canterbury, playing warm up sets for Massive Attack’s Daddy G and Portishead’s Andy Smith. During the early to mid 90′s I held regular weekly DJ-ing residencies at various wine bars, and The Sub Club where I met Keydin (Wesley Burden) my long term DJ-ing parner in crime, together we formed Sonicvisions and have held residencies at Bar Vasa in Sandgate, Alberrys in Canterbury, 3Zero in Ashford and played at many Festivals/ Parties. As DJ’s we play spontaneously back to back creating a fun and exciting party vibe. As far as production goes, I have collected various studio kit over the years but am fairly new to it after recently passing an Audio Engineering Diploma at SAE London.
3. How would you describe your style?
My style is varied, I enjoy taking the listener on a long musical journey pulling in tracks from different genres, I always include the cutting edge sounds of now whilst not forgetting the roots from the past. When DJ-ing as Sonicvisions, with Wes, we tend to aim straight at rocking the dance floor with a few curve balls thrown in for good measure.
4. What is your preferred media/tech?
For DJ-ing it’s Traktor Pro with either CDJ or Vinyl used for control. Would never want to loose the essence of the original DJ-ing technique (i.e decks & mixer) I began using Traktor Pro to enable myself to bring a digitized version of my vast music collection (1000′s of records) to the dance floor. For production and re-edits I use Ableton and Logic with various plugins.
5. Current influences?
Nigel Goddrich, Mr Scruff, Gilles Peterson, Luciano, POL_ON, Robag Wrumhe, MCDE, Floating Points, and Eddie C.
6. Favourite clubs?
In the past… Legendary Body and Soul in NYC, Thats How It Is @ Bar Rhumba with Gilles Peterson and James Lavelle on a Monday nights, Bluenote in Hoxton Sq, Bedrock first Thurs of month @ Heaven. Fabric is great for its sound system and forward thinking music policy, but I really like Plastic People for its warm friendly atmosphere. Had an awesome time with the Sideways crew in DC10 Circo Loco. Love festivals and have had amazing times at the Big Chill, and Lounge on the Farm.
7. 5 words that best describe you?
Passionate, Persistent, Unassuming, Fun-Loving, Particular.
Discography
Releases
Melting Soul – 2009
The Bomb / Buzz Werner – 2010
First Light – 2011
Remixes
Thom Norton – Worth It? (Episodes Remix) – Sideways 2010
Guy Hornsby – Capa’s Journey (Episodes Alternative Route) – Sideways 2011
