So after all these years, home is still the UK, despite all its failings (mostly the weather). “To be honest, the scene here isn’t in a healthy place right now,” he admits. “We used to be world class and leaders in the electronic music scene with every town and city having a plethora of events. Today, most of the big brands you know are struggling to sustain one off events, and when they do this they head for the usual guests. There is a glimmer of hope though, as I’m seeing many new underground nights appearing along with the stalwarts Fabric and Ministry holding on to weekly nights.”
Musically speaking in 2013, Fleming rightfully refuses to accept his tag as a student of the trance movement. “I’m not one to jump onto musical fads,” he explains. “Nor do I want to be a chameleon DJ and adjust my sound to ensure I’ll always be on the main stage and have a pocket full of dollars. I’d rather hang up my headphones than play this game. I just play music that I believe in and this is what has kept me in love with being a DJ. There are always good things going on in any scene; musically, there is far too much to mention. I don’t just play the tracks that are currently popular; I’m a traditional DJ that still spends hours hunting for music and constantly finding interesting artists, labels and B sides.”
Indeed, he admits that he is a DJ first – and as such, he has always focused his attention on this whilst learning the art of producing. Recently then, after almost 20 years behind a mixing desk, he delivered his debut artist album at what he thought was the right time. “The way I see it, singles are a reflection of the artists’ regular style – music that they are known and loved for. Albums on the other hand, are a place for artists to express themselves musically. That’s the approach I took and wanted people to hear my passion for making music. Otherwise, I’ve got a new single coming out in a few weeks called Beast from the East – a nice, dark, heads-down track aimed squarely at the dance floor. I’ve also got some bangers lined up for the later part of the year, as well as a single with Airwave, which should be a surprise.”
The label JOOF Recordings is going well for the Brit too – outstanding in fact. “Fans of the label know we don’t really have any genre rules, we simply offer DJ’s the appropriate tools for their set. May it be dark, hard, melodic or driving techno – the only rules we have in place are around strict quality control. And that keeps me very busy. Other than that, I’m putting together a music conference that will be held in Brighton UK in April 2014. While all other conferences are focusing on events to showcase their artists, our main goal is education and giving the next generation the tools and knowledge to forge a career in this music industry – something I feel that has been neglected. We’ll be doing this under one roof, where everyone can rub shoulders with established DJ’s, producers, labels and get hands experience with manufactures to assist them in their difficult choices.”
Finally, he is most chuffed about being invited back to play in Australia shortly. “I have to say I’m really looking forward to this one in particular. I’ve got five hours at each show, so this gives me time to delve into my whole music collection and express myself musically. I’ll be going through a whole range of styles including some very special moments as I look back in time. As with the past two JOOF Editions tours in Australia, they have been packed full of energy with the most wonderful crowds ever – people sharing the same love of music. And for those that have to use genre tags that get stigmatized with certain artists, no I’m not a psyrance DJ, come and enjoy an evening with no musical rules. Spread the word and make these parties the best ever yet.”
What a guy.
BY RK
