From a young gun to an industry lion: Heat/HF Xmas Payback(2back) Party preview with Spencer Freeland
Reported by Olly Perris
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Submitted 15-12-05 16:00
The name Spencer Freeland is one which every single London hard dance clubber will recognize. Not only does he have a fan base that stretches right across the world, he is well known as being one of the most approachable DJs on the circuit. As a Frantic and Heat resident, Spencer has seen and done it all in the hard dance scene. Given that I’m going to be playing alongside him at Turnmills at the Heat/HF Xmas Bash this Saturday, I thought it to be fitting that I asked the man himself — in his first solo HarderFaster interview for 3 years — for some advice on just how to rock one of the most respected main room venues in the world and how to get noticed in the hard dance scene.
Firstly, it goes without saying that you’re one of the most established names across the hard dance scene and many Heat/Frantic regulars, as well as clubbers from all over the country, will know and love your style. For those who are perhaps just getting into hard dance and may be unaware of your style however, how would you describe the type of music which you play?
I'd say that I don’t have one particular style as I try to be as versatile as possible. I think my style is dependant on the promotion and particular set time — for example with Heat, you could expect me to play more uplifting stuff than at Frantic, where I’d be playing a lot tougher and harder. It’s important as a DJ to remember what time and for whom you’re playing so you can perform better.
There was a huge buzz recently on your set at Heat:Evolution where you played classics from 1997 to a packed main room at Koko. A lot of people have asked Heat HQ for the names of the tracks you played. Can you remember your tracklist from the night?
Evolution was by far my favourite gig this year, it was absolutely off the hook! I put in loads of preparation for it but it was all worth it in the end! Regarding a setlist, from what I remember I played the following (in no particular order):
Quench — Dreams (TdV Remix)
Wormhole — JamX & De Leon Remix
Wippenburg — Neurodancer
Camisra — Let Me Show You
Tony De Vit — The Dawn (Original Mix)
Trauma — Higher
Age of Love — Age of Love (TdV Remix)
Spacefrog — Follow Me
Marmion — Schoenenburg
Moonman — Don’t Be Afraid
Skynet — Open The Floodgates
F1 — Cuz I’m Rockin’
Edge 1 — Comp’nded.
Spencer Freeland at Blast vs Convergance, 2005
The Heat & HarderFaster party is, of course, a 100% free event at Turnmills, one of London’s biggest and most notorious clubbing venues. Not many people know the history of Turnmills; be it from DJ Tiesto's appearances before topping the DJ Mag Top 100 poll 5 years ago to The Gallery’s legendary nights or Tony De Vit’s 12 hour marathon set in the early 90s. What special memories does Turnmills hold for you? What has been the best night you have had there?
There’s been lots of fantastic nights at Turnmills but the most memorable for me was the Bunter vs Freeland night in January 2003. Heat did a series of flyers which featured different photo shoots with myself and Billy Bunter and the night went fantastically well, especially considering as it was the 2nd January of the year. Turnmills is a venue which has it all — Tony De Vit’s 12 hour set is just one example of the history and legacy which the club has.
You’re of course no stranger to the main room, having rocked the main room for Frantic and Heat for several years. As I’m going to be playing a back-to-back with you at this event, and have never played the main room at Turmills before, what advice could you give to me (and of course, other up-and-coming names) about playing in the main room at Turnmills?
Turnmills has been at one time home to every major DJ on the planet, so you know you’re going to be surrounded by the best equipment out there. I’d say try and play through the nerves — of course nerves are going to play a role but I believe that nerves bring out the best in a DJ. Also, be extremely aware of the crowd’s reaction and play to your crowd. But of course, above all, just enjoy it!
From my own experience, the hard dance scene can be an incredibly hard scene to break into if you’re a newcomer, particularly the London scene which in some ways represents a macrocosm of the UK scene as a whole. As someone who has reached the top of the industry, what’s the best piece of advice you can give to talented newcomers looking for their break?
I’d say take a step back and look at the scene as a whole — don’t just look for one particular gap. Be as original as possible — by all means take influences from the top names but don't try to imitate — offer something different. It’s also extremely important to stay focused and remain motivated — disappointment is part of the job — it’s how you use it and be positive which is going to make you one step ahead of the rest.
Spencer Freeland at Frantic MORE, 2005
Heat have enlisted the services of many new names for this event, particularly in the main room where DJs such as Matt Gardner, Hypervixen and Benz are playing alongside established names such as Marc French, BK and Technikal. Do you think that promotions should give more chances such as this to newer DJs, or do you feel that sticking closely to the more respected names is the way to go?
I think it’s important for promotions to obtain a balance between A list DJs and people coming through the ranks. I think that the stars of tomorrow need their chance to shine amongst the greats to further their careers — this weekends’ event is a perfect example on a grand scale of how to do this.
You’ve also had a number of production successes over the years, not least your tracks ‘The Music’ with James Lawson on Nukleuz and ‘Society’ with Ali Wilson on Honeypot. You’ve also mentored Alf Bamford and helped further his career by taking him on board with HeatUK. For newer producers looking for their break into the scene, what is the best advice you can give to them?
When I spotted Technikal, he was someone who was obviously extremely talented but also in need of direction. I took him on board and through his talent he's become the hottest property in hard dance. My advice to new producers would be to try to develop your own stamp. Again, you’re not looking to imitate; take influences from the main players such as BK, Nick Sentience etc but add your own individuality. With regards to promotion, don’t just do hundreds of CD mailouts; pick and choose your time to promote your tracks to the major players.
We are going to be playing a back-to-back set in the main room for this event, which naturally I am extremely excited about! When you first heard that you were going to be playing alongside a less experienced DJ such as myself, what were your initial thoughts?
“Oh FUCK!”... hahaha, only kidding mate!! It’s going to be fantastic and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s great to play with a fresh face and it should be extremely interesting as well as very entertaining. It’s also great to play alongside someone who is up and coming like yourself but established in your own right.
With so many other great names on the line-up, do you feel that 2006 could be the year that a multitude of fresh blood breaks into the hard dance scene?
I think so, yeah. 2006 is the perfect time for new blood to come along because the scene is crying out for a new innovator. I’m always keen to keep one eye on the stars of tomorrow. Someone with a new direction could really be huge in 2006 as the scene is crying out for new talent.
Finally, as HarderFaster prepares to say Happy Christmas to its faithful in perhaps the biggest way possible, will you be joining the masses for some sherry and a spot of christmas dancing during the night?
Hell yeah! I'll be propping up the bar — the xmas sherries are on me! See you all on the dancefloor!
With huge thanks to *cheeky-chick* and HeatUK for use of their images.
HeatUK & Harderfaster XMAS PAYBACK PARTY
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On:
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Saturday 17th December 2005
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At:
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Turnmills [map]
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From:
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13:00 - 21:00
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Cost:
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FREE!! To secure your place and guarantee entry please email names to: paulm@heatuk.com
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Website:
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www.heatuk.com
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Ticket Info:
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This is a completely FREE event!! To secure your place and guarantee entry please email names to: paulm@heatuk.com
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More:
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Here it is - the HeatUK & Harderfaster X’mas Payback (2back) Party!
This is our combined thank-you bash as we give something back to the people of clubland. For the first time we’ve brought together 60 DJs to host five areas of music in one of London’s most famous underground clubs.
This is one of those rare occasions where the next generation of uprising stars have a chance to play alongside the legends of today! We’ve thrown everyone in the mix for this one and we’d love you to join us as we kick-start the silly season!
We’ve got plenty of X’mas pressies to give-away, along with DJ Santa who will be delivering the odd random mix! This is the season to be jolly so please leave any attitude at the door and instead join us as we celebrate an afternoon of totally FREE unadulterated Saturday afternoon mayhem!
We’d like to thank all the DJs who have so generously given their time so that we can get merrily tanked!
Free entry! To secure your place and guarantee entry please email names to: paulm@heatuk.com
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Flyer:
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