Jordan Suckley has become one of the rising stars in the UK Trance scene due to his undoubted skills behind the decks as well as an ever-increasing amount of quality productions. Having been named as Judge Jules “One To Watch” artist for 2012, BBC Radio 1 snapped him up to have his own ‘In New DJs We Trust’ show. This meant Jordan was the only Trance DJ left on the station.
Fast forward to 2013 and the man from Chester had gained even more nods of approval for his productions. ‘Vanilla’ a collaboration with Simon Patterson was championed by the Worlds Number 1 DJ Armin Van Buuren and his most recent tune ‘Santa Cruz’ hit the top spot on the Track It Down Trance Chart. A tour to Australia as well as appearances at Cream at Amnesia and Global Gathering UK are all scheduled for later this summer, but first this talented DJ will headline Trance Sanctuary’s Daytime Summer Party at Egg, London on the 13th July.
So we thought it was about time we got to know this rising star who certainly loves his banging Trance.
Hi Jordan, going back to the start how did you first pick up the Trance bug and were you much of a clubber?
Well I used to listen to all of the Cream & Gatecrasher Compilations and it all started from there! As a clubber I used to go to Goodgreef in Manchester & also Escape in Swansea when I was at University. I have great memories from being on the dance floor at those events so it’s now a fantastic feeling to have actually been involved from behind the decks at those events.
Your big break came at the age of 18 when you won a DJ competition for the chance to play at Nation in Liverpool. That must have been a thrilling moment but I’m keen to know what was the secret to your success and what advice can you give to others who enter DJ competitions?
Yeah winning that competition really gave me a lot of confidence to progress. I won the it purely through DJing, but the times have changed and now it’s best to focus all of your time on making music! But if you want to win a DJ competition my best advice is that you need to make your set/mix stand out. For me it was learning to scratch and implementing that into my sets as well and making use of FX etc.
If you work non stop and have your goals in mind all of the time, you will get there eventually!
Having made great strides as a young DJ, how important a step was it for you to start producing your own music and how much time did you need to dedicate to making tracks?
If you want to play gigs internationally these days you need to make music as it’s the main way to get noticed so it is extremely important.
I first started producing 4 years ago and it has been a roller coaster journey. If you keep at it and keep powering though, you eventually see the results!
You have released tracks on labels such as Reset, Liquid, Nightvision, and Discover, so what are are your favourites that you have made?
I would have to say “Simon Patterson & Jordan Suckley- Vanilla (Original Mix) which got released on Reset Recordings earlier this year. Also my new track on Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto label called “Jordan Suckley- Do or Die (Original Mix) is another I’m really pleased with.
You have recently remixed the classic Binary Finary track ‘1999’ for Armada Records. It’s often not an easy job to remix a classic track so how did you go about making your own remix?
I just wanted to make a version of it I would play in my sets all of the time. I think sometimes people think too much in to doing a remix. I just had a vision in my head I wanted a Tech Trance remix of it to play and this was how it came out. I like to visualize a track in my head before I make it & then execute the idea! I have been playing it out in my sets and it’s due for a release later this summer.
You have been a resident of Northern Trance institution Goodgreef for the past 4 years. What have you enjoyed most about being a resident and do you think it has improved you as a DJ?
I love playing for Goodgreef because they have such a strong following and they always book huge acts! I have had to warm up for some massive DJ's in the past such as Paul Van Dyk, Paul Oakenfold and John O’Callaghan. So this has helped me a lot to learn the craft of being a warm up DJ as well as playing the peak time slots!
Having played at clubs and festivals all over the world, what have been a few of your favourite places to play and why?
I would say Argentina because of the crowds out there are really energetic and up for it. I also get a great buzz for playing in Ibiza and I can’t wait to get out there again later in the year.
What is it like to play all over the world to different crowds? Do you find certain countries like certain Trance styles more than others?
In Argentina they like the music hard & dark, whereas when I play in Malta for example they prefer Trance with vocals. Different sounds are stronger in different parts of the world, but I love this because I like to play a range of sounds!
With all your international gigs that you play, what is the one essential travel item that you can't do without?
My Macbook Pro, so I can work on the road!
Which DJs and Producers are you currently enjoying listening to?
Will Atkinson, Darren Porter, Coming Soon & anything on Perfecto Fluoro!
On Saturday 13th July you will be headlining Trance Sanctuary's Summer event at Egg in London. What have you heard about TS events and how much are you looking forward to playing?
I have seen some footage on Youtube from past events and it looks absolutely insane! It will be my first time playing for you guys so that’ always brings a good anticipation and I will try and prepare a few exclusives for my set as well!
Finally tell us something about yourself that people might not all ready know?
I studied Business & Marketing at Swansea University for 4 years.
Trance Sanctuary would like to say a big thank you to all those that attended our May event. The atmosphere was once again amazing and we hope everyone can join us for our next party on Saturday 13th July. The summer vibe will be in full flow as there will be a BBQ to enjoy in the garden area and inside the tunes will certainly be banging.
In the Main Room we are excited to be welcoming one of the most talked about UK Trance DJs at the moment Jordan Suckley, as well as giving a London debut to the very talented Bjorn Akesson. Also Matt Bowdidge will be making a welcomed return to the Trance Sanctuary decks having become a big favourite with the world's number 1 DJ Armin Van Buuren. In Room 2 we are delighted to be giving a UK Debut to Artento Divini who is well known for his excellent releases on High Contrast Recordings.
If Trance Sanctuary is on your birthday weekend, we'll make it extra special by giving you and a guest free entry. Just send us an email with your name and d.o.b. (and remember to bring ID)!
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