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gareth griffiths interview
Gareth Griffiths Interview
He may not be the biggest DJ name to hit Cardiff, but Gareth has certainly made the biggest impact. Over the last 2 years he's been performing along side big name DJ's, in sell out gigs and has even been commended by Radio 1 for his radio show. Read on and see what this up-and-coming DJ has got install for us over the next 12 months. Clubbing guru and itchy writer Suzanne Carter caught up with Gareth at the Students Christmas Ball.
Did you have a good evening and did you enjoy the event?
Yeah, I had a wicked time. I always enjoy returning to Cardiff. The crowds knows me, and are one of the most responsive in the country. I'm building up a strong following in Wales, and always look forward to playing here.
Did your set go well as you expected?
The set was bangin straight from the start. I've played after Jules a lot, and it's always a challenge to keep the crowd interested. I never plan sets, just aim to keep the crowd going right till the end. They were going berserk!
Which other DJ impressed you at the gig?
I didn't catch many of the other DJ's as I was on last. Jules is always impressive, very professional. He still has a massive following and I love playing his gigs, as you know they will be rammed. Anne Savage is a legend, I've known her for years. We had a few bevies during my set, and I heard she was good.
You use to go to this university, has it changed much since you left?
No, its still as good as it always was. The boys who run spin 'em eddy continue to put on massive parties, and bring the biggest names to Cardiff University.
So how and why did you want to be a DJ?
I visited Ibiza six years ago, went to Amnesia to see Pete Tong and was hooked from them. As soon as I got back to the UK I bought decks and never looked back. If I wasn't DJ'ing in clubs, I'd be in the same clubs on a night out. DJ' ing was a natural progression from my love of the music and the scene.
How would you describe the music that you play and what music do you detest?
The music I play is always hard. I like to go in bursts during my set. Build the atmosphere up &up, then bring it back down to a pumpin level for a few records. If you catch a crowd right, you can really work them and create the atmosphere you want. I play hard trance, with funky undertones. I am not a fan of the hoover &horn side of hard house, as I think this butchers a lot of good music. This year hard trance is definitely making a comeback.
What have you done since leaving university?
I DJ full time. I take my music very seriously. I also present a weekly radio show, and was recently nominated for the Radio One National Student Radio Awards 2001. I was the only dance show in the final five for best specialist. The producers at Radio One who judged the entries told me I had the best student dance show in the country, which I was very proud of.
What clubs have you played at and in what country's?
I've played all over the UK and abroad. I supported Pete Tong on the Essential Selection University Tour 2000, and clubs like Slinky, Hard 8, Spin 'Em Eddy, Bubblegum, Flux, Bionic to name a few.
What club would you love to play at and with what DJ would it be with?
No contest! Definitely the Courtyard at Cream with Pete Tong. For me this is the best clubroom in the country. The layout of the DJ booth you're right in there with the crowd. The room is unbelievable, with a wicked sound system.
Played along side any big name DJ's?
Yeah, loads. This year I've played with Judge Jules, Fergie, Pete Tong, Anne Savage, Brandon Block, John Kelly, Nick Sentence, Mauro Picotto, Boy George, Tiesto. You learn a lot from these people, particularly going on straight after them. I've been playing main room sets for years, a real baptism of fire, and a challenge I always relish.
So what plans for the future? Are you returning back to Cardiff?
This year is a big year for me. I have a very hectic DJ schedule, and I plan to really make my mark in the mainstream clubs this year. I am also developing my radio work. Radio One have asked me to forward some stuff. I've re-located to London now and have signed to a new agency, so things are looking really good. Spin 'Em Eddy has booked me for some work for the autumn 2002, so I'll be back at Cardiff Uni. I also play Bionic @ Emporium and I am setting up some dates there for this year.
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