Passion 20: Ian Standerwick Interview
So, everyone has a bit of a story as to how they got into dance music, can you shed some light as to what made you love this genre so much and also how you got into it and how your producing/dj career started?
Hey guys, thanks for having me!!
From years of doing other styles of music, Trance and my introduction to it came along from my association with a few people. I had met Chris Gould and Ian Wilkie (Area7) years back and ended up working with Chris on a few projects. That along with going to some Slinky club nights in Bristol where I am from ended up me experimenting and really getting into Trance. The DJ’ing really kicked off seriously as a result of my productions. I had DJ’d in the past back but this time round it pretty much started seriously for me after playing on Armins A State Of Trance 650 tour in Holland. This kicked off a chain of events that I’m still very much a part of.
Who has been the most influential artist in shaping your unique sound?
Not sure really. I just produce music and it comes out that way. There have been a few key people who have really helped me with production techniques and achieving a better quality of sound. I stemmed from a background of working in 24 Track Recording Studios with experience in playing Bass, Guitar, Keyboards and Drums. Working inside the box and having the ability to do so much still amazes me, but there was also a lot to learn working in this format. The principals of music production and quality of sound however, pretty much remain the same.
You have been playing around the world, what gig has been your fav and why?
I think this prize must go to the Future Sound Of Egypt gig last year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The energy from that crowd was breathtaking. I have never seen anything like it. Every gig I play has without doubt its own amazing merits, but this event and the occasion was pretty special for me, I can’t wait to go back.
What can everyone expect to hear from you when you play for us?
Everything that I love about Trance, in a nutshell! I only play what I’m really into at the time of the event. Its a play list of energy and emotion. It will be varied set but all about the energy for me so expect some of this!
Being a dj/producer nowadays can be very hard with so many people trying to do it, What tips would you give to an upcoming dj/producer?
Keep your head down, put the time in and strive to be the best. Let nothing stand in your way even if it means only grabbing 3 hours sleep a night for a few years! The time and effort is worth it because if things do start to move for you its a journey like no other.
On a production level, reference the quality of your productions against the big tunes and other producers who you know are hitting the spot. Quality control everything and try real hard to take your productions to a higher level with each tune you do. The rest is in the hands of the Gods and a whole bunch of luck! ;)
What’s your fav drink’s?
Good Coffee.
Vodka and Coke!
What’s the funniest thing you have seen while touring?
That has got to be the hand-stand next to the DJ box at a gig I played at recently that went completely wrong! and no it wasn’t me. Possibly the most funniest act of randomness I’ve ever seen at a gig, but I just accepted it as - Hey, maybe thats what they do here! It did look rather painful and extremely embracing for the poor girl concerned though.