Interview: Eddie Halliwell

On November 20th, Goodgreef celebrates its 10th birthday with a huge celebration at Tall Trees in Yarm.

We caught up with headliner and Goodgreef regular Eddie Halliwell to talk about 'buzzing' live performances, presenting on the radio, and how he feels to be returning for Goodgreef's 10th birthday.

You're known for your high energy live performances. What do you think it is about your performance that sets you apart from other DJs and inspires the crowd so much?

My absolute 100% passion and dedication to what I am doing I guess – I think if you have a real love for the music and being on stage, it shows in your performance – the more the crowd buzz from what I am doing, the more I buzz.

Is it ever a struggle to keep the energy levels so high night after night?

When I have a very long flight and have to go straight to the club on arrival that can be exhausting, but when I get to the club and hear music it gets me back in the zone!

Are there any other DJs whose live performance you really rate?

I love watching technical DJs. I was recently at BPM for the DJ Mag Tech Awards and saw DJ Shiftee, I really enjoyed watching him.

You've been in the top 20 of DJ Mag's top 100 DJs for four consecutive years. How do you stay consistently on form and ahead of the game?

My performance evolves all the time to stay fresh and unique.

You also have your own radio show - is it strange playing music without being able to see the audience's reaction?

more info

When I first started out at Radio 1 it took some getting used to as I’d never presented before and was so used to being in front of an audience, but I really enjoy presenting my own show, especially as I can record from anywhere in the world now with it being a syndicated show. If anyone wants to check it out they can listen at eddiehalliwell.com/radio

You get a lot of love from your peers. Tiesto has called you a ‘legend’ and Paul Van Dyk has praised your use of Pioneer. Is this sort of praise important to you?

Yeah of course, it’s always nice to get praise, but to receive recognition from such massive artists such as Tiesto and Paul Van Dyk is great. 

Who was your DJ idol when you were growing up?

Scratch Perverts, Qbert and Carl Cox.

You're a bit of a champion of new technology. What do you say to vinyl snobs?

Each to their own – but it’s good to embrace change and evolve.

What do you think of harnessing old technologies to create music? For example, Kysko and Kashiwagi recently combined wind-up gramophones with digital technology for a set in Manchester. Is that the sort of thing you'd be interested in exploring?

Sounds very interesting!! I am always up for trying something new – especially when it comes to experimenting with sound and technology.

You've DJed all over the place - but where do you think your biggest fanbase lies?

Hmmm, that’s a difficult one to answer, as there are many great gigs worldwide. It’s easier to say where I enjoy the most and that would have to be Ibiza and South America – where the sun shines, this always makes people happy!  

You've played a big part in Goodgreeef's growth and success. How do you feel to be returning for its tenth birthday?

I can’t wait. Goodgreef definitely has a special place in my heart, so being part of the anniversary is fantastic – good opportunity to catch up with the gang and all the old faces!

What do you have planned for your 10th anniversary Goodgreef set? 

Full fire!

Thanks Eddie, see you there!

Interview by: Jayne Robinson

Find Eddie Halliwell news, events and information. 

Related articles: 

Goodgreef Celebrates 10th Birthday with Eddie Halliwell

Tickets are no longer available for this event

missed out?