Richard Dinsdale Interview

You’ve wide remit of sound –where do all the influences come from?

I grew up listening to lots of different styles of music, mainly Motown as that’s what my mum would play all day cleaning the house. Apart from listening to the charts during the 80’s I’d listen to a lot of 70’s disco and funk so I guess I try to incorporate the disco samples and various synth sounds from the 60/70’s in my tracks.  

Ever tempted to settle on one sound to real hone and perfect your own style? Why/why not?

No not really as I would get bored. The whole reason I love making music is to experiment on every track I do and try and make it different from the last but obviously keeping the club feel there. I also work on Advert and TV production so that is a good way of getting away from making straight up club tracks all the time.

How much do you make music as an expression of yourself vs. something to work on a dance floor?

Everything I make is an expression of myself. Its all about how I’m feeling on the day etc. I incorporate what im feeling and something that has to work on the dance floor as well.
 

What do you aim to achieve with one of your sets/productions?

I try to keep the track interesting. I’ll put my hands up and say I wished I’d worked on a few of my old tracks a bit more but this year I have definitely taken a new leaf and pressured myself into putting more time into my club tracks. You can definitely tell the difference with the production that will be coming out in the next couple of months.
 
You’re one of the Toolroom Knights – what’s it like working with such people? What have you learnt from them?

It’s really great working with the guys at Toolroom Towers.  

Can you tell us about the EP you’re doing for LS City Records?

It’s been great as they are new label and it’s great to be part of something like that just like Toolroom when they first started out. It’s also a good thing as it combines the fact that I’m a semi resident at Filth, Leeds and I’ve tried to incorporate the Filth sound in both of these tracks.

The first track “Do You Think About Me” is a track I would play in the first part of my set at Filth and the second “Put Your Hands Up” near the end as it’s more on the Techno side.

Do you make a record then try get it signed or vice-versa? Do labels have much input/say in how the final release sounds?

Mainly these days I would make a track or an ep and send the track/s to the labels I think would best suit the ep. But on the other hand at the moment I’m working a lot with the Italian label EGO Italy and they have approached me with a vocal track that has been written by Rob Davis of Kylie “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” fame and they want me to put my own twist on it so that has been fun for me.

You’ve agreed to become semi-resident at Filth – what made you make that decision?  

It was a very easy decision for me to make and very grateful I was approached. Apart from being a Ministry Of Sound Resident this is definitely in the same league. The first time I played for Filth I was blown away at how good the crowd is in Leeds and the team behind Filth, Danny Savage, Alex Jukes too many to name are fantastic to work with. I look forward to the event months before hand leading up to it. It’s just a good quality night with a crowd that loves music.

What do you think are the key elements for a good party from a DJ’s point of view?
 
1. Good, friendly up for it crowd.

2. Good quality Sound System.
Doesn’t mean shit where it is or what the club is like but as long as it contains the above, job done.
What can people expect from you at Filth in May?

Pure bliss Techno and Tech house and lots of new bits I’ve made in the studio.  
 
What else are you working on in 2010?

Apart from the Rob Davis track The Sunshine Day track on EGO/Hed Kandi/ Pacha Recordings is going to get a vocal, at the moment we are in talks with Tara McDonald. I’m working with Sam Obernik on a Spanish Guitar led track. I’ve just finished a vocal track with Richard F and Shawnee Taylor and that has a big signing ahead so will keep you guys posted.

What are your top 3 current favourite tracks?

Chris Lake & Michael Woods “Dominos” Rising Recs(Amazinggggg)

Mijail “Santo Domingo” Dark side Digital Records

MVSEVM “French Jeans”(Style Of Eye Remix) Discobelle Records

What track would you reach for in an emergency (i.e. empty dance floor)?

Do you know what I have a few in the back of the wallet including MGMT “Kids”(Soulwax remix), Frankie Knuckles “Your Love” but I’ve just rediscovered Richard F “Let The Sunshine Thru” great track.