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Features
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| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! | | N-Kore talks Jean-Michel Jarre, unfinished tracks and fatherhood! | | Celebrating International Women’s Day and Ten Years of Psy-Sisters with Amaluna | | A Catch Up with John Phantasm ahead of his upcoming set at the Tribal Village 4 Day Outdoor Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! | | 'The Maestro that is Tristan talks barn owls, Shazamming and keeping it Psychedelic ahead of his upcoming performance at the Tribal Village 4 Day Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! |
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Interview with John Kelly
Reported by Gordon Darley
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Submitted 28-11-05 14:47
Nobody can escape the fact that the North of England has been responsible for some of our greatest assets. And undeniably, it has given us some of our greatest musical legends. Hailing from Liverpool, home of superclub brand Cream, John Kelly is one such legend.
As diverse as you can get, skilled, and in as high demand as ever, John has been in the dance music scene for longer than some of us on this site have been able to walk. Starting out in his Uncle’s pub with the most basic equipment, you can’t hide from the fact that he has come a long way, and that in this fickle industry, he has to be doing something right to still be playing at the country’s (not to mention the world’s) top clubs.
With his much anticipated classics set at the Knowwhere Christmas Party at Heaven fast approaching, we got in touch to pick his brain about making it as a DJ, making top 40 hits, and controlling your children…
Hi John, thanks for giving the time for the interview. How are you?
Good thanks, and you?
Very well thanks. Firstly, for those who have been living under a shell all their lives, can you describe what you play?
Well, usually I play a mix of tough funky twisted stuff with a lot of fat bass lines with familiar hooks and samples to keep the crowd involved, but at Club Knowwhere at Heaven next Friday I have been asked to play a trance classics set. The lads from Club Knowwhere heard the set I played for Gatecrasher the last time I was at Heaven and like it so much they booked me to do it for them on their Christmas bash.
I’ve done a bit of research and I’ve found out that you started DJing in your Uncle’s pub in Liverpool with nothing but normal CD players. What kind of stuff was it you played, and what did this teach you about playing music to people?
Well first of all this was in the days of acid house and I used to drape one half of the club in sheets with the disco lights behind them giving a soft ‘womb’ feel to the room with day glow pictures that looked like they had been painted by colour blind Mexicans on acid and played everything from early Chicago house, hip house, 303 stuff, techno, ten city, garage. The biggest tracks was ‘Reaching’ by Phase 2 and Ten City. And all on 2 hi-fi CD players, no mixing, just programming, how to pace a night out, and I learnt that you can set tunes up if you played a certain tune before a big tune you can get twice the reaction and how to work a crowd I suppose.
I think it’s safe to say that you’ve been in the business a fair while now. What changes have you been through as a DJ and producer, and what changes have you seen in the scene that really seem to stand out for you?
The biggest change was at the beginning when it went from a few like minded people from all walks of life — black or white, rich or poor, gay or straight, north or south — feeling like one family with respect and, dare I say love for each other expressed through the music at the party we were at. The way the music brought people together, sharing the same goals, i.e. to harmlessly enjoy our selves to the max while being tolerant of all around you. It really sounds like bullshit now but believe me it was like that, and then it went in the tabloids and it just blew up everywhere or as we used to say “it’s all over”.
You’ve had a number releases as a producer that have done well, how did you get into this? Was it something that naturally came to be, or was it something that the scene seemed to force upon you?
To be honest I was forced into the studio screaming and kicking. It is such an alien environment to me and because I didn’t know how to use the equipment I felt really out of place, I still don’t like being there.
“These days, to make it as a DJ, you need to produce tracks that get released.” How true do you think this statement is?
Well it is one way but if you look at Eddy Halliwell, he is a top DJ who is there purely through his DJing. Nothing is ever as black and white as that.
A little birdie tells me that you once had a track make the top 30 in the charts. Some might say this is selling out, some may say it’s great to see good music crossing over to the mainstream. Which would you agree with, and how have you found it has affected your career?
I don’t think it effected my career and people will find something to say about you if they really want too anyway
Moving on now. Your son Daniel has been making a good name for himself with residencies in Ibiza and the UK. Is this your fault? Was he tied to the decks from a young age, or did he get into it of his own accord (be honest, he’s over 18, Social Services can’t touch you now!)
Tied to the decks, I could have tied it round his neck (but he’s bigger than me.) for the mess he would leave. He never put the records back in their sleeves, he would have his mates down there drinkin all my booze.
I used to lock my record room up when I would be on the road but he’s a clever lad and had the key copied.
Haha. Is it difficult having such a close family member working in the same industry as you? Is there any competitiveness, and if so, is this a healthy thing?
Of course not,but he’s gone back to uni and is studying to be a surveyor now.
You’ve been booked to play at Knowwhere on 2nd December. Have you been to/played at this event before? What are your expectations?
I have heard it’s a great night and I expect it to be even better because it’s their Christmas party.
And what can the Knowwhere crowd expect from your set? Do you have any new material you’re looking forward to playing?
As I said, they want me to play classics.
From experience, how does a London crowd differ from crowds in the rest of the country, and those overseas? Where is your favourite place to play?
I like to think anyone anywhere can be a great crowd. It’s more to do with the music you play than where you are.
Again, thanks very much for your time John. See you at Knowwhere.
Thanks to Sacha @Seriousworld for the photos. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Knowwhere In December
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On:
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Friday 2nd December 2005
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At:
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Heaven [map]
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From:
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10pm to 6am
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Cost:
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£10 members £12 in advance MOTD
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Website:
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www.clubknowwhere.co.uk
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Ticket Info:
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www.ticketweb.co.uk
www.heaven-london.com
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Hi Everyone!
Well, here it is again, the most party-tastic month of the year is upon us once more! Yes, December is here, accompanied by all those usual over-indulgences that you love so much as the festive seasons draws near. Well this year it’s even better, because your favourite, friendliest party night, Knowwhere, kicks off December for you, meaning you can spend the whole damn month in party mode!!
On Friday December 2nd at London’s premiere venue HEAVEN, Knowwhere presents the very best Trance, Hard Dance & Funky DJs to be found anywhere!
Hard Dance Room
Headlining Knowwhere’s Hard Dance room for December we are pleased to announce the legendary Tidy Boys will be joining us. Flagship artists and founders of the world famous Tidy label, the Tidy Boys always fill the floor with their banging dance sound, and are possibly the biggest name in Hard Dance in the world today. Amadeus & Andy will be bringing that sound to Knowwhere for the first time, as part of Knowwhere’s new commitment to the Hard Dance Genre the way it always has in the Trance world, with the very best in DJ talent.
Joining the Tidy Boys is another of the Tidy Trax main players, Paul Maddox. Paul has a production list as long as your arm, and has long been a favourite with crowds in the north. His performances on this end of the island have been rarer, so an excellent opportunity to take the pulse of the northern dance scene down in London.
One of Hard Dance’s leading ladies, Cally Gage also joins the Hard room line up. Popular with London crowds, many find it hard to believe Cally has only been playing out since mid 2004. In spite of this, she’s become a regular at London’s biggest Hard Dance events, and looks set to reach new heights as she begins to have more involvement in the production end of the business.
Finally in the Hard Dance room, Knowwhere is pleased to be welcoming London favourite Danny Gilligan to the decks. Twisted, Riot, Twist, Blast, Danny has either had residencies at all the best London Hard parties, or played regularly at them. His Debut at Knowwhere will be a real treat for us all.
Trance Room
Headlining the Trance room on the night is the legendary John Kelly. With over twenty years in the business, and a career that has spanned learning the trade in his own Liverpool venue as he went along, to a seven year stint as resident DJ with Manumission in Ibiza, John has experienced just about everything the industry has to offer. With his Knowwhere debut he presents us with an early xmas present of a set consisting of the very best classic Trance.
John is joined in December by DJ/Production team, The Disco Brothers. Tim & Mark have built an awesome reputation on crowd interaction over the last few years, a policy of really getting into things with the audience and good old fashioned ‘aving it!’ has made their appearances popular all over the globe.
Opening up in the Trance room for December, Knowwhere is proud to welcome Pathfinder & Nordstar. The duo responsible for the awesome ‘Trance On Thames’ beach parties on London’s south bank over the last couple of summers, and veterans of Amsterdam’s Queensday street party scene in recent years, the pair will be bringing their own special outdoor vibe indoors for the Knowwhere crowd.
Of course, how could December’s Trance line-up be complete without Knowwhere’s own amazing residents, Anthony Dean & Adam White, delivering the very best Trance sounds, the way only they can.
Funky Room
Knowwhere’s Funky residents Funk-a-Tronic are this month playing host to our friends from “Steamin’ Boat Party”, an excellent team from down in the Solent. Matt Mallon, Shaun Collins, Tommy Mundell and Tim Cook, make up the Steamin’ crew for the evening.
So loads to get your feet moving at Knowwhere this month, whatever your Dance preferences, make sure you come along on the 2nd of December and….
Get A Bit Of Trance & Hard Dance In Your Life!
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Other Features By Gordon Darley:
A breakfast date with Andy Farley (and a free mix!)
The Organ Donors performing in nothing but marigolds? It must be Puzzle Project!
“What are you doing? Checking your e-mails?” DAVE the Drummer speaks out!
HarderFaster interview with Olly Perris and Andy T of Addiction Digital
An interview with Ben Bennett
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: steelo kuchiki on 28th Nov 2005 15:23.46
wicked read
From: Lx on 28th Nov 2005 16:03.21
wicked pictures
From: Monkey Monkeyson on 28th Nov 2005 16:09.45
wicked witch of the west
From: djmetro08 on 28th Nov 2005 20:47.15
a lot of variety with the photography there.
From: jimbarkanoodle on 28th Nov 2005 21:23.38
slinky's number 1, yeah, no
From: Becka on 29th Nov 2005 11:02.33
Well done with that Gordy!
From: ~deleted1390 on 29th Nov 2005 17:12.55
Nice interview. Seems a very down to earth bloke.
From: Little Miss Hayley on 30th Nov 2005 13:35.17
The first and only time I've witnessed John's serious talent on the decks was at Club Class at Ikon in Maidstone, Feb 2001. A little minx called Tina took me out for my first night out clubbing and it was an experience I'll never forget. John absolutely rocked it but haven't heard much of him since :sad: Knowwhere looks awesome and although I can't make this one, I def look forward to seeing him in the near future! 
From: Adam White on 30th Nov 2005 23:16.18
John's set at KNOWWHERE this Friday starts at MIDNITE so get there early - its going to be amazing.
From: djcheekee on 3rd Dec 2005 17:09.21
one of my first cds by this guy. still love it
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