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Heir to Renaissance: Steve Lawler
Интервью · 13.11.2007
By Илья Розов
Steve Lawler belongs to that caste of top-tier DJs whose names need no introduction. His releases on the labels Global Underground, Bedrock and Renaissance long ago became classics, and his performances all over the world have cemented his title as one of the best "old-school" DJs. On a par with Sasha, Digweed and Oakenfold, he sets trends without, in doing so, betraying the lofty ideals of rave culture.
Your opinion of this wave of "minimal" that swept over Europe a few years ago? For instance, what do you think of John Digweed swapping his signature progressive for fashionable minimal tech-house? Do you think this music is suited to big arenas, or is its lot the small, cozy clubs?
"Minimal" is a label the press pinned on it, and one they now exploit mercilessly. To my mind, Digweed plays progressive just as he always did – and that music is definitely for big spaces. As for myself, I'll say that I'm a true tech-house DJ, regardless of the size of the venue. I play my signature twisted deep tech house, which is what people know and love me for – whatever the press may say.
Did you see the results of the DJ Mag Top 100 vote? Did you want to climb all the way to the top?
Hahaha... I don't think that list has any value (unfortunately, the trance scene doesn't think so). People are constantly cheating and rigging it. Besides, it's mostly kids who vote, and they all listen to trance... not house... that list has no bearing whatsoever on the real state of affairs.
The main pros and cons of working as a DJ?
Pros: I do what I love, I live my life surrounded by music. Music is a very powerful medium; it answers all my prayers.
Cons: endless travel, during which sometimes you can't even properly sit down!
Cons: endless travel, during which sometimes you can't even properly sit down!
Do you lug around a pile of heavy vinyl, or have you switched to the newfangled DJ gadgets?
I use Serato Scratch. A brilliant thing.
Where have you most enjoyed playing?
The Creamfields festival in Argentina.
And where do you feel most comfortable?
In Romania.
What gives you the strength not to rest on your laurels, but to keep moving forward?
Life inspires me... and everything connected with it.
How do you relax?
To relax, I listen to music.
What is the most precious thing in your life?
My family and my friends.
December 15, Saturday, Gazgallery club (Moscow). The Renaissance label, together with Underground Sound of Moscow and the Gazgolder collective, presents DJ Steve Lawler (UK) as part of the "Renaissance Viva" party!