Joe Shooman [email protected]
When Ministry of Sound, presented by Heineken, hits Cayman on Friday, 13 January, the DJs are promising a range of big tunes to get things stomping.
DJ Tom Craven is looking forward to getting things even hotter than usual at the Heineken Warehouse shindig.
“Well as its mid winter here,” says the English DJ, “I’m definitely looking forward to some sun and my parents have been a few times and keep raving about the place so I can’t wait to come and see what all the fuss is about.
“It’ll also be interesting to see what the party will be like, the sun will be out, there will be a few Mancunians knocking about so lets see what we can get up to.” Musically-speaking, Tom’s got some serious chops to draw on.
“I am a house purist and love proper decent house music,” he tells Weekender.
“My main areas of interest are old classic 90s and 00s house as well as a lot of quality real deep and musical house. I always put a lot of work in to my DJ sets so I do a bit of research and tailor each set to each party.
“If a party house set is needed or a deep house warm up set or a flat out jackin’ hands in the air set then I pack my bag accordingly. But always play tracks with a good groove, beats and most importantly a bit of soul.”
Tom’s record label, Illusion Recordings, has been in operation for around a year, running parties around UK and Europe, plus a DJ booking agency to assist upcoming and established artists who may not be currently represented.
“I’ve been at this game a long time and a lot of my friends who have been grafting for years are slowly growing, so instead some help with their careers and I’ve been doing this line of work for a few years so it just felt right.
“On top of all this I’m starting two more labels in 2012, one a vinyl only label called Ill Trax (this one’s for the heads) and a digital label called Inner Circle. I’m also busy in the studio making beats and generally always crate digging every moment I can.”
Rev ‘em up
As for floor-filling big tunes, word is that Illusion’s third release is getting people revved up.
“It’s by Gerd called NY House Trak under his NY Stomp moniker and its a retrospective 90s house cut inspired from the amazing NYC / New Jersey house scene of the early 90s.
“Every time I’ve played it out this last year or heard it played out it causes absolute dance floor destruction. Another track that’s been getting crowds going wild recently is a track by London based producer Greymatter called Tesla. This is unadulterated party music with a raw old skool feel, perfect to get the dance floor going berserk!” Which, ultimately, is what it’s all about. If 2011 was a breakout year for Tom and Illusion, 2012 looks like it is going to build on that massively.
“We’ve label showcases coming up at the Detroit Music Festival, Sonar and a trip to Australia plus a hectic summer, so I can’t wait to see how it pans out.
“Tips for breakthrough producers – one is one of our family artists Garry Todd and fellow Mancunian Tomson who is making some ridiculous house music at the moment. Keep an eye on these fellows. Hot hot property.”
Aything else?
“I phoned the local gym the other day and I asked if they could teach me how to do the splits. He said, ‘How flexible are you?’ I said, ‘I can’t make Tuesdays.’”
Hmm. Don’t give up the night job, Tom.
The event features Paul Deighton, Tom Craven, Oli Furness and Billy Corduroy and begins at 8pm. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on the gate and are available from www.caymanboxoffice.com
The event features Paul Deighton, Tom Craven, Oli Furness and Billy Corduroy and begins at 8pm. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on the gate and are available from www.caymanboxoffice.com
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