Digital Society Returns Sept 12th... Thrillseekers/J.O.C

[Digital Society]

Come and join the Society! New website & Forum now online!

http://www.digitalsociety.co.uk


http://www.digitalsocietyuk.podomatic.com
http://www.myspace.com/digitalsocietyuk
http://www.myspace.com/digitalsocietypodcast
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2354388179
http://www.dontstayin.com/parties/digital-society
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk
http://www.enhancedrecordings.com

http://www.thethrillseekers.co.uk
http://www.thethrillseekers/nightmusic3/
http://www.johnocallaghan.net
http://www.jonobir.com
http://www.activamusic.co.uk
http://www.misjahelsloot.com
http://www.willholland.com
http://www.myspace.com/djravtakhar
http://www.club-blank.co.uk

http://www.enhancedrecordings.com
http://www.conspiracyrecordings.com
http://www.matthardwick.com
http://www.solarize-agency.com
http://www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl

[Digital Society]

Digital Society Interviews Steve Helstrip of the Thrillseekers before his tour date 12th september @ Myhouse Leeds....



Hi Steve hope things are cool?


Yeah things are great, thanks. I’ve just got back from a great gig in Taiwan, so just taking things easy today.


So what have you been up to in the last year or so?


Blimey, well a fair bit I guess! Much of the past year has revolved around my compilation series, ‘Night Music’. We decided to create a tour for the release of the 2nd volume, and things got a little out of control. What started out as a 16 date tour stretched out to something like 50 dates. So I barley had time to recover from the previous weekend’s gig before having get ready for the next! I’m not complaining, like, but it certainly took its toll, both physically and time spent away from the studio.
Having just released Volume 3 of Night Music, I’ve decided to keep the tour much shorter to enable me to spend more time in the studio.


You have been busy in production and DJing wise and have recently released the huge hit ‘The Last Time’ which is making waves across the scene? Have you any new material on the horizon?


Absolutely. I have two more releases planned for this year, with a new album to follow next year.


Who has been a major influence for you in your musical career?


From the dance scene I’d say BT and Chicane have been my main influences. Outside of dance’ there are many others, including Vangelis, Depeche Mode and even Erasure!


How would you describe your DJ style?


I’d say around 70% of what I play is trance. I love to mix things up, though, and typically start my sets at around 135bpm these days, but end up nearer 140 over a two hour set. Of course if I jump behind the decks and things are already going off, I’ll simply keep the vibe going if that’s what’s working.


What is the most challenging aspect of being a DJ/Producer?


Getting home after a gig! If I’ve been on my best behavior, then there are rarely any issues. But if I’ve indulged in the usual after party antics, then just getting to the airport on time can be quite a challenge! Making connections at random locations around the world can be equally as tricky, especially when you haven’t slept for 48 hours and have to explain to customs officers why you’re carrying a huge wad of cash with you!


What advice have you got for anyone wanting to make it as a DJ or/and producer?


Have total belief in yourself and never give up.


What has been your funniest or most embarrassing moment as a DJ?


I played at an event in Spain around 4 years ago. It was quite a big club – around 5,000 people. This was the first and only time that I’d packed my CD wallet with my main luggage, and as luck would have it (or should I say bad luck), my bags somehow ended up in Amsterdam!

My only option was to play records belonging to the other DJs, but they all played vinyl and I hadn’t played from vinyl for years. In fact, even when I did play from vinyl I was never that comfortable with it.

So I started to look through the other DJ’s records and didn’t recognise a single tune! They were playing progressive, house and techno. So, my set was an eclectic mix of music I didn’t know, which had no flow or direction. Those two hours seemed to last forever.


And finally tell us a random/interesting fact about yourself?


Oh shit... Here goes: Before I got started in dance music, I was in a ‘boy band’, called The Flood. Probably the most random thing we did was end up on Channel 4’s ‘The Big Breakfast’ being interviewed by Zig and Zag! LOL, remember them?






The Thrillseekers Nightmusic volume 3 album is available in most internet stores and online here : http://www.thethrillseekers.co.uk/shop.html

Tickets for Digital Society 12th september event with the Thrillseekers nightmusic album tour are availble here for £12

http://www.ticketweb.co.uk


http://www.thethrillseekers.co.uk
http://www.digitalsociety.co.uk
http://www.digitalsocietyuk.podomatic.com
http://www.myspace.com/digitalsocietyuk
http://www.myspace.com/digitalsocietypodcast
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2354388179
http://www.dontstayin.com/parties/digital-society

[Digital Society]

Digital Society catches up with John O'Callaghan before his return to D.S friday 12th september!




Hi John hope things are good?

Very well thanks! I am in Poland at the moment just waiting on my lift to the Creamfields site - bring it on!


You have been busy in production and DJing wise? Have you any new material on the horizon?


I am working on my next artist album which will hopefully be out in 2009. Some interesting new colloborations and also another track with Audrey which is great to get back in the studio with her. DJing has been going well too with some trips to the USA and South America, also I am back in Australia for the first time in 3 years in October which I am looking forward to!


Who has been a major influence for you in your musical career?


Mauro Picotto, The Beastie Boys, Coldplay, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Paul van Dyk...Ben Sims.


What is the most challenging aspect of being a DJ/Producer?


Offering something new that the hundreds of other djs/producers don't offer, which is obviously almost impossible. It's hard to be on the front edge of new creative styles but I try my best to experiment in the studio and try new things with each production. With so many people now making tunes its even more important to make your production quality as high as it can be. Quality not quantity!


What advice have you got for anyone wanting to make it as a DJ or/and producer?


Have as much fun as you can with it because if you take it too seriously you will end up having higher expectations than might be possible - expect nothing, hope for everything!


What is your most funniest/embarrassing moment as a DJ moment?


Bit of a boring one really but probably the power going out in the whole arena at a recent festival, after 20mins of my set. Stood there for 10mins but the electricty didn't come back on so they shut down the arena, with people still standing in the crowd - one guy shouted - 'sorry john'.... cringe!!


And finally tell us a random/interesting fact about yourself?


My middle name is actually Mannix, which many people thought I just made up as an alias. It is my Grandad's name which derives from an old Irish meaning of the word 'monk'.



we have limited pre-sale tickets remaining for our september 12th event!. To pick one up at £12 head over to : www.ticketweb.co.uk


New forum and website now online! come join the society

www.digitalsociety.co.uk

www.johnocallaghan.net