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An interview with Twist resident Peter Ward
Reported by Victoria Blue Bear
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Submitted 20-05-05 01:07
If I was to ask most of you on here, 'Who is Peter Ward?', most would probably know him as a resident of Twist (soon to move to The Factory from 29th May), while others would recall his tuff house sounds at Trade.
But while these are enviable credits, there is a lot more to Peter than you might think. This is why I decided to do this interview, because I wanted people to know a little more about the talented person who certainly adds more than a little bit of glamour to after hours clubbing.
Peter Ward
In fact if you read his CV, you'd probably be both surprised and jealous. Not only has he appeared regularly on line-ups together with the great Tony De Vit and Ian M, he's also a successful producer, has DJed all over the world, including Ibiza, is a professionally trained photographer and, most gorgeously of all, was a top fashion model. During this time, not only did he become a teenage pin-up, but he also modelled alongside all the top supermodels. So who says there are not cute people in hard dance?
But apart from that he's also a very talented and technically adept DJ who plays both tuff house and intelligent techno infused hard dance sets.
I decided to share a shot of vodka with him and delve a little deeper into the man behind the Versace and Paul Smith T Shirts.
You've seemed to make a career out of playing weekly residencies. Is it tough trying to keep your sound fresh?
Initially I did not have a particular style of hard dance, I just had a collection of hard dance tunes that I liked and what I had left from a mass clearout the week before (obviously not realizing I would be made Twist resident a week later ).
I had played a few hard house sets at Trade so obviously my sound was very influenced by that and Trade in general, as I had not gone to any other hard dance events, other than Riot a few times and was not on the hard dance scene at all. The sound that I have now is a result of two and a half years of really getting into the music and the scene and working hard at something I love doing. For the record I enjoy just as much playing both hard dance and tough progressive house. I think ultimately it has been a case of perfecting a sound I love rather than changing styles.
Was it difficult to change styles from the tuff house you were known for playing at Trade?
I would not say that it is exactly tough, more challenging, and keeps you on your toes, which can only be a good thing. I make sure that I know what is around every week in terms of new stuff. Also really knowing what is in your box and cd wallet. If you do then it is very effective way to mix things up a bit and keep it sounding fresh, especially if there have been a couple of weeks of releases that are not really your thing. Playing so regularly is also a great way to develop your style as you have a captive audience infront of you every week.
Your sound it a little different from many hard house DJs. It has a more intelligent flow to it. How would you describe your sound?
I think you described it pretty well in the first question!! I think I try and mix it up a little, as long as it is always exciting and driving. Last year my set definitely lent more towards the techy end of things, which too much of can be a little dull. At the moment I think I have the combination about right and people seem to be enjoying it.
I’ve heard rumours that there are plans to put out a Twist Compilation which you are mixing. It there any truth in this?
Yes I am at the moment in the middle of compiling it and mixing it might even be ready by the time this comes out. This one is especially important as it is intended for shop release.
Did you ever play with Tony De Vit?
No, we never did back to back, he played tracks that I made and we both played at the same club.
Do you enjoy playing with the other Twist residents?
Definitely not! Ha Ha. Of course I do we all have our own particular sound, which have individual relevances to the overall sound of Twist and the many people we get in there who like different types of hard dance. Obviously when you play with the same djs every week you develop working relationships and respect.
You’ve also played a lot internationally. Tell us about that?
Yes I love playing abroad and travel in general, I think I have pretty much played every continent on the globe apart from the north and south poles. I am lucky I guess.
I have never had a bad gig abroad, plus the good thing is you can disappear for a few hours and get up to naughty things because no one knows who you are!!! I travelled a lot more when I was just playing tough house and have not travelled so much recently, which is kind of depressing.
You also play B2B with Lady Bianca as The Glitterati. Is your sound different when you play under this name and do you wear glitter?
Yes, I would say that the sound is different. It is obviously a mix of both our sounds and because of that alone it is different. It is great fun to play Glitterati sets, which is basically what it was all about in the first place and more so because I am playing with another dj who I really get on with, which I think is what back to back playing should be all about. As for wearing glitter, no I don’t , well not yet anyway although……….
You’re also releasing a single on Volcano. Tell us about that. What can we expect?
You can expect two sides of driving hard dance which I hope other people will like also... One side is called Revelation because the original title was a bit scary and the other side is called X1X. They both contain sounds that I found and really liked some familiar, others not. I suppose you could say they have a definite tech hard house appeal. It will be my first solo hard dance release for a while, so I will be very interested to see what response I get.
You’ve played with some of dance music's legends. Do you think the quality of DJs coming through is as good today?
I will answer this as Peter Ward the person and not as Peter Ward the dj. There are a few excellent djs coming through, but in my opinion, from what I have seen and heard out and about there are some who consider themselves a lot better than they really are and that have a really naff attitude. At the end of the day, if you are really into the music and really enjoy what you are doing that will show through in your music. I feel really lucky to have played with some ‘dance music legends’ as you put it! Apart from that, just really enjoying it encourages you to raise your game to be as good as them.
You used to be a model for Vivienne Westwood? How long did you do that for and were you very glamorous? How did you get spotted?
I modelled for about five years as a fashion model for lots of people apart from Vivienne. It was great fun at times and so boring at other times, but you know it was totally unexpected and not something I ever thought of doing, so flying around the world doing catwalk shows, photo shoots and wearing and having fab clothes cannot be too bad. It is one of those things though that you should do, enjoy then get out of. It can be a very unsatisfying existence if you know what I mean! I got spotted whilst working in a very glamorous bar called Bar Industria. Was I very glamorous? Of course, still am, ha ha!
You were behind Naomi Campbell when she fell over on the Runway. Was she in a foul mood afterwards?
Foul mood is an understatement. If those shoes had been made of glass you would have needed a broom to pick them up.
Is it true that if I was a Peter Ward stalker I could go to the King’s Road and buy a life sized clothes Mannequin of you?
Yes that is true, although I'm not sure if I am still being made might just be left over stock! You probably find it is more entertaining than the real thing though!
And is it also true you modelled for Just 17 Magazine?
Yes again. I was one of ‘The Boys’; we were a group of about six of us who were the magazine's poster and calendar pin ups for a certain period of time.
Which DJs do you rate on the current scene?
Apart from the ones I work with, ones I’ve come across at the level I play on include Marc Johnson, James Nardi, Justin Bourne and James Lawson — a huge talent whose psy-trance set at Twist a while ago was brilliant. If there are any I have missed out you know who you are.
You used to run a label called Efferdrine. Is this still going?
It was DJ MIshka that actually ran it, I record for it and play the gigs under the name of DJ Injector. Yes it is still going, there are some new releases in the pipeline. We've just done a gig in Brighton. It’s a bit of fun playing slightly different stuff and people seem to like it.
What do you think to the news that Trade has ended?
Of course it is a shame when something as great as Trade ends, especially because without it and Tony de Vit there would be no hard dance scene, but it is better for something to be remembered for being great rather than having a prolonged withering demise. I am just really glad I was part of it and part of it when it was really special and to have worked alongside the great talent that was there. Things have to evolve, which is why I've very excited about Twist moving to Factory.
What is your favourite brand of Champagne?
Veuve Cliquot !!!
When you go shopping for clothes where do you go?
Only Bond Street, only joking! I go wherever has what I want which most of time is G. Star. I don’t really like wandering around looking for stuff, I like to go in buy whatever and leave!
Thanks Peter and don't forget Twist is moving to its new home at The Factory, Goding Lane from Sunday 28th May.....
All photos courtesy of Peter Ward. Not to be reproduced without permission.
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Other Features By Victoria Blue Bear:
Nolan Element 7: The Hard Dance Awards
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: carl nicholson on 20th May 2005 10:56.06
Top bloke! 
From: Banga Matt on 20th May 2005 10:59.08
wikid interview pete and nice dude as well !!!
keep up with the goodwork. btw did u check that cd ?
ciao
From: Prozak on 20th May 2005 10:59.45
nice to see ya on here peter... :0
From: James Nardi on 20th May 2005 11:11.20
Great interview. See ya soon mate. 
From: Danny Gilligan on 20th May 2005 11:19.29
Great Interview!
From: MR_S on 20th May 2005 11:49.48
Peter be thy name.
From: Macavity on 20th May 2005 11:51.30
Never get bored of Peter Ward
From: Lee Osborne on 20th May 2005 12:03.19
Legend!
From: Ian Edwards on 20th May 2005 12:29.34
Hi mate, great interview. miss the good old day's down at chocis. It was a laugh and a half. well done.
From: Ali Wilson on 20th May 2005 12:46.42
Nice interview Pete! Legend!
From: Zimma on 20th May 2005 13:25.24
Nice one
From: Kamora on 20th May 2005 15:57.51
Enjoy your sets mate
From: richbowenuk on 20th May 2005 16:11.55
Wonderful!
From: slacky on 20th May 2005 16:30.32
Excellent stuff!!!! Top bloke and Top producer!
By the way Peter give Mishka a kick up the ass and get him sort his tracks out and get them to me 
From: TEK-DJ Management on 20th May 2005 17:03.14
Nice one Peter!!!! Top fantastic bloke and incredible DJ, need I say more!
From: sunvisordude on 20th May 2005 18:09.05
peter, i remember some of your first sets at twist....and i didn't like it at all, but your style has changed and now it's one of the best sets at twist/blast. your stuff has such great energy and intelligence. legend indeed.
From: Lady Bianca on 20th May 2005 18:32.18
The Glittering Tarti himself! 
 Go Peter Go Peter Go Peter
I'll get you into my glitter shorts if its the last thing I do!!
xxx
From: Steve Maynard on 20th May 2005 19:23.39
nice 1 Peter, great interview!
From: Annabel on 20th May 2005 20:19.48
So where is this Just 17 poster?
From: Kamora on 20th May 2005 20:29.05
Enjoy your sets mate
From: Jacob on 20th May 2005 20:32.40
A light hearted read! Nice one Peter, you've certainly come a long way since those days in the Edge... (it's a haze).
From: Marc Johnson on 20th May 2005 20:53.43
nice read pete and nice one
From: Maria. on 20th May 2005 20:56.24
Great read ! Had never heard of Peter untill last month when I went to Twist (hadn't been there for well over a year) and he blew me away. He played some unique sounds and I'd deffo love to be part of his crowd again. Big up to the man of Techno Bass !
From: El Capitano Pete on 20th May 2005 23:11.47
Introduced me to the sounds of Captain Tinrib (Fish Tales Vol 2) and gave me my first Vinyl (Mitsubishi Landings) - Top man
From: Matt Smallwood on 21st May 2005 12:04.39
Nice one Wardinious! Ledge!
From: dani d on 21st May 2005 20:13.44
Nice interview! Keet it like this!
From: Anastasia_k on 22nd May 2005 09:36.34
You mean i could of had you on my wall when i was little....*drool*
Fantastic bloke Mr Ward. Good interview your a talented man.
You wouldn't have heard me say anything like this 2 years ago. Mwah love ya xxxxx
From: achilles on 22nd May 2005 10:39.44
yeah peter!!!!!
From: Lizzie Curious on 22nd May 2005 18:58.43
Interesting read, nice one!
From: karl davis on 23rd May 2005 10:50.23
howdy m8 great stuff c u soon for a guinness
From: *charlie*! on 24th May 2005 01:34.31
Peter your a legend babe, and its been a great pleasure getting to know you.
when i first heard you play it wasnt really my cuppa tea but since you have experimented a little and changed your stlye i have really enjoyed your sets, on top of all that your a great laugh and a pure legend hun,.... MWAH p.s your a tart 
see you soon babe SUN @ factory 
From: lickie on 24th May 2005 11:33.23
Great interview, I am always astounded at how much there is to learn about our beloved djs.
From: Ian Edwards on 24th May 2005 15:14.27
great stuff.. but how long to i have to see your picture for on the front page????... ha ha..
From: ~deleted5181 on 25th May 2005 13:19.39
 Well done Peter
From: Mr Jones on 25th May 2005 18:50.49
welldone peter always enjoyed hearing you play...
great to see your hardwork paying off
From: Funky Stu on 27th May 2005 19:54.01
Oh my god, he's so fit!
From: Maria on 31st May 2005 14:32.47
Wicked interview! Best wishes for you baby!!!
From: Letty Bird on 31st May 2005 18:42.34
Really nice interview Peter! Best of luck!
From: notanumber on 31st May 2005 22:51.40
Peter... Congrats! Inaugural night at Factory was a blast! Keep it coming Hard!
From: twist on 14th Jun 2005 20:41.58
a rare talent I am pleased to know.
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