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Features
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El Greko returns to the Fridge for The Gathering Residents’ Showcase
Reported by Tara
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Submitted 24-01-07 23:08
Very few DJs are skilled and dedicated enough to make it onto the pro circuit, let alone stay there for seven years. Gathering resident El Greko not only did just that before retiring, but then after a five year break made an impressive comeback, cemented by him winning the Frantic & HarderFaster DJ Competition in 2003, which led to some impressive gigs at MOS, Heaven, The Fridge and Camden Palace.
He’s back in town this weekend to play at The Gathering Residents’ Showcase at The Fridge, with a set at Classics of the Decade to follow on Saturday 3 February. But what has he been doing all this time? We decided it was definitely time Aki Nicholas aka El Greko was back under the spotlight for another round.
You were last interviewed on HF in November 2004. What’s been happening in the life of El Greko since then?
Wow doesn’t time fly. The last couple of years I’ve been working hard on my production skills. Although I’d dabbled with production in the past, I decided it was time I stepped it up a notch, so I’ve been devoting a lot of my spare time to producing. The more I learn, the more respect I have for the top producers, the clarity of sound they make is something I’ve been aspiring to. I’m getting there but it takes time. I’ve also relocated out of London since my last interview, so I’m now officially a country bumpkin.
How’s 2007 treating you so far and perhaps most importantly, are you sticking to all your new year’s resolutions?
Well it’s still early days but so far so good. I quit my job a while back and set up a couple of businesses which after a lot of hard work are coming together, so a good start to the year so far. As for new year’s resolutions, I don’t really bother with that kind of stuff. If something needs to be done I do it there and then, no need to wait till new year in my book.
You first started DJ’ing in 1988 at the beginning of the rave era, then gave up DJ’ing in 1997 after 7 years behind the decks to focus on your career. Fortunately for the dance scene, in 2002 you came out of retirement and had a second wind, which continues to this day. What day job was so important that it made you pack up your decks? Do you find you have a balance now, or is it all still one hell of a juggling act?
I was working in the TV industry as a video editor up until a couple of years ago. Anyone who works in TV or any media job for that matter knows that the hours are very long and essentially the job becomes your life. I really loved DJ’ing, but the money I was making from it was not enough to support me and doing both the job and spinning was very tough. I kind of burnt myself out doing both: one had to go and it was the DJ’ing. It was a financial decision, but it turns out I couldn’t get away from DJ’ing as it found me again.
Up until recently it was still one hell of a juggling act as you say. If anything I was working more hours and was thinking about changing career just so I could have some more free time, but being in a job for 15 years makes it very hard to just get up and do something else. In the end the decision was made for me, the company I worked for closed down and I saw that as my opportunity to try something different. I can always go back to editing if things didn’t work out, and so far I’m enjoying having spare time to concentrate on things that aren’t work related.
For those who don’t know you, how did it all start? Did you always dream of making music or was it something you fell into over time?
It wasn’t making music that inspired me originally, it was seeing the DJs play. I always loved music as a kid and had a very good memory for tunes. I could recognise music from just a few beats of a drum, so when I first started clubbing I really used to pick up on all the tricks and mixes the DJs used to do. It was the way they mixed tunes together to make something new that inspired me most, so I ran out and picked up my first set of decks. I think to this day that lives on in my style as I love to really mess with the tunes. I’ve never been one for straight mixing.
Given that your DJ’ing career has now spanned around 18 years, what have been the highlights for you?
Wow where to begin?? Funnily enough I think the second time round has stuck in my mind more than the first time. (And no it’s not senility…) The first time round, things happened all too easily. I was playing my first gig after sending out just a handful of demos and got my first residency soon after that. I kind of took it for granted.
When I started playing again things were far tougher, the dance scene had changed. There were so many aspiring DJs, the competition was fierce and the politics were at a new level. It had been a far simpler time in the 90s, more to do with the love of the music and the enjoyment of clubbing. Now with the explosion of the club scene and the economics that go with that, things had become far more mercenary. I was finding it tough to get bookings and had resigned myself to the fact that I’d probably only be playing a few small gigs here and there. So when I won the HarderFaster/Frantic competition and things just went ballistic from there, I took the time to really appreciate the sudden success. I’ve really had some amazing times since then…
Playing Frantic at the Ministry of Sound, New Year’s Day after Eddie Halliwell; my two hour showcase at Heaven for Basic; and playing Camden Palace again before it got KOKO’d are some of the highlights for me.
What kind of music did you first start mixing in 88? And how would you describe the El Greko sound today? How has your music changed and evolved over the years?
The music back then was very different. The rave scene was brand new and the music was so varied. The genre wars hadn’t really begun so DJs would be playing all sorts of stuff. My sets would range from house/US garage all the way into jungle… all in the same set!!
As the genres started to split off I would play either house/garage events (I’m talking early 90s garage not what we call garage today) or jungle (DnB) events. When I came back into DJ’ing the hard genres were really split up, which was a bit of a shame for me since I really like to mix things up if I can. I remember about four years ago in London dropping some hard psy trance into a set (playing at a fairly hard night) and people stood around scratching their heads. Let’s just say I mixed out of that one pretty sharpish!
In recent years the term ‘hard dance’ has come into common usage and although I didn’t like the term very much when it first arrived on the scene, I like the way it has relaxed the boundaries between all the hard genres and given the DJs more room for manoeuvre. I’m hearing hard DJs throwing a lot more variety into sets, which I think is great. These days my sets can contain styles varying from traditional hard house/trance to techno, psy, tech trance… whatever floats my boat really.
It must’ve been exciting DJ’ing in the late 80s and early 90s when raving was at its peak. Can you remember what first got you into the rave scene? Were you inspired by the music, the parties or the overall energy of the movement?
It was instant for me. I walked into my first rave and knew I’d be involved with the scene from that moment. The parties back then were unbelievable, they had so much energy and the atmosphere was second to none, but for me it was the music that I really loved. It was all so fresh and exciting and it was being churned out thick and fast. It seemed every week some amazing new tune was being released — being a vinyl junkie I was in heaven.
Were you a dedicated raver or a clubber? If so, do you still go clubbing or raving, or do you prefer to do other things in your spare time now?
My time as a clubber was actually very short. I went from clubber to DJ very quickly but when I stopped DJing in 97 I actually had a good 5 years just being a clubber. They were awesome years for hard house and trance and I had a great time. It was very refreshing being just a clubber instead of an industry person. I found myself not caring what a tune id was for a change and just enjoyed the music and atmosphere. Up until last May I was still clubbing regularly if I wasn’t playing anywhere, but since I’ve moved out of London it’s quite a trek to get to the clubs, so not so much at the moment.
You’re known for your unorthodox mixing and fine technical skills and are a big fan of scratching. Was it hard to learn to scratch?
I think scratching is an art, I find it to be a real love or hate thing with clubbers and that’s understandable because it can easily be overdone. But when done well yes I’m a real fan. As for learning to scratch… yeah it was really tough to learn. I was lucky in that I picked up mixing very quickly so I thought scratching wouldn’t take me that long to learn. Boy was I wrong! It’s a very long learning process and I’m still learning to this day. I think my scratching is OK but I still consider it party scratching compared to the kind of stuff the big boys can pull off. I do find it can lift a crowd like nothing else though so it’s a good tool to have in the arsenal.
What do you think of noobies learning to mix now using technology that can mix, scratch and do a number of effects for them? Is it cheating or is it taking things to another level?
Personally I love technology and embrace all the latest gizmos. Unless you’re talking about playing a prepared set off a laptop then none of the new technology really mixes or scratches for you. Sure the BPM counters make life easier for noobies, but they still must learn to mix. Mixing isn’t just about beatmatching, there’s so much more to it. I see all the new technology as tools to be used creatively, some of the stuff you can do with the latest CD decks and mixers is crazy and I’m having lots of fun experimenting. I do think, however, it’s a good idea for all aspiring DJs to learn to mix with no electronic aids — you’ll be a better DJ in the long run and you’ll develop your ear to be far more accurate than any electronic BPM counter.
Would you ever consider playing a live set?
I’ve been thinking about this recently and when I’ve got enough material to put together a live set I may go that route. It’s still a way off yet though, I’m a bit of a perfectionist so when I’m happy with the quality of my productions I may give it a go.
When you made your comeback in 2002 you won the Frantic & HarderFaster DJ’ing competition, which lead to a number of Frantic gigs and residencies at parties like Basic. With Frantic cutting down on their hard events and a number of hard dance parties like Basic being no more thanks to the downturn in hard dance, where do you see the future of hard dance going? What, in your opinion, does the scene need?
I personally think the downturn of the hard dance scene was due to the quality of the music. A lot of it became monotonous, derivative and lacked any real innovation; I think people just voted with their feet and started exploring different sounds. A few big name and very talented producers moved away from hard dance and the music suffered for it.
The underground hard scene where I play is still going strong with small parties doing well. The change that I am noticing at the moment is the sheer variety of music at some of these nights. The styles change a lot throughout the night with good progression and this keeps the clubbers’ interest up. I think this is a good direction for the scene to move in.
Personally I’d like to see an even greater variety of music played with DJs given longer set times to really progress a set and build an atmosphere. One hour sets really don’t give the DJ a chance to do anything other than bosh out 12 tunes and as for one hour back to backs…well don’t get me started. Economics and politics have meant promoters are trying to squeeze as many DJs on the flyers as possible and personally I think that’s a mistake, as the flow and musical integrity of a night is compromised.
Certain forward thinking parties — The Gathering, Basic, Zoology, TWIST to name a few — recognise this and address the issue, for which I applaud them and hopefully new promotions will follow this trend. The art of progression is rarely used in the hard scene and that’s a shame, because it’s so effective, I’d like to see it used more. 155 BPM warm up sets sound nuts to me…. You don’t run a marathon by sprinting off the starting line!
In the long run all genres come into fashion and then die down. It’s just the natural clubbing cycle of things. There will always be a market for hard sounds so I think hard dance will survive but it will mutate and move with the times, just as it should.
What goals do you have for the future, dj and production-wise?
I’m very lucky in that I’ve fulfilled so many of my DJ goals, I have a few left, but overall I’m quite content on that front. My main goals now are really production-wise. I think after all these years it’s about time I released some music, so I’ve set myself the goal to get some tunes out there. I’m really looking forward to dropping my own tune to a big crowd; it’s crazy that I haven’t done it sooner!
What djs and producers do you rate at the moment?
Production-wise I really like Greg Brookman: his music is really ingenious, I just wish he’d make more of it. Also Alf (Bamford) is producing some really good stuff at the moment. Techno-wise I’m liking Valentino Kanzyani recently and also ‘Save the Robot’ from the psy scene.
When it comes to DJs I think Toxigen is one to watch. He’s my fellow resident at the Gathering and I’ve always been impressed by the energy in his sets and his creativeness. If you haven’t caught him yet you should.
This Friday night you’re playing at The Gathering Resident’s Showcase at The Fridge. When did you first start playing for The Gathering? Are you looking forward to being back at The Fridge?
I’ve been playing for the gathering for almost three years now. I played for Miguel’s birthday party back in 04, he offered me a residency, and I’ve been there ever since. They’re a great bunch of guys and they throw some awesome parties, we’ve had some really memorable nights. The resident’s showcases are great fun and especially at the Fridge, I always love playing there.
You’re also playing in the Fridge’s IceBox at Classics of the Decade next Saturday 3rd February, however being in the second room, rather than playing classics you’re going to be spinning the best in new upfront hard house. Can you give readers a clue as to what they can expect?
Well being in the Icebox means I’m free to mix things up a bit so I’ll be delving deep into the record boxes for a real mixture of stuff. I’ll see what the crowd is into and take it from there.
Finally, what advice would you give those up and comings keen to pursue a career in the music industry?
Learn your trade well: become really good at what you do, whether it’s DJ’ing or producing. It’s very tough and competitive out there, so go into the fight with the best skills you can. And remember persistence is the key, keep at it and you’ll achieve your goals.
The Gathering - Residents Showcase
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On:
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Friday 26th January 2007
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At:
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The Fridge [map]
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From:
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10pm-6am
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Cost:
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£8 advance / £10 Paying Guest list - send names to info@gatheringpromotions.co.uk / more on door
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Website:
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www.gatheringpromotions.co.uk
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More:
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Well its 2007 and its time to party!!! Our first big event for 2007 will take place on the 26th January 2007 at the legendary Fridge in Brixton.
For this special party we have gathered all our faithful residents and as always we guarantee a musical journey throughout the night from Funky Techno to Acid Techno to Psy Trance to Hard House to Uplifting Trance and Hard Trance. It’s about variety!! It’s about music!!!
Projections, stilt walkers, fluoro market, amazing décor, dancers and lots of freebees. Nuff said!!
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Flyer:
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 - 
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Region:
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London
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Music:
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Trance. Hard Trance. Psy Trance. Hard House. Acid Techno. Techno.
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DJ's:
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El Greko (Resident, Frantic, Basic)
Toxigen (Resident, Crossover)
Miguel (Resident, Crossover, Imagine)
Phil Able (Resident, Cyberdog)
Max Alien Trax (Resident, Superfish)
Prozak (Resident, LG4)
Hazchem (Resident)
Mameco (Resident)
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Other Features By Tara:
Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast!
Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project
A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden
Telling Cosmic Tales with DJ Strophoria
Tom Psylicious aka EarthAlien takes 50 Spins Around the Sun: Raising Awareness Through the Power of Music
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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to you El Greko 
Looking forward to seeing you & hearing your set again. Take it easy & keep up the good work babe 
