The Brighton based duo, Sergei Hall and Keiron McTernan AKA My Digital Enemy, are taking the dance world by storm with their signature sound. Its a winning formula of Progressive Tech House with a maximal edge which guarantees to get the dancefloor well and truly rockin’. No strangers to the studio My Digital Enemy’s productions are sort after among the DJ elite. In 2008 the epic ‘Wasted’ received high acclaim from Paul Oakenfold, Roger Sanchez, Eric Morillo, Chris Lake, Judge Jules and Sandra Collins to name a few and was signed to Universal’s AATW division. Later that year their first collaboration with Prok & Fitch, ‘Take Me With You’ became one of the main tracks of the summer with DJ’s clamouring for a copy. It was signed by Ministry Of Sound for release on their Data Records Imprint and featured on many compilations.
Since these two anthems My Digital Enemy’s productions have gone from strength to strength with releases coming out on some of the most respected labels including Stealth, Spinnin, CR2, Floorplay, Alternative Route and of course their own label MDE Records which saw its first release in the later part of 2008. MDE Records has commanded support from many of the worlds top DJ’s including Pete Tong, Eric Morillo, Carl Cox, Roger Sanchez and Sasha. Not content with this alone the guys have also been responsible for remixes for the likes of Groove Amada, Beyonce, Madcon, John Dahlback & fellow Brightonians The Qemists to name but a few. Next Friday The Gallery @ Ministry of Sound proudly welcome them back to the helm alongside the likes of Marcel Woods, Wippenberg and Prok & Fitch. HarderFaster catch up with the duo ahead of the event . . .
Hi guys, so you both hail from Brighton, how was the scene growing up there, and what/who were your influences?
We were heavily into techno & rave in the nineties and there was no shortage of illegal raves in the Brighton area. We have always been open to all styles of music though. Inspiration can come from the most unlikely places.
For those who haven’t seen or heard you before, how would you describe your sound?
A fusion of house, techno with inspiration from many more diverse styles such as rock, industrial, soundtracks . . . the list goes on!
How did you go about breaking into the industry?
Lots of hard work! We would listen to our favourite artists and try to mimic their sound.
You do have a somewhat unique set, incorporating keyboards to give it that live element, where did the idea come about and how does it benefit your performances?
It seemed the natural way to do it. We come from a live music background and both used to play in bands. Its nice keeping that live element to our DJ sets and it goes down a treat with the clubbers.
How is your label MDE Records doing, anything exciting coming up we should know about?
We have just remixed our track ‘Flamenco Loco’ from back in 2008 for our tenth MDE Records release. It also features mixes from Prok & Fitch, Filthy Rich & 8 Ball.
Your 2008 track ‘Wasted’ received praise from some of the biggest Dj/Producers in the world, how did it feel receiving such praise and what is the secret to a great track?
Its always good when DJ’s we respect spin our tracks. Theres not really an exact formula but normally a great great track has phat production, an amazing lead line and a hooky vocal.
You have also dome some remixes for Beyonce and Pink, did you take a different approach to remixing these tracks, and how was it remixing such high profile artists?
The only difference between remixing such high profile artists to underground ones is that you normally have to be very selective with what parts to use in the mix as house DJ’s normally steer clear of pop sounding vocals.
What software / hardware do My Digital Enemy currently use in the studio?
We use Cubase 5, Powercore Firewire, KRK & Mackie Monitors and loads of software plugins
You’re playing at The Gallery, Ministry of Sound on 9th July, how would you describe the club to someone who hasn’t been before?
A mad house. The clubbers really go for it on the Gallery night. July the 9th is going to be extra special as we are hosting the bar for an MDE Records showcase. We have 300 discounted tickets for our fans. Check out www.facebook.com/mydigitalenemyofficial for more info.
What will you be bringing to your set?
Dirty beats and basslines with euphoric breaks and intense build ups.
What’s your current top 5?
1. My Digital Enemy ‘Flamenco Loco’
2. Prok & Fitch Vs Todd Terry ‘Something Going On’
3. ATFC ‘I Called U’ (The Conversation)
4. The Qemists ‘Hurt Less’ (My Digital Enemy Remix)
5. Joris Voorn ‘The Secret’
If you could collaborate with any other artist in the world, who would it be, and what do you think you would create?
David Bowie. He’s the master of re-invention and has real crossover potential plus a massive global following. I’m sure we would create a monster!
What DJs/producers out there are really doing it for you both?
At the moment we're liking Mark Knight, Saeed Younan, Alex Cellar, Joris Voorn and Steve Angello.
What’s next for My Digital Enemy?
We have some big vocal tracks coming out over the summer that you to look out for.
Anything else you would like to add or say to those coming to see you at The Gallery, Ministry of Sound?
Maelstrom bring a typically large and impressive collection of label artists for their outing at The Gallery. First up is one of the main men of the scene, the ever busy and enthusiastic voice of Radio 1 Judge Jules. Joining him to launch his brand new artist album is UK trance legend Lange, entitled ‘Harmonic Motion’. Lange has been one of the most consistent producers of the trance genre over the years and his sets at The Gallery are always eagerly anticipated. Russian dj Bobina has fast made a name for himself all over the world and continues to be an ever present force. The 103 welcomes back some good friends of ours in the shape of Riley and Durrant and their Electrik Playground parties. Joining them tonight for a very special headline slot is Gallery main man Tall Paul
Box
Judge Jules
Lange album launch \\\"Harmonic Motion\\\"
Bobina
The Viceroy
Bar - Electrik Playground
Tall Paul
Riley & Durrant 3 hours
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