 01/01/2005
STARRING: CARL KENNEDY
BORN: BIRMINGHAM
AGE: 28
MUSICAL STYLE: HOUSE - FROM SEXY TO PUMPING
In October 2003, Pete Tong proclaimed Carl Kennedy one of the world's 'best undiscovered DJs'. Since then he has toured extensively, from the US to Eastern Europe, to Asia and Australia, and, of course, the dance capital itself, Ibiza.
Carl's first production, 'The Love You Bring Me', is signed to Roger Sanchez's Stealth. Already an Essential New Tune on Radio 1, it is predicted to be one of the year's biggest tunes.
What is your biggest achievement?
Being nominated for Best Breakthrough DJ at the Dancestar Awards was pretty cool, and doing Radio 1 live from Ibiza was a dream come true. To play alongside DJs who inspired me like Roger Sanchez, David Morales and Erick Morillo.
And, personally, having my son and raising him.
Who are your musical heroes?
I love pretty much all genres, from hip hop to Motown to rock. The Eighties - disco, you name it, depending on my mood. Stevie Wonder, U2, Ub40… too many to mention!
Tell us about your new projects…
Well, I just finished a remix for Cr2 records, which I'm really feeling, and I'm working on a remix for The Camel Riders. And I have two original tracks that need to be done before the end of the year. I'm trying to make quality rather than quantity.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
A couple of gigs in the US, including Crobar with Pete Tong. The last couple of times we've played together were wicked!
Then I'll finish up in the studio before I leave New York. Going to play in Amsterdam with Roger Sanchez and have Lisa Pure singing 'The Love You Bring Me' live.
I'm off to Asia and Australia for New Year's Eve - I'm doing three or four gigs in 24 hours! Last year I almost killed myself trying to get from New York to England then Eastern Europe to Asia then Australia, all in four days. And then I get to hang out and work on some new stuff. I'll be releasing a lot next year so I need to plan. It's all about timing and a little luck.
Are there any artists you'd like to work with? Anything you're impressed with at the moment?
I'd love to work with Kylie Minogue! I think she would be fun. Also P Diddy - forget the hype, the guy is a real inspiration in all that he does. I'd also love to work with Basement Jaxx!
Roger Sanchez's Release Yourself at Crobar New York was amazing last week. It's put a lot of faith back into the scene here in New York. After 9/11 the club scene got blazed. But now it's starting to warm up again. One Love in Melbourne has the best-looking crowd! The Fort parties in St Petersburg - no words can describe the gig there! It's a castle in the middle of the ocean which holds 15,000 people. It goes on for three days. And Pacha, Ibiza - the sexiest club on the planet. And I'm dying to play the Terrace at Space!
Who would you invite to dinner and why?
Queen Elizabeth I; she took the UK from ruin to being one of the most powerful countries in the world. I'm big on history. And Muhammad Ali, my favourite sportsman of all time.
What is your recipe for success?
Ask me in a few years! You have to work hard, believe in yourself and visualise what you want. I have the best friends and family. So I feel pretty successful there.
What makes you happy? And what makes you angry?
My girl and son make me happy. I love to see people happy first. When I was running the GBH parties I could never enjoy it until I thought everyone was having a good time. Same goes when I'm playing. Quality of life is more important than materialistic possessions. I hate greedy, selfish people with no manners - makes me want to kill them. Some people only ever look out for themselves!
What was the last CD you bought?
The John Butler Trio. I don't really buy any music any more. But this CD is cool!
If not a DJ/producer, then what?
No idea! I think I'd be promoting, but then that's more tiring than DJing, as you have to be out every night. It's a life I decided to let my partners carry on with. It was a stepping-stone for me. I'd love to have my own clothes label, and my own eatery.
Carl Kennedy's 'The Love You Bring Me' is released on Stealth on November 22nd, with remixes from Roger Sanchez, Lee Cabrera, Hardsoul and Tom De Neef.
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