Planet Notion - Serge Santiago goes Cherry Picking

31/01/2008

With fans including the powerhouse that is Erol Alkan, Fabric regular, Ewan Pearson, and the omnipotent knowledge of Notion magazine (natch), recently Serge Santiago has been approaching that handy, if clichéd tag of ‘The Producer’s Producer’™. Starting off as a Brighton based member of the Stompa Phunk crew (he’s now a resident) Serge took a leap with his production work as one half of revered remix due, Radio Slave. Along with Matt Edwards (otherwise known as Rekid) Serge was responsible for remixing the likes of Kylie, The White Stripes and the very reverend Justin Timberlake, before branching out on his own with his highly sought after Colour Series of Italo re-edits from forgotten masters like Baciotti and Easy Going.

With DJ bookings having taken him from our own blustery shores to the States and back again, plus his own label, Arcobaleno, being renowned for a release schedule that screams ‘quality over quantity’ (something other label heads could benefit from), Serge has a deft touch when it comes to an absorbing track selection. Not happy just playing at the launch of Notion’s gut-busting Stand & Point event in the heart of his East London home, Serge has also been enlisted to mix our latest Cherry Picking instalment. With a delectable collection of his current faves ranging from bass fuelled booty-sleaze to more cerebral fare, it’s obvious that as a DJ, Mr Santiago will not only get your feet stomping, but educate you to his style too. We caught up with him to discuss his production stance, warehouse parties and '08 moves.

First of all, lets talk about Arcobaleno Records – like a few legendary labels, your releases are few and far between – do you feel a tight grip on quality control is paramount?

The ‘few and far between’ tag is all about to change. I’ve signed some great tracks for release over the next 12 months, old and new. I needed to get the look, sound and direction right first. Getting everything right was so important, otherwise I’d end up somewhere I wouldn’t want to be and have to start again! So all is good…

What do you have planned for the label in 2008?

Simply to release the best sound I can find, and bringing new talent to the forefront is important.

You’re renowned for your re-edits – do you prefer to keep the skeleton of someone else’s track when producing, and flesh it out with your own style, or do you prefer to create your own original track?

I don’t really mind which way really. Edits are edits; someone else’s track to play with and make your own, if it’s not as good or better, then they never see the light of day. 2008 is really a year for less edits and more originals and collaborations.

You’ve obviously got experience working as a production duo with Matt Rekid – what is it you prefer about making music by yourself?

Working on your own is good just because you’ve got no-one to answer to. It can be bad when you’re stuck in a hole and need help working out the where the ladder is!

Do you think that through your re-edit work, you’re still part of a production partnership, with the original track making up the other half?

Maybe, yeah, I mean it’s their sound I’m using in the first place; I’m just dissecting and rearranging it to fit modern day ears. It would be great to have been able to sit there in the studio when they were there in the first place.

You’re now in the coveted position of being an Ibiza favourite, something accentuated through your ‘We Love… Ibiza’ compilation with Riton – are you looking forward to the ’08 season, and do you have any cheeky highlights from last year?

I can’t wait for this coming season; last year was such a laugh, I met some great faces… Highlights were finding out who the phantom ‘booth’ trumper is, Clay Day was great, plus finding 3 feral kittens, feeding them and watching them grow into small cats before having to leave… I wonder how those poor buggers are doing?

What are the standout tracks for you on your first Cherry Picking mix for Notion, and could you class it as a typical Serge mix?

Michal Ho’s tracks are always great, but the mix he’s done for the label of Virtualmismo – ‘Mismoplastico’ is ace! He’s got this great ability to keep things rising. The Beatpharmacy mix of ‘Deliver Me’ by Lil’Wolf is just amazing, very deep and great for a cover-mount CD.

On a slightly different tip, (plus the possiblilty for a moan if you’re so inclined) what is the worst thing about the dance music scene?

The worst thing I’ve seen in ‘clubworld’ at the moment is the lack of dancing and a little bit of open mindedness outside places like Ibiza and Berlin.

Finally, as a Londoner yourself, and with the proliferation of warehouse parties happening almost every weekend, do we live in the best city in the world for electronic music?

I wish it was, I mean it’s great, but Berlin is defiantly the best place for a rave at present. 52 hour parties!

Words: Louis Cook