Christmas party tidings with Ben Gold
Reported by Frani Heyns
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Submitted 10-11-09 18:04
Christmas is coming and like those wise men of legend HarderFaster brings gifts to help your festive season get off to a bang. The first of those gifts comes in the form of gold, Ben Gold to be precise. Already making waves across the world with his remixes and DJ sets, we’re proud to present his headlining set at the HF Xmas Party 2009! Frani Heyns, our wise lady, presented some questions of her own.
You’re only 24 years old and yet one of the most talented names in our industry at the moment. Take us right to the beginning. When did you first fall in love with electronic dance music and how did things develop from there?
I got into electronic dance music when I was 14. It was a holiday with a friend to Ibiza that kicked it all off. When I got back, I got some decks, and started mixing. I was 17 when I first went into the studio with an engineer. I did 2-3 tracks then started to learn Logic, and never looked back I suppose.
Not only are you a fully qualified studio engineer, but you’ve also been DJing in top clubs around the world. When are you at your happiest – in studio or behind the decks? Or is it a combination of both?
It is definitely a combination of both. When I’m in the studio, its time to creative, and when behind the decks, it’s party time!
How many Ben Gold productions and remixes have seen the light to date?
There have been five Ben Gold releases (Discover), two Be:Gold releases (Musical Madness), three Frontline releases (Flux Delux) and one Outlook release (Relative) amongst many other releases that I have co-produced.
The creative process is different for every artist. Does an idea for a tune develop slowly over a period of time or does it come instantly to you?
It varies. Sometimes I spend too long on a track and then it often ends up changing it into something completely different, which isn’t always a good move. I spend a lot of time on the finer details which are not always noticeable, but create the smooth transitions between the different parts of the track. Then other times, a track can be made in half a day.
What in your opinion are the most important elements to ensure a track rises far above the mediocre masses?
Apart from the obvious, the lead line and the sound used, the arrangement of a track is important to get right. The last thing you want is to have seven minutes of the same sounds / beats being filtered differently. The track needs to have something original about it, but also be simple at the same time. Not always easy to get right!
Tell us more about your studio and equipment.
I run Logic 8, with Dynaudio BM6 monitors and a Virus TI in an acousticly treated room. I also use AU’s such as Sylenth & Nexus.
You’ve mastered the art of trance and continue to go from strength to strength with every production. Is your music influenced by other genres, or are you mostly inspired by trance?
It’s mainly trance yeah. I get ideas from all styles and then work them into trance. I think it’s important to listen to a wide spectrum of music when producing.
In the words of Paul Oakenfold, “Ben Gold is a talented young producer and definitely one to watch out for in the future.” You’ve caught the eyes of the big boys. Who would you say have been your biggest influences over the years and why?
Different people have influenced me in different ways. Paul Oakenfold’s career advice was excellent. John O’Callaghan has been a big inspiration, so has Gareth Emery.
If you are given the chance to play back-to-back with anyone in front of a million clubbers anywhere in the world, who would you choose and where would it be?
Gareth Emery. Where? I’m not sure. Trance Energy’s main stage perhaps?
After keeping the cat in the bag for a very long time, we can finally reveal that you will be headlining at the HarderFaster Christmas party this year. What can we expect from your set on the night?
A lot of new material. I am working on my debut album right now, so have a few tracks that won’t be released for a while. Also, a few collaborations I have done also and possibly a few new remix’s. Around 50% of all my sets are made up by my music.
What are the five hottest tracks in your box at the moment?
1. Be:Gold – Sunstroke
2. Artento Divini – Biding My Time
3. Ben Gold - Llacuna
4. W&W - Untitled
5. Matt Hardwick – Impossible (Ben Gold Remix)
What is your ultimate feel good tune? Why?
Good question. There are a few but Moonman – Galaxia hits all the right spots!
Tell us more about a particular moment in your career that stands out for you.
Touring with Paul Oakenfold has been a stand out moment in my career so far. Also, I have been fortunate enough to play to some big crowds in some great clubs, including Slinky at the O2 Academy, Passion in Coalville, The Gallery at Turnmills and Gatecrasher in Sheffield.
What advice would you give to aspiring producers and DJs?
Create your own sound. Inspiration is important, but don’t copy others. Too many copy others, which makes them all sound the same.
Your road to fame has been phenomenal. What does the future hold for Ben Gold?
I’m not sure. I’m really happy right now with how things are going. I’m working on my debut album right now, as well the different alias’ I have mentioned above.
And finally, when you’re not in studio or on the road to a gig, what do you do to relax and take some out?
FIFA 10, haha! I cook most nights. I find it a good way to relax and chill out after a solid day in the studio. Also, I play football at least once a week.
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Images courtesy of Ben Gold / Amplified. Not to be reproduced without permission.
HarderFaster Xmas Party 2009
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On:
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Saturday 28th November 2009
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At:
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Clerkenwell House [map]
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From:
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2PM till Midnight
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Cost:
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Suggested donation £5
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Website:
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www.harderfaster.net
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Ticket Info:
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Suggested donation for Cancer Research £5
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More:
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With the sound of ringing checkouts and screaming children, it must be Xmas again and with those merry notes comes the HarderFaster Xmas party!!!
This year we’re at the slightly earlier date of Nov 28th but we haven’t spared the reindeer in finding a fantastic venue to celebrate the winter festivities in. With décor to wow even Mrs Claus, a top notch sound system that’ll keep the kids awake and ice cold beer served by the pint (along with a veritable feast of other drinks at the bar) it could only be the hidden gem that is Clerkenwell House. Tucked away in the back streets of Hatton Gardens, a short walk away from Farringdon station, you’ll think all your Christmas’ have come at once if you’ve yet to sample it’s delights!
And part of the delights is the line up. But in true Xmas fashion we won’t be giving you all your presents to open all at once. Instead over the coming weeks we’ll be revealing top treats in the form of some of your favourite and much loved DJs appearing over the fantastic two floors of music!
In the proud tradition of HF Xmas and your generous donations at the door, this year we’ve decided to focus on a charity which helps to combat a disease that will touch all of us in some way over the course of our lives. With millions of new patients diagnosed with cancer every year, Cancer Research UK helps to fund studies and research into beating the disease. We suggest a £5 donation at the door, though please feel free to donate more if you wish as with previous years each and every single penny of profit will go to the chosen charity.
Watch out for more announcements in the coming days and weeks and don’t forget to add your name to the listings!
Ho, ho, ho it’s the HF Xmas Party!
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Other Features By Frani Heyns:
Finding the passion with Ben Alonzi
Put your hands in the air for Glyn Waters
Shifting gears with Corderoy
Perfectly Adam White
Getting Crafty with Sly One: Part 2
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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