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Features
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Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! |
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New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik!
Reported by Jessica Alici
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Submitted 30-05-22 12:35
Let me introduce you to Damian Chapman aka DKLUB - an award winning, up and coming Techno DJ who also plays Trance and House. DKLUB broke through onto the scene in 2020 during the covid pandemic when he started streaming regularly. His flawless passionate sets saw his popularity soar and it wasn’t long until he started learning how to produce. Even more incredibly, his first finished track was such a banger it was instantly signed by Onhcet Republik and is due for release on 17 June 2022! With the world now reopening, we reckon it won’t be long before you see DKLUB behind the decks at a techno event or festival near you. So, we thought now would be a good time to find out a bit more about this fast-rising star!
What is your earliest memory of music?
My earliest memory of music was back in the early 80s as a 4-year-old. My parents would be listening to Queen, U2, the Smiths, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones and Eurythmics on long car journeys, and living in Plymouth there were many long journeys to be had, lol.
Do you feel your childhood and upbringing influenced your artistic desires?
My childhood upbringing definitely influenced my music; as a strong minded individual from a young age, I went on a very early journey into electronic music. My journey began with me discovering more popular music; the first 7-inch single I bought was (now don’t hold this against me!) Kylie Minogue The Locomotion! I really went deeper into music around the early 90s and got hooked by the rave and acid house scenes, with brands like Fantazia and artists such as DJ Ratty, DJ Pilgrim, Carl Cox, Ellis Dee and The Rat Pack. I really enjoyed the sped-up remixes of classic tracks. I would also make mixtapes from an early age where I would pause at a certain place and then try to blend in the next track! I guess that’s what lead me to becoming a DJ! Then 1996/97 happened. For me this was the best era of electronic music, with the arrival of the original trance music and this is where I found my true belonging. Enjoying anthems created by Paul Van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Steve Morley, Paul Oakenfold (when he was awesome) and Tiesto (when he was at his best imo). The main artist that influenced me to become a DJ was Judge Jules; some say I bear a physical resemblance to him, lol.
Which artists do you rate?
For me it will always be the original DJs like Carl Cox and Judge Jules however, during lockdown I discovered newer talent such as Charlotte De Witte who is currently my number 1 artist. I saw her at Junction 2 and she blew the roof off. Also, for me, ones to watch out for in the future are Theo Nasa and VTSS.
When was your first DJ set? How was it?
Well funny you should ask; but growing up I didn’t have enough money for proper decks so I just used to use two normal turntables – so no pitch control! I didn’t get my Technics 1210 until I was around 21 years old and then I just played in my bedroom as I never had the confidence to play in a club - I had a terrible fear of rejection. Then ‘life’ took over and it became more of hobby. I started my own insurance company when I was 30 and the decks were stored away in the cupboard before being sold for a ridiculously cheap price. I’m 44 now, and just under three years ago I was able to successfully exit my insurance business, and this allowed me the opportunity to finally chase my dream of being a DJ. I enrolled on a course but then lockdown happened so I started doing internet radio which evolved into streaming. I was amazed! People seemed to like how I play and my fear of rejection was completely eroded. Since then, I’ve have played several gigs locally and already have festivals and other events in the diary for this summer.
You recently started learning to produce, what led you to this?
Production has always been a desire of mine and people who watch or listen to my shows and like my style were actively encouraging me to produce too, as they thought I had a natural ear for music. I have always had ideas in my head but, not being a musician, I’ve never known how to get them from my head onto paper, so to speak. So again, after exiting my business I had the time to learn, and I enrolled on an Ableton course. Since then, I have been continuously annoying my fellow producer mates, bombarding them with questions, and I have been lucky enough to get some tremendous support from the production community.
Your first finished track ‘White Rock’ has already been signed to Onhcet Republik Xtreme which is incredible. Talk us through how the track came to fruition…
Yes, to get my first track out there on such a prestigious label is a tremendous opportunity and one I couldn’t refuse… The track itself started very different to how it’s ended up, but in my head, I want all my tracks to be banging and particularly addictive, combining essences of Detroit with peak time techno. ‘White Rock’ came from wanting to be different, really a bit like me, as I never go with the grain, but still addictive like a drug. I feel ‘White Rock’ has a real gritty palette whilst still being an absolute stomper.
You broadcast regular podcasts. Tell us about them?
Yeah, I have two residencies. I have a monthly residency on Data Transmission called This Is Techno which is aired on the first Wednesday of every month between 7pm and 9pm. I’m lucky to be on the same roster as Dave Clarke, Sister Bliss and Roman Tapia.
I also have a bi-weekly residency on Underground Kollektiv which broadcasts live between 7pm to 9pm every other Monday. I absolutely love promoting new talent and new music so both shows have an hour of unreleased techno music and an hour of the latest techno available from around the world.
You also promote. Tell us about your parties; what can people expect from them?
Yes, I have two brands and I’m currently working on a third that I’m just about to start with some good friends. The two brands I have now are ‘Up on The Roof’ which focuses on day parties on roof top bars, this is mainly a summer event. My second brand is KLUB @ The Pub where I bring the sounds of a club to the local pub.
You’re also a father. How did parenthood change you? What remained a constant?
Parenthood completely changed me. I used to always play to win but over recent years I have probably become a bit more cautious and played not to lose. I am so proud of my son who will be 9 years old this month. He is a very kind, caring and loving child. I have him 50% of the time so he lives 7 days with me, then 7 days with his mum. I try to fit DJing, producing and work all in the week I don’t have him, so I am then 100% available for him.
Do you feel the music industry has changed over the years?
Yes, the music industry has changed significantly over recent years, and much of this is to do with the evolution of digital music and copyright theft. I think this is one of the biggest challenges the music industry has ever faced.
What hobbies do you enjoy the most?
My hobbies include being Dad’s taxi for my boy, football, socialising with friends and of course DJing and production, which I hope to develop into more of a career path in the future.
What is your life mantra/words of wisdom that you can offer the readers
In life we are sent challenges and it’s how we react to those challenges that defines us as people.
If someone wrote a book about your life what would it be called?
THE WONDERFUL MISADVENTURES OF A DJ/PRODUCER AND DAD!
To pre-order/buy DKLUB’s first release click here:
https://www.beatport.com/release/white-rock/3750482
To check out DKLUB’s website click here:
https://dklub.co.uk/
To follow DKLUB on Facebook click here:
https://m.facebook.com/OfficialDKLUB/
To follow DKLUB on Instagram click here:
https://instagram.com/dklubofficial
Images courtesy of DKLUB. Not to be reproduced without permission. Share this :: : : :
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Other Features By Jessica Alici: Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works.
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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