Reported by Club Insekt
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Submitted 12-01-06 02:07
Colin Barratt has fast been gaining a reputation in hard dance circles as one of the most innovative producers on the circuit in recent years. Having begun his production career at the tender age of 17, Colin has worked with some of the scene's greats like Andy Farley and Paul Glazby and has a vast production CV of some 20+ tracks and remixes, spanning many a heavyweight label like Tidy Trax and Vicious Circle. This month Colin makes his debut appearance at Insekt, warming up for Justin Bourne's 3 hour epic set. We grabbed a few words with Colin to find out more behind the man and what he has up his sleeve for The Bourne Identity.
What was your inspiration to produce?
I have to say my main inspiration to start producing would be a good friend and a familiar name to you all, Ingo. It was when watching him create his first few tracks that I realised that this was the route I’d like to take, that and wanting the pleasure of playing my own records at gigs!!
What came first, the DJ or the producer?
I had my first pair of decks since the early age of 15 then started doing the odd gig here & there when I reached 17 and from that moment I was hooked and decided I wanted to go one further and start producing, just before I turned 18.
How long did it take you to learn?
I’ve spent nearly six years now in total (four and a half of which at college — Access To Music in Lincoln) and am still learning today!! Producing is a skill which the limits are endless, I will always think I have a lot of room for improvement which I suppose helps drive me to becoming the best I can.
What would you classify your style as?
Ermmm... Colin Barratt? I take a lot of influence from different styles of dance music really and I think it shows in my tracks. All contain big percussion and bassline grooves and have a techy edge though I’d say.
With hard house the way it is at the moment have you considered/started to do other styles?
I have been working on more down-tempo stuff for a while now and have had several tracks signed under the name Hauswerks, it’s a sort of fat bassline house style that I’ve been getting really into but am keeping this completely separate from my hard dance work.
Do you think people can cross genres?
If they go about it the right way definitely!!
Do you prefer engineering for someone or producing?
I like a mixture of both really, but you can’t beat producing your own music, whether it be a collab or solo project.
Have you played abroad and do you have any upcoming tours in the pipeline?
Barring the British Isles the only place I’ve played long distance is Canada which was wicked, but I am currently sorting out a visit to New Zealand and Australia and am in talks with Norway and Poland, so all is looking up!!
Tell us a little bit about your involvement in the hot new Gravity Trapp Records and what you have got coming up on the label.
I co-run the label with Ingo, to date we have had two releases being Enursha — ‘Enursha’ and Ingo & Lisa Lashes — ‘Desire‘. Next on the cards is a single from myself and Charlie J called ‘Melting Point’ with an Ingo remix, then we also have collaborations with myself, Ingo, Ali Wilson and Carl Nicholson in the pipeline. As we all know record sales are down at the mo so I’m not gonna bore you with that story again but I will say that Gravity Trapp will only be pressing up 500 copies of the next couple of releases so grab yours before they all go!!
You’ve previously worked with some of the scenes heavyweights in Andy Farley, Ingo and Paul Glazby. Who would you most like to work with or have worked with be it engineering or collaborating?
I've enjoyed working with everyone I’ve worked with really. I particularly like collaborating with Farley and Ingo as we have similar tastes. In the world of hard dance I’d like to do a track with OD404 and Nick Sentience but I would also love to work with the likes of Marco V and would love to do a bit of funky techno with Marco Bailey!
You’ve been involved in some pretty large tracks over the years such as ‘Uluru’, the remix of ‘Decimal Dust’ and the popular ‘Follow Me’. What has been your favourite and what has meant the most to you?
Hmmmm... tough question! I'd have to say that a track called ‘You Know’ I did a few years back on Retek would have to mean the most to me, as that’s the tune that got me noticed by the big labels, but the track I most enjoyed making would probably be the ‘Follow Me’ remix as since I first heard that vocal on the advert, I really wanted to do a funky, techy number with it. More recently though, I’m happy with the outcome of my next release on Tidy called ‘Critikal Mass’ which is due for full release in the next few days!
You’re making a rare London appearance supporting Justin Bourne in his mammoth 3 hour set at Insekt. What can the London crowd expect to hear from you and have you any surprises up your sleeve?
The last time I played in London was at a night called Blast at the Fridge which I’m sure you’re all familiar with and I got a really good reception, so I’m looking forward to my trip down to Insekt!! You can expect more tough grooves from myself with plenty of fresh material so get yourself down there!!!!!
Marc Johnson / 07946 311204 / marc@insekt.co.uk
James Nardi / 07779 634820 / james@insekt.co.uk
George E / 07961 942307 / george@insekt.co.uk
Chris Comben / 07866 626838 / chris@insekt.co.uk
More:
As 2006 begins Insekt are proud to unleash what could be the standard setter for the year to come. Possibly the DJ/Producer of the last 18 months, Insekt main man Justin Bourne is all fired up to take you on a epic 3 hour journey like only he can. Come and witness this rare occasion as Justin gets given the freedom to cut loose at home.
Backing Justin up this month will be the impressive Colin Barratt and the Zoology team host the Firepit to add some variety and uplifting vibes to the Fire club!
Flyer:
-
Region:
London
Music:
Trance. Hard Trance. Hard House.
DJ's:
[Main Room - The Bourne Supremacy]
Justin Bourne - 3hr Special!
Colin Barratt (Tidy / Vicious Circle / Gravity Trapp)
George-E (Flashpoint / HardSounds / Insekt)
Marcopilf (Techstyle / Infectious)
From: Demonixon 12th Jan 2006 11:42.22 Look forward to catching Mr B at Insekt !!
Another informative piece from Ricardo - good work fella..
From: Demonixon 12th Jan 2006 11:48.48 Look forward to catching Mr B at Insekt !!
Another informative piece from Ricardo - good work fella..
From: Jennie Bon 12th Jan 2006 12:22.12 Good interview...last and only time I saw Colin was at the fridge and he literally blew me away...I'm sure he'll do the same at insket!
From: JP and Jukesyon 12th Jan 2006 14:14.38 colin has nice hair
From: James Nardion 12th Jan 2006 15:16.26 top stuff Barratt!!!
From: Matt Smallwoodon 12th Jan 2006 16:56.07 Barrattinos you're a legend mate, hopefully we can have some messy shenanigans in Ibiza again this year, haha!! See you saturday :o)
From: benzon 12th Jan 2006 18:43.11 yes yes, one of the best Hard Dance producers around and a fantastic DJ....think I might have to pop down for this one!!!
From: *cheeky chick*on 13th Jan 2006 08:39.57 dont think ive seen Colin before roll on the 21st
From: sunvisordudeon 13th Jan 2006 09:21.52 saw him play at BLAST and seriously liked his set! very nice'n techy
From: Marc Johnsonon 13th Jan 2006 13:54.28 good interview and looking forward to having him down
From: George-Eon 13th Jan 2006 17:13.41 Good read and roll on the 21st!
From: Frase.org.ukon 14th Jan 2006 01:11.44 Good to see another Lincoln lad doing well for himself
Keep it up mate!
Frase
From: twiston 15th Jan 2006 00:27.00 In a scene that can often be accused of similar dj line ups Colin has quite a Fresh sound and played a great set for us at Blast and is def worth a listen. He doesn't get to London much so should not be missed.
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