This is the final interview with the headliners of the massive Breaking Ground party at SEOne on the 24th February, the official Breakspoll awards afterparty.
Danny Mac has been producing and DJing in the progressive dance scene for over ten years and is now considered a pioneer of the UK breaks scene. He used to work at TCR with Rennie Pilgrem before setting up his own label, In-Flight Entertainment, in 1999. His production aliases include Uptown Connection, McMillan and Tab and Heavy Still to name but a few. Danny’s feel for fusing tech house, breaks, electro and funk have had him DJing in exotic locations such as Australia, America and the Far East.
2006 has already been a busy year having recently mixed the cover mount CD for DJ MAG’s Breakspoll special and it’s set to continue with two new record labels in the pipeline, his custom built Ableton controller set for launch, numerous productions set for release and no doubt he will still find time for yet more projects!
As you can imagine from reading above, getting time to sit down with Danny is a rare thing, so I headed over to his studio to see him in action and find out some more about the man that is Danny Mac.
So where did it all begin for you?
Running record labels in the early nineties and musically things took off when I did the Nu Skool Breaks series and Friction with Rennie Pilgrem.
You’re co-presenting the Breakspoll Awards again this year, what do you enjoy most about this event?
The fact many hundreds of people squeeze through the door each year to celebrate the music. It’s nearly 10 years since we did Friction at Bar Rumba and the excitement feels the same all these years later. Friction was special then and so is Breakspoll now — they have a connection in vibe.
Tell us more about your custom built Ableton Live controller.
I’ve been working alongside two others for the best part of a year to create a USB DJ controller that works with Ableton Live. The Danny Mac Control 01 has been painstakingly put together to maximise the performance. Various manufacturers have put out controllers but none of them have really suited professional DJs. Hence why, along with the likes of Sasha and Ritchie Hawtin; I have taken it upon myself to develop a custom built controller. I am launching it down at Breaking Ground on the 24th February.
Tell us more about your two new labels.
Along with my business partner, Rob, we are launching two new labels, P.A.C.K and digi:P.A.C.K. The first will bring you an array of fresh and dynamic breaks and beats with a dance floor flavour and the latter has been set up to bring through new talent within the breaks scene.
Where do you see breaks moving to in 2006?
More live shows from artists and people embracing forward thinking techniques to Djing — like using Ableton Live
Where is the weirdest place you have played out?
No comment!
Has it ever gone wrong beyond control during a set?
Yes, everyone has a moment like this, I have been lucky enough not to have the crowd notice too much.
Who is your favourite DJ right now?
Still Derrick May. Also Elite Force, Adam Freeland and Matthew Bushwacka B.
Which up and coming DJs do you think will be big in 2006?
He is not up and coming but I think Shack is the best breakbeat DJ out there. He wipes the floor with most DJs technically.
Which up and coming producers do you see making an impact on the breaks scene this year?
Bass Kleph, Artcrime and PSure
You are stuck on a desert island, which 2 DJs would you be glad to have stuck on the island with you and why?
Rennie Pilgrem because he is such a piss taker and Jay Cunnin because it would be funny to watch Rennie wind him up.
What can we expect from your set at Breaking Ground?
See the last two words of your question. No seriously I will be launching my controller and showing people that Ableton Live is not about checking your emails and having a computer mix your records on stage. The latter is a common misconception from technology shy DJs.
Leyline presents Breaking Ground: The Official Breakspoll Aftershow All-Nighter
Flyer:
Region:
London
Music:
Breaks.
DJ's:
Main Room
Freq Nasty Rennie Pilgrem with MC Chickaboo
The Teamplayers (Live): feat Aquasky, UK Apache, Spyda, The Ragga Twins & Ban Jyang
JDS
Splitloop (Live)
Will Saul
Precision Cuts
Room 2: Bassline Breaks
Pendulum (Breaks Set)
Breakfastaz
Deekline and Wizard with MC Ivory
Deep Impact with Screwface
Room 3: International Breaks
Danny Mac Klaus \\\\\\\'Heavyweight\\\\\\\' Hill
Simon Paul vs Sgt Rock
Madox vs Santos
Cedric Benoit
From: steelo kuchikion 22nd Feb 2006 18:38.03 danny is a true legend. the dj mag cover cd is fucking bad all day too. looking forward to having a beer with you at breakspoll sir
From: JC-TAKTIKALon 23rd Feb 2006 17:07.07 Get in the Mac - proper gent and Leg End See you at the bpoll wo ho! Go steelo
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