Reported by ~deleted12163
/
Submitted 13-06-07 02:15
Loved by many, HarderFaster resident of the year and Twist supremo Karim is at the top of his game. A true clubber at heart and a legend of the underground London club scene, he’s about to make his debut at new promotion Revolver.
Playing in front of thousands or at intimate gigs, Karim is passionate about his work. He rocks it every time and you know you’re in for a treat when he plays. So take it away Karim, hope you enjoy your mussels!
Evening, how’s life been treating you?
I’m feeling very well. It’s a very good year for me. I’ve given up smoking a few months back and have plenty of energy at the moment. I’ve never felt this good in my life!
I was told by a friend that if Tony De Vit was alive today, you are what he would sound like.
Massive compliment [smiling broadly]. I remember him when he was a clubber down at Trade before he starting DJing there. I imagine we both were influenced by the early nineties Trade sound.
Do you spend more of your time in the studio these days or are you pursuing other activities?
Although I have recently qualified as a TEFL teacher (Teaching of English as a Foreign Language), the music is keeping me too busy to do anything else. I’m regularly in the studio with Dave Owens up in Manchester. He’s a great engineer and gives my sound the right edge.
We all know that you don’t like DJ agencies. Have your views changed over the last few years or not?
Not really, let’s say I haven’t had great experiences with the agencies that I worked for in the past (they actually no longer trade). This doesn’t mean that all DJ agencies are all useless. I keep an open mind.
Can we come round yours for a mix?
Go on then, let’s go now!
What makes a proper DJ? Does the talent lie in playing records or producing their own material?
I’m not sure what separates a proper DJ from a DJ.
What do you think of promoters who book you, then say: ‘How many people can you bring?’
I’ve never been told by any promoter who wanted to book me such a thing! Lol!
Tell us about your taste in dance music. Did you ever get into the early electro scene back in the mid 80s?
Honestly, I wouldn’t be able to pinpoint one in particular, as there are so many.
What was the first record you heard and got you into the dance scene?
It was Doc Scott — ‘Surgery’ (Absolute 2).
When did you decide that you wanted to be a DJ?
I just got bored of moaning all the time in clubs and one day thought to myself: ‘Do it yourself Karim!’
The French house scene: how big is it and what do they think of the London scene?
I’ve lived in London for about 15 years now and only go to France now and then to visit my family, so I know as much as you about what goes on down there.
With all the new promotions popping up at the moment, which ones are standing out?
What new promotions?
If you go for a night out, what DJs and style of music attracts you to an event?
Mmmm, now that makes me realize that I haven’t gone for a night out in ages. This is what happens when you do this job, you are always in clubs…
If you could take an early house track like LFO — ‘LFO’ or Jaydee — ‘Plastic Dreams’, what would you give the Karim treatment?
I’m not going to reveal that!
What was the first record you ever bought?
It was a disco record in 1979 called ‘One Way Ticket’ by Eruption. God I must have been only four then.
How many records do you own?
About 8000 I think.
What has been the most memorable event for you?
It has to be the Karimathon last year, without a doubt.
Who has been the most influential character in your life?
Many people influenced me, or to be more precise were a real source of inspiration to me. However, I found my own expression and went on to become who I am now.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
There are things that humans simply cannot find the answer to, this is one of them.
Would you work with a vocalist on your productions?
Depends on what production I work on.
What career would you have chosen if you was not a DJ?
I was studying languages before I got into the music industry (English, Spanish, Russian) so I imagine I would have ended up teaching. I never planned to be doing what I’m doing now, it just happened. I’m really glad it did too!
When making a mix CD how much effort do you put into it?
Always 100% into everything I do.
Were you always aware of your talent?
Not at all.
How does your family feel about your success?
They are very proud.
If you had super powers, what would you choose and what would you use them for?
I could be arrested if I told you!
What would you be normally doing at this time on a Friday night?
Chill, chill and chill.
What’s your favourite soup?
I don’t do trance, I don’t do soup...... I like it hard down my throat too you know.
What’s your favourite TDV track?
His remix of ‘Age of Love’.
If you had a time machine, where would you go?
100 years from now maybe, maybe not. Don’t know. I just love the present.
Do you watch Allo Allo?
Nope.
Does your life revolve around your phone?
No way.
BK — ‘Revolution’ or Breather — ‘Come On’?
Do I really have to choose?
What’s your favorite film?
I’m not a film person though I don’t mind watching a good movie.
Thanks for you time Karim. Was that you in the kitchen cooking the food
tonight?
All pictures copyright of Jeremy Lee, not to be used without permission.
Join Revolver on our opening event as we celebrate in style
Bringing you a diverse mix of House music, to keep you satisfied all night.
In the Purple Room We bring you the legend that is Karim providing us with the Hard House we all want. Trade resident Lady Bianca will be throwing in a few surprises & one half of Tekelec Matt Smallwood shall weave his Techno magic. With Steve Hope & Jeremy Lee giving us hard driving thumping house.
The Red Room Welcomes Darren Pearce (JDS) with what will be a feast of Breaks of the highest caliber. Pure Science joins us with a live set not to be missed, tunes made & mixed on the spot will leave you gagging for more. Rising star Ben Gomori who is fast becoming one to watch on the club scene. Sunnyside's vibes comes all the way from The West Coast of USA & Steven Black kicks it with tough Electro Beats.
The Blue room Will be hosted by Swag Records.
A firm favourite in the Tech House scene, Paul 'Homer' Stubbs will be joined by his partners of Swag, Liz Edwards & Richie L.
The Legend that is Dave Mothersole is joined by Grant Dell & a very special guest.......
Flyer:
-
Region:
London
Music:
Nu NRG. House. Bouncy House. Deep House. Funky House. Hard House. US House. Vocal House. Funky Techno. Techno. Breaks.
From: Jacobon 13th Jun 2007 09:04.47 "I like it hard down my throat too"...Well there's something you don't usually learn from reading HF interviews ;o)
From: ~deleted12163on 13th Jun 2007 10:56.45 Legend.
What a nice bloke
From: John Nutteron 13th Jun 2007 13:34.00 Brilliant interview with brilliant DJ! fantastic. And dead right about the TDV comparison too!
From: Aaron_Moorishon 13th Jun 2007 15:07.02 Big & xxx
From: sexyminxon 13th Jun 2007 17:51.49 Wicked interview, nice one What a legend and top Karim is and top geezer Keep up the good work and all the best for 2007 and the future
From: Glyn Waterson 13th Jun 2007 18:16.10 Absolute top bloke
From: Paul Battenon 13th Jun 2007 18:45.51 Straight to the point just like his music! LEGEND!!!!
From: WEBBOon 13th Jun 2007 18:54.07 wicked interview , I LOVE IT ! : about the first record he bought by eruption , i remember that
From: ~deleted5181on 13th Jun 2007 19:52.44 great interview, you are the best
From: Jennie Bon 13th Jun 2007 22:29.13 Love Karim! Legend.
From: carl nicholsonon 14th Jun 2007 12:30.29 Karim is da man!
From: Getoniton 14th Jun 2007 15:20.40 Top bloke, amazing tunes and always makes me smile
From: ravechickon 14th Jun 2007 17:36.29 fab interview looking forward to Revolver
From: *cheeky chick*on 15th Jun 2007 20:56.47 Well done on the no smoking Karim Loves ya!
From: stevieboion 18th Jun 2007 16:09.36 seconded!
From: Steve Twiston 18th Jun 2007 17:11.59 I am so pleased for Karim and his continued success. He's had a great year. The Karimathon really was a very special event!
Some funny and to the point answers here - lol
From: SmYrKyon 20th Jun 2007 16:45.40 Mon petit hero! Keep it up fella : )
From: Disco Divaon 20th Jun 2007 19:39.47 Haha straight to the point, Love it & love the man too
From: MissNastyon 21st Jun 2007 13:38.32 #1 legend! dont ever stop!!
From: sunvisordudeon 23rd Jun 2007 11:46.06 karim made me understand proper hard house - and that says a lot!! karim is a gem!
From: Jazzyon 23rd Jun 2007 11:47.36 ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY FRENCHMAN!!!!!!!
From: Dzerzhinskyon 23rd Jun 2007 21:09.11 Wow, enlightening.
From: Anastasia_kon 26th Jun 2007 05:28.23 Some of the questions were quite amusing....
Karim your a great guy! I will never forget the morning a certain someone decided to take the needle off your record! I expected you to go loopy but you just laughed and carried on!
Go Karim!
From: Steve Gillenon 26th Jun 2007 21:24.54 what a star
From: Dzerzhinskyon 27th Jun 2007 18:14.55 DO YOU WANT CREAM WITH THAT KARIM??!!111 LOL
From: dave curtison 28th Jun 2007 10:10.01 haha, that interview was the worst!!!
funny though.
From: ~deleted12163on 28th Jun 2007 18:28.48 Why was it bad?
It was from a 'clubbers perspective'
From: Craig Jonon 29th Jun 2007 15:11.43 Karim. Hope to see you in Oz again soon
From: DJ Lustyon 2nd Jul 2007 13:25.42 Good stuff dude.. Looking forward to seeing you at Blessed on August 4th
From: jamesseoon 25th Nov 2024 13:45.34 This really which means delightful not to mention original. I just absolutely adore typically the styles not to mention anyone who will become it again in your mailing could be cheerful. Framebird
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