A Quick Chat with Kissy Sell Out

A Quick Chat with Kissy Sell Out

16 March, 2010
by: Amanda Gegg

In the run up to Part 2 of the Together Relaunch, Amanda Gegg talks to Kissy Sell Out about producing, touring and everything in between...

So Kissy, it seems like you've got a hundred and one things going on at the moment! First of all, congratulations on your Mixmag cover story, you must be very chuffed with that.

Oh thank you, yeah it actually turned up on my doorstep this morning. I always get really nervous with things like that because you never know how interviews are going to turn out on the page. But yeah I was really pleased with it.

And your new single 'Come On Over' with Tinashe was released recently which must be very exciting, how has it been received so far?

Well it's early days at the moment. I mean, it was only released last week on Beatport but so far it's going really well.

A lot of people we've spoken to have had really good things to say about it, particularly the Punx Soundcheck remix...

Oh cool, yeah I was really happy for them to get involved. They were actually on one of the first vinyls I ever bought, so it was quite an honour.

You've teamed up with some amazing artists over the past few years, how do you normally go about setting up a remix?

Well I'm actually quite lucky in that way, because it normally works out that the artists want a 'Kissy Sell Out remix' so they leave me to do my own thing.

You seem to be a fan of helping out up and coming DJs as well. Do you have any success stories that you're particularly proud of?

I try not to differentiate really, I mean all of them deserve recognition for what they do. It seems obvious to me that if there is anything I can do, I should help because that's what people did for me. It's not me that deserves the credit, because if these guys weren't any good then it wouldn't happen.

That's a very gracious attitude. Now your San City High record label is taking off in a big way, especially now the website is live...

Oh yeah we're really pleased with it, although it has been a bit stressful. I'm so passionate about it I end up being so involved in every part. I have been sat in my house for the past week helping to get the website up and running.

What can we expect from San City High over the next year?

You can expect loads of singles in the first half of the year. They have already been laid out, but we are aiming to release one a month. It's been great because a lot of people want to get involved, so we're building a community.

Then there is your relentless touring schedule to think about. Your fans obviously appreciate this so much, but how do you cope with all the travelling?

Well I guess you could say it's the number one rule of being a dj; don't even try and hang your clothes up when you get home! It is tiring but I don't mind, I always have my i-pod with me though, it's very calming when you're going to and from airports and stuff.

I'm always back to do my radio show on Thursdays (Radio 1 Kissy Klub 12:00-02:00) which is sometimes quite difficult, but the show has been live for two years and it wouldn't be the same if it was pre-recorded. I get so many texts and feedback from the fans, the show wouldn't be the same without it.

And have you picked up on anywhere in the world where electro is particularly well-recieved at the moment?

Well there is Essen in Germany, I played there recently and it was so much fun. And Budapest was fantastic, I'd go back and play there any time.

Do you reckon you have an all-time favourite venue?

That's hard to answer when you play in so many places. I would probably say my favourite gigs are festivals because there is such an amazing atmosphere and reception.

Everyone is really excited about you playing at the Coronet Theatre on Friday. The Together Relaunches have got such stellar line-ups. What can we expect from you there?

Yeah it's going to be great with Hervé and Bloody Beetroots. They are both fully capable of smashing it so I'm going to have to unravel a few surprises. I'll definitely be throwing in some specially made tracks.

We look forward to hearing them. Ok then Kissy, you seem to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders what with the producing, touring, the Radio 1 Kissy Klub and album cover/t-shirt designing...We just want to know, what is your secret? How do you keep up with it all?

I guess it's because I'm doing what I love. I feel really lucky to even know what that is because so many people don't. If I'm ever sat around doing nothing I feel like I'm just wasting air.

I love seeing my friends and being around people so it all fits perfectly. When I was younger I never knew there were so many people out there that I had stuff in common with and I'm very grateful to be around them now in the job that I do.

Thank you so much Kissy. We can not wait until Friday, it is going to be huge!

To find out more about Kissy and San City High Records, check out www.kissysellout.com.

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Amanda Gegg