Protohype

Protohype

15 September, 2010
by: Robertswaine86

Rob Swaine talks to Protohype main man Neil Mason ahead of their gig at Ministry this weekend.

This Friday at Ministry of Sound is going to be very special indeed. Not only does it kick off the proceedings for their weekend-long 19th birthday celebration, with a mammoth four-hour set from trance guru Ferry Corston, but it also represents the birth of a new cutting edge house music label, Protohype Records. 

While the Box is blown apart by some truly epic sets courtesy of Ferry Corston, Solarstone and The Viceroy, the Baby Box will be showcasing some of the fine acts signed to this brand new, hugely exciting label. The line-up includes Dan Eats Everything, Luvstuff, Shooting Horses, Hoi, and Bappa, going back to back with Protohype head honcho, Neil Mason, aka N-Ton. You can expect to hear some deep, pounding up-front house from Dan Eats Everything, delicious party vibes from Kissy Sell Out’s favourite production duo Luvstuff, as well as some wonky world music-infused raucous beats from South London’s own Shooting Horses.

We got in touch with Neil himself to find out a little more about what we can expect from Protohype once the label is launched some time within the next month. Judging by the artists on the roster, it’s going to be well worth keeping an eye on.

So tell us a little bit about N-Ton. How long have you been DJing and how did you get into it? 

I’ve been DJing for about 20 years in total, playing in clubs for about 13 years under varies guises. 

I understand you've just got back from a European tour? Are there any particular highlights that stand out in your mind?

Indeed I have. The stand-out highlight has to be at Elektika at The Blue Moon, Porticcio, Corsica. It was a crazy gig, with a great crowd. The event was sponsored by Fenchurch too, so I got a free T-shirt. Bonus.

The following day the tour manager came up trumps with a private waterfall excursion and everything. I’m also looking forward to my South African tour in mid-October. Watch out Johannesburg!

What's inspired the decision to start up a label of your own?

My inspiration lies with pushing new music, and it's also my chance to offer something to up and coming artists as well as established artists, give them a break to release tracks and maximum coverage and so on. I’ve been honing my business skills for years to make this one of the most exiting labels out on the market. Watch this space!

What can we expect to hear from Protohype Records?

Eats Everything, Shooting Horses, Calvertron, Pheare Face, DJ Moneyshot, Luvstuff, Me and more to follow. I’m making sure that there will be something for everyone.

When's the first release due?

In circa four weeks: Eats Everything – ‘Woo Yes’, with an epic remix package from Phear Face, Moneyshot and Luv Stuff.

Have you ever played at Ministry of Sound before?

Yes, around five times in the last three years. It’s always a great night, everyone there is there to dance, which helps.

Are you looking forward to this Friday?

Indeed, for so many reasons. It’s the Protohype Records Launch, Ministry Of Sound's 19th Birthday, with Ferry Corsten doing a four-hour set. Woo hoo!

Have you ever been back to back with Bappa before?

Yes I have many times at the Momentum nights in South London. We always smash it up, and this Friday’s going to be no exception.

So there you have it, if you’re heading down to Ministry of Sound this Friday, be sure to pop into the Baby Box and show some love for these up and coming talented producers and DJs.

To get you in the mood click here for the Shooting Horses summer mix.

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Robertswaine86