Kristan J Caryl talks vinyl with Below resident Adam Shelton before Cocoon In The Park.
The UK’s only Cocoon-endorsed festival is back this summer! July 10th 2010 will see Sven Väth and a handpicked selection of his house and techno cohorts take over the rolling grounds of Temple Newsam – a 450 year old mansion house on the outskirts of Leeds – for a one-day open-air festival.
The line-up includes Adam Shelton, the promoter and resident DJ behind underground Birmingham bash Below. He’s someone who, in the last decade, has played everywhere from Panorama Bar to Space, and is one of this country’s most respected residents. Kristan J Caryl catches up with him before the show.
What is the role of a resident DJ do you think?
A resident DJ should be able to play at any point throughout the party and be versatile enough to know what to play to create the right mood. I think a lot of people get this wrong and just play what they want. They should also be able to warm up for the guest DJ or play after them, set them up or follow on with the same vibe. You see a lot a guests finish their set and then a resident will go and clear the floor. I think it is down to researching the guest and knowing what you have to do.
Why do you like the role so much?
Because you can really get a buzz off taking it from an empty dancefloor to a full one if doing a warm up, this can be a very satisfying set, or playing after somebody who has totally smashed it who you really look up to, that nervous/ adrenalin feeling before you go thinking “Am I going to do a good job?” is what gets you really going.
Is tune selection and sequencing or technical mixing ability more important do you think?
I think both, if you are top of your game, both for sure! Although at an after-party when people have been partying for hours, that’s one time when selection comes over technical ability.
Where/from whom do you get your inspiration/influences?
I have a whole host of inspirations – mainly DJs such as Derrick Carter, Francois K, Masters At Work, Derrick May, Ron Trent, and labels such as Trax, Junior Boys Own, Nu Groove, Classic, Chicago trax and clubs such as Body and Soul, Robert Johnson, Hacienda, secretsundaze, Back To Basics. The list could go on...
How did the hook up with Cocoon In The Park come about?
I have met Shane and Keith from System before when doing a gig. They are great guys who like what I play, also they are big fans of DJs that play vinyl which was nice to hear and I think was a factor in the booking. Also I give a helping hand where I can with the party as I have lots of gigs around the UK where I can spread the love on the event Not that it needs it – everybody is up for it!
What did you make of last year’s event?
Last year’s event was for me the gig of the year, and I think for a lot of people. The whole thing was so well done, the production, the crowd, the weather... It was extra nice for me when not only did I get the gig but got to fill in for Sven and Luciano at the Mint Club who were meant to be doing a nine-hour set. Really good stuff!
What can people expect from one of your sets at the moment?
Really depends on what time I'm playing but I always try to stick to one thing if it's an after-party. If it’s a main set then HOUSE MUSIC.
And how different are your sets at an open air festival or in say a smaller club?
Smaller clubs I feel you can really take it up and down more, the crowd are closer and more willing to go with whatever you want. At larger events I think keeping it more solid is very important. Also when you have more massive production it's nice to play solid grooves that really have an impact.
What else are you working on in 2010?
2010 I am working on my record label which I run with subb-an: One Records. We have our third release out at the moment and are getting a lot of cool people on board and really trying to push UK-based artists. I have another project doing edits under the name of S.A.S which we have just had our first release on the new Foot and Mouth label.
Check out a mix by Adam here.
Check out London Clubbing.
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