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INTERVIEWS
Established and newcomer DJs and artists are interviewed by BF.
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HOME » INTERVIEWS
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In the mirror with Jamie McHugh
Published: Tuesday, March 27th 2007
Author: Vlad Dumitrescu |
The story really began when Jamie's Arcadia track was snapped up by David Duriez's prolific Brique Rouge Label. The follow up "CONfusion" looks certain to mirror that success with a release later this year on sister label, Kill Brique - a label that has already released tracks from the likes of Funk Da Void & Josh Wink.
His current track "Wrong" is out now on Dave Seaman's Audio Therapy imprint and is currently causing a stir as part of the Audio Therapy Spring/Summer Sampler 2007.
Jamie has also found the time to remix the seminal progressive classic "Pure" by Hawaii which has featured on two Renaissance Masters compilations for both Hernan Cattaneo & Dave Seaman is now being championed by a host of "Premier" DJs including the likes of Nick Warren, Dave Seaman, Hernan Cattaneo etc. With a remix for the MYNC Projects "R U Sure" - CR2's 50th release under his belt and various other remix projects for Lot49, Brique Rouge, Kill Brique and his monstrous remix of Meat Katie & D. Ramirez's next single, as well as exciting new original productions ready to be unleashed in the coming weeks, Jamie's keeping himself very busy.
A DJ in his own right, Jamie's mix CDs have found favour with Tom Stephan, Tall Paul and DJ mag who gave rave reviews for one of his mixes in a recent article. Jamie has played alongside everyone from DJ Hyper to Rui Da Silva, from Nick Warren to Seamus Haji.
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Beat Factor: In the last year you seem to have exploded onto the scene, how did it happen and what can you tell people about your musical style:
Jamie McHugh: I recorded a guest mix for Tom Stephan’s Kiss FM show and it picked up from there really, shortly afterwards I met up with Dave Robertson and we worked on a few tracks. I wouldn’t really say I have a particular style, my DJ sets change from one gig to the next depending on what time I am playing, where I am playing and what I am feeling from the crowd. In the studio I tend to experiment with everything from deep house, breaks and techno.
Beat Factor: How long have you been DJing and why and where did you start?
Jamie McHugh: I have been DJ-ing for around 14 years, in that time I have been fortunate to play all over the world including Germany, Holland, Canada, Poland and China as well as guest mixes for Kiss FM and BBC Radio 1 in the UK. I fell in love with Acid House and Rave back in 1988 when it exploded in the UK, shortly afterwards I moved to Germany and witnessed the techno explosion in the early nineties.
Beat Factor: You've been DJ-ing for 14 years, why are we only hearing about you now?
Jamie McHugh: Well when I started I did have varying degree's of success, I managed to pick up gigs across Europe and played in some amazing places, but I was in the Army and I inevitably had to go away to places like Kosovo. Bosnia, The Gulf etc etc... And this meant I more or less had to start again every time I returned from a lengthy period away, so I had to leave the Army to make it work.
Beat Factor: Your tracks seem to have a unique sound to them, how do you achieve this?
Jamie McHugh: I usually work in the Studio with Dave Robertson, he’s an outstanding engineer and a top bloke, we both love the same kind of music. I generally approach him with an idea for a track and I’ll collect samples or maybe come up with a particular kick drum, riff or vocal that I want to use, sometimes when we’re in the studio we’ll stumble on something and that’s when I have to decide whether to stick with the original idea or go off on a tangent.
Beat Factor: There’s a great debate at the moment about DJ’s hooking up with Engineers and whether or not this is OK – what do you think?
Jamie McHugh: I think this debate will run forever - It’s not for me to say really everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect that. I have heard some people say it’s OK for A list DJ’s to work with an engineer but not for people who are starting out in production but I think that point of view is a little hypocritical. I have learned a great deal from Dave and we work well in the studio through a mutual love of house music, the results speak for themselves, if people like it then that’s great. I have made tracks on my own and I have even released tracks that Dave hasn’t had any involvement in, but I prefer working with him.
Beat Factor: How did you get your first break into production:
Jamie McHugh: “Dropout” was my first original production which was signed to James Harcourt’s excellent Twisted Frequency label. He then asked me to remix “Pure”. I owe him a great deal for showing some faith and giving me the break I needed.
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“– I have about 10,000 records at home and goodness knows how many cds.”
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Beat Factor: You have recently released tracks on Brique Rouge and CR2 how does it feel to release tracks on such great labels:
Jamie McHugh: I still can’t believe it if I am honest, I keep checking Beatport to make sure it’s true ha ha. I have been buying records since I was about 13 and house music since I was about 15 – I have about 10,000 records at home and goodness knows how many cds. I have been a fan of these labels since they were launched so to be associated with them is a dream come true.
Beat Factor: You mentioned Beatport, what do you think of the digital revolution?
Jamie McHugh: Like most people who have been DJ-ing for a few years, I was a vinyl junkie to start with, however when Beatport was launched I went out and bought a CDJ and I’ve been hooked ever since. I am now 99.9% digital and very rarely spin vinyl. I try to embrace every piece of technology available; I think you have to if you want to stay ahead.
Beat Factor: Who are your influences?
Jamie McHugh: I have loads - I am influenced by creative people with a thirst for the music, people like Dave Robertson, Meat Katie, Nic Fanciulli, James Zabiela, David Duriez, Tommy 47, Tom Stephan, Justin Drake, Paul Woolford and a whole host of others.
Beat Factor: Is it true that you never criticize other DJs/Producers?
Jamie McHugh: Ha ha Who told you that? Yes it is true; I certainly don’t do it in public there is enough bitching in the industry without me getting involved.
Beat Factor: Your website says you have a very exciting future ahead of you, can you tell us more.
Jamie McHugh: I prefer to let the labels and promoters do the talking but I have some great gigs lined up for 2007 and releases on Audio Therapy, Brique Rouge & Lot 49.
Beat Factor: And lastly, what do you do on your free time?
Jamie McHugh: Ermmm, I don’t have any free time ha ha - its all spent on the music. I also love spending time with my daughter, Olivia.
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