UPFRONTBEATS

Having just released his huge EP ‘Mind Game’ on Hot Since 82’s Knee Deep in Sound. We caught up with Athea to see what his current and future plans are.. He was also kind enough to create us an exclusive guest mix.

Who are unfamiliar with your talents, please could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got into DJing and producing’

When I was about 16, I stayed at a friend’s house whose brother owned a pair of Technics. I was fascinated by them, secretly playing while everyone else was asleep. This encouraged me to get my own set of shiny belt drive turntables.

I started spending every Saturday in my local record shop ‘Global Grooves’ in Chester. After a few months I was approached by Cream resident ‘Anthony Probyn’, who asked if I would like to help out on a few nights which he promoted and played in around the City.

A year later, I was given the opportunity to become a resident at a number of different venues across the city playing everything from House, Soul, Funk and Hip Hop, this is where I became educated. Anthony then took me to Cream at Nation for the first time which completely blew me away. I remember standing behind Steve Lawler, who was playing to a packed courtyard, asking a random guy in the booth the name of every track Steve played.

I went on to study music in Leeds, and spend my summers in Ibiza. I worked and played for Cream at Amnesia whilst in Ibiza. DJing had started to build, whilst producing grew naturally along side it. Looking back, I was extremely lucky to be exposed to the likes of: Cream in Liverpool; Ibiza; Back to Basics; as well as the likes of The Mint Club in Leeds, at such an early age.

How did the name Athea come about’

This is the question I always dread in an interview. I have come to realise I need to make a really good story up, because there is no meaning or story behind the name. Maybe something adventurous, or mysterious. You can tweet me your suggestions.

Congratulations on your release ‘Mind Games’. Could you tell us a bit about the construction of the track’
It sounds quite cliché, but it happened really organically and quickly. After getting the basic drums down, I stated to play with the main lead sound in Arturia’s Mini V. I then added the ‘bleep’ stab and some ear candy effects, these were then beefed up by drums. It kind of arranged itself from there, flowing with the vibe I was getting.

Mario Aureo did a great job on the remix, I have to say. He got the balance of keeping the original ethos, while adding his own direction to the track, it really deserved all the support it got.

We are big fans of classic material here at UpFrontBeats, are there any classic tracks which have stuck with you’

There are so many but I’ll just go with ones from the top of my head:

Fingers Inc., ‘Can You Feel It” (Original Mix)

Moby ‘ Go (Original Mix)

Octave one ‘ Blackwater (Octave one strings vocal mix)

Frankie Knuckles and Jamie Principle ‘ ‘Your Love’ (Of course)

Which tracks have been doing it for you over the summer season’

Athea ‘ Mind Games (Mario Aureo remix)

As I mentioned before, Mario has done a fantastic job on the remix, gaining great support from artists alike.

Hot Since 82 ‘ Damage (Original Mix)

Hot Since 82’s fierce new track on Truesoul E.P. Does exactly what the name suggests’Damage.

Loop Size ‘ Kontrol Punkt (Original Mix)

I love tracks like this, building tension in a set. Slowly growing and growing with Pads, Arps and Pianos.

Nick Curly ‘ Sleeping Dogs (Original Mix)

Another solid groove from the Truesoul camp.

Pirupa ‘ Cristallo (Original Mix)

A track that is really playable. With it’s infectious melody, it’s great for daytime sets or in a dark club setting at peak time.

Burning Man has just finished, but are there any festivals or sets that stick in your mind’

I spend my summers in Ibiza and only ever make it back for Creamfields; which is always great fun. The Chemical Brothers set in 2006 was incredible, but one set that really sticks to mind is Sasha’s at Creamfields in 2008, just before Involver2 came out. It was raining outside so everyone crammed into the arena making the atmosphere really special. I still listen to that essential mix today, bringing back happy memories.

Who would you say was your biggest hero and why’

I would have to say ‘Sasha’. He’s always been forward thinking, keeping his own unique style for a number of years now, while still remaining current.

Are you able to tell us about any future plans’

I have just completed a remix for Wouter De Moor on Flashmobs label, which I am really pleased with. I also have a remix of Slow Hearts on New Violence Records, who are doing great stuff at the moment.

What’s in store for 2016′ Are there any upcoming gigs, tracks or collaborations we should know about’

We got a couple of releases lined up on our own label, a gig at Ministry of Sound in March and a few more bits and bats in the pipeline. Looking forward to it all.

Gig wise I am really looking forward to playing with Booka Shade at Nation in Liverpool on 31st October. It will be one of the last shows at Nation before it closes in the new year, so it will be a privilege to play one last time at the venue that has such an effect on me ten years ago.