Interview with Eddie Halliwell

Charlie G, catches up with Mixmag’s DJ of the Year, ahead of his next visit to Tranzaction (L2, Truro) alongside Mark EG on the 23rd July.

Brief Background:
I brought my first decks when I was 15, and because I was so young and didn't feel ready I decided to sit back and practice hard, to gain skills and techniques and knowledge of the scene and music. I studied a Music Technology HND at college, and after this I started to approach promoters. I was playing at a party in Liverpool when I was spotted by a promoter to play at big night in Manchester, after this I gained a residency at Goodgreef, and my bookings in Manchester snowballed.

Describe an Average Week:
There is never an "average" week in my life, every week is so different due to all the travelling and often having mid week international gigs. When I’m at home I listen to as much music as possible, and when I travel I take all CDs to listen to them on my Laptop. The rest of the week I’m on the phone to various people, getting around to computer work and mainly researching new music. I do my tune shopping normally at the end of the week - I love going out and discovering fresh music.

For those who haven't seen you before, what can they expect musically and as a Performer?
Musically, I differ to when and where I’m playing, if it's a main time slot I like to describe it as energetic and uplifting. My style does vary depending on the crowd, from House to techno to Trance, I never want to play just one sound. As a performer, I love to interact with the crowd as much as possible.

How did you develop your now world famous hip-hop style scratching?
I took time when I first got into DJing to practice - a lot! Before I approached any promoters I developed my style and techniques, and concentrated on learning as much as possible. I used to watch DMC videos and whenever there was a comp in Manchester I would go, just getting ideas and skills from professionals. I just worked at adapting these skills to the music I’m into.

You are Mixmag’s Number 1 DJ: who's your number one and why?
So many DJs for loads of different reasons. In the dance music side, Carl Cox is definitely up there. I got to see him last year at Space in Ibiza. Favourites on the Hip-Hop side would be people like Plus1 and Scratch Perverts - their technical ability is amazing.

Any Plans to go into Production?
So many things are happening so quickly, I haven't got the time, and I want to concentrate on learning techniques and making DJing more of a live performance.

Radio 1 have announced you're joining the team, what will this entail?
I'm totally over the moon about this. Nic Fancuilli and I are becoming Radio 1 residents. We haven't yet been filled in on what it will involve, but I’m chuffed to bits.

You are headlining many festivals this year. How do they compare to club sets and which do you prefer?
I always enjoy festivals, and I’m doing loads this year. With me, the bigger the crowd the bigger the buzz, both are totally different. I love the intimacy of a club, its great for interaction and chopping and playing with the music. At a festival, the bigger stage and bigger the crowd is such a buzz. I love them both for different reasons.

What's your opinion of the Southwest scene and the clubbers, and what are your thoughts on Tranzaction?
I don't play at many places in the South-West apart from Tranzaction, and every time I’ve been there its been great. The crowd are always well up for it and its just a great night.

Your next visit is alongside Mark EG. What can the clubbers expect?
Plenty of Fire!!! I’ve never heard Mark play either so I’ll hopefully be able to catch him play, and stick around and catch up, I’ve heard loads of really good things about him.