Here at Meanbucket we have been fans of Hostage since our blog kicked off all that time ago, so when we found out the scotsman was a regular reader of these pages we were dead excited. Naturally we asked him if it was possible to answer a few questions and maybe do us a mix and he replied promptly with both, there was a bit of a delay posting this but at least now you can shake off those monday blues… what a way to kick off the week!
Could you give us some history/background behind your career?
I did my first live gig in 1989 using a sampler and a keyboard in the village hall, rapping in a pre-pubecent Scottish accent over the top of some badly produced italiano-piano house. It was rubbish. I’m a bit better now 
You have a lot of early rave influence in your sound, what are your experiences with the old school scene and how did it become an influence?
I went to my first big rave in 1993 and Human Resource were playing at it. I think people forget how important tracks like Dominator were at the time and how much they have shaped the current sound, so many years later, it’s a bit weird actually – just listen to WARP by The Bloody Beetroots ft. Steve Aoki. It’s not just my sound they influence, early 90s rave is everywhere at the moment! It’s a good thing though – you’ve gotta love a good hoover or a brain piercing stab.
What do you look for in a good track?
Tight shuffley drums. Takes your mind else where but makes you want to wiggle yer arms and legs. Dark Tension. Big Bass Drop. Wobble. Doof. something with character.
How has your production techniques changed since you started producing tracks?
I’m no longer overdubbing cassettes or writing it on 4 channels on an Amiga
What sort of set up are you using?
I have a recording studio in a converted farmhouse in the south of France which I commute to daily on my private jet. I also have a laptop.
Who are currently your main influences?
Lee Mortimer, Bird Peterson, Foamo, Proxy. There are so many producers and artists I like for only 1 track though – check my mixes on my myspace page to see who’s floating my boat at any given point and they’ll be represented in a mix probably.
Where are some of the best parties you have played at?
Beats of Rage – Preston. Birthday Party Berlin – Berlin. Elektrophonik – Swindon. Strom Club – Vienna.
THEY ALL BANG!
How would you describe the scene you are involved in?
Messy and lots of fun. All the DJs and Producers I meet are great people, interesting people and getting to travel and meet people from different cultures is a huge perk of the job too and one which I feel very privelidged. The party people who like to dance are all good vibes. The people make it and they are all great
In what ways have blogs like ours helped your career, as a producer and as a DJ?
It just means that lots more people who might not have heard the kinda music I do, now can, for free, which in turn means they may want to go out and dance to it, which means I play more gigs, which is what I like to do. Producing is my favourite pasttime, but I am happiest behind a pair of CDJ1000s dropping some dancefloor ammo.
What does the foreseeable future hold for Hostage?
More gigs, productions, remixes, parties. Less sleep. My second EP on Nightshifters should be out in the Summer!
Are you playing at any festivals or tours that we can look forward to in the summer?
Yeah – loads of stuff coming up – check the myspace for the dilly yeah?
Hostage – Exclusive Mix For Meanbucket
1. SoundFactory – Understand This Groove (Tommie Sunshing & Barletta Remix)
2. Rico Tubbs – Hip Rave Anthem
3. Gigi Barocco – The Rhythm
4. Hostage – Massive
5. Pip-Bwoy 3000 – Bobblehead
6. AC Slater – Banger (Drop The Lime Remix)
7. Tiga – What You Need (Proxy Remix)
