Whether it’s F1, Pants & Corset, Trauma or Overload every hard house enthusiast is bound to have come across some of Paul King's work at some stage of their clubbing careers. His vast production CV over the years covers pretty much every major record label in the scene, from Toolbox to Tidy, providing release after release of timeless classics.
It all started way back in 1996 when Paul's first track ‘Elevate’ was signed to Tony De Vit's label Jumpwax, firmly stamping his place in the scene. Since then it’s been nothing short of an onslaught of fresh, original material, ever increasing in quality but still retaining his trademark style. Amongst all these tracks include the excellent F1 - Cuz I’m Rockin & Trauma – Higher/You’ll Know, along with amazing remixes of TdV – Bring the Beat Back & Age of Love – Age of Love (remixed with Tony De Vit). All of which gaining massive support from top DJs Andy Farley, Paul Glazby, Ian M and many more…
Paul has been no shirker in the DJ department either, having toured the world & playing at some of the most exciting events in the UK & abroad, the most enviable being the legendary Trade. I grabbed a few words with one of the scene's unsung heroes ahead of his much anticipated set at February's Insekt.
Hi Paul, you’ve been involved in the clubbing scene for a long time. How did it all begin? Have you always have a passion for music?
It’s my 10-year anniversary this year, so it’s been a while! From the age of about 6 or 7, I always wanted to be involved in music. I studied it at school, college, and did a music degree at Uni. I don’t think I’d survive without it.
Who or what inspired you to take the plunge into the world of mixing & producing?
I’ve always been more into the electronic side of music, and my early influences were Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, Depeche Mode and Yazoo. I thought that I’d like to be able to re-create something similar and so basically taught myself as far as synths and mixing go. It’s still a work in progress!
For myself & many others, the legendary Paul King style is unmistakeable. Where do you draw your influences from & how do you try and set out to be different from the rest?
I don’t think I’ve ever set out to be different; I produce what I feel at the time, whether that is hard house, house, breakbeat or chilled. It’s a mixture really of electronic influences, classical training and equipment. A lot of early stuff was influenced of course, by Tony, but I always tried to make something my own.
You have collaborated with many big names over the years from Tony De Vit & Ian M, to Lady Bianca & Marc Johnson. Do you have any exciting collaborations in the pipeline & who would you most like to work with?
I have a few things lined up this year with Nik and John Aggy. I know both Bianca and George E are keen to get back into the studio. There might also be something in the pipeline with Mr. Farley, who is great fun to work with. I’d like to get together with OD404 too. Also BT, he has such a great talent, and his production is unbelievable.
In the past you have used different aliases for your solo & collaboration work. Do these represent different styles to your production, and if so, what are they?
Originally, F1 was more bouncy. Trauma was on a harder tip. Overload was always about doing something different, although in the early days I had a lot more input than Nik. I really enjoy working with him now, as we always end up with something that’s different to what we would both do singly. Pants and Corset was probably the best known one.
Over the past few months we have seen a massive influx of material from you gracing our shelves, but previous to that, the releases were not so regular. Had you been involved in other projects or just taking a well-earned break?
A bit of both. Pants and Corset had taken up my time for about 4 years. Chris and I parted company last year, due to musical differences. I thought P&C had become stale and wanted to move on, so I took some time to myself and to think about what I wanted to do next. The first thing was Trauma Trax 2. It was very refreshing after the P&C thing to work with other people and bounce ideas off them. Since then I’ve done a few things.
I’m planning a new hard house project for later in the year. I may do some more F1 stuff. I’m also looking at doing Trauma Trax Revisited – getting my favourite remixers to take the original Trauma Trax and see what they come up with.
In recent times, your name has been more associated with your tracks rather than DJ’ing, but in your career you have played at some of the biggest events across the world. Which do you enjoy most, studio time or playing to a crowd?
I enjoy them both. It’s a great feeling to see a crowd react to a tune that you’ve just finished in the studio. I love touring, especially in Australia. I’ve had problems with managers over there (and here) so I’m currently looking for replacements, which is why I’ve not been out much.
Looking at club listings up & down the country, the latest trend for artists seems to showcasing their material in a live performance, Paul Maddox & OD404 being the most recent. Is this something you have thought about for yourself & would maybe like to do in the future? I’ve definitely thought about it. I wanted to do it when P&C were going. I think I’d put a show together if someone asked me, and I’ve toyed with doing a “Greatest Hits” set!! Maybe I should do it this year for my anniversary!!
What other styles of music do you enjoy and have you ever dabbled in those professionally?
I’m into most styles of music, except Heavy Metal – I’ll leave that for Mr. Glazby! I’ve done a few house ventures and I’m getting into Funky House and Tribal. I love stuff on Sondos and Subliminal. I’ve just had a surround setup installed in the studio and am working on a short film score and a breakbeat track both in Dolby Surround. It’s a great format to work in, there’s so much more space.
With the recent talk of decline in record sales and the alleged downfall of Hard House, what are your views & where do you think the scene is going wrong, if anywhere?
I don’t think the scene as such is going wrong. I think it’s been a victim of its own success and has burnt itself out a little. The current trend towards music is towards the house side of things. It’ll all go full circle I think, and then we’ll have Judge Jules to contend with again!
We have just recently seen the second instalment of your successful Trauma Trax series released on Vicious Circle. Are there any plans to make a third and beyond?
At the moment no, although there are plans to remix the original as I said earlier. Looking back at the series so far it’s definitely been one of the most fun projects I’ve been involved in. The only problem I’ve come across, is trying to get everyone together. Working, usually with 5 different people, means 5 different schedules to work around, which can be difficult to say the least. We’ll see how the first part of the year goes.
Overdose Recordings is home to some of my favourite tunes, namely Deep Down & The Killer. Have you ever thought of resurrecting the label or maybe starting another label entirely?
We tried to restart about 18 months ago. Both Paul (Janes) and I were too busy so we put OVD on hold. When we went to restart it Jon Rundell @ Amato said the tracks didn’t have anything in common with things that were around at the time, i.e. stuff on Nukleuz and Tidy. But that was the point of Overdose. It wasn’t about being trendy it was about being different and fresh, which I think we achieved with all the releases.
I know that a few things from the label are being re-released, namely, Overload “Bass Keeps Pumping” and Gridlock 3000 “Fantastic Thing.” I don’t think Overdose as such will be resurrected, but again I don’t know what the year holds. As for starting a new label, I don’t think it’s commercially viable at the moment, although I am thinking of starting a download only label from my web site. (www.paul-king.co.uk)
With the quality of releases forever rising, notably on Tripoli Trax for whom you’ve had a hand in, which label has impressed you the most this year & which looks most promising for 2005?
Tripoli has seen a great comeback thanks to Marc and the team. It’s great to have the label back with such a strong presence. Labels to watch; I think Toolbox is going from strength to strength and I know Nik is launching his new Hammerheads imprint this year. I think if you like the music it doesn’t really matter what label it’s on.
On February 19th, Insekt are launching their new Breaks room in the Firepit, hosted by Mata Boo-Boo Breaks. Are you a fan of the recently fashionable genre amongst HH clubs & how important do you think it is for a club who have 2 or more rooms to play different styles?
I love breakbeat at the moment. Like I said, I’m doing my own bits at the moment. I think it’s great to have clubs with different rooms. Diversity is the key to move music forward.
The same night sees you team up with pal & studio buddy Nik Denton to both make your debut appearance at Insekt. Have you heard good feedback from the previous months & are you looking forward to being involved in this exciting promotion?
Nik & I play together a lot. We play a house night in Manchester (Recreation), which is the dogs!! I’ve played for George before in Camden so it’s good to be working with him again and also Marc. I’ve heard great things about it, and I love the club. I’ve played there a couple of times at Twist.
It’s also nice to play in London, I think the people are a lot more up for it. Hope to see you all there. Mine’s a JD and coke ta!
Many thanks for your time Paul… see you at the bar!
Catch Paul & Nik alongside Insekt residents Justin Bourne, George E & Superfast @ Fire on 19th Feb.
Free CDs mixed by Insekt residents for the 1st 50 people through the door before 12.
Crystal-clear soundsystem, visuals by Alex Klement. Chill out area, colour laser.
Flyer:
-
Region:
London
Music:
Nu NRG. House. Hard House. Tribal House. Funky Techno. Breaks.
From: James Nardion 8th Feb 2005 08:23.24 Roll on next Saturday!!
From: George-Eon 8th Feb 2005 09:42.52 Nice I/View Paul - one of the true pioneers of the NU NRG sound next to the likes of TDV...a true god in my eyes and it was an honour to work with this guy in the studio...to be continued in due course! A true inspiration...!
From: Tina Martinon 8th Feb 2005 10:48.43 wicked interview! Looking forward to next Saturday!! Bring on the filth
From: karl davison 8th Feb 2005 10:55.54 he is with out doubth a genius producer and all time great in dance music and there is not many who have managed to stay at the top as long as paul king in the words of miss franklin R.E.S.P.E.CT
From: Lady Biancaon 8th Feb 2005 15:07.21 Great interview honey, can't wait to see you and Nik! By the way, your not leaving till after Twist.. I'm hijacking you! Oh.. and mines a cock sucking cowboy. Luv ya xxx
From: Marc Johnsonon 8th Feb 2005 20:24.14 Great read and another wicked interview toomzy
From: Matt Smallwoodon 9th Feb 2005 19:34.14 Always brings back wicked memories of being in Trade many moons ago when I hear the old F1 stuff, quality! Looking forward to next saturday :-)
From: El Capitano Peteon 10th Feb 2005 13:10.12 Great interview. Paul is a cornerstone of hard house. Nice job Toomz.
From: TEK-DJ Managementon 10th Feb 2005 13:27.17 Great Interview Paul.......!!!!! A living legend and true pioneer, see ya soon! :o)
From: Mon 10th Feb 2005 14:23.00 God what a damn hot talented guy
From: sunvisordudeon 10th Feb 2005 20:30.07 paul is one of the few............the very few!!!!!!!! looking forward to InseKt
From: Angelwobble1on 11th Feb 2005 10:27.38 Higher! Enough said.........one of the best tunes ever!!! :-)
From: Steve Maynardon 14th Feb 2005 20:43.18 No..... not Judge Jules!!!
Roll on the 19th
From: Jennie Bon 15th Feb 2005 16:54.52 Wicked interview Toomz......cant wait for saturday now!
From: TEK-DJ Managementon 22nd Feb 2005 01:59.26 We are now taking bookings for the DECADE Tour.
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