The popularity of House music is on the up, with it becoming made increasingly attractive with artists like Disclosure and Bondax amongst many others paving the way to mainstream success. Earlier on this month I had the privilege to speak with the promising, and talented, London based, house music DJ that is 'Ralphonze' and here is what he had to say.
What have you noticed about the rise of house music’s popularity?
I think it's great in a way. The thing with house music is that it's always been with us in full force, it just goes up and down in popularity like other genres do I suppose - it's always been there and people have always been doing their thing on the underground.
It's like skateboarding (and everything else for that matter), it becomes popular every 6 years or so and it picks up a new wave of youngn's and the people who truly love it stick about forever and make it stronger. The others who just jumped on it for the sake of it get filtered out when the next fad pops up. Am I making any sense?!
What projects have you been working on in the studio?
At the moment I've been concentrating almost exclusively on DJing for a long time and that's by far what's most important to me at the moment. Recently though I've had a lot of ideas for music that I need to get around to actually doing, so I do intend to get the ball rolling at some point soon.
What kind of things are inspiring you at the moment, those external influences?
Umm, I think I'd have to just drop a few DJs names here so I'll go with some of my heroes.. Move D and Floating Points are just incredible at what they do I think so I often turn to them for influence.
Also some of the DJs I've seen this summer play a big part in how I've been inspired. These would include Move D and Floating Points. Also Omar S, George Fitzgerald, Marcellus Pittman, Carl Craig, Giles Smith.
I really like what Lorca does too, he's great and really on point with what he does. I used to see him play a lot when I lived down in Brighton. Great DJ and great producer.
I also love Local Talk as a Label and Secretsundaze as an event.
Are there any differences in terms of the music scene from London to Brighton?
Hmm.. they are farely similar I think but if I had to answer I'd say Brighton was a little bit friendlier but maybe that's just because it's alot smaller? London can be super friendly too. Difficult question.
What do you use to produce your music?
I like Reason best but I also use Logic too. When I listen back to the bits and pieces I've made over the past few years, the things I made in Reason always seem to have a bit more bite to them, although Logic can be easier to work with.
I also use various midi keyboards and an Akai MPD-24 which is great.
Are there any artists that you would want to collaborate with?
None in mind at the moment as I'm not all that focused on producing at the moment but I'd love to DJ alongside some of the people I mentioned earlier and more.
Any advice you would like to offer to up-and-coming DJs ?
For the DJs I'd say just take your time. Don't expect to be playing out for at least 3 or 4 years so don't rush or force it. I think you learn alot whilst actually playing out so that's part of the process, even when you start playing out you're still a beginner if you see what I mean?
Also when you're buying music don't try and only buy things that work together as part of a set. Go entirely on how it comes across on individual merit. If you do that and you do it properly, and after a anticipated while your choices will all start to slot together nicely. I think that's the best way to get the tightest song selection.
Don't rush. All of the greatest DJs took their time.
What position would you like to be in this time next year?
I think just DJing as much as possible. I want my record collection to be even better, which it undoubtedly will. I'd also like to throw some pretty decent parties too, which also takes time and patience. So look out for that!
Check out Ralphonze's social links below and keep an eye out for Promo Mix 2, due to be released shortly.
DJ Bookings: ralphonze@live.com
