Please can yo give us a brief introduction?
You can get this from my MySpace / Facebook pages...
Where did you grow up?
I was born in London, United Kingdom but spent most of my time growing up in Wellington, New Zealand!
So how long have you been involved in the dance scene?
I've been DJing for over 15 years now...have been producing for nearly ten years and running record labels for eleven!
Everyone has people that inspire him or her. Who would you say have been your greatest influences?
Hmm... Over time this has changed but initially it was Sasha and Digweed...then Leftielfd and Prodigy...then Norman Cook (aka FatBoy Slim) and Basement Jaxx...nowadays the influences are varied; everyone from Armin to Olav Basoski...
Who are your favourite DJ's and the ones that you think have helped to shape the scene since the beginning?
I'd say my favourite Hard Dance DJ is Andy Farley...there's a few others who really have made their mark like Tony De Vit; Tidy Boys; Steve Thomas; and more recently Technikal and Alex Kidd...not many who were round at the beginning have survived the changes that the scene has faced...the scene has changed so much in such a short space of time!
What styles do you play out and produce?
I play euphoric Hard Trance...inside that are a few boundaries where we incorporate the UK or European styles, Trance to Hardstyle but all the tracks have great riffs, melodies and vocals!
What made you get into hardstyle and hardcore?
I wouldn't say I'm into Hardstyle but I have recognised its place in the scene. I'm Hard Trance thru and thru but I do use Hardstyle elements in my Hard Trance productions. As for Hardcore, one thing I think has been lacking in Hard Dance over the past few years but hasn't in Hardcore is 'songs' - tracks with vocals - I love working with vocals hence getting into more Happy Hardcore recently!
At what point did you realize that you were destined for a career in the music industry?
It was decided for me really. I had a passion for music, was at University doing honours degrees in Marketing / Management and paying my way through by DJing. Then I moved to London and got a job at Pure Groove looking after their record labels and putting what I learned at University and my music knowledge to good use. It went on from there.
What is your stance on the whole vinyl versus CD argument? Do you think that records are a DJ's trademark still in this digital age?
I still love vinyl. I own 15,000 12" singles...but CD's are so much more portable...plus you have more flexibility like I can have 2,000 tunes to choose from in my box as opposed to 200 vinyl. I still release on vinyl but am realistic that CD's are the way forward. I think Serato etc is going to far in the fact that the 'live' element in DJing diminishes ...I'd rather watch a DJ working up a storm with a couple of turntables or CD players than looking like they are checking their e-mails on their laptop anyday!
What are your favourite tracks that you have been involved in?
I'd have to say Phlash "Frantic Theme" ; Kumara "Snap Ya Fingaz" and Nylon "If You love Me" started alot of things for me...I've been involved with a lot of great people since like Technikal, MDA & Spherical and Dark By Design so anything I've done with them has been a pleasure too!
Have to ask you this burning question. Why do you have so many alias's?
Fatal mistake looking back on it which is why in the past 5 years I've concentrated on Steve Hill productions. If it's Masif DJ's, Neon Lights or Mr Bishi we still name check it is me on which remix we do...really should have just concentrated on the one name from the beginning to keep it simple!
What is your most memorable time in your long career?
Too many to mention...I've toured some great places and really enjoyed the whole journey...I've learned so much along the way and met some fantastic people...some moments stand out more than others and some the opposite though!
How many albums have you released up to this point?
Probably mixed around 15 compilations and released one artist album in less than 10 years...
What was/is your favourite club/event?
In the past year I'd have to say H20 in Johannesburg, Utopia in Sydney, Frantic in London, IMF in Vancouver and Matrix in Wellington my hometown!
What do you think the future of the DJing holds? ie. the next chapter.
DJing won't change. You play records to the people and try and get the best atmosphere happening possible. Technology may change and new techniques may emerge but the fundamental principle of DJing remains!
Any other plans for the future beside DJing?
I'm promoting and running clubs a lot more now. DJing, producing, managing other artists, putting on events, merchandise, CD's - there's a lot we do already and that constantly changes - it has to otherwise I'd get bored.
Do you have any advice for aspiring producers/ DJ's out there?
If you're doing it for fame you'll get disappointed pretty quick because it takes an immense amount of hard work, dedication, and passion to get past go and collect $200! Do what you love and love what you do and you'll have an enjoyable ride!
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Many thanks to Judge-Mental who got the interview! Click here and check out Steve Hill's website!
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