Ashley Wallbridge talks ahead of his Godskitchen debut

[SteveArnold]

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Ashley Wallbridge is undoubtedly one of the most prolific prospects on the progressive production scene in 2010, named by industry leaders such as Andy Moor and Gareth Emery as one of the hottest break-through DJ talents in the game. At just 22 years of age, his discography reads like the ‘who's who' list of EDM with releases of originals and remixes featuring names like Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Markus Schulz. There isn't a global syndicated dance radio show denying regular homage to Ashley's unique sound of progressive elements with his titles found on playlists, compilations and DJ sets. The future is bright for this rising star and he is just getting started...

Ashley, how are you?
Hey, Im great thanks.. Just in the studio living in nocturnal mode at the moment;)

So, this will be your Godskitchen debut, are you looking forward to it?
Very !!!, It’s a place iv wanted to play from an early age. Finally being able to grace the decks at Gods is a massive pleasure for me…

You’ve come a long way in such a short space of time, tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started at a very early age of about 8 years old. My parents got me a pair of decks for Christmas and I just took to them. Once I got comfortable on ‘’How to DJ’’ I entered a Radio1 under 18’s DJ competition at the age of 15 and came 2nd. Where I lost to a RnB DJ in a RnB club when I was playing progressive trance :/. This gave me a massive boost in confidence so I entered an over 18’s DJ competition with fake ID and won. But people found out my age (16) and it was in the newspaper and this gave me the break I needed. I started Producing music when I was 14 and just tested my tracks out while playing, At first they were pretty shocking and I had a lot of set backs but I was determined to make that first track which made people go crazy…..

Production seems to be something that comes naturally to you, is it fair to say you feel more comfortable in the studio or do you enjoy the DJing just as much?
I love both equally, My family has always been very musical so I was classically trained from a very early age. When I play in front of crowds I feel so lucky to be there and love every moment.

You’ve racked up – astonishingly – over 50 releases now, how long do you spend on each track?
Hmmmmmm, Most of the time it usually takes me approx 3 days to start and finish a track. But sometimes it can take more than 2 months…. Im actually still doing a track which I started in 2008. Need to pull my finger out on that one. My usual routine is once I have finished a new track, Test it in the Car, I pod, Television. If it sounds good il move on to test in the club. But almost 100% of the time there is something which needs to be altered after playing in front of a crowd..

What’s the setup you’re using in the studio at the moment?
Here comes the tech side Mac quad core, Logic 9, Mackie HR824’s & Mackie HR624 monitor speakers ( I switch between both speakers to get a good range of frequencies ). SSL Compressor, Liquid mix 16 Chanel & a load of synths the length of a piece of string… My personal fav has to be the CS80 (Arturia), Endless sound modulation….

There’s a lot of debates floating around about which software / hardware is best, Logic vs Cubase, PC vs Mac, do you think this is really that important or does it really lie with the producer themselves and the ideas they can bring to the table?
Hmmmmmm, I personally don’t think its that important. Its like saying a Nike football boot is better than a Adidas football boot. If the sound you produce is quality then what really matters ??..There are good points and bad points for all but it’s a matter of being comfortable with your setup.

On the DJing side of things you have obviously played a lot of gigs around the world and also on these shores as well as your prestigious residency for Digital Society in Leeds. What would you say have been your best moment as a DJ?
Very hard to say really, I always enjoy playing in the UK because the vibe is different and because its home. But I would have to say playing at ASOT450 in Bratislava was very special. The whole night was amazing and the atmosphere was electric. Looking forward to playing ASOT 500 .

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you play before?
To sum it up in a few short words it would be “Progressive with a trance influence & electronic twist” Sounds like a nice *beep* drink

Do you have any DJs that you particularly look up to or take inspiration from with your music?
There is a lot of people who I admire and take inspiration from. I have always been a massive fan of Mr Prydz. His productions are very unique and I love the power he creates. He is 1 DJ I haven’t yet met and would love to see him perform.

With technology ever moving forward and more and more people moving towards laptops or using USB keys with CDJ2000’s, do you think this is taking some of the art out of DJing or do you see it as a natural progression that allows you to take a little more time doing some of the other important things that come with performing as a DJ?
It all depends what you feel most comfortable with. I went from Vinyl to CD and now and again I will use USB. No matter what you DJ with there will always be a huge skill involved. But I must say it doesn’t feel the same using USB, I feel like im cheating a little. But it is easier and does involve the same amount of skill, but without the hastle of carrying a load of CD’S around and having that cd skip now and again :/

Technology is always evolving for the better so I feel we just need to embrace it.

As a final word, what can we expect to hear from you at the end of the month? Do you have any special tricks up your sleeve for us?
I really cant wait, My album is 75% complete and I will be testing out a lot of new tracks for the first time, As for tricks up my sleeve. You will see very soon

Thanks for the interview and il catch you all real soon.

Ash

Happydays…..

Thanks Ashley, see you on the 29th!

[center]We kick off 2011 with a bang by welcoming two of the most popular DJs on the planet to Air alongside 3 DJs all making their Godskitchen debut! Markus Schulz and John O'Callaghan both had fantastic years in 2010, their popularity continues to rise and always ensure a good time is had by all when they play for us at Godskitchen. Ashley Wallbridge, Ben Gold and Jochen Miller are all names that will be familiar with the discerning Trance fans out there, this is a great opportunity to see 3 of the fastest rising stars around on the big stage! Room 2 plays host to local brands 1210 Society and Fusion who will be delivering a cool blend of House, Electro, Techno, Trance and Progressive for the eclectic tastes out there.

Saturday 29th January 2011
Air Nightclub
Birmingham

Oxygen Room
MARKUS SCHULZ
JOHN O'CALLAGHAN
ASHLEY WALLBRIDGE
BEN GOLD
JOCHEN MILLER

Nitrogen Room - 1210 Society Vs Fusion
IGGY TECH & MALI
DISC JUNKIES
VAGRANT DJS
TRUCULENT
& More TBA

Carbon Lounge
DEEP CITY SOUL

Early Birds - SOLD OUT
Standard - £15+BF

www.godskitchen.com/tickets[/center]