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 Here's a new interview with the talented DJ and producer Simon Patterson...
Simon Patterson - Shooting Star From The UK Visits Technoclub
The name Simon Patterson sounds more like an actor name or of a boy band member, but this UK lad is actually a DJ/producer and is just starting to get recognition under his own name. In the last years he has been tearing up the dance floors worldwide as well as the dance charts as Dogzilla. He and Richard Kayvan are responsible for one of 2006’s hottest tracks ‘Without You’ which has been played to death by just about every DJ on planet earth. It has been featured on seven compilations including Talla 2XLC’s Technoclub Vol. 20. The track was big in the charts and was at #1 two weeks in a row for Paul van Dyk’s Mixmag chart earlier this year. The success of Dogzilla gradually rose with every release. The debut track ‘Dogzilla’ was featured in the UK Flick The Football Factory, and their second release ‘Your Eyes’ was a huge hit that started to get the attention of all the big trance jocks. The sound of Dogzilla is so refreshing, because it is a new kind of sound with dark rock sounds brought together with fine dancefloor sensibility. With the massive success of Dogzilla, Simon did not shy away at attempting something on his own. His first release under his own name ‘F16’ was also a massive hit, reaching #1 at the Beatport and Audiojelly Charts as well as the Dutch Dance charts. ‘F16’ also got the support from Talla 2XLC as he added it onto the Technoclub Vol. 20. In the last two years, he has released countless incredible tracks establishing his own unique sound. Tracks like ‘We’ll See’, ‘Strip Search’, ‘Smack’ and ‘Thump’ have been tearing up the dance floors in the last two years. His current track, ‘Something’s Up’, produced with his buddy Sean Tyas is number #1 at Beatport, which is his fourth number one in a row. Another new track, ‘US’, is being released soon as well. He also has been hard at work remixing tracks such as the new Emjay, ‘Stimulate’, which has gotten non stop play from Paul van Dyk, as well as remixing Vandit act Kuffdam & Plant. Not only in the studio is he a mastermind, but on the decks he is also gaining a lot of respect the last years. He has played all over the world at the finest clubs like Eden in Ibiza, Inside Out, Passion, Goodgreef, Godskitchen, Room at the top and Slinky. He recently played in China and has played at famous festivals like Global Gathering and Dancevalley. On September 12th, he will make his second appearance in Germany at the famous Technoclub in Frankfurt. i:Vibes.nu and Technoclub.tc had the chance for a chat with the English lad.
i:Vibes: Simon, How’s it going? You have been busy touring during the last weeks, but did you catch any of the Olympics or does that not interest you so much?
Simon Patterson: I haven’t watched too much. Bits and pieces. The opening ceremony was spectacular. Really enjoy the boxing though, that interests me. I haven’t really watched too much TV at all recently!
i:Vibes: How has your summer been? What were the most important things you’ve accomplished in the last months?
Simon Patterson: Yeah all has been good. Quite a lot of travelling and really good gigs! Also just finished 2 new singles so been pretty productive!!
i:Vibes: Where exactly are you from and what was your childhood like?
Simon Patterson: I am from Ireland! I was born in Belfast. My childhood was good. My whole family was involved in music. My grandfather signed and discovered Van Morrison so I have always been aware of what’s been going on in the music industry.
i:Vibes: What were your early musical inspirations growing up?
Simon Patterson: Early inspirations were mostly from rock. I listened heavily to Metallica, Sepultura, Machine Head, Rage Against The Machine etc. Then I got into dance music!!!
i:Vibes: What was the deciding factor, where you knew you wanted to be part of the huge music business?
Simon Patterson: I used to play pro football, but had a car crash and couldn't play again. I decided that I wanted to come to London and get into the dance music industry in an A&R type role. That lead to DJing and then production.
i:Vibes: How did you get your break in the music scene? I am sure it wasn’t easy, since the UK scene is very difficult? Did people help you or did you bite and claw your way through the music jungle?
Simon Patterson: Yeah no-one helped me out at all. It was just a case of knocking on doors. When I came over the dance music scene was in its peak and was even harder to get into than it is now. It took about a year for me to get into it and that was through Italian producer Dino Lenny.
i:Vibes: Most people first knew about you as Dogzilla. How was this project formed and what makes the work with Richard Kayvan so unique?
Simon Patterson: Richie is the most talented person I have ever worked with. The sound is so unique. His background is totally in rock and he has worked with the likes of Oasis so that speaks for itself. We both met when I was in the Serious Studio where he used to work. Judge Jules thought it would be good to hook us up and it went from there!
i:Vibes: In 2003 it was ‘As The Rush Comes’, and in 2005 ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’, that were so to say crowned hits of the year and this year it seems like it is ‘Without You’. Did you ever think this track would be so huge and what is the secret behind the success of this track?
Simon Patterson: No I didn’t think it was going to be huge at all. I guess the secret is that all the DJs seemed to like it and have pushed it hard. We can’t thank everyone enough!!
i:Vibes: Did it take long to produce ‘Without You’? What inspired you to produce this fantastic track?
Simon Patterson: It took about six months to finally be happy with it. It came from Richie making these amazing chord progressions which were massive when we listened to it. Then we decided to write a vocal which was inspired from Richie splitting up from his girlfriend. When we did the track, I wasn’t sure if people were going to get the track at all. I thought that from doing ‘Your Eyes’ to then doing ‘Without You’ was a weird step. But thankfully people got it!!
i:Vibes: You guys are working on a new Dogzilla track. Can you shed a little light how this track will turn out sound wise? Any ideas who’ll get remix duty?
Simon Patterson: The new Dogzilla is nearly finished. I think it’s better than ‘Without You’. It’s Radiohead-esque sound wise. Crossover, but credible. No ideas for remixes yet but I would like Sander van Doorn to do it if he could.
i:Vibes: Your first release under your own name ‘F16’ was a big hit. This track also has an unforgettable sound that stays alive in your ear. Was this a track that was difficult to produce? How was this made and how do you usually go about making a track in the studio?
Simon Patterson: Again this track took ages to get right. I wanted to make something a bit mad, a bit off the wall and different from what was around. This was made on pro tools after an idea I had whilst I was on honeymoon. I was lying on a beach when this huge jumbo jet came into land. I was listening to my music and I thought, “Wow that would be mad in a breakdown!”, so then the idea was created!
i:Vibes: What equipment do you use and what piece of equipment could you not live without?
Simon Patterson: I use Pro Tools LE. But I know lots of people that have the HD system so taking it round to beef things up is not a problem. I think the virus is superb for sounds. I am also going to start using Logic now. LE is very limiting on the Mac but with Logic you have everything you need.
i:Vibes: How would you describe the Simon Patterson sound? In what way is it different to the Dogzilla sound?
Simon Patterson: Simon Patterson sound is what I would play in clubs which is more driving and up tempo. Dogzilla is more rocky orientated and I don’t get a chance to play much of it in clubs.
i:Vibes: Your remix of Emjay - Stimulate has received fantastic feedback from DJs. What is the most important thing for you in a remix?
Simon Patterson: Making sure that it’s quality and adds to the original are the most important things.
i:Vibes: You also have a new side project, Irene. Is there any significance that you chose this name? You produced ‘Good Night’ - will this be released and in what direction does the Irene sound go?
Simon Patterson: lol! Irene is just a little side project for me to make traditional style trance. I like loads of types of trance. So I wanted to make something obvious. Nothing fancy but uplifting just for my DJ sets.
i:Vibes: With what producer would you like to produce a track with and what DJ at the moment is your favourite?
Simon Patterson: I'd love to do a track with BT. The guy is a genius. Also Astrix from the psytrance scene. Both these guys are in a league of there own. Don’t know how they do it. My favourite DJs are Eddie Halliwell and Greg Downey. Also a new producer I think will be massive is a guy called Jim Credland. He is in a different league to anyone I know.
i:Vibes: Some years ago I saw Paul van Dyk in New York at Central Park and he had so much fun banging out ‘Without You’. I’m sure he even listens to it on his iPod! He has really supported your sound and given you remix duty for Kuffdam & Plant. How does it make you feel not only that millions of fans have enjoyed ‘Without You’ but that Paul van Dyk has loved it too so much?
Simon Patterson: We can’t thank Paul enough. He has supported pretty much everything we have done. Without him, ‘Without You’ wouldn’t still be around now. It’s an honour that someone who I look up to and respect likes what you do so it’s brilliant!!
i:Vibes: Some months ago you played with him at Passion. What kind of experience was that and did you meet him? Did he give you any tips?
Simon Patterson: It was funny. I was going to come on with ‘Your Eyes’ and ‘Without You’. But he played them just before I came on! He was like “Do you mind if I play these??”. I was like “Eh - Ok go on then!!!” It was a great moment!
i:Vibes: You had many hits as Dogzilla. Paul Van Dyk was your biggest fan supporting ‘Without You’ sometimes 3-4 times in one set. What exactly happened with this project? Is it history or can we see something in the future happening?
Simon Patterson: For now history. It wasn’t benefitting me being a part of Dogzilla becauase I didn’t DJ as Dogzilla. It was really my full style. As much as I loved doing the tracks with Richie, I feel much more free and in control doing my own stuff and thankfully my tracks have been just as successful.
i:Vibes: How would you describe your sound now in 2008? Sometimes I have this feeling you can’t decide between proggy tech and uplifting. Maybe you need to invent a new style for trance?
Simon Patterson: I love making all types of music. But I just can’t make one sound. It bores me. I love tech trance, techno, progressive and trance so I will always make what I feel like at that time and never stick to the same style.
i:Vibes: Your latest tracks like ‘Smack’ and ‘Thump’ have had these hard titles. Any reason for this? Maybe your next track could have the title ‘Rattle’?!
Simon Patterson: Hahaha! I think these titles describe exactly what the track is going to do. I always want the title to really reflect the tune. Too many names are so random and make no sense to me.
i:Vibes: What can we expect from your new track ‘Thump’? How has the early feedback been?
Simon Patterson: ‘Thump’ is going to be big. I have played out for many weeks and the reaction is ridiculous. Its like ‘Smack’ v2!
i:Vibes: You produced ‘Something’s Up’ with Sean Tyas. What was it like working with this talented American producer?
Simon Patterson: A joy and a superb learning experience. He is a very fast worker. He is also one of my closest friends and one of the most helpful people I have met. We will start a new collab very soon!
i:Vibes: Sean Tyas has made a huge step in the last two years. Did you learn anything from him in the studio?
Simon Patterson: Yes lots!!! A real learning curve!
i:Vibes: What upcoming releases can we await from you?
Simon Patterson: A track which is a lot slower called ‘Different Feeling’, ‘Thump’, a new techno track which I haven’t finished and then a new collab with Tyas!
i:Vibes: In Germany the trance scene is lagging far behind countries like the UK, Holland and Belgium. What is your general opinion of the German trance scene? What DJs do you respect?
Simon Patterson: I love Timo Maas, PvD etc. And there are loads of great producers. Kyau & Albert, Talla, Marc Van Linden, Ronksi Speed etc. But I don’t know much about the scene in Germany. I can’t wait to get over and play there, to experience the scene for myself! At least you have the best cars in the world!!
i:Vibes: Some years ago, you had a drink with Technoclub resident Marc van Linden in Liverpool. How was that? Were any juicy secrets exchanged?
Simon Patterson: MvL, as I call him, is one of the nicest people that I have ever met. If everyone in music was like him then everyone would be in perfect harmony. A few juicy secrets exchanged, but he’d kill me if I told you!! lol!! No we were very boring and just drunk apple juice!
i:Vibes: You are also a DJ. What is the most important thing for you to accomplish as a DJ night in and night out?
Simon Patterson: Well, I have to say that a set from me is not good unless I have mixed well. I think anyone can play great tunes, but it’s the order they’re put in and how they’re played which is what is important to me. I love playing, but I want to leave the club always happy that I have done my best. I am a perfectionist and if don’t match my expectations then I am never happy. At the end of the day people have paid to come and see you play. It’s important to give them a good show!
i:Vibes: What do you know about the Technoclub? The founder Talla 2XLC is a huge supporter of your sound and really the main force in Germany of keeping trance alive.
Simon Patterson: I know its one of the biggest followed clubs in Germany. Talla is an institution to the whole scene. He is always going strong!!
i:Vibes: You will play Techno Club on September 12th. You played there two years ago. How did you like the Technoclub?
Simon Patterson: Unreal! One of the best clubs I have played at for ages. I have been begging Talla to bring me back and finally, 2 years later I am here!!! Sooo happy and cant wait!!!!
i:Vibes: Did you see any differences to how Germans party to, say, people in the UK?
Simon Patterson: Yeah the UK is more of a drinking and drugs crowd who go mad but I noticed the German people were more there for the music and appreciating that side of things but also having a few drinks too!! ;o)
i:Vibes: What can we expect from your DJ set this time?
Simon Patterson: I guess a mixture of trance and tech trance, the same sort of style as last time!
i:Vibes: How important has Talla 2XLC been for the global dance music in the last 20 years?
Simon Patterson: Talla is a legend. He has done so much for the German scene and has been one of the biggest pioneers of trance for many years and is still going strong. That‘s a great testiment to his character.
i:Vibes: Do you spin with vinyl, CDs or use the new technological advances like Abelton Live or final scratch?
Simon Patterson: I love Ableton and I will go to final scratch one day as keeping my cds in any sort of order is so hard!! Final Scratch for organisation is second to none.
i:Vibes: What was the weirdest DJing experience you have ever had?
Simon Patterson: Playing in China. I played at this R’n’B type club. It was weird coming on after Eminem and then playing trance. Obviously I didn’t play trance straight away, but I don’t think they understood what I played at all!!
i:Vibes: What are your favourite all time club tracks?
Simon Patterson: Plastic Boy - Silver Bath
Tiesto - Urban Train
Tiesto - Flight 643
i:Vibes: What are your hobbies?
Simon Patterson: Gym, football and Pro Evo 5!
i:Vibes: What music do you listen to in the car?
Simon Patterson: Mostly the radio.
i:Vibes: If you weren´t a DJ or producer, what job would you be doing?
Simon Patterson: A&R for a label.
i:Vibes: What three things would you take on a deserted island?
Simon Patterson: My wife and that would be enough!
i:Vibes: Thanks Simon for chat and see you in the Technoclub!!!!
Simon Patterson: See ya soon!!! ;o)
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