The world of Ben Nicky is one we here at i:Vibes wanted to know more of. Since his first introduction into the scene in 2008 his productions have shone out for all to hear and more are on the way…
It's not long since Ben Nicky was just a clubber looking to invade every major party to enjoy the music which he now passionately creates. His first release only came as recently as 2008 with a track known as 'Dirty Dancefloor' which appeared on his very own Abstract Recordings label. His reputation grew tenfold throughout last year with his stunning 'Change of Direction' single and debut release on the legendary VANDIT label with the track 'Special Moment'. He is definitely a Trance producer to keep tabs on throughout this year as not just anybody get a track released on VANDIT as those guys know their music. His first offering for the New Year is swiftly on its way with 'Legacy', a track featuring Rob Leccese and backed up with remixes from Genix and Adam Foley. We thought it was about time he got the i:Vibes interview treatment and here it is.
i:Vibes: Ben, thanks for taking some time to talk to ivibes. When looking back at 2009. What were your highlights of the year and what one thing happened to you that you couldn´t believe?
Ben: Hey Guys, I can't really narrow down a specific highlight as so much great stuff has happened but certainly getting one of my first ever productions signed to Vandit (Paul Van Dyk's label) was a huge surprise!
i:Vibes: You are from the UK. How was your childhood like and what was the deciding moment where you knew that you wanted to involve yourself with music?
Ben: My dad was in a rock band when I was around 3 or 4 so I was brought up with music. When I was 18 I started going to a lot of trance events and after a year or so I decided I wanted to be a part of the scene!
i:Vibes: Who were your early musical inspirations while you were growing up?
Ben: I have to confess when I was about 11, I had the Spice Girls album haha! But now from a dance music point of view, my early influences were Ian Van Dahl , Wippenberg, Ferry Corsten, Mauro Picotto.
i:Vibes: Are you a fulltime producer/DJ or do you have another job to pay the bills?
Ben: Yes I now am a fulltime DJ/Producer/Label Owner and I also do some music engineering alongside somebody else for other clients. Before quitting work I was a Electronics Salesman! I suppose I could do with a 1 or 2 day a week job as music money isn't all its made out to be until your one of the huge names, but Id rather concentrate on music fully!
i:Vibes: Was there any person who helped you set your feet into the dance scene or did you manage on your own?
Ben: Production Wise my close friend James Kitcher helped me get my feet on the ground in the beginning with giving me tutorials and basically helped me start from scratch, as well as Steve Allen who helped me in some previous releases. This has helped me find my own style and now my new Ben Nicky style definitely has its own "sound" . DJ Wise , Id like to thank Gavin Pearce and Gavin Davies for giving me a huge residency at Syndicate in Bristol, Couldn’t of been a better start to my career!
i:Vibes: Your first release Dirty Dancefloor became an instant smash. Were you surprised that your first release got so much love? What do you think made this track so special?
Ben: It was made around the time when tech trance really started getting big, I think it was more successful due to the timing rather than the track. Big dirty tech basslines with uplifting breakdowns were massive back then!
i:Vibes: When listening to your music, it seems like you have a magical ear for melodies but you also like having a thumping bassine/driving sound. Is this a style that you will continue or might you change it up? Never change a successful formula.
Ben: I absolutely love energy, whether its swinging tech house percussion or huge uplifting melodies. My ideal track is a huge driving rolling bass line with real epic uplifting sounds that create great emotion. My style constantly changes, but I think people will be shocked with my newer stuff for 2010.
i:Vibes: You have released tracks on famous labels like Vandit, Armada and Spinnin. This is quite an accomplishment. What keeps you motivated? You can continue to release on these and other well known labels, but do you musically have higher goals for the future?
Ben: I feel very happy with the way things are going considering I have only been around for 3 years, but yes I will keep pushing my tracks to be on the bigger labels and make sure that the big boys hopefully keep supporting me!
i:Vibes: When you look at your first releases and compare them to your latest offerings, how would you describe how your sound has developed and changed in time?
Ben: I feel my music has matured and over time I have got more fussy with my productions. From Spring in 2010 you will hear a total new Ben Nicky sound.. which I am really excited about! I have also worked on a huge track with Mark Eteson which is definitely the biggest thing I have worked on.
i:Vibes: “Special Moment” is a very special track released on Vandit Digital. Was this a track that was difficult to produce? What was the most difficult thing that you had to do to get the track perfect for your ears?
Ben: Like I said Earlier, Its all about emotion and this did it for myself and plenty of big DJ's! Time and dedication is the key to any track, Anything that’s rushed is never going to be great.
i:Vibes: “Morning Breeze” is an incredible release on your label Abstract that you produced with Adam Hayley. This track sounds like a perfect production. How did you and Adam divide the duties in the studio to come up with this masterpiece?
Ben: Adam is still in the stage of learning so I took some of his ideas and suited a new track around it. Morning Breeze was definitely the start of something special in my uplifting sound.
i:Vibes: Your rework for “Always” from Higher Ground is another beautiful piece of music. How important is the perfect atmosphere for you in a track and how difficult is it for you creating the perfect Ben Nicky atmosphere?
Ben: The rework I did was just a better quality version of the original with some better pads and emotional synths. The Original was already very uplifting so I can't really take credit for that one.
i:Vibes: You just released a new track “Legacy”. What can we expect from this track?
Ben: The original is very close to the "Special Moment" sound, where as you have 2 massive remixes from Genix and Adam Foley.
i:Vibes: You have your own label Abstract. What new releases can we await for 2010?
Ben: Some huge releases from Taylor & Close, Lee Osborne, Toby Davy, Tristan De Cunha, Rebecca Saforia.
i:Vibes: What is your goal with your label Abstract?
Ben: Continue to have big support and constant Number 1's on beatport and Trackitdown.
i:Vibes: A future production is also planned with legend Judge Jules. What kind of a track would you like to produce with him?
Ben: We have already started the collaboration, Its very techy with a big synth breakdown. I am sure it will be great once its finished! Jules can be fussy when it comes to the finish product which is great as it keeps standards high!
i:Vibes: You are also a DJ. What can one expect from you in a three hour set?
Ben: I like to build my set from 128bpm tech house all the way up to banging 140bpm driving trance. My sets totally depend on the mood I feel the crowd in!
i:Vibes: You recently played in the UK with Steve Helstrip of the Thrillseekers. What kind of experience was that for you?
Ben: Yeah was a great gig and a awesome club, I have been lucky to play recently with some of the worlds top dj's including Paul van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Above and Beyond, Markus Schulz etc! A great experience for anyone!
i:Vibes: What was the craziest experience that you ever had behind the turntables?
Ben: Ejecting a CD by mistake!
i:Vibes: Have you ever heard of the Technoclub in Germany presented by Talla 2XLC. Would you like to play there one day?
Ben: Yeah I have heard of this and Talla2xlc is actually on the same DJ Agency as me so maybe its something in the future that can be worked out!
i:Vibes: What is your impression of the German trance producers. Which producers do you respect and like the most?
Ben: Paul Van Dyk has been a huge inspiration in my career and he has also helped me a lot by signing my new track and offering me a guest mix on his show! He is the king of German trance in my opinion!
i:Vibes: With what producer would you like to be locked in a studio for 24 hours?
Ben: Daniel Kandi , Which is something that might be happening this year so keep your eyes open!
i:Vibes: What are your 5 all time favourite tracks?
Ben: Above and Beyond - Alone Tonight Oceanlab - Satellite Daniel Kandi - Child Lange - Follow me Simon Patterson - US
i:Vibes: What are your hobbies?
Ben: Music , Music, Music , Oh and... Music!
Thanks Ben for the chat. Good luck with your music!
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