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Molek FMInterview: ATFC
The good people of Oscar Wise and Sultan Lounge are bringing Defected in the House to town and this time with UK’s one and only ATFC! He is known for transforming tunes by popular acts into big house tunes for the dancefloor. Aydin The Funki Chile aka ATFC has topped the chard on the UK Top 40, Beatport and Traxsource. With 3 consecutive years of nominations as Beatport’s Artist of the Year, there’s no denying his success in the dance music community. ATFC has been DJing for over 15 years now and turned out hits like ‘Bad Habit’, ‘Spread Love’ and ‘Sleep Talk’; and recently released ATFC In The House London ’10. We managed to speak to ATFC before he hit the decks of Sultan Lounge this Friday about his music career, red g-string and uhm, a steamy phone chat.
Hello! How have you been?
Very good thank you! A little worn out by playing (and partying) over the summer. Living in Spain is much more fun than living in the UK. (Wink)
How would you describe yourself as a person?
I like to think I don’t take myself too seriously – I like to be funny – a good sense of humor runs throughout my family. I try to be a good husband and father but sometimes I tend to think about myself a little too much. I’m single-minded and pretty determined, which is probably one of the main reasons I’ve succeeded in this business. I’m very adaptable…one minute I can be playing to 20,000 people at a festival the next minute I can be sewing my sons name in his school socks.
What’s the most thrilling moment to you as a DJ?
When, playing on stage at a festival a few weeks ago in Hungary, a girl threw her red g-string at me. That was thrilling enough but when I found them in my CD wallet a week later in Amsterdam, I was truly stunned.
Do you still remember your first DJ gig ever?
Yes, I was 13 years old and with the help of my parents I’d hired a local church hall, some turntables, lights and speakers and invited school friends to come and dance at my disco. My dad and his friend were security and we charged £2 on the door. I made £400. I was just playing pop music but the kids loved it and I made it a regular event. The combination of a love for music, the buzz of making people happy while, of course, making money, made it an irresistible career path.
Which track are you most proud of?
I guess, obviously, ‘Bad Habit’. I made it without any thought during a couple of bottles of Chardonnay and it’s had the biggest impact on my career.
How has your music evolve?
It’s evolved with tastes and technology. Also as years have gone by I’ve gained more experience in the studio, which culminates in a cleaner, fatter and punchier sound. I do hope though that the same people that bought ‘Bad Habit’ may have bought ‘Bring The Beat Back’ or ‘It’s Over’. I’ve tried to stay on point with tastes while not losing my integrity as a producer.
What does Defected in the House mean to you?
Well it’s a family affair and it’s nice now and then to have the comfort blanket of a big brand behind you while you DJ. At the events I’m not only representing myself but also the label and it’s an honour to be asked to do that. It’s THE torchbearer for the true house sound and strikes the right balance between underground credibility and commercial appeal.
Was there a moment when you realised that you have made it?
When Louie Vega played ‘Bad Habit’ for the 4th time in the same night at The Magic Sessions in Miami. I had to leave the club and have a ‘moment’ to myself on the beach. I knew I had to make the most of the chance I’d been given to prove myself as a producer.
How do you find the evolution of house music in the world from when you started until now?
The great thing about house music is that it’s beautiful in it’s simplicity. There’s only so much you can do with a 4/4 beat. If it mutates from that it’s not house. Over the years the production quality has increased, certain tricks and arrangements have been in and out of vogue but it’s still essentially the same.
Do you still listen to hip hop? Anyone you fancy at the moment?
I don’t keep updated with modern hip hop; it doesn’t really interest me. I love listening to A Tribe Called Quest, Big Daddy Kane, Public Enemy, The Jungle Brothers. Those guys were my heroes – the new schools don’t have any soul or depth.
Your MySpace bio says that you like phone sex. How true is that?
I tried phone sex once but the battery came loose and I had to get it removed by a specialist surgeon – never again.
Ha! What are the 3 must-have items you must have with you?
Eye mask, blood transfusion machine and wits.
How are you going to usher in 2011?
My agents are still deciding where they’re going to Fedex me.
What big plans do you have for us next?
Just more of the same really; more singles, remixes and gigs around the globe.
Could you also share with us the 5 new albums we must check out.
These aren’t new but if you don’t already have these in your life – get them. Why? Because they’re all perfect.
1. Stevie Wonder Songs In The Key Of Life
2. The Young Disciples Road To Freedom
3. A Tribe Called Quest The Low End Theory
4. Terry Callier What Color Is Love?
5. Gilles Peterson & Norman Jay Desert Island Mix – Journeys By DJ
For more ATFC, head over to www.myspace.com/thefunkichile.
Image Oscar Wise