Miniminds have just released their brand new EP on Fling Recordings Xoe/Ghost In The System and have been picking up huge props form some of the worlds finest DJs. ATL caught up with them to get inside the minds (!) of the Miniminds-minds-minds-minds...

ATL: Hi, and how the hell are you today?
We're really good, thanks. We have just completed our second FLING Recordings EP which has been released this week. We are looking forward to see the outcome of this as all tracks are really strong.

ATL: Let's get started then. First musical memory?
Gary: Because we are kinda of young compared to the rest of you's old dj's haha mine would have to be going to see Paul Oakenfold up in Lush when in first opened many years ago.

Stephen: My first musical memory would have been from my brother. He was into Hardcore Techno/Gabba and I would have stole his tapes and copied. This definitely pushed me in my electronic path.

ATL: Have you ever played Ireland and if so where, when and how was it for you?
Stephen: Recently we played at Life Festival in Galway. This was our first festival and it was rocking!!! Atmosphere was electric!! There is something special about banging out techno in a field!!! :o)

Gary: Because Miniminds only started last summer I have played every major club really in Northern Ireland apart from Shine on my own. I've played Lush loads of times alongside dj's like Dave Seaman, Futureshock etc, I also had to fill in for Sasha 1 night in Lush as he cancelled due to illness and play the peak time slot which was some buzz!!! The atmosphere in Lush has always been great and the crowd never stand still. But the atmosphere all over Ireland is second to none I reckon!

ATL: Now, what prompted you to get fully involved in dance music?
Gary: Well I have always been a major clubber myself for years and always wanted to get involved in it that's when I started DJ'ing and producing my own material but after playing abroad many times and playing all around Ireland I decided I needed something new and fresh to work on to try and take my career further that's when Miniminds was created and it has been amazing what we have achieved in just a year!

Stephen: I have been interested in dance music from an early age. My main influence would have been Shine and Lush! Going to these events made me want to be part of the action!!

ATL: What's been your best clubbing experience?
Definitely has to our recent trip to Berlin, what a city!!!! If you are a music lover it's the place to be. The people are so liberal and love their music, and the clubs, well what can I say from standing on top of a 15 story building at Weekend Club looking all over Berlin at 8am or standing in that mad asylum that is called Panorama Bar/Berghain you just couldn't beat it, one of those things you just have to be there to experience! Who needs Ibiza that's what we say!!!

ATL: For non dance music, what are you listening to at the mo?
The both of us would be electronic based but this would have to be bands like Depeche Mode, New Order etc

ATL: So, do you have any famous DJ mates and if so, who, and what are they really like? Go on you can tell us...
Recently we have got really friendly with Luke Dzierzek, our label boss. He's a really sound geezer and so down to earth. He came over the other weekend with his girlfriend to see us and lets just say he thinks us Irish are a bit crazy haha!!! He is one to watch out for in the next while, he's going to be massive.

ATL: What is really the best club in the world? We would have to say Panorama Bar/Berghain, both are two clubs in one, its in a big disused power station and it just has to be seen to be believed. When the shutters open up in Panorama on a Sunday afternoon and the sun shines in, then close again, its something like the opening scene of Blade with vampires everywhere!!

ATL: Your criminal record - whats the worst piece of music ever played out?
Stephen: When I was 18, I done a few bar disco's and would have slipped in Cotton Eye Joe!! Just don't be telling anyone. Haha.

Gary: I used to play birthday parties etc but unlike Stephen im not opening my mouth, always gets me in trouble!

ATL: Who is the best DJ in the world and why?
Stephen: Richie Hawtin - he is a pioneer in many aspects of technology and the minimal techno sound. When it comes to technical skills, he is phenomenal. The things that guy can do with sounds!! Everytime you see a performance it is always different.

Gary: I totally agree with Stephen but at the minute its Adam Beyer all the way for me, his techno is so forward thinking and fresh, its just what the scene needs at the minute. There is no messing about with Adam he's just straight in there.

ATL: And when will we see you again then? We are starting up a new monthly Miniminds night in Milk in Belfast and the Launch night is on 19th Sept, so you can see us then and expect some fresh new techno!

ATL : Ok, giz your top five tunes and bugger off...
Miniminds - Ghost in the System
Minicoolboyz - Strike an Empty City (Marco Esse Mento Mento Mix)
Miniminds- The Muffler The Selph
Designer Beaver (Uto Karem Mix)
Luca & Paul- Dinamicro Karotte (Gregor Thresher Rmx)