|
Webchat with Pete Tong,
July 19
 Geordie Boy: Why did Radio 1 leave it so late to check that parking arrangements were in place for Love Parade? Surely that should have been sorted weeks ago?!
Pete Tong: As far as I'm aware, they were always given assurance that that responsibility was being taken care of. If the council tell you they're taking care of it, you believe them.
Andrew: How do you feel about the fact that there are now no free events over the weekend, when the whole ethos of Love Parade is supposed to be "celebrate and dance for free"?
I'm dismayed like everyone else. There are always going to be events running before or on the night of Love Parade and it sends organisers into a real dilemma as to what they should do. If you check certain clubs, people are talking about opening up during the day for free.
Jason P: How do you feel about the cancellation of Love Parade?
Really deflated, because last year was probably the best gig I've ever done in my life, so I was really geared up for it.
Matthias Helmchen: What is your Love Parade anthem this year?
Probably 'The Virus' by Mutiny or 'Rapture' by Vaioo, or 'Lovely Day' by Brancaccio and Asha.
Pat: Have you adjusted your musical style to suit America or has the US come around to your way of thinking?
I haven't adjusted my musical style for anywhere. The only thing I change is the difference between playing a club and a terrace.
Bobby: How do you have time to listen to all the records you buy and get sent if you spend all your time running a record company and sitting on aeroplanes?
It's difficult, but I've got it down to a pretty fine art! So much music comes to me on CD, so it's easy to listen to while I'm travelling. I'm an odd job man at the record company.
Paul Atkins: Are you looking forward to the Radio 1 night at Privilege on the 4th and Space on the 5th of August?
It can be a great room, it needs an awful lot of attention to detail. It can be one of the greatest stages in the world to play. I've spent a lot of time today talking about it. I don't think you'll ever feel like it's like playing a house party, unless you play at very big houses!
Ben: Of all the live Essential Mixes you've been a part of over the years, which one sticks in your mind most?
Going back to the start, in 1995-1996, when the original shows were on. Last year, we tried something completely different. It's a difficult one to answer as it almost seems like there won't be any more, but there will!
Sam: Your 'sound' this year has seen you heading more progressive and underground, away from your perhaps more commercial sounds of late. Is this a conscious decision by you or just what has happened; has Radio 1 relaxed its controls of you, if they had any?
Radio 1 have never influenced my musical stance. I suppose it's just experience. I'm constantly trying to do new things. It's a gradual process. It's just where my head thinks it should go.
Sam: Would you welcome more soulful, US garage style Essential Mixes in the future because the vast majority seem to be techy based. Hows about Louie Vega - the God?
We try and throw as broad a selection of mixes at people as possible. There is a desire in programming that show that you are trying to bring new names to the fore.
Tricky: Describe a typical day in the life of Pete Tong...
Check out The Sunday Times in a few weeks, as it's in there! I'm lucky to be in a position that two days aren't the same. A lot of things tie me to doing the same things on a weekly basis, such as Friday nights for my show on Radio 1. It's a varied life I lead.
Jon Poon: Will Norman Cook be doing any Essential Mixes soon?
I don't think he's on the Saturday night schedule at this time. He is joining us in Ibiza, so hopefully we will get some of his output out there.
Hot Chick: For a long time you kept your club DJing to minimum. You seem to be spending a lot more time DJing in clubs around the world more than ever. What prompted the change of heart?
More due to the change in my working week really, not being as hands on with running the record company on a daily basis. Deciding to travel to grow my reputation and move on was a big thing too. When you travel, you have to DJ more. That's when I started doing 3 or 4 a week. I think it's paid off. I'm enjoying club DJing as much as I have ever done, if not more, which is kind of scary. I think the travelling has helped this.
Matthias Helmchen: You have family - isnīt it difficult to manage both career and family?
I wouldn't say it was easy, but it's something I work on and think about a lot. I've been lucky in having a very interesting and varied career. I'm not complaining. I do often take the kids on many of the trips I do.
Jim: Which signing to your record label are you most proud of?
I think probably Salt 'N' Pepa for just the sheer impact they had on the world for a few years. Our company put them out in America as well. Also, something like signing 'French Kiss' by Lil' Louis.
Scott: What is the skill to A&Ring a band?
I think you have to have good taste, in context of the public at large. Your taste and instincts tend to be right for a lot of other people. You have to judge your own instincts and be honest. Those qualities when working with an artist are actually what makes a good A&R man and how you communicate with them and massage their egos at the right time.
Johnny P: What does A&R actually stand for? I've never known.
Artist and Repertoire!
Carlo Lucio: Has FFRR signed up any of this year's Ibiza anthems?
Too early to say really. Armand Van Helden and Reeba - these are both looking popular out there. Stanton Warriors and Layo and Bushwacka - both of which you can see at the Love Weekend.
Mario Turcios: Are you thinking of making any western Canada stops any time soon?
Yep. Not 100% confirmed, but I'm looking to do Montreal and Vancouver in late September, early October.
Darren Rees: How long are you going to go on for? Do you see yourself as a future John Peel?
I don't know to be honest. I don't tend to be a long term planner. I don't think about 10 years time.
Christine: Would I be wrong in thinking that this is your 10th year doing the Essential Selection?
It is. I consciously didn't want to celebrate it or publicise it.
Paul Court: Do you get on with the other R1 DJs? Rampling had a dig at Jules in DJ Mag once - would you criticise any of your peers publicly?
If I felt I had to, then yes. I have a healthy relationship with all the dance DJs as far as I'm concerned.
Excession: Did you ever get to play at Twilo and if so what did you think of it?
Yes. I loved it. I'm very glad I did it before it sadly shut.
Excession: When are you gonna do another 'Eclectic' Selection!!?
When Radio 1 will give me the times lot. They tend to happen at Bank Holidays, so watch this space. I want to do a classic Balearic one in the middle of August, which we're trying to sort out.
Greg Walton: Do you have any dance music heroes?
Millions! Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, The Doors, Beach Boys. Very varied.
Darren Rees: How many gigs have you done and half way through you have thought, "I Just wanna go home".
Occasionally when something doesn't go well, I get more compulsive to get myself out of trouble, it's like a puzzle.
Darren: Have you ever produced your own music? I noticed a tune Jules played in '98 called 'Ying Tong' and thought you might be behind it?
I think he did play a record called that, but it certainly wasn't me. I've never made my own music; I didn't think that would be what I was good at. I also never really had the time and I thought it would compromise my judgements. Never say never though.
Matt Lang: Do you think God has blessed you with your voice and talents?
Not deeply religious, but every day I think I'm lucky.
Plump: The internet has had a massive influence on young people's lives in recent years. What aspect of the internet do you like most?
The speed of information and the delivery of music. It's having a fundamental impact on my show and DJing at the moment. I'm getting sent music from all over the world. It's another way of giving yourself an edge, making sure you can deliver soemthing else.
Amanda: What's your favourite website?
I'm not a mad scourer of the web, I don't really have the time. I tend to find out about things and then go and use them. Except when it comes down to Arsenal...
Destiny: When was the last time you used the internet and what site were you looking at?
To find out if I was on the playlist just now actually! E-mail I use all day long. I'm kind of addicted to it and hate it at the same time.
Andrew Murray: How do you see dance music and youth culture changing in the next few years?
I think there's a need for it to change. We need to take care of the scene right now and strive to do better stuff and keep it edgy.
Sammy: What's the last album/piece of clothing/food/expensive thing/vinyl/random thing you bought?
I'm always buying records. The last album I bought was the second Eahiar album and the Beta Band album. I tend to buy in chunks.
Kate: What was it like surrendering a lead to Liverpool in the FA Cup final?
Do I really need to tell you that! I wasn't happy.
Alex Lawler: Do you still want Vierra if he doesn't want to play for Arsenal?
No. It's pointless keeping an unhappy player.
John Pope: You're an Arsenal fan and I'm a Spurs fan. Do you think Sol Campbell's out of order?!
I'm sensitive to the situation, but I think in this day and age, nothing really surprises me. The guy was a free agent.
Frank: Which DJ will you always make an effort to go and see if you have time off and they're playing?
Tenaglia. When he plays he sets himself up in this environment to be able to do things that other people don't get to do. It makes for a quite inspiring time at times. Tenaglia in the dark! I like seeing Layo & Bushwacka.
DJ Singlefinger: Will you be getting the Plump DJ's in to do an Essential Mix sometime? Loved the Hot Mix they did a while back...
I would love to get them in for an Essential Mix.
Tom Preece: I'm heading to Ibiza next month. What club night do you think is the best out there?
Sundays at Space, Wednesdays at Pacha, DC10 and Mambo.
Jan: What's the best and worst part about your job?
The best part is playing records to enthusiastic people. Travelling gets me down. It becomes a chore. I don't mind flying as much. The real killer for me is motorway driving.
Greg Walton: What is Judge Jules like when he's not DJing?
Pleasant and intelligent and quite calm.
Paul Clarke: I'm speaking from the Big Brother house; do you think I'm in with a chance to win?
You've found the only bloke who isn't watching Big Brother.
Mark Helms: Who's the most famous person you have ever met?
Madonna and Diana! With Diana, it was just a handshake, but I've talked to Madonna.
Ian Campion: When you started DJing, what was your preferred genre of music?
Funkadelic, One Nation Under A Groove, James Brown and Disco.
Simon: Are you or the BBC making any efforts to promote the Essential Mix in the US?
Maybe, yes. We sort of have done already, we recorded sets in Chicago.
Andrew Murray: Have you ever played at Shindig and if so, how do you rate the club?
I did play Shindig at Sound City. Playing in the North East is always good.
prydey prydey1: Excluding the music industry, is there any other job you ever thought you might have liked a go at?
Film industry or photography. I would have liked to have been a writer or director as much as an actor.
Tiger Woods: Pete, you're the man, but what do you do outside DJing to relax?
Play with the kids, read, play tennis. I'm reading Richard Burton's autobiography at the moment, which is great.
Jan: How did you learn to DJ, and what would your advice be to all "bedroom djs" out there?
Don't wait for people to open doors, you have to go and open them.
Chet Pete: What did you think about Radio 1 changing its sound on Friday from Jules to Rampling?
I'm very happy with them. It's been particularly good for Danny Rampling, he's really gone up a gear or two.
Tiny Ian: What record would you say has most influenced you?
So many records have influenced me. I think Bob Marley's 'Legend'.
Shaun Jobbs: What's the best thing you ever won?
I never seem to win competitions and I'm a pretty crap gambler. I did back a big winner at Ascot a few years ago though.
Tom Preece: Where's the most bizzare place you've ever DJ'd?
A Greek wedding.
Sarah2: How did you get your job on the radio?
They asked me. I was on Capital and they said "do you want to come and join Radio 1?" A lot of people say I was the obvious candidate.
Joshua Tree: Do you ever get nervous before a doing a big set?
No, not really. I do sometimes agonise over what I should play. The more I agonise, the worst the set is.
Sarah James: What is the most important piece of advice you have ever been given?
Trust your own instincts.
Sam Brown, Essex: Where do you get your records from?
I go anywhere and everywhere. Very varied shopper.
Ryan Dallas: Did you enjoy playing at Lush in Northern Ireland, and what did you think of the crowds there?
I've played Belfast recently. Northern Ireland has always been good to me, it's always been a joy. I've got some good friends up there.
Stevie: Why aren't there more Essential Mixes from up north?
We used to go around the country, and that part of the show has now been replaced by Jules' live shows around the country and the Dance Parties. We tend to go to festival areas.
Flight Path: Considering the demand for high quailty Essential Mixes, why not release some of them commerically on CD?
Because it's a nightmare in terms of rights clearance. On many occasions, the DJs or record companies that are responsible for the music played just don't want us to do that.
Tom: Have you got any tattoos?
No tattoos or piercings.
Sue Jones: Technics or Vestax?
I've always been a Technics man. But I must admit Vestax is wooing me. The pitching arm is smoother and more flexible.
Greg Walton: I am 18 and I've just got a residency! I start next week and I'm really nervous! Where did you do your first gig and what was it like?
My first gig was in a village hall in Kent. Me and my friend inflicted ourselves on somebody's wedding. Not very glamorous, I can assure you!
The Hammer: What rock and roll albums are you currently listening to?
Radiohead, Linkin Park and the new New Order LP.
Roy Roach: Did you see Roger Sanchez on Live & Kicking?! Would you like to appear on it (or SMTV)?!
Depends what they wanted me to do. It would probably be quite a laugh to appear in Chums!
Daz: What is the best gig you have ever done?
I don't think it would be fair to single out one! The Space gig last week was good. Space terrace is one of the few places in the world that truly can't be transported to any other place. It's a combination of the physical environment and the great uplifting vibe. It's a great tonic.
Sarah2: Who is your favourite radio one DJ?
Me!
Page 2: Pete on musical heroes, football, and playing at a Greek Wedding!
|
