When 17-year-old drama student Pete Wardman decided he needed some extra cash to fund his studies he had three options; to become a bar man, become a prostitute or become a DJ. Luckily for the world of hard dance, and of course Pete, he decided DJing would be the easiest option. As such it started him on an adventure which would lead him to being voted the 41 best DJ in the DJ Magazine awards, a record and album producer, a host on Kiss FM and ITV’s Club Nation as well as becoming part of the Trade legend.
Years on Pete Wardman, often referred to as the ‘gentleman of hard-dance’ is still delighting partygoers with his fabulous hard house sounds - and he’s not about to stop.
If you’re a Wardman fan or someone who often wondered what all the fuss about was about, but could never quite drag yourself from under your duvet at 5am on a Sunday morning then on Saturday 14th August you are in for a treat.
Not only will Pete will delighting new and old fans by literally blasting his sounds through The Fridge’s fabulously ferocious sound system, but he will be joined by his old Trade deck-mates the invincible Ian M and the delectable Peter Ward. This will be the first time they have all appeared on the same line-up in eons and it promises to be more explosive than an irritable Osama Bin Laden at a firearm convention.
In preparation to this I caught up with him for a very brief so he could share a few thoughts about the dance scene.
You’ve had an amazing career. Not only are you a DJ who was a Trade resident and once voted number 41 in the DJ Magazine awards but you have also the a Kiss FM breakfast show host, a presenter on ITV’s Club Nation, a BBC current affairs journalist and record producer. What has been the best bit?
All of it. I find it hard to list my favourite parts because it has all been good and doing a bit of everything has prevented me from ever getting bored. I still have a passion for everything I do, which may not have been the case if I was just a dj, or just a radio presenter.
Where have you been DJing recently. People often say they don’t see you enough in London?
I have been up to London quite a bit recently. A few weeks back I played at the Big Gay Out in Finsbury Park which was followed by an Essential Mix on Radio One which gained some amazing feeback so was extremely exciting. I also had a great audience when I played at Concrete at The Soundshaft recently, so I am really enjoying myself.
I also came up to London last Saturday to check out Orange at Fire.
Lots of people seem to think the dance scene is dying. What is your opinion?
The dance scene it cyclical. During my career I have seen it go up and down. For example every now and then Ibiza has a couple of years where it is much quieter and everyone thinks the dance is dying, only for it to bounce back a couple of years later with a new sound and a new vitality. I think that is what is happening now. Everyone now seems to go to Ibiza, but there is always a less commercial side running alongside it to it so it will live on.
Do you think people are growing up with dance music?
Definitely. Many of the ravers from the 1980’s now have children and kids wants to listen to what their parents listen to. This obviously has an affect on dance scene. I don’t think dance culture will die it will just change to accommodate the younger generation’s tastes.
It has been a while since you have played with your Trade mate Ian M? Are you looking forward to being on the same line-up again? Will there be any rivalry?
I’m definitely looking forward to playing with Ian again. I haven’t played at the same event as Ian since a Tidy Weekender 3. I can’t promise there will be much rivalry but it’s certainly going to be good and I can’t wait to get my hands on the powerful Fridge sound system.
Have you ever been mistaken for ex Trade resident and Blast resident Peter Ward?
No, but he gets mistaken for me. I’m not sure if he is too happy about that? I do often get mistaken for Pete Waterman though which is infinitely more annoying as he is twice my age and produces pop.
What advice would you give to aspiring djs and producers?
Be different is the biggest piece of advice I can give. They are thousands of DJs out there whose technique is almost flawless but to make it you have to be different. At the time when I those around me had a different sound. It is no good trying to be another BK, Andy Farley or Tony de Vit. You have to have your own sound.
When you were a raver who did you admire?
Carl Cox was and is still a favourite of mine. When I was a radio presenter I would often spend my weekends going to raves to listen to these people. I was a clubber too?
Why did you start Djing?
I was a drama student at the time and I need to pay my way. The only jobs I could think of were to become a bar man, a prostitute or a Dj. The dj seemed the easiest option, especially as I was really into music.
Can you remember you first DJing gig?
I used to DJ in some terribly cheesy places. The first place I played was at The Tower Hotel in Kensington. It was full of business men in suits and I played the most dreadful music. I carried on djing in loads of places like this for years while going to raves at the weekend. It finally paid off as I started to get proper gigs where I could play the music I wanted to. My presenting job at Power FM radio in Hampshire also helped.
Who do you think out of the up and coming djs so you think are very talented?
I suppose he has already made it, but Justin Bourne is a great new talent. There is nobody else at the moment that stands out for me. Unfortunately I don’t go out as much as I used to so I don’t get to see the next generation of deck masters as much I would like.
Have you been producing lately?
I have been extremely busy. I have recently produced Reloaded with Grant Fisher and I have another six tracks in the pipeline to be produced with Tripoli Trax. Watch this space.
Pete will be appearing alongside Ian M, The *Ting*, Lady Bianca, Peter Ward and Danny Gilligan at Blast, The Fridge on Saturday 14th August, 10pm to 6am.. Funky house sounds will be provided by Stevie B and Paul Martin in the second room.
£10 concession by emailing guestlist or £12 flyer motd
More:
What happens when explosive ingredients such the UK's top resident DJs meet the legendary resident from the World's most famous hard dance club and all mix together in the Capitals favourite hard dance venue?
You got it. It will be a BLAST!
Already BLAST has established itself as a humdinger of a night out with many pronouncing it the best Saturday night out in London.
Unprecedented production values, pyrotechnics, and all the little extras you have come to expect make for total satisfaction guaranteed.
BLAST is one of those rare parties where the music builds throughout the night and all the DJs work seamlessly together.
It is an exceptionally rare opportunity to see IAN M and PETE WARDMAN on the same bill. These two original TRADE residents almost single handedly forged what is now the hard dance scene.
For £10 concession guestlist;
blastclub@hotmail.com
From: Jon Hollambyon 10th Aug 2004 17:30.02 Legend!
From: karl davison 10th Aug 2004 17:36.32 top class dj and a great line up
From: James Nardion 10th Aug 2004 18:34.57 He's the man!! See ya Saturday Pete.
From: richbowenukon 10th Aug 2004 21:57.21 Was wicked to see him at Big Gay Out as well as at Orange the other week as a punter! Def looking forward to BLAST as its gonna rock with the line up!
From: El Capitano Peteon 11th Aug 2004 00:47.25 A big inspiration - glad to see Pete back in the limelight.
From: djcheekeeon 11th Aug 2004 09:09.11 good interview
justin bourne - couldnt agree more
From: carl nicholsonon 11th Aug 2004 13:40.12 Lovely Guy! Great DJ!
From: Nick Irwinon 11th Aug 2004 13:43.00 Top Dog!!
From: karl davison 11th Aug 2004 14:07.10 plus justin is the man and best label around in short circuit
From: Shaunon 11th Aug 2004 15:16.15 used to really like his Kiss FM show (apart from the 30 minute hard mix)
From: Annabelon 11th Aug 2004 18:32.43 Shaun....Are you feeling ok
From: PETER WARDon 12th Aug 2004 12:27.09 Good interview Mr Wardman ! No I dont mind getting mistaken for you, not that it happens much now. One DJ who shall remain nameless thought i chose the name Peter Ward so people would think i was you and get bookings - and that is no joke !
From: Annabelon 12th Aug 2004 12:30.57 Can I just add that the lovely Peter Ward is STILL a Trade resident where you can hear him play some wonderful Tough Funky House
From: Farleyon 12th Aug 2004 18:31.39 really looking forward to hearing the new tracks pete !!!
From: AshAttackon 13th Aug 2004 09:57.55 Lets look at it this way their both ressidents where it all started.......Trade! Nice interview Pete, new tracks.....mmmm, now these must be a must!! Hope to catch ya soon.....Hotdog perhaps at end of the month!
From: maddog-Eon 17th Aug 2004 17:49.00 My how you have come on since the days of the basement in Bagleys with Fionn Lucas, Graeme Brown and co...Good on ya mate and keep on trucking....
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