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Features
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| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! |
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Gaia – The tsunami fundraiser preview: interview with Daegal Brain
Reported by Latex Zebra
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Submitted 03-03-05 01:15
Daegal Brain is the best import from New Zealand since lamb, though whether he is as soft and juicy is probably best left to your imaginations. As a DJ he has had a massive impact on the London scene and is one of few DJs to bridge the gap between trance and hard dance. As well as residencies at Twisted and Tilt, he has played for every major event in town from Frantic to Heat, from Knowwhere to Logic. He also can be seen supporting the smaller parties as well on a regular basis. A true star of the future and a very nice guy, let's see what makes him tick.
Tell us a bit about yourself for those of us that know nothing about you, your background and what inspired you to take up Djing?
I guess the first thing a lot of people ask me is “What’s your real name”… and this is it! “Daegal” is an old Gaelic name that means something along the lines of “Dweller by the dark river” which is pretty appropriate given that I live in London  I’m a New Zealander though, from Wellington, and have been over here for 5 years. I had my first gig in 1994 in a bar in a small town called Nelson, and played a mixture of gabba and trance… and I assure you it was awful!! Mixing was not something that came naturally to me, I took much longer than most people to learn some of the real basics.
Initially at least, I don’t ever recall actually deciding I wanted to be a DJ… the only reason I was buying vinyl is that at the time that was the only format I could get the music I wanted to listen too on. In 1996 a friend and I spent a month travelling around Europe mainly to buy records. We somehow managed to blag going direct to the distributors, though looking back I don’t know how we pulled that one off!! I guess they figured we’d come a long way and were a couple of harmless Kiwi “chumps”! It was after that trip though that I thought I’d quite like to do something about taking things further – but New Zealand is sometimes frustratingly small and the DJ positions were well and truly sewn up..though I had a few bits and pieces, like “death till dawn” sets on a student radio station which were great fun. Death till Dawn meant the radio station was all ours from about midnight till we dropped! Anyway, I eventually saw the light and before moved over here permanently in 1999.
You come from quite a musical background, according to the blurb on your website you even had singing lessons, how do you think this has helped you as a DJ and do you sing in the shower?
Yes my family are all very musical… my father is a symphony orchestra conductor, and picked up an O.B.E for services to music after 20 or so years of giving concerts to kids in New Zealand. My mother played the clarinet and sax professionally and now runs her own musical instrument repairing business. When I was a kid I learnt the piano and drums and sang in a choir for a few years… though I’m not sure I should be admitting that!!
Having a musical background undoubtedly gives you a real edge with understanding musical structure, and helps I think improve your set construction in particular. I don’t think it really helps with your mixing in anyway tangible way though… that comes down to being able to train you brain to listen to more than one tune at a time which is something you just have to learn in my opinion.
As for singing in the shower, well I’m now blessed with a voice that sounds like a combination of that teenage kid in the Simpson’s working in the fast food joint, and a Siamese cat…. with a bad nasal cold. It’s not pretty. Unfortunately I think there’s a video around somewhere of me singing a Dolly Parton song at Chemical Reaction last year after a typically boozy night there…So no singing in the shower…my neighbours put up with enough noise from my flat as it is…
How would describe your DJing style and taste in music. What sets you apart from other DJs?
I guess every DJ likes to live in the delusion that no one is doing the same thing as them. I’m not sure it is entirely possibly to achieve complete individuality unless you are just DJing with you own productions… I don’t know… I do try anyway though anyway! I put a lot of effort into tracking down as a fresh a sounding stuff as possible… spending a really stupid amount of time listening too, and looking for new tunes – DJs are obsessive freaks that are best avoided!
My style has changed a lot in the last year particularly; I used to play a very anthemic style of quite obvious hard trance. But these days my sets carry a heavy house influence- I like bass driven trance that is as downright dirty as possible, without becoming “Hard” as such. I’ve broadened my horizons a lot more these days and my sets tend to dabble into all sorts…after all 90 minutes of the same sound is just downright boring! My policy is keep things varied and see what you can get away with…. drop the odd anthem and keep people on their toes.
Following on from that, what do you think makes a good set?
Well the bottom line is make people dance! As obvious as that is, I’m often surprised to walk into a big room and see that the crowd aren’t really paying any attention and the DJ hasn’t noticed. I guess sometimes DJs wander off on musical tangents or get completely absorbed in what they are doing… I’ve done it before and I hate it when that happens!
What makes a set really stand out is one where the DJ plays just enough obvious stuff at the right moments, but is not bashing out back to back anthem after anthem. An anthem has twice as much impact if it’s dropped after something less obvious. Of course, you can’t loose the crowd either so it’s getting that balance just right that’s actually quite tricky. I think DJs with a broader musical spectrum have a huge edge over those who don’t.
Being known predominantly as a Trance DJ, how do you think the trance scene has evolved over the years and what direction do you see it taking in the future?
I’m really excited about the trance scene at the moment! As much as I loved it at the time, that 1999 era of big room trance had a long term detrimental effect of swamping the scene with uncreative and samey sounding tunes. Things died down for a bit but as always, out of the underground, it reinvented it self and re-emerged better then ever. It seems to be the cycle that music naturally goes though.
As for the future… I think house and trance are getting closer and closer together-much like electro and trance did last year. I like to call it “porno trance” personally… and I suspect I’m not the first or the last person to use that term!
For a trance DJ you get your fair share for sets at hard dance parties, how does trance sit alongside Hard Dance and do you prepare for these sets differently?
Yes it’s a funny one that. From a preparation point of view, playing trance at a Hard Dance event is often a lot easier than playing trance at trance events. At specialist trance events a bit more thought and creativity is needed on what direction you want things to go. At a specialist event of any genre people are more likely to paying more attention to what you are up too, and you have to deliver every time.
Having said that, one of my favourite slots to play in is after someone who plays harder than I do! The challenge is to bring it down without loosing the crowd and then take things up again…and trance can have a fantastic impact after an hour and half of hard music!
Are there enough trance parties in London?
Yes and no. For some reason a lot of the big name trance DJs, with a couple of exceptions, tend to bypass London which is a real shame. On the smaller scale I think there’s most definitely room for a small specialist trance event. I’m excited about a new event called Boundless starting next month along those lines. At the same time care is needed with any single genre event these days…I think times have changed and variety in line ups is absolutely essential. The good thing is trance has the potential to be quite a broad genre if delivered right.
You’ve played in Ibiza for Heat, how does the experience compare to DJing in London?
A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of playing for Heat at Space in Ibiza… it still is one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve ever had… though there was a huge London contingent there to help make it special. Ibiza positively oozes quality at all levels with clubs nights there, the best lineups, the best venues, the best music and some damn good beaches to relax on when you fall over and can’t take it anymore! Playing there was a privilege and I don’t think I could ever top that moment! Amnesia in Ibiza is my favourite venue in the world.
You’ve been involved with several promotions, how does the buzz of DJing compare to the buzz of putting on an excellent party?
It’s a fine feeling promoting - that moment when you can see how much fun everyone is having is just as satisfying as the “epic moment” in the DJ booth. But for me since things got busier on the DJing circuit though I’ve come to believe you cant do both if you want to do things properly - so one had to go. Though I help out as best as I can with any event I’m playing for in less direct ways.
Have you any plans to get back into promotion?
Not really… maybe a one off here and there but it would have to be something a little unusual. I have a couple of hair-brained schemes I’d like to see happen one day….
Are there any promotions you haven’t played for that you would like to?
I really like the look of The Gallery, and would like to check out Serious. I also would like to play in Thailand at the Full Moon parties… that just sound great! I’d eat my own socks to play outdoors somewhere!
What do you think of the state of the current UK clubbing scene, London in particular, and what changes would you like to see made?
London seems to be going off just now… there’s a really broad variety of events with classy lineups. I’d love to see more visits from some of the big name trance guns though. Nights like Twisted in December last year with John 00 Flemming & Marco V really stood out.
One thing that bothers me a bit is that rooms at events seem to still be separated by genre…or have multiple rooms with a very samey sound in both rooms. It would be great to hear warm up DJs playing proper warm up stuff, then have the music progress into something else as the night goes on, much like many of the smaller parties have been doing. It’s going to take one of the big Hard House/Hard Trance events to take the initiative and lead the way on this, as I think the crowds would be more receptive to it than we all realise. London’s hard dance scene still has a BIG shortage of specialist warm up DJs… I believe its really there for the taking for someone who does not feel the need to prove themselves by boshing out the top 10 latest big tunes in the first set. Take note!
Which DJs do you admire?
I had the pleasure of hearing Paul van Dyke and Tiesto at Cream closing in Ibiza last year…they just blew me away, really inspirational stuff. Back in London, there are a number of DJs I admire for all sorts of different reasons… Karl Alexander stands out because he is a natural entertainer who has never been seduced into all the crap that can sometimes go on! I could see K.A.R.L having a really big year and Markus Buhmann is quickly sewing up the warm up sets. I really like Steve Hitch & Ben Gilman’s tunes… I’d like to see the name Latex Zebra on more flyers (So would I ), as I haven’t anyone really playing the same sound…and there are too many others to mention!
Have you produced any tracks, do you have plans to do more if you have?
Nope, at this stage I’m, just fiddling… albeit poorly! I have a few ideas though. It’s a matter of time I think…
Do you think to make it as a DJ you have to be a successful producer as well?
Being a producer gives you more marketability for certain. If you wanted to play on the international circuit… well put it this way..you don’t get many DJs playing internationally that don’t also produce. In fact, I cant think of any!! Either way you somehow have to make yourself stand out from the rest so production is an excellent way of doing this.
I’m not in any rush to bash something out that’s not from my own heart & slog personally.
How do you relax in your spare time (if you have any) away from Djing?
I’ve rediscovered training at the gym this year! It’s fantastic to get some fitness back, that kind of thing used to be my life and I’d forgotten what it felt like. There is nothing like the feeling you have of really have done something with your body… especially if followed by a steam room session afterwards. Failing that, I’m a bit of a nerd on the PC….
When did you last go home (back to New Zealand) do you get homesick and have you played out over there since you became a known DJ over here?
I haven’t been back for a couple of years now, but am aiming to squeeze in a short visit at the end of the year. I do miss the lifestyle and some people, but London all in all, is exactly where I want to be right now, otherwise I wouldn’t be here! Last time I went back I played in my home town Wellington at a club and did a slot on Radio. Great fun!
Big promotions vs. small promotions…
From a playing point of view, the small parties are often a lot more fun… small parties are always going to have the advantage of intimacy over the big events, and you can often take a few more risks with what you play. On the other hand the big events can be deeply satisfying… I suffer really bad nerves when playing… and have been known to be so nervous I’m occasionally physically sick before a big gig. Getting on top of that, and still doing a good job of it can be very rewarding… though not so good for the heart I expect!
Finally, you can invite any 5 people living or dead to a dinner party, who are they?
Blimey. Erm… Joe Simpson, Marco V, Tchaikovsky, Billy Connelly…and Maria Sharapova 
Daegal Brain will be appearing at Twisted Present Fridge 54, Gaia – The Tsunami Fundraiser @ Turnmills and Knowwhere @ The Fridge over the coming weeks.
Thanks to Daf and mrbicgit for the pics.
www.daegalbrain.com
GAIA - THE TSUNAMI FUNDRAISER
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On:
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Sunday 13th March 2005
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At:
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Turnmills [map]
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From:
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1pm to 11pm
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Cost:
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Minimum £10 donation
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Ticket Info:
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Ticket Info:
We are asking for a minimum donation of £10 per ticket.
Outlets:
www.ticketweb.co.uk / 08700 600 100
www.clubtickets.co.uk / 08702 462 050
E-List London: www.e-listlondon.com
£10 Paying Guest List
Please send names to lisa.b@mostwanteduk.com with GAIA in the title bar.
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Extreme Euphoria, Party Proactive, Frantic, Heat, Tasty, Blast, Twist, Innovate, Twisted, Antiworld & Logic in proud association with Turnmills presents
GAIA
THE TSUNAMI FUNDRAISER
Sunday 13th March 2005
Turnmills
13.00 – 23.00
On Boxing Day, 26th December 2004, one of the most devastating natural disasters of all time swept through Asia’s vast coastline. Over 160,000 people lost their lives and over a million citizens from more than 10 countries had their way of life changed forever.
On Sunday, 13th March 2005, one of the world’s most respected venues will host the biggest Hard Dance collaboration party the world has ever seen. Putting aside their differences the Capital’s most influential Hard Dance clubs will join forces to raise crucial funds & awareness for the victims of the Tsunami disaster.
The DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) has already raised a staggering volume of funds for the relief appeal but more is still desperately needed. Despite the media agencies reducing their coverage of the tragedy the need for support is far from over with a humanitarian crisis of near biblical scale continuing to unfold.
With our help the piece by piece rebuilding of a devastation area 4 times the size of the UK can continue.
Charity Details:
All profits will go the DEC (Disaster Emergency Committee)
Registered Charity No. 1062638
The DEC: To support members in their task of alleviating acute human suffering amongst those least able to withstand the effects of major overseas disaster.
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Other Features By Latex Zebra:
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The HarderFather speaks! Meet him yourself at the HF vs The Residents Xmas Party
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: Stevie on 3rd Mar 2005 07:06.57
Nice interview guys, Daegal is one of the true gents in the scene, it's always been a real pleasure to know him, he was co-promoter with me on the very first promotion I ran and I consider him an excellent friend as well as a top DJ 
From: Jurrane on 3rd Mar 2005 07:29.51
Great interview and a true class act. Daegal's love of the music really shines through and we're incredibly excited to have him playing for us at Boundless. Nice one!
From: ~deleted1390 on 3rd Mar 2005 08:56.19
A pleasure to interview such a talented individual.
From: Pandora S-K on 3rd Mar 2005 09:38.45
Nice interview Daegal !
From: Red5 on 3rd Mar 2005 11:14.30
It's hard to find a more down to earth and entertaining bloke, who also happens to be one of my favourite DJ's
From: Craig Paxton on 3rd Mar 2005 12:05.28
A genuinely nice and very talented bloke who thoroughly deserves any success that comes his way. One of the most entertaining DJ's I have ever had the pleasure to watch..
From: Alex Buck on 3rd Mar 2005 12:32.02
Damn nice bloke. Watch out for Daegal's new 'look' at Twisted on Saturday.....
From: Kamora on 3rd Mar 2005 12:40.13
Interviewed well Mr Zebra. Good stuff 
Mr Brain that new warm-up set is rather nice! Im smiling just thinking about it
From: ck on 3rd Mar 2005 15:21.10
What Mr Paxton said 
From: zimbolicious on 3rd Mar 2005 16:29.07
What ever ck says
He's a gem and I just wanna  him every change I get 
From: K.A.R.L. on 3rd Mar 2005 19:25.43
One of the nicest guys I know and (imo) was one of the best trance dj's in London last year. Thanks for all your support mate and can't wait for Daegal gets Durty at One, in April.
From: Minx! on 3rd Mar 2005 21:59.38
Excellent interview Mr Zebra...
One of the nicest and most down to earth bloke I know...happens to be a Kiwi too!!!  Always enjoy his sets and my top 2 would be Space in Ibiza and Macro V - best sets of the night imo!!! Wish you the best hun...
From: littlemissgenki on 4th Mar 2005 01:34.13
Nice 1 DB & LZ! I'll never forget your set at Space in Ibiza Daegal, it was voted set of the year for a bloody good reason! I'm also wondering what the Wellington City Council were putting in their water with so many wicked welly djs around... would've loved to see ya play gabba in Nelson, surprised you lived to tell the tale!
From: WEBBO on 4th Mar 2005 20:26.50
good stuff daegal , keep it up mate
From: anushka007 on 5th Mar 2005 14:51.59
Dan - great interview.
Mr Daegal Brain – I am ALWAYS impressed with his performance and since that day I saw him at Tilt I am huge fan of his.
And yes I do have a copy of you singing Dolly Parton song (which brings back smile on my face) but hurts my ears.
You are simply the best !!!
From: Vivacious on 5th Mar 2005 19:19.33
Go the Welly boy!!! Nice work Daegal
From: Dee on 6th Mar 2005 23:26.23
Ahh... A typically modest interview from Daegal.
Can't be faulted for his passion for what he does.
All the best babes. xx
From: HeatUK. on 7th Mar 2005 17:25.25
Add your comments here !
From: HeatUK. on 7th Mar 2005 17:26.52
Space in Ibiza...you had to be there! It was the first party of the trip and we didn't know what hit us. Well done Daegal. Damo
From: Bagel on 8th Mar 2005 22:11.08
Thanks everyone, especially for all your words of wisdom over the years See you all soon
From: Lizzie Curious on 11th Mar 2005 23:34.10
A really interesting interview, look forward to hearing you play this month!
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