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Features
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Stepping back in time — Heat Evolution: Khemikal Imbalance preview with MDA & Spherical
Reported by benz
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Submitted 16-10-05 16:29
We’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a lot of fresh talent in the hard dance scene over the past couple of years, injecting much needed life and originality into the genre. The likes of Greg Brookman, Gaz West, Alex Calver, Colin Baratt and Technikal have all been invaluable in keeping the sound of hard dance interesting and continually evolving, and it’s now safe to say that the very impressive MDA & Spherical can join those prestigious ranks of cutting-edge young talent.
Definately some of the youngest names on the scene, these two have only been DJing for around a year, and only had their first full release around 18 months ago, yet have rapidly accrued many high-profile remixes and original productions on some of the world’s leading hard labels (Tidy and Masif starters) as well as some DJing gigs that would make an established spinner jealous. Their productions are always full of energy, originality, and big uplifting melodies — clearly a winning combination. It will be interesting to see how their sound progresses over the next couple of years as their production becomes more and more advanced and they work with more of the scene’s leading names. They’re ones to keep your eye on for sure!
On Saturday 19 November MDA & Spherical will bring their bag full of upfront productions to Koko for Heat Evolution: Khemikal Imbalance, playing in Room 2 — which will be full of the country's hottest young producers spinning tunes all night long. Not to be missed, it will be a great chance to check out these young guns alongside the premier league DJs in the retro-themed main room. I spoke to the lads via the medium of the email to ascertain what they are all about.
Where were you born and how did you meet each other?
Matt (MDA) was born in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, while Mark (Spherical) was born in Andover, Hampshire. We met after Mark moved up to Hertfordshire in 2001 through another mate who had a keen interest in dance music.
Were you both pretty clued-up about dance music when you met or did one of you show the other the light?
We both already had a love for electronic music, and had an interest in DJing. This is why we decided to hook up and make our first track — that was of course absolute rubbish! Anyway, after that we just continued to make tracks and learn the ways of production together through trial and error.
What are your names about? What’s the meaning behind them?
Haha, everyone asks this! We’ve both been using them from a young age and they’ve kind of stuck now. M.D.A is Matt’s initials and er… for some reason Mark thought circles were cool when he was 12.
MDA
You’ve really made an outstanding impression on the hard dance scene over the past year or so. When did you start producing? Did you feel when you started making tracks that it would be something you would feel quite natural doing?
Yeah, things seem to be going well. We’re both really amazed at the feedback we’ve been getting recently.
We both used to mess about making tracks separately for a quite a long time before we started working together back in late 2002. It’s always felt quite natural together in the studio but it took a while until we were happy with what we were making.
What was the first track you made? How did it feel after finishing that very first production?
First track we made was called ‘Matrix’ and yes, yet ANOTHER tune to use THOSE Matrix vocals! It really was awful, but it was quite satisfying to have finished something. This then gave us the motivation to do more tracks and slowly progress from there.
Your tracks are full of melody and musical understanding. Is this something that comes naturally to you or were you classically trained so to speak?
We both think melody is really important in music, without this, it can become both monotonous and boring. As far as musical understanding goes, I wouldn’t exactly call ourselves classically trained, but Mark has studied music at school and plays piano, bass and drums. We’re both now in our second year studying Music Technology at Huddersfield Uni although this tends to be the more technical side of things.
How have your production techniques progressed since you started making tracks? What have you learnt, and how did you learn these advancements?
The thing that most improved our production techniques was simply going out clubbing and seeing what worked on the dance floor — even if it meant sneaking out aged 16!
Another factor that had a huge influence was getting the opportunity to work with other producers such as Greg Brookman and Matt Williams, who were both amazing and taught us loads. But of course the golden rule is just to practice practice practice!
What have been the defining moments for you so far in your production career? Which tracks in particular helped to kick start things?
Having the collaboration ‘Levitation’ we did with the then relatively unknown Greg Brookman signed to Vacuum was quite a defining moment as it was the first track of ours to be signed. Things then progressed from there, and started to kick off with our first solo signing — ‘Devotion’. Soon after this, along came a little old label called tidy who signed our tracks ‘Controllin’ Me’ and ‘Scramble’ with Chris Hoff… which was nice.
Which tracks have you been proudest of? Do the record buying public seem to agree with your favourites?
At the moment we’d have to say our remix of Benny Drohan’s ‘Back To The Programme’. Not too sure about sales yet as it’s early days, but the feedback we have had off of it has been truly outstanding. It’s quite a buzz! Saying this, we’re probably more proud of some of the new unreleased tracks/remixes we’ve been working on recently mainly because we feel that we’re both learning new techniques and getting new ideas all the time.
Spherical
November 19th sees the two of you playing for Heat at their Evolution: Khemikal Imbalance event at Koko in London — quite a big deal really! You haven’t been playing out for that long in the grand scheme of things — do you feel confident and comfortable playing out now?
We are really pleased to have been offered the Heat gig and are really looking forward to be playing. We’ve only been playing out for a year so obviously we’ve still got a lot to learn but are getting more confident all the time. Saying this Matt is likely to be found occupying the toilets 5 minutes before the set!
The main theme of the event is classic tunes all night. Which eras will you be revisiting during your set? Or will Room 2 follow a different musical policy?
In terms of playing older tunes, the main room DJs will be playing all the classics from 1995–2001. To provide a balance against this, we’ll be showcasing the harder sounds of the future with strictly new upfront material.
The main room covers the harder end of dance music between the years 1995 and 2001, with a different DJ playing a set for every year. Which ‘years’ are you keen to catch a glimpse of on the night?
We’re definitely keen to catch 1999 — there’s so many great trance classics from this era that shouldn’t be missed! Saying this, there’s bound to be outstanding tunes from every year. It’ll be an interesting journey for sure.
Which events have you particularly enjoyed over the past 12 months? And which sets were really memorable for you?
Living up north, we’re enjoying the sounds of Housewives Choice in Leeds. When we have made the mission down to London, we’ve particularly enjoyed the Innovate events, and South West Four.
Sets wise, both Innovate at The Fridge recently and Addiction at Deep Blue back in May were incredible to play at with a really good lively crowd at both. Also, it’d be hard to forget our residency at Kinetic in Bristol, because of seeing so many regular faces each month.
Where do you get your material for your sets from?
The majority of our sets are of our own new tracks, with the rest being sourced directly from other producers on CDR. Can’t remember the last time we played a vinyl.
Do you think you might try and perform a live show at some point down the line? Is this something you have already considered?
Playing live is definitely something that has crossed our minds. This part of the scene looks quite exciting at the moment with the likes of Edison Factor and Paul Maddox taking things to a whole new level.
Personally, we haven’t yet found a way of recreating our sound in a ‘live’ enough manner to feel comfortable calling it a live PA. However, this is quickly changing with software like Ableton Live — so who knows what the future holds!
Photos courtesy of Chris Cee & Jess The Cat.
HeatUK EVOLUTION:THE KHEMICAL IMBALANCE
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On:
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Saturday 19th November 2005
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At:
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KOKO [map]
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From:
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10pm-6am
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Cost:
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£14 Concs GL guest@heatuk.com / Tickets £14 / £16 /£18 / Door £22
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Website:
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www.heatuk.com
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Ticket Info:
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24 hour Credit Card Hotline 08700 600 100
www.ticketweb.co.uk or www.heatuk.com
www.clubtickets.co.uk 08717 110 010 (buy 5 get one free!!)
Outlets: Mad Records (Soho) 020 7439 0707
Cyberdog (Camden) 020 7482 2842
Ticket Agent: Maria 07813 684399
Vince (Midlands) 07835 626226
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Tonight Evolution goes even further back starting with ten year old club classics and finishing the year of HeatUK’s inception. There can be no better nostalgia than this and with no better line-up! While the main arena of the former Camden Palace revisits rare anthems a year at a time with the masters at work – Room 2 previews future sounds from the most talented group of producers making waves on the scene today. This is the nu-blood of the scene providing tomorrow’s classics on MP3’s with the 19 year old genius Technikal leading the charge. The future is in very good hands.
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Other Features By benz:
Introducing: Salerno - part of Chemistry's NuWave selection
Eat Static return for Lost In Space
Coburn bring their live show to UP^^
The return of The Colosseum
Modernism, Politburo and Sedition: Matthew Duffield’s manifesto
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: bennett on 16th Oct 2005 18:59.22
2 bright stars of the future!
its gonna be a mad night! 
From: dazler on 16th Oct 2005 19:19.31
Wicked interview boyz,  up and roll on bigger and better things for the future...!! M.D.A & Circleboy - essential ingredient for any party 
From: Camden Nurse on 16th Oct 2005 19:23.02
Lets get the party started!
From: Krazy Nut on 16th Oct 2005 21:09.20
Cant imagine Spherical playing the piano Defiantly 2 names that will feature heavily in hard dance this year and many more to come, keep up the good work guys.
From: Technikal on 16th Oct 2005 23:43.47
Great tunes, great guys, and congratulations on the successful siamese twin removal operation! Love you both to bits and will have to have a rendevue soon - see you Thursday!
From: Mike Harris on 17th Oct 2005 03:12.36
These guys are destined to be huge!!
Well done lads!!
From: Letty Bird on 17th Oct 2005 05:00.30
OK Mr. Circle, mind producing a track w/your piano music? That would be sweet. Nice interview!! Much love from Cali you two. x
From: onthebass on 17th Oct 2005 06:18.58
Love your work guys! Great to see that you are both getting the recognition you deserve. Skip on 
From: Dubster on 17th Oct 2005 10:10.05
Best producers of 2005, and their remix of Back 2 The Program should win best tune of the year too imo.
2 absolutely top blokes, who I've no doubt will one day be the biggest thing in hard dance music.
Lets hope 2006 sees twice as much success as the massive year 2005 has been for them, as they thoroughly deserve it.
Hoping to hear "Matrix" at Evolution !
From: Mc_4ip on 17th Oct 2005 11:21.28
Lol i remember spherical playing the piano...mwahahhaha!! ahh the old skool days ay?? saw you both at Innovate-V.Impressed lads....
hope you go far Love Nicola x
From: Gordon Darley on 17th Oct 2005 11:39.54
We love you MDA and Spherical!!!!!!!!! Can I have your autograph.
You've come a long, long since sneaking out to come to Camden. Good job and keep it up
From: benz on 17th Oct 2005 12:21.01
it's all about the remix of Short Fuse! Tune 
From: Stevi D on 17th Oct 2005 12:27.47
Loving there production work!" You definately up there with some of my favourite producers, Top work lads, and keep em coming
From: carl nicholson on 17th Oct 2005 12:42.38
Nice one lads!
From: Olly Perris on 17th Oct 2005 13:15.42
Legends!!!!!
From: Durty on 17th Oct 2005 15:38.00
boowaiiii! Big choons from little people!!
From: Durty on 17th Oct 2005 15:38.59
oh, and yes, Back to the programme is defo tunr of the year
From: Andy T on 17th Oct 2005 17:04.33
M.D.A & Spherical FUCKING ROCK !!!!!!!  End of
You boys are going all the way
From: James Jaye on 17th Oct 2005 19:40.02
Awesome producers. looking forward to the 'MDA & Spherical EP' out on Oblivion Recordings soon!
From: luke warner on 17th Oct 2005 20:19.23
i agree with Andy. Keep it up boys
From: djviticus on 18th Oct 2005 03:13.06
nice one fellas
much love from the shores of kali4nya!!!
From: Cally Gage on 18th Oct 2005 12:59.19
Great interview guys.
They always churn out great tracks, am definately loving your remix of 'Back to the Programme' - the future looks bright!
See you both soon I hope.
From: benz on 18th Oct 2005 19:07.45
sorted - Hazel just said they were from Chris...
From: James Terry on 18th Oct 2005 23:57.59
Wicked interview amazing producers, look forward to their new material each time, never a let down
From: Technikal on 19th Oct 2005 05:19.43
And OMG forgot to say ... their remix of mine and Steve's "Weekend" track is phenomenal from what I've heard so far ... they're only getting better when it comes to tweeter freaking.
From: Camden Nurse on 19th Oct 2005 11:31.35
That was what I thought. Speak to the guys.
From: Camden Nurse on 19th Oct 2005 11:33.05
That was what I thought. Speak to the guys.
From: Spherical on 19th Oct 2005 12:05.09
Thankyou people! Comments have been amazing.
Its really nice to have such great feedback from something I truly enjoy doing. Keep it Skippy!
Haha Alf - Tweeter Freaking, shush
From: Zimma on 19th Oct 2005 13:21.10
Nice interview! Well done guys and girls, keep up the good work
From: MDA on 19th Oct 2005 17:17.19
sorry about the foto jess, many thanks for the positive comments from everyone else
onwards and upwards!
From: Lysa on 19th Oct 2005 19:03.48
Good to see an interview on these guys! Big things in store for 'em, looking forward to Evolution
From: Lisa P on 19th Oct 2005 19:51.04
Nice one boyz! Always impressed with your sets and wicked productions - hope to make it to Evolution in Nov. :-)
From: Hi Freak1c on 24th Oct 2005 12:46.26
hey guys wicked interview:-) all the best for the future boys keep up the good work. True STARS.
From: wasi on 28th Oct 2005 01:44.47
awesome interview lads, c u soon !!!! wasi
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