It’s no surprise that, following the success of the SoundClash DJ Showcase Radio Show, that it is returning on Monster FM for September.
We caught up with one of the curators of the event, Ally Ridgers to have a chat about the line-up for this year and the dance scene in general.
After such a successful showcase last year, how do you explain such a positive vibe that the event created?
It started really as people talking about the show via Facebook, Twitter and word of mouth then as the weeks went on we ended up having people tuning in and listening online from the likes of America, Brazil, England and even Australia.
How difficult was it to curate the showcase this year?
After the success of last years shows i had to think on how I can better it but keep things fresh so I’ve kept the original format of getting the very best DJ/producers from around the Highlands to submit mixes, but this year every mix you hear is totally exclusive to the show. I’ve also ventured further a field swell by adding iAM DJs Beta & Kappa from Sub Club, Glasgow who’s set at Rockness this year blew me away so was delighted they agreed to do an exclusive mix for the show. Also on the line up is Edinburgh’s Jakk it & Saizme fresh from headlining this years Mothers Ruin Stage at Belladrum and playing Hideout Festival in Croatia. Keep track of the show via the DJ Showcase Facebook page.
This year sees the inclusion of the Andy Stone hosted show on Saturday, how did that come about, and what are your hopes for this show?
It add something special to the line up and it will be the voice of what’s happening in the scene in and around the Highlands every as well as playing out the best music around and weekly guests and just good old banter. I’m excited for this, it will be every Sat night 10-11pm throughout Sept.
Last year you encouraged folk to keep an eye open for Stereo Crookz, with regards to DJs relatively new to the scene is there anybody that you feel deserves a bigger audience?
He’s not new to the scene but Mark Mackenzie (Them & Us) who works so so hard and is making really good music under various projects and guises and runs a wicked blog/website (Justice never Sleeps) he’s young and I’m sure big things are to come for him. I’ve got so much respect for him.
Why do you think there is such a consistency of talent on show in the Highland Dance music scene?
I really don’t know but you just need to look at guys like Count Clockwork, Polymath, Them & Us etc who’s music is getting plays from djs all around the globe and Desudo and his Gearbox label being such big player on the Hard Dance circuit as well as so many talented DJs in and around the Highlands to know we’ve got something special up here covering all genres of dance music and my aim is to cover all these angles in the shows.
The launch party is on the 31st of August, how important is performing live to you, and which of the other DJ’s are you looking forward to seeing DJ again?
Any DJ/producer will tell you playing out is the best part of the job. The launch party line up is BIG with Count Clockwork who will be headlining fresh from a headline festival slot in Belgium and supporting Avicii in Glasgow and coming up from Edinburgh we have Jakk it & Saizme. Also on the bill is Alan Grant and Alottarhythm as well as myself it all takes place at Karma Lounge, Inverness. Keep an eye out also for the after party weekender Fri 4th and Sat 5th October also at Karma Lounge. Massive line up also to be announced for that.
You can keep track of the Soundclash DJs via Facebook and Twitter and read about the Monster FM line up here.
