Radioslave

VF: So what exactly should we call you?
ME: Well I make records under the name 'Rekid' for Soul Jazz. I'm also known as 'Matthew E' on Skint records. 'Radioslave' is what I'm know as when DJing or doing remixes. So your call!

VF: We'll call you Matt. Matt what do you reckon of The Strongbow Rooms?
ME: I played a gig in here last year, but it's great to see a lot of money spent on Strongbow Rooms this year to ensure a really good show. They've put in new DVD players and a Funktion system, which is pretty hardcore. At Homelands it was probably the best soundsystem in the entire arena. 

VF: The musical emphasis is on DJs that do things a bit differently. What makes you stand out from the crowd?
ME: I just do my own thing and try and play good music that other people don't play, be it underground or cutting edge new tracks that are about to break. I'll play anything from disco to techno to house, but I try and avoid the standard fodder put out by some of the more lazy DJs among us.

VF: Do you think once a DJ reaches a certain level they just start playing all the crap they're sent by labels then?
ME: No, it's not always the case but there are a few like that. Timo Mass is a huge name, but he's constantly pushing underground music and always on the lookout for what's new and exciting. I don't want to pigeon hole anyone but it's too easy to play all the promos you get sent to you. I could play a set tomorrow and not play any of the records I've bought, because you get sent so much as a DJ, but you've got to get out there and discover stuff for yourself.

VF: What's your favourite festival?
ME: I can't wait for the Big Chill. It's one of my favourites and I'm playing with Tom Middleton so that'll be wicked. This festival is ok, it's just a shame they've got to turn the sound down. The fact it's divided into different days is cool, because it means you can play crazy records and get away with it. The Big Chill's got much nicer scenery than Clapham though!

VF: This venue is by far the best thing about B-Live though no?
ME: Probably yeah. I haven't really had a look around but I'm really pleased with the kind of DJs and acts they've booked and I'm glad to be part of it. The lineup's really diverse and it's good they haven't gone for a standard DJ programme. It's a great venue too and I've really enjoyed warming people up today and giving them a taste of a few new things they probably haven't heard.

VF: What's your association with Rob Da Bank?
ME: I've produced a couple of downtempo records with Rob under the name The Quiet Village Project. He's the most unhappy hippy I know and he's got a great ear and is never swayed by the normal path. He's put a great bunch of DJs together for The Strongbow Rooms tour and I'm just grateful to be here. Talking of which, it's time for me to play...