Grant Nelson, London, England - The Official Interview

Name:Grant Nelson,
Age:30 years old
Sex:Male
Born: England
Location:London, England

1.For the not so clued up person in regards to the world of Soulful House and Garage, UK Underground music could you tell us how you got started in this game?

I started Djing at the age of 14 or 15, and sent a demo tape to a record label (Kickin' Records) in 1990, got my first deal then and it all went from there.

1. Who or what had the greatest influence on what you listen to today?

1(a) Was through listen to your parents (Did they have an artists or performer that they constantly kept going on about that influenced you)
1(b) Was through listening at a early age to the Radio to a particular sound or artist?
1(c) Was through going to the church (being part of a choir?)
1(d) Or was it by being forced to take musical lessons that influenced your choice?

Probably a mixture of A and B, although one of the side effects of writing and producing music for me has been the fact that I don't really listen to music at home.

Certain artists do it for me but it's really hard, near impossible, to enjoy music on it's face value any more. I always find myself analyzing it without realising.

2. Who was your first musical hero? Was it Artists from the.. Soul area Hiphop scene Rock/Heavy Metal scene Motown, The Sound of Philadelphia or Stax Records artists Jazz artists, Hip Hop Artist. Or just any particular artist?

I don't know that I have any hero's really, But I have the most respect and admiration for people like Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Nile Rogers to name a couple. I was also hugely inspired by Paul Hardcastle in the 80's.

3.You are a DJ/Producer now. However what was the first club that you played that allow you to gain vital experience to that is invaluable now! Is it still there now; and have you gone back to play there from time to time?

It was probably one of the raves that I put on with a friend back in the late 80s'. It taught me to never put fire extinguishers in the toilets ever again ;)

4.Your dabbling in the music known as Hardcore House and Rave is well publicised. Was this music important in developing you musically? Why in the end did you leave Hardcore House for Soulful House and Garage music?

Everything that you do as an artist helps mould what you are at any given time, so everything I have ever done has 'developed' my musicality. But I can't say that it was an inspirational part of my career.

I had fun making it but ultimately I felt that it wasn't allowing me to grow musically, hence the switch.

5.Soulful House and Garage music in the Uk, at the time was dominated by the Usa, during the early to middle 1990's. Which of these artists impressed you at the time with regards to developing you own sound. Was it Todd Terry, Mark Kinchen, Masters at Work, Kerri Chandler, Smack Productions; or any other producer that I have failed to mention?

Mk, Eddie perez (Smack), Masters at Work, Todd Terry. Those were the daddies for me.

6. Nipe and Ripe records is a part of Uk Soulful House and Garage folklore. Did you create this label yourself? It was probably the first bonifide label from the Uk to be taken seriously as a House and Garage label as it own right from the Uk. A smalier Uk version of Strickly Rythmn Records from New York it could be said. It was the "Underground House and Garage Record Label" from London, at one time. Record punters from the UK were making a note of this label first from the many specialist dance music stores at the time, along with the many Usa Labels that were in abundance. Where you aware of the labels importance?

In a word no. I hand't a clue at the time. I was just making tracks I enjoyed making. Yes the label was created by myself and along with key conspirators like Simon Firmin & Dave Thackeray. I wrote & produced every single, bar 1, up until Dub Essentials 3.

7.Over the years you have recorded under a number of different names. Is this because you want people to buy the records for the record sake instead, "Grant Nelson"?

To be honest, I don't enjoy seeing my name all over the place so why should anybody else.

8. Was he ever any truth in the rumour that there was a disagreement between you and Todd Terry(Usa) over a sample that you used for track? Or of the name that you recorded under (GOD for instance). Could you spill some light to this?

It wasn't a serious thing, I sampled him, he sampled me back. there was never anything malicious in it. The press tried to make more of it than it was. Todd is a genious and without his input on the music scene things would be very different.

9. The demise of Nice and Ripe didn't end that nicely for you. If you could go back and changes a few things that led to the demise of Nice and Ripe - for you, would you change anything?

Ha, No regrets, you can't have in this business, but If I could change one thing I think I would have been less trusting and kept a closer eye on financial issues.

11. You have a new label called "Swing City". Was this created soon after you parted company with Nice and Ripe records? Who thought of the name? How long has Swing City been running so far?

New label? It's been running since 1995. It was created before I left Nice 'n' Ripe.

12. Many people have their favourite Grant Nelson tune. Mine is "Rhode House". I am still trying to get a copy to this day!! It really shows up your talent. Many people state that your finest hour is still the release of "Together" under Dj name that you record under being,"24 hour experience". Were you conscious that you had made a classic track -the track being "Together". What is your favourite House and Garage track that you have made?

No, I don't think you're ever aware when you make a track like that. As for my own favourite, I don't know. It changes.

13. You not one for djing "live" are you really? Do you prefer concentrate on Dj/producing work. However, you have been seen out with Noris "The boss" Windross. How did that partnership come about? Is it the old East of London Network working together again, and deciding to do something positive for the community?

I Dj most weekends. I play all over the World but not too much in the UK. The DJ sets with Norris were to promote the N'n'G singles.

14. Todd Edwards, from New Jersey, Usa, and yourselves were considered the "new bloods" within the next generation of Soulful House and Garage music dj/producers. Your distinctive styles that you brought to this gender of this music made other dj's think on how these new concepts and ideas could make House and Garage music transend itself. Have you ever met Todd Edwards. Have you ever remixed any of his releases, or vica versa. Or is there someone else that you would like to work with?

I spoke with him about doing something a few years back but it never happend. I also remixed his "Saved My Life" single for London records years ago. There are a lot of people I would like to work with and a few of them are being brought in on the forthcoming Bump & Flex Album.

15. Changing the subject now sees me mentioning pirate radio. It is a big part of the UK DANCE CULTURE. And more so in London, England. Do you listen to any of them any more? Are they still required in this day and age with regards to the state of dance music on the airwaves and the various t.v shows devoted to dance music in England. What are your views and opinions?

Pirates have always been the purveyors of the underground. I used to listen to them for inspiration years back. Now I think that MC's are killing it.

A good MC is a great thing but, unfourunatly, a lot of them are more interested in the sound of their own voice than the listening pleasure of the audience. In a nut shell I wish they would shut up every now and again. Also we could do without the constant rewinds.

16. Keeping on the subject of Radio sees me mentioning Kiss 100 Fm Radio station (London). Have you ever played on the station before? At one time it was problably most famous pirate radio in the world. It boasted dj's such as Dave Rodigan, Giles Peterson, Norman Jay, Paul Oakenfield, The Dreem Team, Tuff Jam, Fabio, Grooverider, Colin Favor, Paul "Trouble" Anderson, etc just to name a few ( Sorry for all those that I have missed!!)

However, since then it went legal, it has come in for a lot of stick, for moving away from its dance music ethos in favour of a more commercial and pop orientated sound, which has infuriated a large amount Londoners. It has tried to re-address the trend by hiring Dj Ez and Roger Sanchez, to change this concept. Do you listen to Kiss 100 FM nowadays? What if any are your opinions of Kiss FM Radio....???

I have guested on various shows and had a couple of "Giving It Up" shows on there. They seem to be more biased towards Brittany Spears & Samantha Mumba now though.

17.Still on the subject of Radio broadcasting and the Uk, but this time with BBC Radio One. It really seems as if BBC Radio 1 is championing the cause of dance music. Its plans for Digital Radio has excited everyone with regards to hearing "Black music" in all its formats over the airwaves in the Uk. But is this fools gold? Is this only a case of dance music being fashionable so that the BBC are panicking and pressurised in putting on these soul, drum and basss and garage shows. What are your views?

I think Radio 1 has done what they needed to do. You can't ignore the social impact of dance music anymore and they realised that. Respect to them.

18. Changing the subject completely. One just can't get away from the subject of the music known as 2-Step Garage music that is busting out of London? (Artful Dodger, M.J.Cole, Ed Case, etc etc) The music has bulldozed its way into the Garage and House music w orld whether we like it or not. Its the newest hybrid within the music gender. Some people hate it. Some people love it. What are your views on the scene and the music? Plus the fact there seems to be a divide within the music already. With those that prefer the Rnb/Soulful side of 2-Step Garage to those that prefer the Ragga/Breakbeat feel of 2-Step Garage. Many have named this music as "Breakbeat Garage" Do you have a preference?

I love the UK Garage vibe. I think that there are far too many sub-standard records out there, but saying that, there hasn't been a house track that has blown me away for years.

19. Changing the subject once again. As you do dj from time to time. Do you still do your own stint of record shopping or hunting? Or do you leave it up to being supplied by labels, etc to keep you up to date? When you play out? A lot of DJ's nowadays survive by living of what given to them by Record labels of all shapes and sizes. What about you. Does this apply to you?

Of course, you have to shop around. I recieve around 50 odd records a week, most are unplayable for me. The really good stuff you still have to buy.

20. Djing again; and this time it to do with Record mixing. Your technique when playing out. Do you use a style of blending when you playing out; or are you a person who like to jump straight in and out of a track without warning!!! What styles do you like to use when behind the decks?

I make a lot of my own 'Remixes / Specials' of tracks to use in the mix. I use a lot of accapella's and give me a mixer like the Pioneer 600 and I'll coat the mix up with effects too.

21. Out of all the hundreds of artists/groups that you have collected and listen through out the years within the Soulful House and Garage music movement which has impressed you the most. Anyone that keeps coming up in your mind?

I suppose all the Smack Productions vinyl was the stuff I looked forward to the most in the past and now without a doubt I would say anything by Jazz 'n' Groove, Boris Dlugosch, Knee Deep or Mousse T.

22.Changing the subject completely. Will you be apppearing at next years Winter Music Conference (2002)? It has become the place where once a year Dj's from all over the world prodominently from the House and Garage World meet up. It seems as if it is going to be its best yet. Will the world see Grant at the Winter Music 2002 Conference?

It was my first conference last year and I loved it. Meeting up with people you hardly ever see and some you have never met. I will be playing at the Soulfuric party in 2002, where unlike last year, I will try my hardest to remain kind of sober.

23.Another music like institution and dubbed the "New Ibiza" by music critics and fashion experts alike is "Ayia Napa", in Cyprus. It has taken the clubbing world by storm. Will we ever see Grant Nelson appearing there? Newier styles are being introduced there other then Uk/2-Step Garage. Would you be interestsed in playing there? Have you been asked?

I played there a couple of years ago. I wouldn't go back. Although I enjoyed the club where I played I hate the place. Nasty. The club owners have the wrong atttitude and the police are racist fucks.

24. Deep House music has a huge following around the world. Probably the most followed of all the styles in Soulful House and Garage music movement around the world. It use to be the sole rights of the Usa, that made quality "Deep House music - traditionally from Chicago and New York. But of late France and Germany are making Deep House tunes that will make these cities in the Usa sit up and take notice. Are you a fan of this style of House?

No I find it tedious and pointless.

Of late the West Coast of America is really making everybody situp and take notice with their brand of Deep House music. Labels such as Naked Music, Grayhound and Pan Handle are making the city of Chicago and New York City take note. Will Deep House music ever break loose of its "Trainspotters" tag within Soulful House and Garage music movement? Are you a lover of the music? Do you listen to tunes from the labels such as Paper, Guidance, Glasgow Underground, Wave, Yellow at all....???

A few of the labels you mentioned there have put out some great tracks, so I still check them out, but as I said before on the whole it's not really my bag baby.

25. You have travelled all around to most parts of the world. Where do you love to dj or perform the most and why?

At the momemnt I would have to say Germany. Those guys know how to party. Also I played Scotland recently, those guys have it large too.

26. As Soulful House, Deep House and 2-Step Garage becomes bigger and bigger around the world. Who do you rate as one to look out for in the future (DJ Wise?) Who should we keep an eye out for! From your own country? DJ/ music artist/s producer and from what you have heard or seen from abroad? DJ/ music artist/s producer.

M-Black, is the man. Watch this guy go... Check out his Indirect single "Gold Rush" and you'll know what I mean.

27. You were asked to do the remix duties on a recent compilation House and GARAGE CD Album. Was it fun to do? How did you get to do the work in the first place?

The label apporoached me and I said yes. I love doing comp albums.

28. Christmas is coming up. Are you going to be taking it easy and resting ones self over the festive period (2001). Or are you behind the decks somewhere in this world within that period? Please let us know?

It has become kind of a tradition to spend New Years in Las Vegas for me. So i'll be there, hammered on a blackjack table, losing my yearly revenue ;)

29.What does the Future Hold for Mr.Nelson. Have you got any more ambitions. Anything more exciting that you would like to do?

I am in the process of writing a screenplay which I intend to direct, edit and score myself. That should be happening in 2002 so I'm exited about that. I also have a barrage of production and remix work to get through so that should keep me busy ;)

30. Changing the subject completely.Have you got any advice for any aspiring Record label producer, DJ, Club owner or Dj/producer within the world of House and Garage music. Any rules that he should adhere to?

Don't do it, Be Sincere, Go Crazy !

Interview conducted by Grant Nelson, London, England

All rights of the text and the images belong to Carl Brown, Ipswich, England and Grant Nelson. London, England. If you which to use any of this interview. Please contact us. Copyright laws apply.