The name Alan Fitzpatrick can be easily heard if you know the pioneers of techno music.
An interview with a passionnated guy.
Electransmission: First of all, can you describe Alan Fizpatrick ?
A: Well... I could, but I think my biography tells a more interesting story! Basically, I am a DJ and producer from Southampton in UK. I have been making my music since 2008 and have mainly released on Drumcode – including my debut album ‚ Shadows In The Dark’ and five EPs - as well as my own label, 8 Sided Dice which is nearly up to 50 releases. You can find out more about me at www.alanfitzpatrickmusic.com/
Electransmission: When did your passion for music started?
A: My earliest memory is listening to music with my Mum & Dad when on holiday when I was 3! They were big Stevie Wonder fans and listened to his music and lots of other Soul and Motown all the time. Growing up, music played a big part in my life. I spent a lot of time at school not working and instead listening to music, which was not appreciated at the time by my teachers or parents but it seems to have paid off now!
Electransmission: What/Who are your biggest influences?
A: For me my musical inspiration started in the 80’s listening to the first electronic sounds. People like David Bowie, Herbie Hancock, Phil Collins, Human League, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk…
Electransmission: Your partnership with Adam Beyer (Drumcode) is apparently your best work to date. How could you explain this? Is there any other partnership that is memorable to you?
A: Ever since I started making music I have been working with a guy called Dave Robertson. Some of your readers will know him better as Reset Robot. Dave was on the same music production course as me so it made sense to work together as we were into the same things and started at the same time. We have always worked together and I can’t see that changing in the future although I am writing more stuff on my own these days at home as Dave is really busy too.
Electransmission: What inspires you the most for the music creation?
A: Spending time in clubs. I always get a lot of the inspiration for my music from being out in clubs and hearing music in that environment, complete with the energy and anticipation of the crowd. I think it is really important to listen to music in context. Techno is meant to move people and to be kinda of primal. You don’t get that full impression listening through headphones on a laptop...
Electransmission: Vinyl, CD or MP3?
A: All three at the moment! I am currently mainly using MP3 via SD Cards and the CDJ2000 but I always take CDs with me in case there is a problem with the CDJs and I am also buying a lot of vinyl at the moment.
Electransmission: In 2011 you made the transition and became a recognized talent. But when did you really started everything, DJing and producing?
A: I started producing 10 years ago, at home in my bedroom. Then I enrolled on a music technology course for a year and bought a studio and started from there. I was really eager to get started so I took out a small loan and bought all the equipment I could afford. It was around 2008 that I got my first big break and people started to recognize my music. Then from 2009 I was DJing regularly and was able to do what I do full time from 2010.
Electransmission: Finally, what are your future projects?
A: I have quite a few projects due for release this year. As far as original productions go, Next up will be a collabortion EP I have made with a friend of mine called Jon Gurd which will come out on 8 Sided Dice. Then in May there will be my first release on Drumcode’s Ltd vinyl only label called Eyes Wide Open. I am also planning collaboration’s with Gary Beck and Joseph Capriati for later in the year. There will also be a few remixes by me over the next few months. First a remix of a classic Cari Lekebusch track called Steady Motion and then a remix for Ben Sims of a track from his recent Drumcode album.
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ALAN FITZPATRICK on:
Official website
8 Sided Dice
Soundcloud