Dj Ren-D Interview

A Maltese Dj and Producer who has made quite the name for himself outside of our shores and is constantly being booked to play in huge events around the world. This time round we have a word with Dj Ren-D...

Who really inspires you musically these days?
I strive to keep my sounds unique, so I try not to be influenced by other dj’s and producers. My influences mainly come from different club cultures and countries I play in.

What have you been up to in the studio recently?
I am currently busy setting up my new studio and finalizing some contracts and deals for my very own record label DEEPCITY Recordings which will be officially up and running in February 2009. The label will showcase most of my new releases, and also releases by local and foreign artists. If you think your tracks deserve to be on a label which will be globally marketed, do send your demos here: djren-d@onvol.net // www.myspace.com/deepcityrecordings

You are one of the most, if not the most local Dj who gets booked away from our shores. What gigs have you got lined up abroad and which are you most looking forward to?
I have been the busiest local dj when it comes to playing abroad for the past 8 years :) 2008 was a very positive year for my djing career where in that year alone I had 12 bookings in Germany, Holland, Belgium, Portugal, Russia, Chzec Republic, Ukrain, UK and included the impressive Loveparade in Germany where 1.6 million people attended. These marked my 41st international booking. 2009 already seems very promising with confirmed bookings in Dubai, Miami, Kazantip, Ibiza and Egypt.

What tunes are big for you right now?
My record selection changes constantly so its hard to mention only a few, but producers which I highly regard at the moment are Luca Bacchetti, Audion, Dubfire and last but not least, my friend and colleague Martin Buttrich

What are your opinions on the recent strict law enforcement of closing clubs at 4am?
I think the problem lies in the people who run our entertainment industry. There are other problems which I think should be taken care of instead of closing clubs at certain times. A case in point which I for myself have witnessed only in Malta are under age teens drinking in clubs and being allowed entrance to major events. I think these are aspects which are more important than the time at which a club closes. These things just make feel better when it comes to playing abroad as I think that our club scene has never been worse. At the moment even Tunisia has a better club scene than us!!!

Which clubs do you most enjoy playing at?
Locally it has to be Places where I have been a resident Dj for the past 10 years, but I enjoy playing at every club since every club has its own special feel.

A lot of dj's complain that the only way to get into the dj circuit is to help promoters in selling as many tickets as possible. The more you sell, the more you get a chance to play in the event, irrespective of what talents you have as a dj. Is this true? Was this the case when you were trying to make it as a DJ?
Unfortunately you do see Dj’s these days that don’t have the slightest clue as to what a Dj is supposed to do. I blame promoters who only look at the money making aspect of hosting events and don’t care about the music. I remember the golden days of partying (1991-200) where you would only be included in the line up if you were a good dj. I was never into ticket selling and have still managed to remain in the Dj circuit for 16 years.

Would you say that it was the success of your track Voodoo Sensation which really boosted your career?
That track was a huge surprise for me as it was produced and mastered in only 7 hours. The track was released at the same time myself and Timo Maas were to play in the local Tribu event. Timo came up to me and said that my track is being played by most big Dj’s and is number 7 on Pete Tong’s essential selection on BBC Radio. This definitely opened many doors for my international career, but I also had other tracks which made it big like deepcity, envy me and phuture 2000.

What do you do when not DJing or producing?
I like watching movies, eating in nice restaurants or just chilling :)

Who were your musical inspirations when you were first playing records?
Oh god that’s a long time ago hehe but I remember it all started with Giorgio Moroder, Dj Sneak , Todd Terry , Hard Floor, Ritchie Hawtin and many many more..

What do you use to produce your music?
A lot of different stuff but mainly logic, ableton, native instruments, protools + more

Who would you most like to collaborate with in the studio?
It’s something which I’ve always wanted to do and is currently in the pipeline :) A collaboration with Martin Buttrich.

DJing comes naturally to you, what are you not good at?
I’m not very good in dealing with drunk people while I’m playing :) I take my sets very seriously and cannot understand why these people decide to start a conversation while I’m mixing :)

Your weirdest experience as a DJ?
It has to be a festival I played at in Germany on the 12th of July 2008. The winner of big brother Germany played my warm up set and was a total idiot.

How long have you been playing at places? How has it changed since you first began?
I have played there for the past 10 years, and the main difference is basically the people who attend the club because other than that, it has always kept to its standards.

What do you reckon is your secret to your success?
It basically boils down to being myself, not falling for the very common corruption which takes place in our country, and my passion for music. I always tried to show what I’m good at by playing my music and not promoting myself as being some kind of pop star.

What do you suggest to young Dj's out there who are trying to make it in the dance music scene?
Basically you’ve got to think and not be fooled by what other people tell you. You’ve got to first build a passion for music before actually giving it a shot at djing. You’ve got to be sure that you really want to be djing for the good reasons. This will at the end distinguish yourself from other wannabe dj’s.

Dj Ren-D's profile on Dance Music Malta
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