Exclusive Interview with Featurecast
The UK-based DJ and Producer "Featurecast" started DJing at 14 and is credited by James Zabiela as the one that taught him how to scratch. If you are not familiar with the name, you might be surprised to find out that you actually know on of his songs: “Channel Surfing” was used in Apple’s iPod 4G worldwide TV campaign.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Featurecast, shortly before his performance at Q Bar on Saturday 20th October.
At what age did you start DJing? Where did the impulse come from that made you start? What kind of equipment did you use and how did you get it?
I started around 14 I think…..i got into DJing after watching my neighbor cutting up 45’s on some domestic turntables…..i was amazed by it all and loved the hip-hop and dance music he would play. I ended up buying his old mixer and saved up for some cheap hifi decks and went from there really.
If you had to choose adjectives to describe your music, which ones would you choose?
Fun energetic breaks
If you had to name 3 artists that influenced you the most, who would that be?
Humm….hard to pick just three. I’d say The Prodigy, DJ Premier and James Brown.
Out of all tracks you have made, which 3 tunes would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I’d probably suggest just checking out my new album….maybe also check out my first two releases on the Ghetto Funk label.
Listen to Featurecast's album "Run For Cover" on Soundcloud:
http://www.soundcloud.com/featurecast/sets/run-for
You travel a lot. If you had to choose essential things you need to have with you, what would it be?
Without a doubt my laptop….I don’t care if I forget anything else but the laptop I can’t live without…..I DJ with it, Produce on it, email chat and generally stay in touch with the world on it. lol.
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?
Ha….I love food…..ALL food. Lol. It’s funny cos when I was a kid I would only eat a bowl of peas for dinner….lol. but now I will eat pretty much anything. Italian and sushi are my fav’s
A.Skillz described you as ‘One to Watch’, was that motivating or did you feel like you’re being watched? ;-)
Ha….it was a nice comment….i’m not even sure where that came from to be honest but Adam has always been a supported and player of my tracks over the years. Much love.
Do you have a favorite tune at the moment?
Humm…..Mord Fustang – Champaloo ….love it
Many people know at least one tune of you without being aware of it. Channel Surfing was used in Apple’s iPod 4G TV campaign. How did that feel to hear your tune in an advertisement that’s shown world wide?
It was amazing…..it was a crazy feeling to have your track in the running for the ipod advert…and then for it to be picked over a Timberland track and see it every time you put the TV on was crazy…..I remember sitting in my humble studio writing that track….I’d never of thought it would ended up where it did.
Your debut album is called “Run For Cover”, what’s the story behind the title?
Unfortunately not….lol. I had the artwork done by Greg Blackman who also sings on the album…..he came back with the idea and the title just seemed to fit the look.
James Zabiela credits you with teaching him to scratch. How did that happen?
I used to go to school with James….then lived with him in a shared house for a few years….he would come round and see me messing around on the decks….i’m sure I gave him some pointers at some point. ; )
If I had a look on your MP3 player, which tune you would not want me to discover? ;-)
Lol….Don’t think im embarrassed of anything on there…..i like it all….but I probably would say that ; )
You will be playing at Q Bar Bangkok on 20th October, have you been in Thailand before?
No….and I can’t wait!
What can Bangkok expect of your performance?
Funky, breaks and good vibes : )