Exclusive Interview with Aaron Ross
Aaron Ross is a name synonymous with quality House music around the globe. Until recently A&R manager for Defected Records, and previously of BBC 1xtra and Virgin Records UK. From his roots in pirate radio, to playing alongside and remixing dance music’s biggest names Aaron is renowned for his inimitable take on House music, drawing inspiration from the old skool and fusing it with contemporary, innovative sounds to make his DJing style unique and fresh.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Aaron Ross, shortly before his performance at Bash Upscale Late Nightclub on Wednesday 9th January.
You started to DJ at the age of 15 and you were doing pirate radio. Please tell us something about this time.
Ahh those were the days… pirate radio for me was more than just coming and playing some tunes once a week – I was part of the crew who ran the station.. we were all young.. it was a movement.. a cultural thing as well as a music thing , and every weekend we’d be all together hanging at the station having a party as well as broadcasting across London!
When and how was your first encounter with House music?
Back in my teens in the pirate radio days I was playing jungle – but I always knew about house because of the other DJ’s on the station who played that sound.. but I was properly schooled on house music and found my passion for it from a friend I used to work with at virgin records – Nigel Wildman… in 97 he introduced me to Masters At Work, Mood II Swing, Romanthony, and I got the house bug..
How would you describe your own music?
My own music right now is more on a bass heavy deep house tip.. I still love great songs and vocals of course, but I’m really enjoying working in the studio on a track with just me doing everything start to finish – and I don’t think you’d wanna hear me sing on a track !
Besides Aaron Ross, you also use the alias “Fanatix”. What can you tell us about that alias and how does the music differ from the music you play and make as Aaron Ross?
Fanatix is me and Neil Pierce – we teamed up about 7 years ago and had some really amazing results.. it’s a more straight up soulful sound with a focus on vocals.. but as I said I’m enjoying working on my own and neil has his own projects going on – but we do have a few fanatix record in production including a great project with NY singer Darien.
If you had to name artists that influenced you the most, who would that be?
Masters At Work
Patrice Rushen
Mood II Swing
Steve Bug
Out of all tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Dennis F Ft. Kenny Bobien – Grateful (Fanatix Remix)
Aaron Ross – Infinite EP (Lost My Dog)
Defected Records is one of the most respected record labels for House music. How did you get involved and how are you involved with the label?
I started working with Defected in 2006 when I was in charge of the Soul Heaven label which was part of Defected, then I helped them re-launch legendary label Strictly Rhythm and was part of the Defected A&R team and also presented their weekly radio show for 5 years… it was a great time for me I learned a lot and had a great time – but it was time for change and time for a new challenge, I left the company in april 2012 to start my own artist management company.
What were your highlights of 2012?
Starting my own company infinite future management.. it’s a big move for me!
What are your plans for 2013?
My main focus is really on my management company and the artists on the roster, they all have potential for great success so it’s my job to ensure they achieve it, I also have a new production project with a singer called ROSSINC
What things do you need to have with you at all times and what things do you miss when you are on tour?
Laptop and beats by dre headphones at all times, I love making music on the road.. doing edits and cutting up samples programming drums.. I’ve started a lot of tunes while on the road..! and of course the biggest thing I miss when I’m on the road is my family.. !
Your most recent performance in Bangkok was at Bed Supperclub in August, 2012 now you will return to play at Bash (Upscale Late Nightclub) on 9th January. What have you done in then meantime?
I released an EP on Lost My Dog Records, I signed one of the artists from my management company to Sony Music, and I formed this new production project ROSSINC which I’m really excited about - it’s old skool, deep house but accessible with great timeless songs !
You made your Bangkok debut in 2008. Do you enjoy playing here?
Actually my first bkk gig was 2004 – at Mystique ! Yeah I love it.. one of my favorite places to play in the world.. always a pleasure!
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?
Thai Food is some of my favourite ! I love som tam, larb and isaan food… I’ve been coming to Thailand every year since 98 ! and yes for sure I love to try local food when I travel… ! Italy would be my second favorite after thai !
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Bash (Upscale Late Nightclub) on 9th January?
Well… as it’s late night I’m gonna get dirty with some deep heavyweight proper house ! I’ll be road testing some of the new ROSSINC tracks too !