Exclusive Interview with Lee Coombs
Bending boundaries and ignoring the status quo – where would the electronic music scene be today without Lee Coombs? For over a decade this British producer has been at the forefront of it all; releasing groundbreaking mix CDs, remixing the world’s most acclaimed artists and knocking out dancefloor destroying productions that are considered classics years after their release. In a world that’s so often governed by trends and fads, Coombs’ unwavering ability to simultaneously destroy dancefloors and push musical boundaries over 20 years since he first touched a pair of turntables is a remarkable achievement in itself. There’s little doubt that his impressive sonic skills will be rocking ears for many years to come.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an Exclusive Interview with Lee Coombs, shortly before his performance at Bash Bangkok (Upscale Late Nightclub) on Thursday 31st January.
When you grew up you wanted to be a Rally Driver and got into tuning cars up at an early age. What made you become a DJ?
I started my life in the engineering world at my Fathers company, that led to cars and rally driving. I had always loved music but I think I just got obsessed with buying records and Djing it totally over took the car thing.
How would you describe your music?
Electro Tech Funk, somewhere in the crossover between House and Breaks.
Out of all tracks you have made, which ones would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
My New order – Crystal remix was quite popular back in 2001 but more recently I would direct them to my label Thrust Recordings.
Your latest album “Light and Dark” was released in 2009. Will you release a new album in the near future and/or what are you currently working on?
I have been writing lots of music of all different types, Breaks, Tech house, Electro Funk. I have Pseudonym called ‘The Freakazoids’ that I produce along with The Drumattic Twins and we are writing an Electro Funk album. We have about 8 tracks so far.
You do a popular Podcast. Where can people listen to it and what can they expect to hear?
Anything that makes me happy when I record the mix, I like to keep it upfront and current but sometimes I do more chill out mixes or old school sessions.
Listen to Lee Coomb's Podcast at http://leecoombs.podomatic.com
Obviously you travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times?
My ipad and laptop, I can access anything I need from those.
What things do you miss the most when you are on tour?
My Wife and my 3 year old Daughter, it’s getting hard to be away for any length of time.
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?
I love Spicy Thai food! But not of the seriously hot kind that Thai people eat. I like it hot but not too hot, us Europeans don’t do so well with too many chili peppers…
Your latest performances in Bangkok were in February 2011 at Q Bar and in May 2012 at Bed Supperclub on UB Radio’s 4th Anniversary. Are you excited to return?
Oh yes!!! I love my trips to Bangkok, it’s great to come and see the UB radio guys. We all have a really good time. I love their dedication to the underground scene.
What can Bangkok expect of your performance on 31st January at Bash?
Lots of new productions, I have been working overtime in the studio. I have lots of special edits and new tracks to play plus some Classics too!