Exclusive Interview with Heston
After first breaking onto the music scene back in 2004 has ‘Chris Special’, he topped the Beatport charts with his first track ‘Terrace Attack’ and again with his 2nd release to his name, also gaining the number 1 position in the beatport charts. Chris was instantly labelled the one to watch my many of the industries big hitters. From this Chris began playing regularly through out the UK and Europe at some of the most respected and establish club brands. This is when Mark Knight at the mighty Toolroom Records spotted his musical talent and Chris was snapped up as part of their leaders of the New School project. Through out his Toolroom Records connection, has ‘Chris Special’ he went on to have a total of 10 successful releases. After being in the music industry for 8 years, Chris felt like it was time to unleash something new and his ‘Heston’ alter ego was born. Heston delves more into the funkier deeper groovy sound.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Heston, shortly before their performance at Siam@Siam Design Hotel on Saturday 6th July.
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
I had always been a massive music fan from such a early age, I would steal my parents and brothers motown records and cassette tapes and listen to them in my room singing along to the words. Bearing in mind I was only 5yrs old, so obviously I failed at the singing part. i got the dance music bug at around 10yrs, i started early and began listening to alot of uprising. My passion for dance music continued and at 17 years I got my first turntables and began living the best years of my life, saving all my money and covering the lengths of the UK buying and listening to vinyls. But my musical tastes are very varied. Obviously I love dance music but i love all kinds of music, depending on my mood, whether its rock, soul, even classical and all this also inspires me in my production.
You are a House music DJ and producer, well-known to the industry as “Chris Special”. With your alter ego “Heston” – which you created after being in the industry for 8 years already - you showcase your darker side. How would you describe that new sound in your own words?
Yes, I was lucky to have amazing success as 'Chris Special' from the very start, getting signed to such labels has Toolroom and Noir Music right away was a dream come true as these were labels I had admired for so long. With the success came the opportunity to travel the world, playing at some awesome parties. At that time I was making straight up club tracks but i always had a yearning to follow other directions with my music, in a more deeper and experimental channel. With that, Heston was born, and again the response has been truly mind blowing. Right now i am making music I love, of all different styles and vibes, and unlike most, I do not make music that i think will get signed but just music I am feeling. That's the most important thing to me.
In 2004 your track “Terrace Attack” gained the number 1 position in the Beatport charts. What other tracks - out of all tracks you have made - would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music in general and which would you especially recommend to showcase the “Heston” alter ego?
It's really hard to point one out, as I have around 40 releases, but some of my upcoming music I have coming out on wicked labels such as Toolroom, Dialtone and BEEF Records is something I am really proud of. They cover different styles and vibes ranging from straight up house, to bassline and garage. I'm eagerly awaiting the release of these and I cant wait for the music fans to get their teeth into them.
You were spotted and signed by Mark Knight of Toolroom Records. How did you guys meet in the first place and how did he influence your music?
I had just come off the back of some really popular tracks that had gained me so much attention. I was playing at a gig and dropped one of my new tracks fresh out of the studio, someone from Toolroom Records was there and liked the track, asked for a copy and passed it to Mark Knight. He got in touch and wanted to sign it right away and the rest was history, as they say.
What are you currently working on? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
Busy times ahead, I have around 12 releases and remixes that will be coming out before the end of the year. Lots to look forward to, I also have started working on my album, which will be something a little bit different to what people have seen already. That and my label 'Funkpony Records'... There are literally not enough hours in the day, but I love it haha!
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
All I need with me when i travel is my tools (music) and my headphones of course, which i have a habit of forgetting...
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
I have been lucky not to have too many bad gigs, but my worst nightmare I guess would be a crowd who were not dancing.
On Saturday 6th July you will perform live here in Bangkok at the Siam@Siam Design Hotel. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?
I have been to Thailand before, many, MANY years ago! I love Thailand and the people, they're so friendly and I can see they are always up for a good party, so I really am looking forward to the gig.
Are you adventurous when 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'm probably not has adventurous as I should be with food but I do try my best. Will definitely be sampling some more of the local food this time, and the beer of course.
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at the Siam@Siam Design Hotel?
Bangkok can expect a set covering many different styles and genres but with the emphasis on giving everyone a good time. I will also be road testing some of my new productions so Bangkok will be getting quite a few exclusives thrown at them. I look forward to seeing everyone there!