Interview : DJ MYLES

Some time ago I asked DJ Myles would be interested in answering s few questions for my readers. Here comes the interview, and all i can say is Myles what a great job:)
THANK YOU for wanting to be a part of my blog. 

Name:
Myles Chalmers 
Age:
36
 
Location:
Greater London 
 
How long have you been Dj´ing for?

12 years, about 4 years as a bedroom DJ and the last 8 years in various bars and Clubs in London. I've also been lucky enough to play in Paris, New York and other Cities around the World.

Where can people hear/follow you?


Here comes the plug :) I do have a website, which I try to keep up to date. You can find it at www.nakedsoulmusic.com  - all of the events I DJ at and all of the music from my Radio show gets posted there. I am also on facebook.com/mylescchalmers and I'm a big twitter fan! So hook me up if you're not following me already - twitter.com/nakedsoulradio


I read in your BIO that you used to play for up to 6 hours when you first started!

It was good practise! :) When I first started hunting for gigs, it was a solo effort and so when I secured the chance to play, it was usually in a venue where I was the only DJ for the night. It gave me a good chance to play a whole range of records, from downtempo to full on party! It was great!
For the most part, I work with other DJ's when I playout today. It means I play less records but the upside is that I get a chance to grab a drink, enjoy the music and socalize with the regulars who attend our parties.  

I love masters at work as well…what inspires you these days?

There is so much good music out there, it's difficult (if not impossible) to stay on top of all the releases! I think Atjazz had 2011 all wrapped up, he and his label are producing some outstanding music. I'm also a big fan of Henrik Schwarz, he makes music with a techier or jazzier edge but always with soul and always with a unique sound. I think I've been inspired by the Shelter sound from the party in New York, they have been killing it for years! I also have to say that Africa has stood up on the World Stage and has some producers making amazing and unique house music records that are tearing up clubs world-wide. It was only a matter of time right?  So much talent there! 
And that's just scraping the surface - I could carry on here but let me name check a few producers who inspire me and also some up and coming producers who will be doing big things in 2012 - Charles Webster, Soul Purpose, Franck Roger, Timmy Regisford, Neter Supreme, Abicah  Soul, The Muthafunkaz,  Klevakeys, Terry Hunter, Black Coffee and of course, Louie Vega and so many others. I'll say it  again, there's so much talent out there, music has never sounded better. 


What is is about Dj´ing that you love so much?

Honestly, I don't know where to start! I like sharing and experiencing music with others and vice versa. I think I've been doing it since I was kid, annoying the hell out of my Family by playing my music way to loud! I love the whole DJ subculture, the Independant music scene and the fact that this music of ours is ours and will never be mainstream or controlled by Corporate Music. Well, that last part might not be true but the music via the independants will always be raw, cutting edge and fresh.  
I love the beat, the rhythm and the sound of the bass. I love discovering new music and hearing what other DJ's are playing too.
Most of all, I love the connection with the dancefloor. It's the universal way that music makes us all feel. The best feeling for a DJ is the sight of someone on the dancefloor just losing it to a record that you've selected! People work hard at their jobs all week (me included) and need to release some of that energy and recalibrate. As a DJ, it's your job to play what they want to hear and play what they didn't expect to hear (but want to hear) and if they're having a great time, I'm having a great time and I know I've done my job. There's no better feeling. 


What is the Dj scene like in London compared to other cities around the world?

I think London has always been at the forefont of cutting edge music. My Borther used to live here back in the day and when I would visit, we'd go clubbing to some of the most amazing gigs at a time when this music of ours was cutting its way across the Atlantic, undergoing a London transformation and then transitioning out of London to the rest of the World. It has and always will be the place where new music and new music genres are created.
London has always taken music from around the World and fused and transformed it to create something new. It's a creative force for music World-Wide. It can also be a tough crowd. people understand music here and can name check the productions but they also have good taste and thats why DJ's love playing in London. I also hink there's room in London for soulful music. Around the World, I think the sound sways towards a more progressive tracky and drugged up sound. Nothing wrong with that,  you can also find that in London but there's space here to play music that has real soul and to do it at venues across the City that just wouldn't exist in some UK City's outside of the Metropolis.


Where is your number one place to play? and why? 

My favourite place to play, hands down, has to be at our residency in North London. We have a monthly party there called SANDISCO SOUNDSYSTEM. We've been having some amazing parties there, people appreciate the music and know their stuff! The venue has a relaxed feel to it, almost like a house party. The regulars are a little older, open minded and a little bohemain. It's got a great little Soundsystem and DJ setup and it's somewhat of an Oasis in the Sea of London bar venues, from a DJ perspective at least. And when it goes off, it really goes off hands in the air style, people dancing on tables and chairs and getting down to the vibe - it's awesome! We have our 1st Birthday party coming up there in March and I know its just going to be a massive party! 

What can we expect from you in the future? 

Well, I'm in the process of pulling together a new website for our party (SANDISCO.CO.UK) - It'll be live soon and will have the complete lowdown on our events, music, photos etc. I also have a brand new Radio show on a London station called imageradio.com - it's an excellent station with a varied music policy and some talented DJs and producers onboard. The real sound of London I think! I have been working on the show to bring through some extras live interviews, guestmixes and competitions. I recently just ran a competition to win the new Album from Miss Patty, it was a big success. As I'm a new Father, time is limited so I'm prioritizing my show and I'm just enjoying DJing and sharing the music. I have high aspirations for the future and would like to start my own Digitial record Label and perhaps produce a few tracks of my own.


Will you be coming to Norway?

Just tell me where the party is! I love Norway, I used to travel a lot with my previous job to the Region and spent a lot of time in Oslo and in the North in Oulu. I liked the Culture and the people, quite unique! I just need a promoter to book me to play and I'm there - Norway, watch this space!