How long have you been djing and how did you first get in to it??

I started DJing in the middle of '94. When I first got into the scene back in '92 several of my friends were bedroom DJs. Watching what they were doing interested me although at the time I had no interest in trying for myself. It wasn't until the summer of '94 that I had the inspiration to do it myself. I saw a DJ called Nipper at a Back To The Old Skool night at Maximes in Wigan, after hearing this guy play I 'felt the need' to do it myself. As I no longer saw the DJs I used to hang around with many hours were spent learning the trade by myself.

When did you first ever play out and do you remember how you felt??

My very first experience playing in a club was a warm-up spot on a Bank Holiday for a club called 'Zone' back in '96 which at the time was my local club. I played to maybe 5 people but I remember it being an extremely nerve-racking experience.

Have you always played Hardhouse/Trance or do you play any other genres?

The harder end of things only really became my main choice in music after I had been bugged into paying a visit to Sundissential North in 2000. I owe alot of where I am now to Adrian @ Townsend Records in Chorley for opening my eyes to that side of the scene! My record collection spans 14 years of dance so I have played many different styles including Old Skool piano house and Hardcore through to Bouncy House and Trance.

Who to date has been your main influence?

There has been so many over the years but I guess the one's that have made the biggest impact on me would be the likes of Mauro Picotto, BK, Nick Sentience, Phil Reynolds and in my eyes the best Hard Dance DJ on the circuit, Andy Farley.

What has been your most memorable gig?

There has probably been 3 which stand out for me.

• My first 'big' gig playing Hard House @ Sundissential North in the Members Suite, it gave me the confidence in myself as a DJ and I felt I had something to offer to the scene.
• The second would be the first Smile Vs ClubTheWorld. I felt proud to have been chosen to represent ClubTheWorld as a DJ and it was such a great buzz to be part of what was a great night.
• Lastly would be playing at the Frantic Album Launch, again playing for ClubTheWorld. The night had a big excitement around it and the crowd was very 'up-for-it'.

Your set to play SE1 for HCH V Frantic on Saturday, how much are you looking forward to this?

It was great to get back off my holidays to find this booking sat waiting for me! I'm quite nervous about this one being up against the 'Hardcore Massive' but I'll do my best to fight the corner of Hard House. I love the time I get behind the decks and I'm sure to be giving it some with the crowd during my set. BRING IT ON!

Where would you love to play that you haven't yet?

Hard House Academy would be a great event to play at or a festival of some kind.

Production, do you see yourself getting into this and who would you love to work with?

I've recently started to get into this side of things so I'm on the steep learning curve at present. I'd love to have the chance in the future of working with my main influences in the scene, I guess the biggest for me would be BK.

What would you say is your all time favourite tune?

I have two tunes that mean alot to me and bring back some fond memories, Joey Beltram - Energy Flash and DJ Misjah and DJ Tim - Access.

What would your ideal set be and where?

I would love to play a longer set as time seems to pass so quickly, especially when you're having fun! As for where, as long as the sound system is good and the crowd are up-for-it it could be anywhere.

Who would you love to do B2B with?

I'd like the chance to be able to play alongside a few of my friends, @Tony P, @LiamStyles and @colinromeo as B2Bs with friends can be a lot of fun. As for big names the list is massive.

Vinyl or CD?

Personally I love vinyl although CDs have alot going for them as new producers are able to get their tracks out there cheaply. I own a CD deck but at present don't have much material for it, but I hope to use it in the future for my own projects.

When I first heard your demos and saw you mix for CTW/Smile, your style was more hard uplifting trance, but of late you have gone for a much more heavier, darker, harder sound, is there a reason why?

I still buy the hard uplifting trance and mainly played that as it suited the time-slots I was being given at the time, and Hard House seemed to be going through a quiet phase. I missed playing the harder end of things and have really been enjoying the sets I've had of late as it's given me the opportunity to show the other side of my style.

Future plans?

I hope to continue to build on my reputation as a DJ in the scene and share the enjoyment I get out of DJing. I would also like to have some productions out in the future.

CTW would like to Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for us.

I would just like to say a big ' Thank You ' to everyone at ClubTheWorld and to all the promotions I've played at for giving me the opportunities and support that they have. It means alot to me and appreciate it a great deal.

Phil B's DJ Profile