DJ PK Interview

How long have you been DJ’ing for Hed Kandi and how did you first get on board with them?

"I first played for Hed Kandi in Spring 2006, when I was resident for Ministry of Sound parties at Pacha. I had the privilege to play for Kandi at their monthly parties, which were always big events over there. Then almost a year later I had the honour of playing the launch party of the first ever Hed Kandi Beach Bar. It was a spectacular party, absolutely packed, and I loved every minute!!!"

 

What does the brand mean to you?

"For me, Hed Kandi represents a lifestyle choice. It’s not just about the music, but the style and image. It’s really glamorous and represents the classier and more exclusive side of clubland."

 

What’s your favourite Hed Kandi album or series, and why?

"I’ve always enjoyed the ‘Back to Love’ series. Every major clubbing brand releases club classics CDs, but they’re all pretty much the same – the big club tunes that crossed over onto radio. The ‘Back to Love’ series includes the more underground records that were huge in clubs, but not necessarily in the charts – turntable hits, not radio hits!"

 

Give us your first impressions of the Hed Kandi Beach Bar venue?

"Walking up to the venue, from the hectic main strip in Hurghada, you know that you’re in for something special. The entrance is everything you would expect from a Kandi venue – palm trees line the walkway towards the pure white leather padded entrance, and when you walk in everything is beautiful – it’s like walking into a Hed Kandi CD cover! For me, the part that struck me most was the beach –there is nothing like dancing to a background of cool house music, the Red Sea lapping the shore and the stars above your head – a very memorable experience."

 

With Ministry of Sound Red Sea and Hed Kandi Beach Bar both running successfully in Hurghada, Egypt – do you think we could be talking about a serious clubbing destination, either at present or in the near future? If so what else is required?

"I’m not sure that Egypt will ever rival Ibiza in terms of hedonism, but I think it’s a perfect destination for the more discerning clubber. Egypt is a beautiful place – you’re not likely to find the kind of tack that most holiday destinations have (there are no ‘Daves British Pubs’ in Egypt), but you will find some of the most luxurious hotels & resorts and the best diving in the world. You can go to Egypt and be treated like a superstar. There is nothing like watching the sunset over the Red Sea, then onto a night of clubbing at Ministry of Sound, which is without question the best club I have ever been to."

 

What was the team at Hed Kandi Beach Bar like?

"They’re crazy – a real work-hard-play-hard group of people. The staff run around making sure everyone is looked after, and you get a real personal touch. In most places you have to pay a fortune and reserve a VIP table to get this kind of service. The bar tenders are often having a groove to the music, and I think I’ve spotted a few of them on the dancefloor once or twice! They seem to love being there, and it makes a huge impact on the atmosphere."

 

How was the actual club-night you played at?

"I was lucky enough to play the first ever set on the opening night, and felt very special to be selected for this. A lot of DJs feel that the first set or warm-up isn’t a good time to play, but for an opening party, I think it’s the most important set of the night – it’s your job to set the atmosphere.

The club filled up pretty quickly and the champagne reception was a massive success. People were on the dancefloor very early and you could feel the excitement in the club. The other DJs were fantastic, Kelly Marie played a blinder. By the time I played my second set at 2am, the dancefloor was rocking! A really up-for-it crowd."

 

What tunes got the biggest reactions on the night?

"To be fair, the party was rocking constantly for all the DJs, but I’d have to say there were a couple of really stand-out moments. My own re-edit of Solu Music’s 'Fade' was massive, and I dropped a David Guetta accapella over M.A.N.D.Y.’s 'Body Language' which went off – if there was a roof, the crowd would have blown it off!!!"

 

How did the crowd differ from your normal clientele? Their response, musical preferences etc?

"I found the crowd reacted well to everything, between all the DJs a real eclectic mix of house music was played, and they seemed to appreciate everything.

A lot of the clubs I play at can be quite dark and dingy, and it makes your job challenging, as you need to create that atmosphere. At the Hed Kandi Beach Bar there is already tons of atmosphere! The club is stunning, you’re on a gorgeous beach, with friendly staff, and 90% of the crowd are on holiday – it makes my job very easy and a complete joy!"

 

Which are your best three clubbing cities / countries worldwide, and why?

"In no particular order, I’d have to say London, Hurgharda/Egypt and Ibiza Town (Evissia).

For me, London offers an unrivalled selection of clubbing – every genre is catered for, you get the best talent in the world every week.

Ibiza town represents the cooler side of Ibiza – the town and bars are simply stunning, and for clubbing you have Pacha, El Divino, Space, Privilage and Anmesia close by.

Egypt offers a really nice alternative for me, both in Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. Sometimes you don’t want a mad holiday, but a relaxing break – in Egypt you can live in the lap of luxury, chill out and experience the amazing culture. If you decide to go clubbing, then you can go to Ministry of Sound or Hed Kandi, safe in the knowledge that it will be an unbeatable night."

 

Best gig of all time, either as a DJ / punter, and why?

"Until I went to Egypt, I would have said DJing at BCM in Majorca warming up for Carl Cox, and I didn’t think that would change.
Now, it is without any shadow of doubt, New Years Eve 2006/2007 at Ministry of Sound Hurghada. The club was packed, and the atmosphere was unbelievable. I had the privilege of playing the midnight set (I’d worked really hard in the studio recording the midnight bit).

As the countdown started I looked out over 3000 clubbers shouting and smiling under the stars, the ocean lit behind them, I was in my favourite club in the world, I was surrounded by my best friends, and then '3...2...1...', the sound of Big Ben chiming and the roar of clubbers celebrating that almost deafened me, a brief pause of silence before the speakers shook with 'I Cant Get No Sleep' and Faithless’s 'Insomnia' played over THAT soundsystem. A clubbing moment I’ll never forget."

 

Can you tell us some of your musical influences?

"I started DJing almost 15 years ago now, and at the time when I started I was listening to Ministry of Sound sessions cassettes. Civilles & Cole were doing it back then and I was very much into the New York house scene – Todd Terry was a particular influence of mine. Since then all kinds of DJs and artists have inspired me. I think pioneering DJs like Graham Gold and Pete Tong, who have always pushed new styles and genres of dance music, have taught me to keep an open mind, and always keep things fresh."

 

Future events and projects in the pipeline?

"At the moment I’m busy in the studio working with some amazing artists and I’m lucky enough to be remixing some of my favourite tunes of all time. DJing wise, I’ve just returned from a Ministry of Sound tour in Denmark, which was fantastic, and hopefully some more international tours will be on the cards.

In December I’m playing the last ever party at The Cross in London, in January I’m on tour in Switzerland and France, and I think I’m returning to Egypt in February, so a busy couple of months ahead!"