Phil me in

PHIL KIERAN WILL be gracing the decks at Alpha this evening as the second in the series of Warped parties gets under way. As part of the tour for his album Shh released under Sven Vath's label Cocoon, Phil will be giving the electronic music crowd exactly what they crave as are K-Swiss who are back with their support for this genre.

Phil Kieran has been in the upper echelons of the electronic music game for more than a decade, but is only now releasing his debut album under his own name. Shh seems to not only reference every sound Phil has ever loved in music, but is formulated in a completely fresh and futuristic way. Listen carefully and you can detect elements of dub reggae, old hardcore, hip-hop, early 90s electronica such as Autechre/Black Dog and other Warp staples, as well as the futuristic techno that Phil excels in.

For the album Phil went back to old sound lab recordings from the 1950s and 60s. Utilising some of these sounds in the initial construction, he built up tracks using a combination of old samples and some live new instrumentation as well. There are live drums, electric/acoustic/bass guitar and live keyboard playing as well as some choice guest vocalists.

Phil has an impeccable DJ rep that has won him a place in DJ magazine's global Top 100 DJs poll, and a guarantee to fans that he'll inevitably rock the joint to its foundations. He's also recently broken into movie scoring, creating the soundtrack for the Steven Soderbergh film The Girlfriend Experience with fellow Irish compatriot David Holmes.

We spoke with Phil over in Ireland before he made his way down here.

How does it feel to be coming down to Dubai for the Warped event?

I'm very excited as it's my first time in Dubai. I have made flight connections there quite a few times but it was never my final destination. I'm really looking forward to it.

How would you describe your music for those that haven't heard it?

My productions can be quite quirky and I try to fit emotion and soul in with a lot of energy as well. With my DJing I like to think of it as moody techno. I like deep things and also records with lots of energy and fun too.

What in your view is your greatest achievement to date?

In my personal life it would be my daughter, but in music I'm not sure I can put my finger on one thing. I guess I'm really proud of doing my own album which just came out on Cocoon a month ago.

Who do you admire in the business and why?

I try not to think of music as business too much, otherwise it could start to feel like a job, but I've always been a fan of Andrew Weatherall and the way he does things.

What kind of set will you be playing down here?

I'm not sure; I will know when I get there. But I'm sure it will go from something house or minimal up to techno and anything fun I can think of.

What is the scene like in Northern Ireland?

There are a couple of clubs here that have been running for years, one called Shine has been going for 14 years now, and I was playing there when it started. There has always been a strong interest in house and techno.

What do your contemporaries think of the Dubai scene?

I'm not sure I know too many people that have played there, so it's a new and fresh experience for me and I want to make the most of it.

Where is the best place to play for a DJ and why?

I really like Fabric in London because the layout and the sound in the place is really cool. I've always had a good gig playing there.

Where do you hope to be in five years?

Making better music than I am now and setting myself new challenges. I'm hoping things will grow from here. I'm always looking to the future in a positive light.

Are you going to give yourself a DJ name any time soon?

Just the one my mum gave me. I've tried other names before and I've always just gone back to my own name that I was born with.

Want to win a pair of K-Swiss shoes?

Just answer this simple question and send it with your details to ctkswiss@gmail.com. Winners will be notified by email.

What is the name of Phil Kieran's album?

A. Quiet

B. Shh

C. Loud

david@khaleejtimes.com

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