With production partner Dan Smith, Conan Liquid formed one half of the act Liquid People, who produced dancefloors hits such as 'Monster' as well as a string of top notch remixes, including a sublime edit on Soul Central's 'Strings of Life'. Currently forging a successful solo career for himself with tracks like 'One Time (For Ya Mind)' and 'Bring it Back Vol.1', we caught up with the UK producer for a trip down memory lane.
What is your earliest musical memory?
Dark Star by Grateful Dead. My dad played it constantly when I was a nipper. The weird thing is I don't even remember him playing it,but when I finally got into it a few years ago I knew it off by heart, all 22 minutes of it.When I said to my dad 'How come this all seems familiar??' he told me he played it constantly when I first born.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Golden Years by David Bowie 7" and Best of Amen Corner and The Small Faces. I bought them both with my birthday money when I was 5 in 1977.
Favourite Defected/Strictly track?
Favourite Strictly Rhythm track is 'The Warning' by Logic. It was such a big track for me and it was my anthem when I used to play Heaven in 1992.
Most memorable clubbing experience?
In 1997 I went to New York to sign a deal with Strictly Rhythm. On the day I signed Nu Yorican Soul were having a showcase at a club in Time Square to coincide with their album release. Gladys Pizzarro took me along to the gig and I met Louie Vega, Kenny Dope, George Benson, India, Roy Ayers, Tito Puente and his son,and just about every house music producer from New York. It was a brilliant night and so inspiring.
How has music changed you?
I am not sure it has ever changed me as it has always been in my life. As far back as I can remember my mum and dad took me to gigs or festivals every weekend,where they were either playing or were organisers. I got my first instrument when I was 6, and bought my first records when I was 5. But without sounding cheesy or cliched, music has always been there for me as an inspiration and as an energy.
High point of your career so far?
Hmm...As a producer releasing my first single on Strictly Rhythm in 1998. As a DJ, coming on after Kenny Dope at The End and getting props from him and his sound engineer with my first mix.
One piece of advice for someone starting out in the industry?
Never sell your publishing!!!
Conan's new EP 'Unreleased Project Vol.1' is out 20th October on Sub-Urban
