Die: It feels great to be running my own label now. It's a very different thing being in full control rather than just making the music. I really get into doing interesting sleeves. With the Skate or Die EP, I came up with the idea of using an old type face from a Skateboarding magazine and a photo of me skating. Also, it's great to be able to put out whatever music you want, when you want and how you want.
DOA: What's the idea behind your Clear Skyz label?
Die: Good music. Quality, not quantity.
DOA: You've been featured on every release thus far - will there be any Clear Skyz releases where your productions are NOT on them?
Die: Yes, there will be some productions coming on the label that I'm not a part of. So far it has been a great way for me to get my music and collaborations out there, but I'm always listening for something special that will fit the ClearSkyz sound. In fact, I've just managed to get a track from Break & Interface; it's their first ever collaboration, so I'm well chuffed about that.
DOA: Speaking of Break, his "Clear Skyz" remix has recently been released. How did you first meet Break, and how did he get bestowed the honor of remixing one of your classics?
Die: I met Break through an old friend. The reason he got to remix "Clear Skyz" is because he is one of the best producers and remixes out there, and I didn’t have one bit of doubt that he could deliver.
DOA: Can we expect any more of your big tunes getting a remix like this?
Die: Maybe!
DOA: One thing that strikes us is the cover art for this release - it's totally off of a comic book cover! What was the concept behind choosing that image?
Die: I was on a DJing trip to Paris and by chance I got to meet an underground artist called Versus. I originally brought some of the t-shirts he sells, but after returning to the UK, I thought I would ask if he would be up for doing the artwork for the next release, and he said yes. I think what Versus does is highly dope, his style is very Marvel/comic book-influenced and his own Villains Conspiracy brand is KILLA, check him out: www.villains-conspiracy.com. I'm real excited he is on board and we are doing a LTD picture disc also a special t-shirt to go with the release, which will be available from the new site/store that will be launched in June.
DOA: What's the deal with the Clear Skyz website, and the Clear Skyz MP3 shop? Word is there will be some exclusives in terms of unreleased collaborations, VIPs and other goodies. What can heads expect from the site and the shop?
Die: I am launching a new site/shop in June and you will be able to cop some exclusives on it. There are always tracks, special mixes and VIPs we make that don't get to make it on vinyl. The store will be a great way to make these tunes available. You will be able to buy the new LTD SKYZ004 t-shirts and other merchandise, download DJ mixes, get hold of up front promos and stay in touch with all that's going down in the world of ClearSkyz.
DOA: Do you have any plans for compilation or artist albums on Clear Skyz? What about any mix CDs?
Die: Watch this space...
DOA: Speaking of your DJing, where can heads hear you spin in the near future?
Die: I recently did the big Summer Slam Valve dance at IndigO2, then Intrigue at Motion in Bristol on 29th May. I've also done Ram at Matter (with a special old school B2B set with Krust), plus Hospitality in Brighton at Audio on the 5th of June. I have got a Launch party for the "Clear Skyz" remix on the 11th of June at a Club in Bristol called LAB (formally the Arc Bar) with Grooverider, Break, myself, Dynamite, Jakes, Skitz and Deadly Hunter, Joker plus many more and then Playaz at Fabric on the 19th June. Check my MySpace for full listings (www.myspace.com/djdiefullcycle).
DOA: Can we get a current top 10?
Die:
01. Die & Break - Get Some (ClearSkyz Recordings)
02. Interface - Get Low (Audio Zoo)
03. Mutt feat. Kevin King - Conversations (C.I.A.)
04. Die - Clear Skyz (Break remix) (ClearSkyz Recordings)
05. Interface - Go To Bed (Dub)
06. Heist - Step out the Box (Dub)
07. Taxman - Dream Land (Dub)
08. Jaydan - The Shadows (Dub)
09. Alix Perez - Down The Line (Break remix) (Shogun Audio)
10. Sub Focus - Follow The Light (Ram Records)
DOA: What's the next release shaping up to be for Clear Skyz?
Die: [I'm] in the lab at the moment working on ideas. Also working with Interface and a singer/musician called Will Cartwright on some future-Soul, so watch the Skyz.
DOA: Are you still skateboarding? Will there ever be any Clear Skyz skate DVDs?
Die: Still skating when I get the chance but no plans for ClearSkyz Skate DVD yet, but that’s not a bad idea! Watch out for Bristol's Fifty Fifty (www.5050store.com) Skate Shop DVDs, I might make a little cameo... if my back holds out!
DOA: Do you have any shouts?
Die: YO YO YO YO Yawwzaazzzzzzzzzzzzaaaaaazz to all my Peoples. LARGE UPZ - you know who you be.
More info:
www.myspace.com/djdiefullcycle
Complete interview:
http://www.dogsonacid.com/showthread.ph ... de=article
