Graeme Sinden was already a UK icon for his one of a kind radio station, Kiss FM, flawless bass fueled productions, and DJ sets that make the most inhibited individuals get up and dance. Despite these numerous claims to fame, it wasn't enough for Sinden and he opted to start his own record label, Grizzly. Sinden's collaborations with artist of the summer SBTRKT have been just one of the label's already memorable releases. When we heard a US tour was bringing the label boss to U Street Music Hall, I'm sure you can imagine our level of excitement. A couple e-mails later, Sinden kindly agreed to answer a number of our questions. Here is what he had to say:
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[Electric Squeeze] What age did you decide you wanted to DJ? How did you go about doing it?Sinden: When I got my first turntables at University, it was my friend that sold me his for £50. Crap things with one of the pitch controls faulty. It was a good start out though and I definitely got the bug after that.
[Electric Squeeze] Your Radio show is huge, what motivated you to start it?Sinden: I've always wanted to present a show. I had the opportunity to pitch the idea to the producers at radio. It was pretty timely as there were a few windows for new specialist shows. The idea of my show was fresh for the station, I was introducing new music that wasn't represented and at the same time tying a lot of the content on the electro, rap, dubstep shows together.
[Electric Squeeze] Out of all your guests, who were you most excited to have on your show?Sinden: Probably interviewing Horsepower Productions or Coldcut. Those guys are legends in my eyes and have really informed modern electronic music. When you get to interview some of the originators of Dubstep or the Ninja Tune founders you have to come really correct.
[Electric Squeeze] For those who don't know could you tell us about your label grizzly and any big projects that you guys are working on?Sinden: I set Grizzly up in Spring 2010. Since the label began we've put out releases by Brodinski, myself and SBRKT, Melé, Jon Giovanni, Jay Weed, Bassanovva, Brenmar and Distal - mostly up and coming artists. The label isn't identified by a particular sound but there's a lot of strong personalities and each bring something different. I like to think we've been early on a lot of artists.
[Electric Squeeze] How do you feel about EDM being mainstream? Did you see it coming or was it a complete surprise?
Sinden: A little bit surprised in America but not so much outside the US. I think its refreshing although i'm no fan of Guetta its helping push some new sounds out to a wider audience especially in North America, the landscape is changing. Merging rap and house was something I pushed a lot when I started making music. I was a dream for it to happen.
[Electric Squeeze] How has Mad Decent helped you along the road?Sinden: Mad Decent are the US family. They've been archiving my radio shows for a long time now.I'm definitely going to work with them on some releases. It's good for music that labels like MD exist - more risk taking and putting out what they believe in.
[Electric Squeeze] Whose your favorite producer to work with or who would you like to work with?Sinden: I enjoy working with SBTRKT always and Switch who I've worked with for the longest. Herve (The Count) and me together made so much music so definitely him. I'd love to do some work with Green Velvet. In the rap world I want to do a track with Project Pat or Juicy J.
[Electric Squeeze] What's your favorite song right now?Sinden: ASAP Rocky - Peso. I'm looking forward to hearing what he comes with next.
[Electric Squeeze] Whats your most memorable experience on the road? Funnist memory?Sinden: Too many really but i think the ones where you tour as a unit are the best. The bus tour i did with Rusko and Crystal Castles in North America was amazing and touring with M.I.A as her DJ one Summer was mad. We supported Bjork in a colosseum and go backstage and she was jamming Switch and my remix of Santigold.
[Electric Squeeze] Where's the best place youve played thus far?Sinden: I played at a Japanese festival on a mountain. You could see the ice capped Mount Fuiji shining like in the background. Thats one of the places you definitely feel a lot of love from.
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Thanks again to Mr. Sinden and much love from D.C., keep doing what you do.
-Minos
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