After all the hype, the birthday bash every techno and electro fan has been waiting for was finally here… Planet E’s 20th
It was Saturday 5th March and that meant one thing. Carl Craig was bringing Planet E’s birthday celebrations to Ewer street warehouse in south east London. With the DJ line up announced potentially it was going to be huge and all I can say is that it most definitely did not disappoint.
From the moment you walk round the corner and see the sheer size of the old arches the party was going to be in you sort of knew it was not a party for the weak. The arches were all open at one end and that gave it a superb outdoor underground feel which I hadn’t experienced for years. It felt old school. Perfect for a 20th birthday bonanza. Two arches that had large bars in them and two banging out some of the finest techno/electro music you can hear today.
So, we grabbed a quick beer and headed straight for the music. We found ourselves in arch 2 and to our astonishment Paul Woolford was already playing. Quality! We couldn’t believe it. Within touching distance, having a little rave. The atmosphere was amazing, the beats were flowing and with more and more people flooding in it just got better and better. Paul Woolford certainly started the party with a bang.
Back to the bar and then on to arch 1. The ravers had pretty much doubled in this time. It was building up nicely. As we walked round the corner and towards the arch we were in for a shock. You could barely get inside. It was rammed with a complete mix of people going absolutely mental. Clearly Carl Craig was playing. It is not often you get 40 and 50 years olds going just as mad as teens and people in their 20’s, especially in London. It was immense.
Everywhere you looked people were dancing, drinking, smiling and generally just having a good crack. This is what this event was all about. The good times over the past 20 years and yes, they certainly did come flowing back.
We were lucky enough to interview one of the DJ’s. Best of British Best DJ winner, Paul Woolford and hear is what he had to say when asked;
Q: How does it feel to be playing at the London show, in celebration of 20 years of Planet E and what inspirations have you got from Carl Craig’s record label?
A: Amazing, of course. Planet E communications has always been pretty much my favourite label, so to now be not only recording for them, but representing them at shows globally is something I don’t take lightly. Plus it’s a lot of fun!
Q: Who and what inspired you to become the DJ you are today?
A: Pretty much all the music that I’ve been exposed to over the years. Sheer enthusiasm I guess, the love of great records.
Q: You have now been in the industry playing at the top for around 10 years, what inspires you to keep putting yourself through your gruelling everyday schedule?
A: I don’t think that’s true really. I’ve been involved for longer but I’m barely half way up really. There’s some people who are aware of who I am and know what I’m about, there’s more people that know my name and know nothing about what I play, and there’s a lot of people who don’t know either. It’s funny; I had this happen for the second time with Jerome Sydenham at Berghain on Friday. He was in the booth for about 45 minutes of my set and said to me “you’re killing it man, music’s incredible, I didn’t think you’d be up to much, you know you have pre-conceptions” – which is exactly the same thing Josh Wink said to me the first time we shared the booth about 3 years ago. Both of them basically admitting they thought I’d be rubbish!?! Everyone has their pre-conceptions and I love smashing them to bits.
Q: If you could DJ anywhere in the World, where would it be and for what occasion?
The above party in Detroit which was held at the Works club. It was the second ’20 Years of Planet E’ celebration. Also on the bill was the excellent Monty Luke, Niko Marks from Underground Resistance, Urban Tribe’s Sherard Ingram plus the Paxahau guys that organise DEMF. When I finished playing and handed over to Derrick, I stepped down into the crowd and was surrounded by Carl and his wife Hagi (my friend and agent for the US at Detroit Premiere), Kevin Saunderson, Stacey Pullen, Kyle Hall, Anthony ‘Shake’ Shakir, and then about 40 minutes later was introduced to Juan Atkins who payed me quite a compliment. It also transpired that Kenny Dixon had played an impromptu few minutes in the other room. To play that gig with all those people in attendance that have been such an influence will always be the pinnacle. I don’t think I have ever been able to answer this question in this way before. Nothing will ever beat that. There’s an hour going up on my Soundcloud account imminently..
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?
A: Wait and see…
Published on 10 March 2011 by Paulski
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