DJ Smoove

ON the funk and breaks scene, Newcastle-based DJ Smoove has really set the bar over the last few years.

Almost abnormally talented, Smoove has made more recent tracks with fellow Geordie John Turrell, whose vocals match Smoove’s slick technical skills. 2009 was really the duo’s breakout year, and already, in the first half of 2010, their reputation has gone stratospheric.

Things are coming together for you nicely – what have been some of the stand-out moments for you so far?
‘Releasing the debut album Antique Soul was a great buzz because we wanted to show people our mature take on all things funky and soulful, and we’ve had such a great response so far, from so many people of different ages and musical backgrounds, that it’s took us a bit by surprise. We have played live with our full seven-piece band on the Craig Charles Funk & Soul show (BBC6), the Janice Long Show (BBC2) and on Clive Anderson’s Loose Ends Show on BBC4, which was a massive privilege.’

Have you played any festivals?
‘Last year we played Glastonbury, Kendal Calling and the Big Chill Festivals which were superbly enjoyable, and again the huge response from the crowds was amazing.’

You’re now signed to Jalapeno – how did that come about?
‘We had already completed the full album when I sent it off to Jalapeno through my agent, bureau45. I had finished my recording deal with Acid Jazz so I was looking for a new start, and Jalapeno phoned me within an hour of sending the album! The first single was I Can’t Give You Up, which was previously released as a limited run of 500 copies on 7” on the Club Tikka label in Germany, which ended up in a bidding frenzy on eBay and sold for £166! We then later released it as an official 12” on Jalapeno featuring club remixes from A-Skillz and Lack of Afro.’

Your debut album Antique Soul has been massively acclaimed – how did that come together?
‘Antique Soul was recorded in my home studio in Newcastle. The studio is very basic – I even use an old program of cubase v5. I believe that if you find a method to make music that suits you, stick to it and work with it to find your own sound. I use a lot of samples to create ideas and I program my beats from an enormous record collection that lines all the studio walls.

‘I also have an upright piano, Fender Rhodes piano, drums, congas and various other percussion instruments. We have just bought a Nord Stage 88 keyboard which is fantastic, but man did it break the bank!

‘When we recorded the album I also collaborated with some amazing musicians, all from Newcastle, to give it an organic sound and a human touch. Our sound has an old retro feel but the production and beats are very modern, it’s getting the right balance, so the fusion of the two sounds right.

‘John Turrell’s vocals inspired me in many ways during the making of the LP as he’s got a real natural thing going on when it comes to singing and writing lyrics. John is very connected to his soul and wears his heart on his sleeve, but the speed he can write lyrics and sing them still blows me away. John brings the soul to this album and I provide the funk. It seems a perfect combination!’

Your singles often come with some great remixes, like Beggarman, which has been remixed by Crazy P. Do you choose the remixers? What do you make of the mixes?
‘We are always very nervous when we give over one of our songs to another producer to remix, as sometimes they can make a right pig’s ear of it and it’s never nice to send something back, so we are always careful when we pick remixers. However, it seems anything Crazy P touch at the moment turns to gold so it was a safe choice really, as they are bloody amazing producers! The Crazy P Remix of Beggarman stands up well against our other favourite You Don’t Know, and again you can’t go far wrong getting Kraak and Smaak in to work their magic. It’s really off the scale!’

Any big things lined up for the coming months?
‘We will continue to DJ at clubs and play live at other festivals and gigs to keep on spreading the soul message. John has recently been collaborating with some other producers like Ashley Beedle, Kraak and Smaak, Omar, Soopasoul, Dr Rubberfunk and Featurecast with releases to come. He has also been busy at work recording his first album with his other band, The Stevies, so watch this space.’