Exclusive Dale Howard interview

Earlier this week we sat down and had a chat with Dale Howard, who is playing on 23rd of October at Ibiza reunion night…

Firstly let’s begin by saying thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to conduct this interview, and how are you, what’s new in the world of Mr Dale Howard enlighten us? 

No problem,  I'm good cheers. Not too much from usual to be honest; making music, touring and eating as much food as humanly possible.

As you can tell summer is coming to a close, can you give us an insight of your summer highlights?

Ahh man there has been loads! Went back to South America to play a couple of gigs in Argentina for the first time and both gigs were great. Riot in Cordoba was probably my favorite gig ever, so I've taken away some amazing memories and can't wait to get back over there. It was also my first year with a residency in Ibiza for Magna Carta at Sankeys, so that was fun too. I was lucky enough to play a load of festivals again this summer too and they are always great! DGTL in Amsterdam was top! I love the Dutch! They're nuts and love a party!

If you was describe your sound to a person that hasn't heard to before, how would your sum it up in 3 words?

It's hard to find a balance between not underselling yourself and not sounding like a narcissist. I described it as 'Groovy', 'subby' and 'energetic' in an Interview for Pete Tong and when I heard it back I wanted to stick my head in my kettle. Let's just say 'decent House music'?

It must be amazing to tour South America, and having people from across the pond enjoy your music as much as we do. What was it like over there? 

It was amazing. It's so humbling that my music can reach people so far away and that they actually like it. It's also a really special feeling that. We still have something in common in an appreciation for the same kind of music. And the fact that these people are brought together because of the music you produce and play is a real privilege. For me, that really hits home when I'm in these kind of places. The people there were ace; so friendly and welcoming, and they were absolutely mental! They really created an amazing atmosphere. Obviously the steak was unbelievable too! Can't forget about that.

Your latest work, Vacant EP has generated a big buzz being released on Objektivity, how did it feel when you found out this news?

I was so happy to get on board with Objektivity. I've been a massive fan of both Dennis and the label for a long time, so when I heard they wanted to sign an EP I was buzzing!

What’s it like being apart of the Objektivity team and rubbing shoulder with the likes of Dennis Ferrer?

It’s great to be on the label of a House legend and amongst some great artists! Sunday is my first show with the Objektivity crew at ADE so I can't wait for that and I'm looking forward to working with them more in the future.

When getting ready to hit the studio, tell us what us goes through your mind. Do you go with a plan or is it 'whatever happens, happens' kind of approach?

A bit of both really, it depends on the day to be honest. Sometimes I could have been out in a club or in the car and an element of a track has stuck out, so I have some inspiration to take into the studio. Some days I go in and start with a drum arrangement, others I'll start by playing bass lines, sometimes I'll build a track around a lead or a melody and some days I think I'm completely useless and can spend all day trying stuff and everything I touch turns to rubbish. There is no right or wrong way to approach making music really (apart from getting someone else to do it for you. That's WRONG.)

Back in 2012 when describing your studio set up, your response was "27-inch iMac, a Roland midi board, an M-Audio midi board with drum pad, KRK Rockit 6 monitor speakers and a load of plug-ins and VSTs". Since then have you made any additional purchases? 

Yea since that I've bought a new custom 27 inch iMac, more plug ins and VST's, my Roland midi board, Roland AIRA TB-3 and TR-8, Novation Bass Station, Machine Mikro, Korg Volca (still not used it though) and a Moog Sub37... so I've made a few purchases since 2012. 

As we draw closer to the end of another year, do you have any big plans?

I have a 2 week Australia and New Zealand Tour in November, then the weekend after that I'm back in South America playing a couple of gigs in Equador, another gig at EGG  next week, Watergate, ADE and then more UK and Europe tour dates. Music wise I've got a release on Suara and a remix on Underground Audio and I've got so much music that I should really start looking at getting signed ready for next year.

What should we expect from your set there on 23^rd of October at Egg London?

Decent house music

At this moment in your career you are still on the rise, where do you hope to be in 2016?

I just want to keep moving forward. For me, that's all you can wish for as a producer

Are there any up and coming DJs or Producers that you think we should watch out for?

Yes! A guy called Juanito and a duo from Liverpool called Truth Be Told. Been playing both their stuff for a while and it's ace!