Adam Sheridan Interview

Cream Easter Special @ Nation – Sunday 12th April 09 (Adam Sheridan Interview)

What are you most looking forward to about playing to the Cream Crowds on at the Easter Special?
I always look forward to playing at any Cream event, but it is always extra special to step up to the ones and twos in the courtyard in Liverpool. There is some serious clubbing history gone down in there and it is always an amazing feeling to perform there.

How do you find the reaction with a northern crowd?
Well, being a fellow northerner I know we like to party hard. That’s for sure. Northerners always let the DJ know how they are feeling, which always creates an amazing, positive atmosphere!!

You played at Creamfields 10th Anniversary, how was the party for you?
Amazing! I opened up the main arena on the Sunday. Watching an arena that size fill up so quickly was immense. The atmosphere was just electric and everyone was so up for it. Was definitely one of my favourite Creamfields experiences!!

2008 was a massive year for you jet settling across the globe, where was your best experience?
I made my first appearance in India last year. I played at a massive beech festival. Having not been over to India before I really did not know what to expect, but I was completely blown away. These people have such a great vibe about them and know how to party. It was a very emotional and amazing experience. I also really enjoyed my first trip to Columbia. That was another very special gig last year and of course Cream Ibiza was absolutely rocking last summer.

What was it like to hit the top 100 DJs at the tender age of 25?
It was a great feeling! I did work really hard last year and it was the best year to date so to get rewarded with that was a nice pat on the back.

What do you prefer most DJing or Producing?
For me they both bounce off each other. I take the experiences from DJing and use them in the studio and vise versa. I think it is very important now that a DJ is producing but also that a producer is DJIng. 10 years ago Producers use to DJ to promote their records now I think it’s the other way round.

What do you see as your main strengths as a producer?
I always like to do something completely different from the last project. When I sit down in the studio to create a new project I have no idea where it’s gonna go. I completely start with a clear head and see where my mood at the time takes me. I’m very open minded when it comes to both listening and producing music and I think that’s important for a recording artist.

If you had a dream person to co-produce with who would it be?
This is a tough one as I can think of so many. First artist that springs to mind is Paul Van Dyk, as he has given me so much inspiration musically over the past 10 years. It would also be cool to do something with some of the indie/rock legends like Oasis. It would also been very cool to do something with fellow colleague and long time friend Eddie Halliwell.

What would you say is the most difficult aspect of music production?
I think over the years Music Production has become a lot easier and a lot less intimidating for new beginners. There are so many cool programs out now that you can purchase where you have everything you need to get going and create the finished product, without needing lots of expensive equipment. Me personally I find the most difficult thing is having the patience. You have to have a lot of patience to sit there and really master the sound you wanna create. There are so many amazing, talented producers out there that you really do have to keep on top of your game and been patient and taking the time is the key I feel.

What was your first big breakthrough as an act? When did you know that you had made it?
I remember been listed by 2 of the top 5 DJs in the world as the next breakthrough act when I was only 18, then a couple of weeks later I recorded an essential mix for Radio one. I knew then that I was on the right track!

Which DJ was your inspiration? Have you met them and what was it like?
One of the first Artists that got me into electronic music was Sasha. A friend of mine brought one of his really old mix tapes round to my house and I was just blown away.  Sasha, Carl Cox and PVD are all massive DJ Influences for me. I have only had the pleasure of meeting Paul so far, he’s a top guy and I would consider him as a friend!

Coming from the new generation of DJs what advice would you give to up and coming DJs trying to get in the scene?
One of the first bits of advice I always give up and coming DJs is to throw their own parties. Gain their own DJ experiences that way and try and build a name for them selves from their own parties and through their friends word of mouth. Also, producing music is a key fact now to get into the clubs. You have to be releasing music to even get near the ones and twos these days. Bar a few special exceptions.

Do you think that you ever stop learning new things as a DJ?
No, never. I never stop learning. Technology is moving so fast as well these days. There is always a new piece of equipment out that you have to try out to see if it can enhance your performance. I think the people that are walking through the Club entrances are constantly changing too, wanting to hear different things from you as a DJ, so you always have to be aware of that.

What’s the first record you bought?
A track called Blue Amazon – No Other Love.. I still have it. Its dated 1996

Do you still enjoy going clubbing and watching other DJs perform?
9 times out of 10 after I’ve finished Djing you will spot me on the dancefloor somewhere. I still crave the rave. I love dancing. I been spotted at Cream Ibiza many a time dancing to PVD after I finished warming up for him over the years.

You have been out in Ibiza with Cream over the 2008 Summer Season, how was that for you?
It was amazing. One of my favourite seasons so far. It just keeps getting stronger and stronger every summer there I feel. I noticed a lot of new wave of clubbers coming through this year as well, which was great!

What do you think it is about Cream that makes it a sell out success week on week?
Cream is definitely one of my favourite clubbing brands. The guys have never been afraid to try something new! Back when all the line ups everywhere else were the same old Cream were bringing in new faces , which I think is really important for the scene. Also Cream has never been pigeon holed for one particular music genre, which is very risky from a marketing angle but they have pulled it off and have managed to create an amazing party and vibe every time!!

After such a busy 2008 what has 2009 got in store for you?
I plan to hit the studio really hard, schedule permitting. There are a lot of tours of new territories coming up so I’m excited about that. Including a Cream Tour of the Alps. We are also going to be launching a new Music Label “Electrik Playground Music” There is some really, really talented producers gonna be featured on there, so I’m really excited about getting that up and running! Should be all up and running come March time.

What can you tell the Cream fans about your set at Easter to get them excited?
Expect the usual Sheridan Pumping Electronic Dance music with maybe a few special Courtyard Anthems thrown in!!

Adam Sheridan performs at Cream Easter Special @ Nation on Sunday 12th April, alongside David Guetta, Eddie Halliwell, Mauro Picotto, Sebastian Ingrosso, Dave Spoon and many more. Nation, Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool, L1 4JJ. 10pm – 6am, Strictly no sportswear, jeans and trainers ok. Tickets on sale now £23.50+BF / www.ticketline.co.uk / Tel: 0844 888 4401. Info: www.cream.co.uk

click here to read the full Cream Easter 2009 Lineup…
click here to read our Eddie Halliwell interview…
click here to win tickets to Cream Easter 2009…