Starting off June's Interviews is none other then Sam Hudson. Sam is well known for producing with Juksey under the guise Masmada. With releases on labels such as Nukleuz, Deprivation, Brain Damaged, Twisted Filth, Vicious Circle and soon to be The Beat Ranch Digital. Sam has not only shined as a producer but also as a DJ, having played events such as Global Gathering, Tasty’s 5th Birthday and Contagious. Now with out further ado...

The Beat Ranch proudly presents, Sam Hudson

Welcome to TheBeatRanch.com Sam, this being your first time on the site, we would like to thank you for taking the time out to do the interview and mix for us. First question, where abouts are you from, and have you always lived there?

I’m currently living in Swindon, UK but I have only lived here for the last two and half years, prior to that I lived in Worcester where I grew up…although some say I have yet to grow up!!

Whats the scene like out there at the moment? What sounds or styles of music are taking over the club's speakers?

It’s a bit more positive over here at the moment, loads of tracks coming out, a few new compilation CD’s being released and club nights getting busier, slowly but surely hard house is on the up again. In regards to what is taking over the club speakers… from personal experience, I’m playing a range of chunky hard house right through to the harder stuff. In general I think Dom has pretty much taken over the harder end of things since he has started his engineering, the guy is incredible! Dave Owens is making his mark too which is great and the lovely Frank Farrell is making some great new stuff. Flymo has done some new tunes, which are stupidly good! There is plenty of great chunky, funky hard stuff being made too, Paul Maddox cant do anything wrong at the moment but also people like Amp Attack, Louis Fernio, Iridium (when not making his gay hard trance) and Mr. Clarke are all making some great things. We do seem to have a lot of cheesy and vocal things being made which can be taken two ways… for hard house purists it’s a bad thing as it isn’t what we want to hear…but it also attracts new people into the scene which can only help…and they may start to like the more underground things when they go to the clubs!!!

We noticed in your pictures that you are playing on vinyl, something that is becoming very rare with DJs these days. Whats your take on the whole vinyl vs digital debate?

In fairness, I haven’t played vinyl in years its just that picture was taken when I was playing a classics set. I used to love vinyl; the experience of record shopping and finding that tune you really wanted is something I do miss, however with the introduction of CD’s and the accessibility of mp3 downloads its making life hard for the labels. I think there is still a market for vinyl; it’s just nowhere near as big as it used to be. I would also like to say in regards to mp3s…support the labels and buy the releases and don’t use the p2p thing. To help the scene grow we all need to do our bit! And its £1.50 for gods sake!!!

What has been your some of your favorite DJing experieces so far?

I always love playing the Contagious events as its like my new family and they put so much effort into them! Global Gathering was pretty special. I really enjoyed playing at Tasty as it was a huge crowd and they seemed to really enjoy it. Also my gig in Finland was pretty awesome! I think the biggest thing for me was playing the main stage at The Tidy Weekender. That was a dream that I thought would never come true! As much as the big events are ace to play at, I also love playing small nights that are rammed to the rafters…the atmosphere at those nights are always special!

You will coming over here to Toronto, in a few days to play back to back with DJ Opel, what can we expect to hear from you that night?

It’s gonna be a bit harder from me at this event as I hear you guys like it a bit tough! Will probably start it off chunky and take it from there!

Will this be the first time over in Canada? Where has been your favorite place to travel to?

I’ve never been to Canada so this is REALLY exciting for me, Tim is really looking after me too so I reckon this will be my new favourite! The only other place I’ve been taken to DJ is Finland, which I have to say, was incredible! Massive crowd, really up for it, got to see some great acts that night too, Carbon Based, Pain On Creation and Alex Schazla. To top it of it was pure snow outside. Beautiful.

Can you give us a run down of your studio? Whats your favorite piece of equipment or plug-in that you use?

I use Logic Pro 8 on my extremely sexy Imac. My girlfriend is convinced I love it more than her! (She maybe right ha ha) As for plug ins, the built in Logic audio units are awesome. ES2 probably being my favourite. Got some means synths out of that one! Hardware is going to be my next step. I’ve only got my Novation Remote 25sl Midi Controller at the moment. I keep looking at the Access Virus on Ebay but have yet to take the plunge!

You are known to produce all sorts of styles of music, can you give us a bit of insight into what other styles you produce?

I fiddle about in house and trance and more recently Hip Hop! I think its good to try new things; it keeps your ideas moving. I’m still learning though! I’m starting to make some trance with Flymo, which is getting better each time we do it. Only problem is we end up making hard stuff after a little while!!

Is there any new Sam Hudson material in the works?

Yeah, I’ve been a bit quiet of late since moving platforms from reason/cubase to Logic (not that I’m complaining!) That said I’ve just finished a remix for someone which will be coming out soon as part of an E.P (Riggsy has done the other remix) and I’ve started a digital label with Mr. Clarke and Flymo of which I have nearly completed an E.P for.

You have been known to produce hard house with Juksey under the guise Masmada, is there any plans for future Masmada releases?

We did the E.P with Dom a while back, which will be coming out soon (Hey Japanese Step Back/Stop This) but apart from that no. It’s finding the time to do it. Adam is very busy DJ-ing at weekends and we both work full time. We have talked about it for my label so hopefully we will get something done soon

Are there any producers that you haven't worked with that you would like to?

I’ve been very lucky and got to collaborate with some of my idols, Paul Maddox, Dom Sweeten and Ingo. I think BK would be an amazing experience and I’d love to be a fly on the wall in Equinox’s studio to see how he does his synths!! As odd as it sounds I’d also love to work with movie composers. I always listen to soundtracks…how they create a scene with music for me is incredible. I’m looking for people to get on my label in the form of tracks, collaborations with myself, Darren and Mr. Clarke and remixes so get in touch! Oh and Timbaland!!! Legend!

On your spare time (if any) what do you like to do for fun?

Usually on the Mac playing about with tracks and ideas. I also go to the gym and spend time with my girlfriend. The WII has a lot to answer for too…. As does bangingtunes!!!!

Any last words?

Thanks for asking me to do this, I think this series you do is great and I for one love getting the new mixes.

Also a quick plug, keep an eye out for our digital label Slave 7. The first two releases are being mastered now and will be out in the next few weeks Our first two releases are;

Amp Attack – Had Enough (Including Mr. Clarke remix)

Flymo – Nut Shuffle (Including Dave Owens I Don’t Like Peanut Butter Remix)

See you in Canada!

www.myspace.com/samhudsonmusic

www.dontstayin.com/members/sam-hudson-c-dj-c

Contagious Club Wear

Click here for Sam Hudson's Exclusive Mix
Click here for tracklisting.

Past Interviews