SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Greg Colman

Tell us a bit about yourself:

My names Greg Colman and I’m a British Dance DJ & Producer who grew up in North Wales. It wasn’t long until i found the club scene of nearby cities Liverpool and Manchester irresistible, then once i relocated to Cardiff to go too University, it was when I completed my studies that a life within the music industry started to become a reality followed by real ambition. Overtime my influences within the dance scene changed dramatically as I started to evolve into a new and more acquired taste, I began starting to nurture the underground scene, looking for artists and tunes that no one else knew or had which led me to start attending more specific dance events more regularly, as well as having an entirely different set of new playlists and booking holidays to Ibiza, Amsterdam, and places alike. I have now since become obsessed with the warm, rhythmic, and funky beats of tech house, vocal house, deep minimal and piano house.

How did you get into DJing?

I first got into DJing during my time in University when my parents brought me a DJ controller but due to so many distractions at the time, i never gave DJing the right amount of focus until i met a work colleague. He taught me the fundamentals from the bottom up, and this is where i really started to become obsessed with my passion for DJing and striving for perfection. I remember being at an event in Liverpool watching Eats Everything and telling myself that this is what i want to do for the rest of my life.

What DJs have had the most influence on you?

First on my list would Carl Cox and there isn’t much explaining to do here other than him being the Godfather of Dance Music. Carl Cox’s longevity, versatility and ability to take you on a journey from start to finish during a set is nothing short of mesmerising. On top of this, his kind and approachable personality makes him an all round top bloke who everyone should want to be around. Hopefully i get the opportunity one day. Next on my list would be Jamie Jones, he is a big influence because he is someone who comes from Wales like myself, and in particular from North Wales. I am a huge fan of Jamie when he is behind the decks but i am also a huge fan from the perspective that he gives me much inspiration that someone from a small part in Wales can reach the high levels of an international DJ and that you don’t have to have been born in London, Manchester or even Ibiza to make it top. Lastly, i want to put Tim Berg on my list also known as Avicii as an influence, albeit my tastes in music have changed a lot back when he was still alive. However it was in my late teens that Avicii broke out with a number of hit records that really capitulated me into dance music, he brought some deep emotions to his tracks which was felt by his fans who really connected with his music. Many of his songs give me that feeling of nostalgia from my early days of going out to nightclubs for the first time especially during my time in University, and for those reasons I would struggle to not include him on this list.

You’re being put to death, but you can listen to one last track before you die. What track do you choose?

This is such a hard question because there is simply too much choice but in the spirit of the question I would have to choose “The Verve – Lucky Man”, this song seriously hits the feels and of course they are British too.

What’s your favourite thing about Ibiza?

The best thing about Ibiza for me is no doubt the feeling you get when walking out of the airport when you first arrive, knowing you are truly somewhere special that processes magic. I firmly believe only those who actually respect the island for it’s long history, it’s deep rooted culture and the islands traditions will know what this feeling actually feels like, it’s almost hard to put into words unless you have felt it but if you have then you know what i am talking about. Ibiza is without a doubt unique experience and should be experienced by anyone who has an interest in the music scene and most definitely by any dance music enthusiast. You’d be silly not too. 

What’s the easiest thing about being a DJ?

The easiest thing about being a DJ for me is to remember to have fun because, how can you not? To me, it’s the best job in the world and that is what it is all about, having fun! When I am behind the decks and see people dancing to the music I am playing, seeing them react to the things I am doing with the controls in front of me, smiling, and in a state of euphoria, that’s when I feel connected with my audience which is when the fun starts.

And what’s the hardest thing about being a DJ?

The hardest part about being a DJ for me without pointing out the obvious such as the unsociable hours, the hours of preparation to get your playlists right, and dealing with the anxiety before and after a set because you want to do the best job you can or even dealing with technical issues, then I would say the hardest part would be to never give up on your dreams. It is very easy to become your own worse enemy and not believe in yourself but you have to try and take the positives out of each situation, remain optimistic, and believe in the process.

Best thing about Dance Music culture right now?

I would say the best thing about the dance music culture right now is the access to developing technologies and the use of social media on platforms such as sound cloud, Tiktok and instagram. It continuously gets more and more easier to connect with your fans and distribute your music to thousands if not millions of people from across the world. Something that was not at anyones disposal 15 – 20 years ago, i could post a new mix or release a new song on a streaming platform and could send this to someone across the world in seconds which is pretty mind blowing when you think about it.

Worst thing about Dance Music culture right now?

The worse thing about the dance music culture right now for me which strangely but most definitely links back to the point i made about what i think is the best thing and that is technology, but this time from a different perspective. Sometimes i do feel a little sad when you see so many people with their phones out taking videos at an event or festival, don’t get me wrong we all like to take a couple of videos to look back on months/years later however too many people are forgetting why we listen to music in the first place and the power of what music can do for you mentally. Unfortunately, as the scene continues to grow bigger and bigger it will no doubt bring less authentic individuals to the dance floor with it who’s only concern will be the number of likes they receive from a social media post. I believe this is why places such as the nightclub Berghain in Berlin will always stand out above the pack and have that special aura due to its extreamly strict but effective policies especially regarding mobile phone use inside the premesis.

Why should listeners vote for you?

SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Greg Colman