Looking for a fresh new talent in the trance scene? Look no further than Paul Denton. This Irish DJ has begun taking the scene by storm, and we all get the pleasure of seeing his anticipated debut at Rapture‘s first ever event Frequency on March 24, 2018 at Nest (check out our preview here!). To prepare for this massive night, I asked him some questions so we can get a bit more acquainted with one of the DJs sure to rock your world!
1. Let’s start with a bit of an introduction from yours truly! Can you tell us a bit about how you got to where you are today?
Well I’ve been into dance music since the early 90s when I used to tag along with my older brother to Abbey Discs, a record store in Dublin as an 8 or 9 year old, I’ve been hooked ever since. I got my first set of decks in 2000 and started out on my production journey in early 2007 and haven’t really looked back. I’m now full time Djing & music production and also help others with tuition and engineering on the side
2. You have a young son – how has he influenced your work? Has he shown any interest in music?
Conor is a massive influence on my work. My life revolves around him. Everything I do is for him. Obviously I don’t get as much studio time as I did before he was born but I love the balance now. Time spent with him I can switch off from studio mode into Dad mode.
I honestly think its made me a better producer as before I was over thinking stuff spending to much time the studio, now I just get it done so I can spend some quality time with him. Haha, yes every chance he gets he is in my studio banging away on the keyboard or messing on my decks. Starting him early – he will be a cubase expert in no time!!
3. What would you consider was your first “big break” in the scene?
My first big break would probably be my track with Darren Flynn and Audrey Gallagher from 2014. It’s a special track and really set the benchmark for me. We are currently working on a new track together which is sounding amazing.
It depends really, for an uplifting track I usually start with chord progression & melody and write the track around them, when doing something techy I’ll start with drums and groove and bass. Every track is different though and I always start with a fresh project file.
5. How do you choose tracklists for your gigs? Are there any specific tracks that you specifically love playing?
I usually have 3 or 4 tracks picked for the start of my set and then try to gauge if the crowd are feeling it and go from there. I love playing my own tracks there is no greater feeling as a producer to play a new track you’ve spent weeks or sometimes months on out at a gig. It a great feeling especially if it goes down well.
6. You’ve said before that along with trance, you also love rock music. Do you derive any inspiration from that genre for your own tracks or remixes?
Yes I love all types of music except rap ha, some of my best ideas I had for my own productions came from listening to other genres. I actually sampled vocals from a couple of girl bands in two of my tracks, haha! In my opinion its the best way to get inspired though. Listening to the same sound all the time I think you will end up making the same style.
7. Tell us something about you that we wouldn’t expect!
I was once a qualified plumber/welder and unfortunately, hated it.
8. What do you have planned next for yourself, as a DJ, producer, or otherwise?
More of the same. Keep the releases coming & build on the momentum of last year. I’m always trying to improve my sound as much as possible. I’ve also got lots of gigs in the pipeline spread across the world & some big new tracks & remixes on the way so 2018 is looking good.
9. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear ‘Canada’? What about ‘Toronto’?
Snow!!! The CN Tower maybe, LOL.
10. Do you have anything you’d like to say to your Toronto fans?
I’ve heard nothing but good things about the trance scene in Toronto. I can’t wait to go over and play for you guys!!!
Listen to his mix made especially for the Rapture team, to get you all pumped for his debut event here in Toronto:
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Amber Wilkinson – EDM TOR
