#garybeck

Welcome back to our monthly #5MinutesWith blog: this week we welcome our good friend Gary Beck, ahead of his appearance at Sub Club. Tickets info here.

What came first for you: Djing or producing? 

I started Dj'ing in my bedroom first, followed by producing. I wasn't really playing anywhere at the time. My main crowd at that point was my two Goldfish.

Have you got any upcoming releases that we can look forward to hearing in the foreseeable future?

Yes, there are lots on the horizon, especially with my label BEK Audio. The next one is called the 'Stupid Advert E.P’, which has just gone to pressing. It's 3 tracks from myself, which have been fantastic in my recent sets, albeit a little bit wild. Release date is set for December 4th. I've been a little quite lately with my producing. This is partly due to traveling and looking after my wee boy, but things are settling down now.

What equipment do you use when producing in the studio and can you talk us through your process of writing tracks?

I use lots of hardware in my studio and very little software. My set up is pretty prehistoric actually! I've been using most of the same keyboards and Drum machines since I started! One thing I have integrated recently into my set up is the iPad. There are some amazing sequencer and synth apps with great sound quality. 

In terms of the producing process, I don't really have one. I like to just go there and see what happens. If it's not happening, then I tend to just go away and do something else. 

Tell us more about your label Bek Audio, the reason for starting it and the philosophy behind it?

I started my label in 2009 with the help of Tony Scott (Edit Select). The idea behind it was to release my own material. I was becoming tired of sending away demos and waiting for feedback, so I decided to create a platform of my own.  

Although most of the music comes from myself, I have introduced some artists along the way, such as Mark Broom, MR.G, Slam, Floorplan and a few others. I don't release much though. I'm a firm believer in quality, not quantity.

 What’s the practice of choosing which artists to work with for your label?

I have to love what they do, and feel totally connected to their music.

 You’re back on home turf on Friday for Return to Mono, what can clubbers look forward to?

Same as all the other times! Energetic Techno with splashes of funk! I absolutely love playing the Sub Club. They crowd is up there with the best. If Scotland manages to get a result against England on Friday then it will be extra special!

What’s your emergency record – the one you always carry, which you can always rely on?

My track 'Say What' has worked in times of doubt so many times over the years! 

What are your top 3 clubs in the world and why? 

Sub Club Glasgow - home crowd, amazing sound system and atmosphere that tops anywhere else.

Spazio900 Rome - This place is outstanding. The Italian crowd is always great but this venue has something magical about it. It's huge, yet as a DJ, you feel wrapped in great sound and soul.

Berghain Berlin - You simply have to go to understand.