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Stereosonic DJ Helena says everyone should learn to ski

“When we were Growing up most of my classmates went on family holidays to Spain in the sun. My parents, though were ski obsessed – so I got taken to every year to the snowy Alps around Europe, places like Chamonix, Italy and France. After being put into ski school as a toddler and bombing through slalom and black slopes at the age of eight, I was fearless – and it set the pace of my life growing up. There is something very inspiring about the snow and the mountains, the fresh air, the altitude – it triggers different emotions, clears your head and brings you back down to earth. Nowadays I try to get to the snow as much as possible, as I find my mind and my creativity gets really refreshed. There is something special about writing music in a log cabin up in the mountains while drinking hot chocolate and wine.” 

 
Legendary Rinse DJ Zinc says the song is king

“Recording and mixing vocals has been a big part of my focus for the last few years. I like using vintage equipment as it seems to bring its own character. But without doubt the most important part is the song – and when you get a really good one it’s magic. It turns a decent instrumental track which may have reached a small audience into a piece of music that connects with more people, and means so much more. I recorded and mixed most of the vocals on Katy B’s ‘On A Mission’, which made me realise it was time for me to focus more on song-based stuff. Now I’m working on an album for Rinse and I’ve drafted in some vocalists. Of course, It would be great if I could sing… but I’ve tried and it just doesn’t work!” 

 
Marc ‘MK’ Kinchen finds he is addicted to video games

“I have a confession to make: I’m addicted to video games. I’ve had every system since they first came out, from the Odyssey 2 and the first Atari to the X-Box 360 right now. When I came to London recently, I brought my X-Box with me (it cost me $600 in excess baggage) – I knew I’d have some down-time and I had to have it! When a new game comes out I’m first in line at midnight. Right now it’s Call Of Duty; before that it was Gears Of War and before that Marvel vs Cap Com. When Black Ops came out I went to the premiere at The Staple Centre where Usher performed: games are big business! I’m working with Will Smith’s kids right now and we play X-Box all the time. We call it the warm-up!” 

Fred Falke is inspired by Vangelis

“I love it when studios are full of synths and gear and have an almost homely quality. Some of my favourite sessions have been when friends called in at my studio and the session has turned into a party. You feed off the positive energy, and you can feel it in the track. Legendary Greek composer Vangelis’ studio was that kind of place: somewhere that inspired creativity. In the late 1970s he set up a studio in Marble Arch in London and had over 20 synths just lying around – and I really understand that way of thinking. Different instruments inspire you in different ways, and you need them right there for inspiration to flow. Vangelis’ music is based on simple melodies, loops, repetitive movements, strong hooks and epic sounds – all key elements of dance music. His soundtrack to Blade Runner is a masterpiece, as unique and grandiose as the film.”