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Ant Brooks may have only received worldwide attention starting a few years ago, but the guy has had his head in the game for over 20 years. His collection tracks from the last few years have been released on some of the best labels in the game including cr2, Diffused, Toolroom, and Spinnin. He’s had Radio 1 airplay, sets in Ibiza and around the world, and is continuing to push it forward this year with exciting new releases and a regular podcast, with an expert’s insight in to what dance music is going to be played 3-6 months from now.

Throw a tune on and check out my chat with Ant!
[audio:Groove Armada – Superstylin (Ant Brooks Re-Edit).mp3]

Cal:

You’ve managed to work with quite a few top notch labels in the last couple years. Could you name one thing big EDM labels do well for artists? What’s one thing they could do better?

Ant Brooks:

The bigger the label, the bigger the marketing budget per release. This means more exposure for the artist which in turn builds the artists profile, which is key to progressing in the EDM industry. One thing I think they could do better is helping up and coming artists with gigs on the label nights to help the artists live career.

Cal:

What role do A&Rs play in the recording process of EDM, and could/should they do more/less?

Ant Brooks:

For me personally the A&R’s don’t really have part in the recording process. On occasions they may suggest some tweaks but that’s about it. I think it’s best for A&R’s to not get too involved in the recording process as the overall result will not be a true reflection of the artists’ output.

Cal:

You rebranded recently – what reasons would you suggest are good ones to motivate a musician to do so? How about bad ones?

Ant Brooks:

Changing management could be a good reason – would mean a fresh start and a new outlook on things.

Cal:

You mention often that production is the way to get DJ gigs, and to move a DJ career forward. Do you consider production subordinate to
your career as a DJ? Why/not?

Ant Brooks:

I wouldn’t necessarily put this in second place behind DJ’ing. You can’t build a career as a DJ without production because it’s what builds an artists profile.

Cal:

Your early memories of EDM notably include Carl Cox and the late 80s/early 90s rave scene. Any parallels between that scene and UK
Garage/Funky/Dubstep?

Ant Brooks:

From what I know, no. It was a totally different culture back then. I was actually only about 8 so was hearing the music via mix tapes. From then though I was hooked and knew it was something I was going to pursue!

Cal:

What tools are you using for production at the moment?

Ant Brooks:

Logic 8 but have just upgraded to Logic 9. I work mostly with Logic plug ins too. Outside of Logic I use the old skool Korg plug ins such as the M1. Other favourites are the Sylenth synth and Sonalksis TBK filter.

Cal:

What kind of music can we expect from you this year?

Ant Brooks:

Lots of house music with plenty of groove!

Cal:

What gig are you most looking forward to this year?

Ant Brooks:

The summer is looking very positive for me in Ibiza this year, and any gigs over there are always amazing!

Cal:

What are your top 3 tracks at the moment?

Ant Brooks:

1. Ant Brooks – Ocho [Cr2 Records]

2. Axwell – I Found You (Ant Brooks Re Edit) [CDR]

3. Prince Club – Body Holly [Snatch]

Thanks Ant!!

Ant Brooks March 2011 Podcast

Tracklist:

Opening Tracks:
Ant Brooks – Ocho [CR2]
Axwell – I Found You (Ant Brooks Re Edit) [CDR]

Club Chart:
3 – Diavlo – In, Out [CR2]
2 – Prince Club – Body Holly [Snatch!]

Tune Of The Month:
1 – Dj Madskillz – Carnival Chaos (Format B Remix) [Formatik]

Blast From The Past:
Cassius – 1999 [Cassius Records]

Alternative Listening:
UB40 – Johnny Too Bad

30 Minute Mixdown:
This months guest mix comes courtesy of Diavlo
Pete Griffiths & Ant Brooks – Filtered
Sami Saari & Timo Juuti – Come to me Feat Laura Shea
Bryan Dalton – Jamboom (Zoltan Kontes & Jerome Robins Remix)
DJ Madskillz – Carnival Chaos (Ramon Tapia remix)
Jay Lumen – Come 2 Gether