Our obsession with Hot Since 82's "Somebody Everybody" has led to some great things: the producer, DJ and label-head of Knee Deep in Sound has curated a collection of house tracks definitive of 2014. Toting the same name as the label distributing it, the release is not just a recycled collection of tracks, but includes three additional new tracks from Hot Since 82 himself, as well as new, debut music from artists he's sought out himself.
After just finishing up the tour celebrating Knee Deep In Sound's release, we got to chat with the British tastemaker about making the compilation and what's next. Check it out below.
EARMILK: What's your favorite gig you've had so far?
Hot Since 82: It's hard to say but I played Bogota at Baum for the first time and that was super cool, the crowd were amazing and although I was on my last legs as it was the last show of the tour it was great experience. I hope to come back soon!
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EARMILK: How has your live show developed over time? What do you look for/how do you know when you've had a particularly good gig?
Hot Since 82: I just do my thing and that's the way it's always been. I'm constantly buying records, actually to the point where I have to stop myself and I just love playing out and trying new records out. I love playing 5 hours or more, once ive two hours in thats when i really get in to the zone!
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EARMILK: Was there ever a moment growing up where the light turned on and you just knew you wanted to be a DJ? Who influenced you to do so?
Hot Since 82: Funnily enough when I was a kid the teacher asked the class what we all wanted to be when we grew up and this is the gods honest truth i said i wanted to be a DJ. I guess the early 90s rave scene had made it's way in to my young head!
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EARMILK: What's your take on deep house coming to the forefront of dance music as the masses mature in their taste?
Hot Since 82: I'm all for it, as long as the music is good and the people on the dance floor are having a good time a looking after each other, I'm happy.
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EARMILK: Who do you make music for?
Hot Since 82: First and foremost myself, but once it's finished and out there it's for anyone who's interested. Seasoned ravers or as you say newcomers finding out about house music for the first time, it's for everyone! I also believe once it's out there it's no longer mine, it belongs to the fans really, the same track can mean so many different things to so many different people, memories etc. Who am I to say I own it.
EARMILK: Tell us a little about this mix album that was just released.
Hot Since 82: It's called Knee Deep In Sound, which is the name sake of the label. I've been working on it for the past 6 months or so, it's a collection of new and exclusive tracks I've signed from a host of relatively underground artists some of which i taking great pleasure in introducing to the bigger picture. There's also four new tracks from myself and a couple I've licensed in. Im really pleased with how it's turned out and it seems to have been received really well so far, so happy days!
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EARMILK: Best piece of advice you've ever received? (Or worst?)
Hot Since 82: Stay humble and true to yourself. Cheesy but sound advice for anyone!