With South West Four just around the bend (and all sold out!), we took a quick Q&A with DJ Huby, who by making a mix which in a humble yet convincing way showcased his love for the artist and music of South West Four.
What was it about the South West Four competition that got your attention?
I just saw all the greatest artists from the world in one place and said: “Just let me try…”
How did you approach constructing a winning mix?
I realized that the competition mix needed to consist of artists from the festival, and be in line with the music policy of the night – deep and tech house… And I just chose to combine my favourite DJs from the festival with some other artists with similar style, that I also happen to very much like.
What are some of your favourite artists to perform South West Four?
Tough choice, because they are all the greatest around. But Joris Voorn is my favourite artist at this time.
DJ Oleg Dee Key takes first place in Pioneer DJ Network’s summer competition – the second round of competition in Pioneer DJ Network. Before we go on to the next one, we wanted to catch up with the extremely satisfied winner, claiming the 2 x CDJ-2000 grand prize!
Tell us something about yourself. How old are you, what do you do day and nights?
- My name is Oleg Krasnyh, I’m 34 years old, from Russia. I live in Stavropol City. Well, where’s that? If you look at the map you will see that Stavropol is situated exactly on the 45th parallel, between the Black & the Caspian seas. The main part of my time I spend working for a big trade company but all my free time – of course – I spend hobby-DJ:ing.
After all the mixes were in for the second cycle of Pioneer DJ Network, the winner this time turned out to be a progressive DJ! What do you think makes progressive music attune to the competition theme – the sound of summer?
- I always have a definite idea about my own sound and what music I want to play. I will always try to find an invisible contact with listeners and give them what they want to hear. I think I actually achieved this. Progressive trance is music which, above all, is energetic sounding. It is full of feelings, unforgettable sensations and a very special positive energy. That same positive energy can only be had from sun and water. So, there’s progressive trance music’s connection to summer!
To some it may seem exotic that Eastern Europe is engulfed in trance music – that it is such a popular genre. Tell us why you think it is that way?
- I don’t want to let you down, but Eastern Europe and Russia in particular isn’t engulfed a genre as popular as trance music. Trance music is popular only in big cities, and in more remote, off-center areas of Russia this kind of music is at an underground level. It is very difficult to for any local trance DJ or musician to make a name for themselves. Recently, trance music has started to develop a lot, taking in all the best of other kinds of electronic music. I consider those Russian DJs and musicians who have chosen progressive trance to be on the right path, but there’s still a far way to go.
You spin such luxurious sounding music – you already have a pair of CDJ-2000s right?
- Nope, I don’t yet anything as great a device as the Pioneer CDJ-2000. For recording of my mix I was on my laptop using controllers. As far as technique goes, the emphasis was on harmonious joining, and smooth undistinguished transitions between tracks. With the pair CDJ-2000s, my DJ’s skills will rise to entirely new levels.
What will this price mean to you?
- In Russia the recognition of local DJ, by western electronic music experts, is highly appreciated. This victory in the Pioneer Dj Network will give me new possibilities to DJ entirely, and to advance progressive trance music in local club culture. I hope that this will get me an opportunity to leave the underground of the scene and rush into club life of our major cities.
What is the party scene like where you live right now?
- There is enough of clubs and other platforms for performance in our city. But all of them are almost in electro and house music format, with rare exceptions they’re techno and minimal.
Make sure to check back at Pioneer DJ Network real soon to be around when the third cycle of Pioneer DJ Network competition kicks off!
On the Let's mix blog you'll find updates on our service, interviews with people who use it and, occasionally, rants from our beloved staff. It's an open forum, so feel free to comment and share your thoughts with us.
