House music purist Phil Weeks, started his career 10 years ago and soon became a major player in the house music scene. After starting up his own record company, Robsoul Recordings in 2001, his early releases were quickly recognised as ‘classics’. Today he’s producing is so fine; he saves the best work for his label while releasing other tracks under monikers like PW. With the label now claiming some of the worlds best such as, Derrick Carter, DJ Sneak, Chris Carrier and No Assembly Firm to it’s roster, it’s become one of the most renowned and respected house music platforms. It doesn’t stop there for this house music hound, with appearances at nights like Back to Basics, Sankeys Soap, Circus and Ministry of Sound, he’s also recently finished putting together a new album ‘Raw Instrumental’ and even launched his very own TV channel on UGroove.TV. We catch up with the musical maestro to find out who’s the real Phil behind this one man machine. 

Hello Mr King of Beats. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. Let’s dive into it..How you doing and what was the last party you played at?

I’m doing very good, thanks!! Last party I played at was last Thursday at Rex Club in Paris. I have my own night called “Get Underground” with my partner Didier Allyne. It was very fun & also the first time I did a Roland TR909 session live in a club. (More to come.

Can you tell us who exactly Phil Weeks is on a musical and non musical front? Where did you grow up and where do you currently reside? And what is it that you do?

I was born in the mid seventies in the suburbs of Paris (Vitry Sur Seine). I’m now living in another very close city. I do beats, videos, run the label Robsoul Recordings & I rock clubs worldwide on the w-e.

Now that we know Phil Weeks is a DJ and Producer. When did it all start for you and when did you know that music was the right career path for you?

I got inside House Music in 1993 & totally fell in love with it in 1996 when Daft Punk first album “Homework” came out. I knew by then that it was the right path for me & I started to produce and dj. I dedicated my life to it since that.

You are one of the most recognised players in raw, underground house music. How did your first big break both as a Producer and a DJ come about and do you think that it was instrumental in paving the way for you to succeed?

I can’t really point to a particular a day or time, but I think it was more about the constancy of my music. I’ve been living from my music & travelling the world since 2001. But if i had to pick up a track that made people start to talk about me, it would be “It Put Me Well”. That was the first track with my voice. I was pretty much telling one of my day & it was funny.

A little birdie told me that you currently working on your new album “Raw Instrumental”. From the teasers I’ve heard on your SoundCloud the album promises to be nothing short of mind blowing. Can you tell us more about the album? And where you draw inspiration from for your tracks?

The album is now totally complete. Artwork, mastering, edits for the double pack vinyl, everything is ready. I’m now working on some videos clip & the release of a sampler to present the album (on PW02). The concept of this album is in his title “Raw Instrumental”. Everything has been done using samples, not too much post production to keep the sound as much original & warm as possible.

I add some classic movies ambient that match with the songs to create something really nice to listen at home or in your car. It’s like a story that everybody can take the way he wants. All my movies/music & cultural inspirations are inside this album. From Disco to Techno threw Hip Hop & Soul. From the movie “Friday” to the classic “Godfather”… I almost forgot to say that some “Dancefloor Killer” tracks are also included inside the album. I’m very proud of this project.

You recently launched your own channel on UGroove.TV. Your videos aim to take viewers behind the scenes. What exactly can we expect to see in each episode of Phil Weeks Presents Underground Chronicles (cool name)?

Yes I thought so it was a cool name, thanks! I always try to do a “Production Tips” part where I give some of my (or friends producers) tricks in the studio. Then also a “Peep Game” part that is more about fashion or whatever pimpin’. Then I add whatever’s cool happen in my life around music. It can be a festival backstage, a travel experience in a cool country or some party reports. And I always try to make sure it’s enough entertaining and funny to keep the show cool to watch.

Quite a geeky question but for all those aspiring DJs/ Producers out there can you take us through what your current studio set up consists of and what pieces of equipment/software would you say are most essential?

The best way to describe my studio is to say I have a very good studio from the 90’s. I use the computer only to record samples, vocal or the master. I sequence everything inside the Akai MPC3000. The MPC control (midi) the Akai S950, the TR909 and is sync with the TB303/TR606. I also use the Roland SH09 a lot that is one of my favourite studio piece. I have a few other stuff but these are the ones I mostly use. My mixer is a Yamaha 03D. Monitors are KRK Krok & Fostex 6301B. Then a Technics MK2 and a Bozak mixer to sample records.

The music industry is a tough one to keep up with since we are constantly bombarded with new tracks.  What have you been listening to lately besides promo’s?

I have to agree that we are bombarded with promos. I listen to a very few little part of what I receive or I wouldn’t be able to do anything else besides that. I love to listen to music in my car, I feel like going to a concert when I bring a new exciting cd in my car. At home, I like to listen to music on Youtube when it’s late and when I’m really high. Right now, besides some classic hip hop & Live House Set, I’m listening to the discography of Willie Hutch & David Matthews…Some very sick samples.

We all know that with DJing comes travelling (DJs do live the life) what/ where has been the craziest gig you have ever played?

There’s a few but they are either “Secret Files” or Forgotten since I must have been drunk or more. I’m sure you’ve had many weird travelling experiences please can you share the weirdest one with us and don’t leave out any details..Ok ok…I have one crazy story. I was flying back from a gig inDallas. I took some zanax to sleep in the plane. That was the second time in my life I was taking that stuff. First time it worked like crazy (flying fromDallastoRio de Janeiro) and made the trip feel like 5 min. But this time, I’ve been woken up by a big guy, shaking me. He was a plane cop. I was totally KO with the pill and was not even able to open my eyes… A old woman sitting on my right was accusing me of trying to “touch her” while I was sleeping…All the plane was looking at me, that was scary!! The tough guy sat close to me and I slept the whole way. I never took a Zanax again since that.

The raw, underground house music scene is still growing. Where do you see yourself and the scene in the next five years? 

Very difficult to predict anything since the music scene is changing so much & so fast. I hope I will be at the top to keep pushing and representing our music & our way of life. We The Brand!

What can fans look forward to in terms of all things Phil Weeks for the upcoming year: Give us the low down on upcoming gigs, tours and productions as well as NYE plans?

I will stay in Paris for the NYE with my family and close friends. We will party together, probably in my house. Raw Instrumental will come out in March 2012, I will start touring in February with stops in France,Belgium,UK,Romania,Italy,Germany,Canada,USA, etc…I’m also back in the studio since a bit with Hector Moralez for some new Fries & Bridges bombs. Then I’ll be working on some smaller project like EP or maxi until I’ll get an idea to start a new project.

Lastly, If you were organising your own event where would it be and why? And which DJs would you select to be on the DJ line up and why?

I’m doing my own event “Get Underground” at Rex Club (with Didier Allyne) so I’m gonna tell you how we work it out. We both have a common house culture but we also have different personal taste in music. But I trust Didier in his choice the same way he’s trusting mine. So for now, when one has an idea, a desire to confirm a DJ, we just do it. For our night we have been booking djs like Sneak, Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Hector Moralez & also like DJ Qu, Marcellus Pittman, Rick Wade, or Osunlade. We’re tring to stay open on good music, and it’s fun.

Phil Weeks, complete the sentence:

If I wasn’t a DJ/Producer… I’d be doing something cool

What I want for Christmas is… a Big Tree (to smoke it)

My top 5 tracks of 2011 are…

J.Paul Getto – Imma Let You Know

DJ W!LD feat. Hector Moralez – Take A Trip

John Jastszebski – La Toureille

Phil Weeks – Jack To My Groove

DJ Sneak – Boogie Allright

I’d most like to collaborate with… the same crew

My new year’s resolutions are… not decided yet

Do you have any messages for you fans out there as well as words of advice for upcoming DJs and producers?

Some of my fans and now friends have been showing me a lot lately. Do & Play the music you really love, it should always stay a passion first before making any plans. Be Creative!

We wish you all the success on your upcoming album and plans for 2012.

Thank you very much & long life to UGroove TV

PHIL WEEKS TV

PHIL WEEKS ON FACEBOOK

PBR Streetgang is the name of the vessel that ferries around the motley crew of reprobates in the cult flick Apocalypse Now, another moniker of this infamous vessel is one used by Leeds duo Bonar Bradbury and Tom Thorpe. These guys go together like peas and carrots and their history stretches back years to their residency at their now infamous Asylum parties in Leeds, events that really did encapsulate a moment and served as a catalyst that has helped make Leeds the hotbed for musical talent it is today. Now it’s UGroove’s humble opinion that these lads perhaps do not receive the plaudits and credit they deserve. In a world that is way over saturated with producers that really aren’t cutting the mustard and have less of a pedigree than a flea bitten Staffy these guys are the real deal. With recent releases on Red and Wolf Music and some solid remixes on heavyweight labels such as Futureboogie, Paper and 2020 they enter the Hot Creations furore with a belter of a release. Downstroke is a bass heavy throbbing number that is a categorical house bomb, some rudely complimented swinging vocals tie the track together sublimely. This bomb is dripping in funk that we believe lends itself perfectly to the Hot Creation label, it has a dark and almost sullen feel to it as it drives you forward in a hypnotic and straight to the point fashion, no messing around. This track has been road tested by the lads at their parties in Leeds and has received heavy support from some of the scenes main players as well as artists the duo count amongst their nearest and dearest.

This track is a departure from what fans of PBR may be used to but we feel that individuals that count themselves in this number will be pleasantly surprised. Newbies to the duo will just be pleasantly surprised by what is a corker of a track. Overdriven fuzzy bass provide the canvas for a low slung number that chugs along. A nice vocal sample are tinged with a funk that belays the lad’s disco leanings. We feel this track has shades of Chicago about it, bringing a nice contemporary twist with it.

Deetron is on remix duties and provides a solid solution to this sometimes tricky predicament. He provides a nice twist on the track which is not as low slung and more snappy, the vocal is complimented by a pulsating harmonic throb that ties it all together real nice.

Our pick of the bunch is Vibos, now “Vibes” is a phrase that has a special meaning in the fair city of Leeds, coined by a few salubrious, memorable individuals that spring to mind and this track does much of the same ilk. A chunky beat is backed up with a morose and brooding bass line that plays footsie with a sweet and feminine melody. We really like this track and think you will to. In fact you should pootle off to your preferred online beat merchant and buy it, in fact fuck it, buy the EP, you could give your money to worse guys on the scene.

With the weekend fast approaching, so is the need to plan how you’re going to let your hair down and escape that hellish week at work. Promoters and nightclubs all strive to get the best line ups and best ideas to draw in the UGrooving crowd; it can be a challenge deciding what the best option for you is. We at UGroove have decided to put together a weekly round-up of our ‘top picks’ to help keep it simple. We’ve selected what should be set to get those heart rates pumping with events from all the way up North to the down and dirty South of England.

Down South

Rhythmatic

Secret Location

Saturday 3 March,11pm-6am

East London

£8/10/12

Line Up:

Herodot, Rhythmatic Residents

They continue their Romanian assault with our second Romanian guest, Herodot, on the 3rd March for another intimate session in an intimate environment.  Herodot is one of the new talents of the Sunrise Rooster.  Herodot has shared decks with the likes of Marco Carola, Ryan Crosson, Magda, Barem, Onur Ozer, plus many more and his style, strongly influenced by Rhythm & Sound, Cadenza, Rhadoo, Cypher Hill and Zip.

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Creche 2^nd Birthday

XOYO

Sunday 4 March,12pm-12am

32-37 Cowper Street,EC2A 4AP

£20

Line Up:

Eats Everything, Miguel Campell, Creche Residents

Creche 2^nd Birthday is set to go off with a bang after inviting two DJ Mag Best of British award winners to take over XOYO this Sunday. Eats Everything who picked up best breakthrough producer and Miguel Campbell who won best single for ‘Something Special’,  will be tantalising those eardrums for a celebration worth remembering.

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Supefreq 10^th Anniversary E’Special

Paramount

Saturday 3 March,11pm-7am

Centre Point, 103 NewOxford Street

£12

Line Up:

Magda, Mr.C, Dollz at Play, Luke vB

On Saturday the 3rd of March Superfreq will celebrate being 10 years old at their flagship location in London, at thier spiritual home, Paramountand of course, being an anniversary, it’s going to be an extremely special evening indeed. They’re extremely proud to announce that the very special guest DJ for the evening will be the amazing Magda.

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Up North

Hush House

Mint Club,Leeds

Saturday 3 March,11pm-6am

8aHarrisonSt,LS1 6PA

£8/10

Line Up:

Scuba,Midland, Mano Le Tough

Since 2009, the Hush House blog has been bringing music fans worldwide the latest and greatest in new talent from a broad cross-section of genres. Artists come and go, certain styles fall in and out of favour, but their commitment to quality has always been maintained. On 3^rd March, Hush House host their official Leeds launch party with the help of headliner, Scuba.

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Back to Basics

The Warehouse,Leeds

Saturday 3 March,10pm-6am

19-21 Somers Street,LS1 2RG

£12/15

Line Up:

Kerri Chandler, Burnski

March 3rd see’s another of Circoloco’s residents, Kerri Chandler return to Basics for the first time since his legendary gig at their 1000th party back in January 2011. Anyone who was at that party will tell you it was one of the best parties they’ve ever been too and Back to Basics can’t wait to do it all again, this time in their brand spanking new home!

EVENT ON FACEBOOK

Zutekh

Soundcontrol,Manchester

Friday 2 March,9pm-4am

1 NewWakefieldStreet,M1 5NP

£12.50-20

Line Up:

Clive Henry, Ryan Crosson, Richie Hall

Zutekh brings Clive Henry, one of the UKs longest standing flag-wavers for underground house music to the decks this Friday.  Having been an original member of the West London house mafia, one half of the genre-defining tech house outfit Peace Division and resident at the world’s most musically influential nightclub – DC10, his set is sure to be one to take note of. Also on the bill, Ryan Crossan, who exploded onto the electronic music scene in 2003, after years of DJing and making music in his hometown of Detroit, when he was discovered by Richie Hawtin.

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With the weekend fast approaching, so is the need to plan how you’re going to let your hair down and escape that hellish week at work. Promoters and nightclubs all strive to get the best line ups and best ideas to draw in the UGrooving crowd; it can be a challenge deciding what the best option for you is. We at UGroove have decided to put together a weekly round-up of our ‘top picks’ to help keep it simple. We’ve selected what should be set to get those heart rates pumping with events from all the way up North to the down and dirty South of England.

Down South

Poker Flat

Secret Location

Saturday 25 February,8pm-6am

TBC

£10/15/18

Line Up:

Steve Bug, Josh Wink, MANIK, Martin Landsky, Daniel Dexter, Burnski

OnSaturday 25th February 2012a very special Poker Flat showcase is to happen inLondonfor the very first time. It will feature a carefully curated selection of label associates old and new, and the bespoke venue is to be a secret warehouse space where joining label boss Steve Bug, will be Ovum chief Josh Wink and 2011 star M A N I K, as well as Martin Landsky, Daniel Dexter and Burnski, plus more to be confirmed.

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FOUND

Hidden

Friday 24 February

100 Tinworth Street, SE11 5

£7.50 – £12

Line Up:

DJ EZ, Mosca, Double 99, Dusky & more

Returning for FOUND 2012 are resident nights TRIX and Heritage, favourites Tech:nology and Loud Noise, and a whole host of new promoters. FOUND brings together heavyweight promoters in theUKunderground and beyond, and hosts some of electronic music’s most exciting established and emerging acts.

EVENT ON FACEBOOK

Furtureboogie

SecretEast London Location

Friday 24 February,9pm-6am

TBC

£8/10/12

Line Up:

Julio Bashmore, Waifs & Strays, Futureboogie DJs, Behling & Simpson, Christophe & Lukas

Over the last 10 years the cast of the Futureboogie team has changed but original members and FUTUREBOOGIE DJs Joe90 and El Harvo are still holding things down, keeping all the plates spinning, and making things go bump in the night. They host the exclusive 10 year anniversary bash in the capital alongside an array of the very best talent the label has to offer.

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Scandalism

The Scala

Saturday 25 February,9pm-5am

275Pentoville Road,N1 9NL

£12.50-20

Line Up:

Mylo, Aeroplane, Lindstrom, Brodinski

For the biggest disco nightLondonhas ever seen, Scandalism bring a huge line up to The Scala. The roster includes, Mylo, Lindstrom, Aeroplane, Brodinski, Theme Park, Mighty Mouse, Peace, Cosmonauts, The Boogie Cartel, Casino Times, Kiwi and more to be announced!

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Up North

Air London Showcase

Sankeys,Manchester

Saturday 25 February,11pm-5am

Radium Street,M4 6JG

£12

Line Up:

Matt Tolfrey, Simon Baker, Laura Jones, Jordan Peak, Gavin Herlihy, Nico Lahs

Sankeys welcome the legends of Air London, up North for a night of blissful house and techno. After hosting a very successful ‘Day In The Air’ late last year, they are taking things up North for a spin. Expect a night of massive tracks spun by Matt Tolfrey, Simon Baker, Laura Jones,JordanPeak, Gavin Herlihy, Nico Lahs.

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Circus

The Masque,Liverpool

Saturday 25 February,10pm-4am

90 SeelStreet,L1 4BH

£10/12/15

Line Up:

Yousef, Steve Lawler, Shaun Reeves, Eats Everything, Lewis Boardman, Tom Flynn, Alex Wolfenden, Scott Lewis

For one night only, Circus is taking over The Masque with the help of some very special guests. With a line up that includes, Steve Lawler, Shawn Reeves and Eats Everything, who won best breakthrough producer at the DJ Mag Best of British Awards 2011, we’re a little bit jealous of our Liverpudlian UGroovers.

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Max Chapman stepped into the spotlight not so long ago, and at the tender age of just 23 it’s hard not to admire his growing credibility. A figure at the forefront of the UK’s underground house circuit, Chapman can be found delivering his token crunching basslines and melodic grooves at some prolific parties and venues in the UK, most recently debuting at the legendary Fabric.

It was Max’s ‘Don’t Go’ track from his Lost EP on Electronique Digital that won us over. Word has it we’re to expect more from this fast paced and talented lad, including releases on Hot Waves and Lower East. More on this month’s nu-groover can be found the site where you can also sample some of his sounds.

What is your name?

Max Chapman

Which labels have you released on?

Lower East, Hot Waves, Kaluki Musik, Electronique

Where do you live?

I’m currently based in East London.

Where are you from?

I’m from a small town called Colchester in Essex, I was born and raised there.

How did you get into making dance music?

It wasn’t until about 3 years ago that I realised I had a love for house and techno. The production side started weirdly when I saw a friend using a digital drum machine. I asked him for the software and spent days making drum loops. At this time I didn’t really have a favourite genre of house or techno, I’d listen to all sorts, even electro. After making a million drum loops, I wanted to know how to better myself, to start adding other elements and maybe even start producing music properly. After months slaving at my laptop I naturally began to find a sound that could be associated with the genre I’m involved in at the moment.

A track we would recognise you for?

‘Don’t Go’ was a track from my ‘Lost EP’ on Electronique Digital, and was also my first release, it did extremely well and had support from some of the best artists out there, it also reached number 16 in its category on Beatport which generated even more hype.

A remix we would recognise your for?

My favourite remix is probably James Pople’s track ‘Keep It Up’ from the Inner circles EP on Lower East. I’m hearing it a lot in other artists podcasts, for example Alexis Raphael’s latest podcast for Ibiza Voice.

Who has remixed you?

Miguel Puente and Sishi Rosch have each just remixed a track from my forthcoming EP on Anhura Vinyl, I collaborated with AJ Christou for this one.

ANV001 · Max Chapman & AJ Christou · Gruds & Kecks EP from Anhura Vinyl on Vimeo.

Who have you remixed?

I have done a few remix’s now. I remixed a track from Rebel called Fake Choice’s,  another from a really talented young artist call Adrian Rodriguez, Dan styles gave me his track ‘Inside Me’ to have a crack at and I’ve just finished another for Paul Scott & Simon Heslin for Neim Records.

Any notable collaborations?

I collaborated with Julien Sandre for ‘No Games!’ which was released on Hot Waves, the track did really well and it was a pleasure working with Julien.

Where Have you Played?

I played in some awesome places last year and it was a pleasure every time. Sankeys in Manchester being a favourite, love the vibe up there, Matter at the o2,  Ministry of Sound, Lightbox,  and tonnes of other gigs on nights like Creche and not forgetting Krankbrother where I am a resident.

What is your sound?

My sound is ever changing, not too much but enough to never know what category my music should fall into, although it’s definitelydeep house, always energetic, sometimes a little dark, but still groovy, it all depends on the time and the place!

Your next release?

My next release is on Anhura Vinyl, it the ‘Gruds and Kecks EP’ I collaborated with AJ Christou for this one and had remix’s from Miguel Puente and Sishi Rosch, it’s available late February.

Where are you playing next?

Im playing at Save The Pony in Leicester on the 28th January followed by a Lower East Showcase @ South in Manchester along side Lee Brinx and Cozzy D.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

I would like to think I would have played and hopefully headlined most of the major parties all over the world, been successful production wise and achieved everything that I wanted to, and had as much fun as possible.

Who is showing you love at the moment?

To be honest there are so many people showing me love, it’s amazing how much support the artists give each other in the game, but if I had to name some it would be my friends like, Alexis Raphael, Lee Brinx, Cozzy D, Wildkats, No Artificial Colours and so many more.

Favourite producer?

That’ a really tough question, there’s so many artists I think are amazing but if i had to choose one, it would probably be Maceo Plex, every thing he comes out with is another level.

Favourite DJ?

My favourite Dj’s have to Art Department, I love the way their sets flow, I love their choice of music and their production is also out of this world.

First Club memory?

Eric Morillo at Ministry, I didn’t even know who the guy was until I got there… haha

Do you prefer to produce or DJ?

I love producing, but I don’t think anything compares to actually DJing, you get to travel around, see new places meet new people, and play the music that you love, including your own.

We should keep an eye on you because?

I have some very exciting release’s this year and some awesome remixes of my stuff from other’s, the music is gonna keep coming from me so keep your ears and eyes open!.

MAX CHAPMAN ON FACEBOOK

MAX CHAPMAN ON SOUNDCLOUD

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