Greg Downey began DJing over 6 years ago and in this time has established himself firmly among the best young DJs in the UK. Born in Belfast - Ireland, Greg developed a taste for tougher electronic dance music from a young age. He has reflected this in his unique style which combines underground and uplifting trance with elements of techno... The result... An Explosive sound!

We caught up with Greg to talk about his music, his life, and his plans for the future.

Hi Greg, how are things right now, and what have you been up to recently?

Things are brilliant thanks, I've just got back from playing in Finland. Had a great time over there but a word of advice, don't go near their shots! Nearly killed me!


How and when did you get into DJ'ing and producing?

I first got into things from listening to the Prodigy and old Carl Cox mix tapes. I was totally blown away by the music and in no time I had my own decks. From here I practiced a lot, spent a few seasons in Ibiza, and then finally moved to England to pursue my career. DJ'ing was first, then I started to produce my own music in order to help develop as an artist. Thankfully it's all going to plan!

 
Which DJ's do you admire the most? Who do you look up to?

I have great respect for Paul van Dyk. He has always been my favorite producer over the years and as a DJ his sets are always pumping and exciting. Eddie Halliwell is unreal, an amazing talent who is at the top of his game. Dave Clarke, I love him, my favourite DJ if I ever got a chance to go clubbing. Dark, twisted and off the wall. Legend!

 
You'll be playing at the Planetlove festival in Ireland this year. How does it feel to play along the greatest DJ's on the scene?

It's amazing and it's my first big festival so it will be a big day. It will be great to go back to my home crowd in Belfast playing on such a huge lineup, I really can't wait.


Your remix of Bedrock - Heaven Scent is a huge hit at the moment. How did you come up with the idea to remix this classic?

Heaven Scent was one of my all time favourite tracks so the idea was to make my own version that would fit into my DJ sets, but at the same time trying to keep the credibility of the original intact. I suppose it was a bit risky because if I got it wrong I would have been slated. It was crucial that it hit the mark. After making it I passed it onto Paul van Dyk, Tiesto, Armin van Buuren, Eddie Halliwell and Ferry Corsten. They all started playing it regularly at all their gigs, and so the buzz grew. When John Digweed called me up to sign it I was shocked, I thought someone was winding me up!

 
What sort of equipment do you use to produce your music?

Most of my music is made using a G5 Mac, Logic 7.2 and various soft synths. I have just bought a Virus TI and it rocks. Being a hardware instrument you can get a lot more warmth in sound.
 

You will mix the 4th installment of the "Live As" compilations on Discover. Could you tell us more about it? When is it expected to come out?

Yeah that's right, I'm recording it live from the Fire It Up/Goodgreef arena at Planetlove. Its basically my set recorded live and direct from the festival to showcase my sound. There will be plenty of original tracks on there and I will be unveiling my new track "Once Again" exclusively on the album.


What do you enjoy more, producing or DJ'ing?

DJ'ing is my first love, I really buzz off it so it definitely is number one. I do love producing as well and it is a great feeling when you come up with a track that gets the support of all the big DJ's.

 
You've collaborated with Marc van Linden in the past. Are there any plans for further collaborations with him or any other producers? Who else would you like to collaborate with?

I don't have any firm plans at the moment although me and Simon Patterson have been talking about it for ages, I reckon we will have something ready towards the end of the year. Me and John O'Callaghan will probably do something again in the not too distant future and I think me and my Mrs, Sophie Sugar will have to get one done too!
If I had my choice of any one to make a track with it would be Liam Howlett from the Prodigy, I fucking love that guy, amazing!
 

What are you working on in the studio at the moment? You've posted on your site that you're looking for vocalists.

I've recently finished my follow up to "Vivid Intent", its called "Once Again". I'm really pleased with it and the reactions in the clubs have been amazing, it will be coming on Discover before the end of the year. I'm also working on couple more tracks but they aren't ready yet and still don't have a title but they are coming along nicely!

 
Are there any plans for a debut album?

An album is definitely something I'd love to do, but when the time is right. I don't think I'll be thinking about this until a couple of years time. By then I hope to be in the right position to do an album I'm totally happy with.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your hobbies and interests?

I have very little spare time at all at the moment but any time I do get I like to do normal things like relaxing at home with Sophie or going to the gym or visiting family and friends. It's nice to escape the madness sometimes!
 

What do you think the future holds for you?

It's impossible to tell but I've got many goals for the next year, 2 years, 5 years and beyond and my aim is to keep working hard. I hope to be as successful as I can and reach my full potential. I'm not going to say too much for now because I don't like to tempt fate, but as and when things happen I'll be more than happy to share it!

 
Thanks for taking the time to do this interview for Trance Podium.com, Greg! Best of luck in the future!

Thanks for having me!
 
 
www.gregdowney.com