Simon Patterson is one of the hottest properties in dance music. From being the driving force in the engine rooms of two of the biggest shows on Radio 1, he utilised his finely tuned ear working as the tastemaker behind Seb Fontaine and Judge Jules’ peak-time Saturday nighters. Drawing on all the knowledge gained, and an unparallel passion for music, he has now thrust himself firmly at the forefront, and is firmly forging his own career as an in-demand DJ, producer and remixer.
 
His style can only be described as Cutting edge, dark, driving, pulsating, and he one of the most finely tuned mixers on the planet! If you’re stood on a dance floor when Patterson’s behind the decks you know who’s in control, and the only thing you’re likely to do is to dance and dance hard.

Recently we caught up with him to ask him a few questions about his music, the Dogzilla project and his life.

Hello Simon! How are you, and what have you been doing recently?

Hey! Just got back from playing in Scotland. Was a great party in a small city called Inverness. Really up for it crowd! Quality night.


Your latest release, 'Bulldozer' and 'We'll See' received great feedback from the trance fans and DJ's, and you've announced follow-ups to these tracks by the end of the year. Any updates on that? What can we expect from these tunes?

At the moment I have 2 tracks 90% done. They will be an A and B side release. At the moment the A side is techy with a big riff and quite similar to Bulldozer. But this week I am going to change it a bit and kick it back in with the riff. The B side is again very techy with a riff but it's more tech trance, very driving. These should be finished in the next week or so and I am aiming to release these in December. I am also working on a vocal track at the moment which I hope to get out for next summer.


What got you into trance music?

I used to listen to Judge Jules when I was about 16. I would listen every week and I just loved his show on the Friday night when he used to play so much great trance stuff. From there I bought a pair of decks and just listened to trance!


You've been working at Radio 1 as A&R, helping Seb Fontaine and Judge Jules choose tunes for their radio shows. How did being around these guys affect your development as a DJ/Producer?

It was a great learning experience as both these guys are at the top of their game. They have built it up from nothing and created their own empires. To see what it takes to get to that level and to witness the hunger of both was beneficial to me.


How do you spot a good tune the first time you hear it? What does a track need to have to catch your attention?

For me it has to have a good groove and not be too samey. And a great melody also helps!


Greg Downey mentioned in an earlier interview for TrancePodium that you two will be working on a new tune together. Have you started already?

We have been talking about this for ages. We haven't started yet. Hopefully in the next few weeks!


How did you meet Richard Kayvan, and how did you two decide to team up and form Dogzilla?

I met Richie when he used to work at Serious as the in house engineer. Jules introduced us and we decided to make a track. We made 'Dogzilla' and then we decided to keep it going.


All Dogzilla productions to date are rock influenced. Are you guys planning to continue in the same direction?

Yeah for sure. The next single is very rocky but with trancey elements.


Could you describe your studio?

Mine is just a mac G5 running Logic 7.2 (upgrading to 8 next week) with loads of software and the Virus TI.


Did you vote in the DJMag poll this year? If so, who did you vote for?

I voted for Greg Downey, John O'Callghan, Judge Jules, Eddie Halliwell and Sean Tyas


What do you like the most about being a DJ, and what don't you like at all?

I love the playing and I like seeing new countries and meeting new people. Sometimes it can get a bit lonely being on your own in hotel rooms and travelling can be a bit daunting at times but all in all it's amazing!


What's your most memorable experience as a DJ?

Probably Sunrise festival in Poland. It's the most memoriable setting I've played in. It's an old amphitheatre and when the sun comes up in the morning it's unbeleaveable.


What are your other interests besides music? Do you still play football?

I love football but don't get much time to play it anymore. Once a year we enter a 5 a side tournament but that's about it. Apart from that I like to keep fit.


So, what's next for Simon Patterson and Dogzilla?

Next Dogzilla track should be out at the end of the year and so should my tracks on Spinnin. After that I am just going to concentrate on getting my vocal tune finished for next year.


Thanks for taking the time to do this interview for www.TrancePodium.com Simon! Good luck with your career in the future!

Thanks alot!

www.simon-patterson.com