Interview with Rob Aldritt
Shiva catches up with one of it's popular residents...
THE INTERVIEW
You are one of Shiva's main residents and promote your own house nights, but on New Year’s Eve, you’ll be playing an 80's Groove/Disco set . Why did that come about?
Well, I got into disco in about 1999; when the Disco House thing took off and I was playing lots of stuff like Full Intention and Joey Negro. I became intrigued by the disco samples they used so and would buy the original disco track on vinyl. Being the nerd that I am, I became totally immersed in disco as well as house and built up quite a collection and there was a disco night on Bournemouth Pier (Jazz Juice) that used to let me come and spin. I don't play disco as much anymore so I jump at any chance to dust off my collection and give them an airing. That’ why I'm really looking forward to Shiva's NYE party!
Name FIVE tunes that you think always work with crowds you played to?
House-wise, it’s:
1) Li’l Mo Ying Yang ‘Reach’. Erick Morillo and Louie Vega - what a dream pairing. One of the only tunes that never leaves my box.
2) Hard Drive ‘Deep Inside’. Simple and repetitive but effective. Been remixed quite a lot of times, but the original still works the best.
3 ) Harry Choo Choo Romero ‘Tania’. Good, driving, Summery house track. I still play it now and it doesn't sound dated.
4 ) Kings Of Tomorrow ‘Finally’. Another vocal tune that has seen many mixes but the original mix still does it for me. A great, end-of-the -night tune.
5 ) Masters At Work ‘To Be In Love’. India has got the best vocal ever!
Disco-wise, it’s:
1) Stargard ‘Wear It Out’. Even though people don't always know this tune, it always gets a great reaction. It has loads of energy and it's the track Pete Heller sampled for ‘Big Love’.
2) Chaka Khan ‘Any Love’. I could’ve picked any tune by Chaka, but this is probably my favourite tune for the dance floor. Pure disco.
3) Unlimited Touch ‘ I Hear Music In the Street’. Big, big Norman-Jay-at-Good-Times record!!
4) Sugarhill Gang ‘Rappers Delight - Affectionately know between my friends as Crappers Delight. It's 13 minutes long, so suitable for any kind of toilet break. :o)
5) In Deep ‘Last Night A DJ Saved My Life’ - There's not a problem that I can't fix, 'cos I can do it in The Mix !!
Imagine... You have a high profile gig and Simon Cowell’s in the house. He’s complaining about the music being played by you! What would be your get out of jail track to win him over before he starts slaughtering in front of all the guests?!
Well, to be honest I would take any musical criticism from a guy who made Robson and Jerome a chart topping hit as a compliment. That said, he has got an acid tongue and I wouldn't want to be made to look like a tit in front of the guests, so I'd probably play Cheryl Lynn ‘Got To Be Real’. It's a tune that always gets the ladies on the floor....and if the girls are dancing the guys will follow.
What’s been the highlight of your DJ career so far?
Playing my first festival this summer on the Shiva Stage at Get Loaded was wicked, especially as our stage was outdoors. It was amazing playing to such a large group of up-for-it people. It was one of those when I just didn't want to get off the decks!! Haha.... Another highlight would have to be EVERY Get Diverted terrace party!
What’s been your favourite Shiva Party?
The last Shiva party at Canvas when I wasn't involved was awesome - and from that moment I knew I had to tolerate Liam's friendship so that I could play at a really good party, haha!! The last Shiva at Canvas was brilliant and quite emotional for alot of people, too, as for many people it would be the last time they partied at the infamous venue (RIP Bagleys/Canvas).
Tell us a funny joke (Apart from saying your beloved Liverpool are going to win the Premiership!)?
Hmmm, Chelsea are going to win the Premiership and European Cup this season!!! Ha ha.....
Thanks Rob. Here’s hoping your tune selection is better than your team selection come New Year’s Eve!