GET TO KNOW: Lee Sanderson
How and why did you start to DJ?
It all started when I took my first holiday to Ibiza and got sucked in by the scene. I found the whole experience intoxicating and wanted to be more involved. So, as soon as I got back I saved up and brought my first set of CDJs and just started messing about DJing at parties and a few nights in Liverpool.
Which DJs have influenced your style of producing?
That is a hard one. My style has been developing over some time ranging from different spectrums of house music. Lately, I have been trying to experiment with different genres and bring them together. I always try to keep a unique edge.
Which 3 DJs do you listen to the most?
I don’t tend to follow DJs in particular as there are so many great ones out there. I have been listening to the likes of My Nu Leng and Gorgon City lately and I have really been getting into Garage House.
Favourite song of all time?
Laurent Garnier – Man With The Red Face (Mark Knight & Funkagenda Remix)
Dream venue to play at?
DC10 definitely! It is my favourite venue I have ever been to and it was this crowd and venue that introduced me into the industry.
Who would you most like to play b2b with?
Eats Everything. I admire his DJ sets and he certainly seems to know how to get a crowd going. I think both our music taste and energy would be dynamite in a club.
Do you listen to other genres off the house scene?
I listen to a range of music; I like to keep my influences coming from all over whether it is disco, deep house, garage or bass. There is so many sub genres emerging at the moment it is hard to pin point what is what at this point.
What was the first record you bought?
I am still ashamed of it to this day so would prefer not to say haha!
Taking into account the rapid rise in popularity of house music over the course of this year, what do you think about the house scene currently?
I have to admit, I have really strong opinion on this. I think in the near future we are in for a change to underground music. With Deep House becoming so commercial and becoming household music, as well as artist fee’s constantly increasing, there is only so much further it can go before there is a change. What will that be? Who knows?
What advice would you give up and coming producers?
Work hard and never stop learning. Production is a hard game and there is always so much to learn. It can be a bit disheartening at times but when you hear and see that track you made going off in a club, there’s no better feeling!
What equipment do you think a DJ should start off with?
Well, that’s a hard one as we all know dj equipment is expensive. I am not a fan of laptops, unless you are actually improving your set but that’s another discussion haha.
What software do you use to produce and why?
I still use the ancient Cubase 4. It’s what I learnt on and it does the job so I never bothered replacing it.
In an ideal world what label would you like to be with?
I would have to say Dirtybird due to the fact that they are unique. However, I like to make different sorts of music, so in a perfect world I would be signed to quite a few of the big labels.
Tell us about your record label Dusk Underground?
I started it to get my music out there and to help other people in the same situation get their name out there, particularly local DJs. It is one thing making great music, but if nobody hears it, your not going to get any publicity.
How do you rate 90s house music with todays?
You can’t beat a good house classic but I would have to say todays music is better for the clubs and there is definitely a wider range of styles. I am only 21 though, so wasn’t really around for 90’s house.
What track would you play to rescue a dance floor?
Luckily this isn’t usually an issue haha. I like to mix my sets up and keep them original, however I am partial to the odd disco classic, with Chic tracks being a particular favourite.
Where do you dream of being in 5 years?
In five years I would like to have a world wide established brand and be running events in all the underground hot spots. Or maybe be running my own festival? Who knows where life may take you! As long as I am making a living in this industry and love what I am doing it is all you can hope for.
What next for you?
Well I am still early in my career so the world is my oyster really. I am spending most of my time working on Dusk Underground Music and our events at the moment but I have been working on a lot of material at the moment for free downloads, releases on my label and I am in talks with a few bigger labels so really the only way is up which is really exciting.
Upcoming gigs
-19/09/2013
HiFi, Leeds
2 Central Road, LS1 6DE Leeds
-27/09/2013
Full Circle, Leeds
143 Kirkstall Rd Leeds, West Yorkshire LS3 1JJ
-25/10/2013
Beaver Works, Leeds
36 Whitehouse St, Leeds, W Yorks LS10 1AD
-9/11/2013
Beat Bar, Leeds
66 Merrion Street, LS2 8LW Leeds
-23/11/2013
Beaver Works, Leeds
36 Whitehouse St, Leeds, W Yorks LS10 1AD