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The Perfect Fusion of Breaks and Drum & Bass: An Interview With
Dave Wallace of Aquasky

Dave Wallace is a member of one of the UK’s biggest dance acts, Aquasky. Their latest release, ‘Red Out,’ is getting a lot of play from top DJs such as Annie Nightingale. Dave recently wrote in to talk about breaks, creating ‘Red Out,’ and wanting to remix Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

How long did it take you to create “Red Out”?

Can’t remember exactly! A d&b version was done first (out on our new d&b label Black Noise b/w ‘What’s Down Low d&b remix: Jan 2004) I think both versions would have taken about 3 to 4 days in the studio

Who was the first person you played the track for, what was their reaction?

The d&b versio has been going down really well in the clubs before the breaks was done. Likewise the rbeaks mix was going down well from the first time we played it out – can’t remember the first club we dropped it though!

Do you have a certain method for creating your tracks?

Everyone has a method to making tracks – our method is the Aquasky method!

What’s the hardest aspect about being in the music industry?

The nitty gritty ‘business’ side of things.

How did you come up with the name Auqasky?

I cant remember exactly but it was created in 1995 when we were doing jazzy / ambient d&b and seamed to be quite ‘apt’ back then.

You all have a lot of varied influences, is there one artist that inspires all of you?

Hard to say. I guess we all appreciate really good tunes by other artists. We are going to be collaborating with some of them for a new Passenger LP due for release next year around Easter. So far we have started to work with: Autobots, Breakfastaz, Krafty Kuts, Phil Hartnel, Backdraft, Tayo and others.

What’s the key to working with friends that you’ve know for such a long time?

Be yourself and be hounest about things.

When did you first start creating music?

I was messing about with 4 track tape machines and old synths from when I was a kid. The first 12′ i did came out in 1992 – some cheesy rave hardcore thing called the ‘Rave Doctor EP’!

Do you remember the first track you made?

The first tune i made that came out on 12′ was a track off the ‘Rave Doctor EP’ I did on a 4 track and it was recorded off cassette!

Do you remember the first record you bought?

I bought ‘Baggy trousers’ by Madness and ‘Don’t Stand So Close to Me’ by the Police at Boots in Newmilton – I guess around 1981 or whenever they came out.

How would you describe your music?

Hi quality club fodder.

What new projects are you all working on?

See above about the Passenger collaboration LP. We are also starting a new d&b label called Black Noise. The first release will be out in Jan and it features Aquasky d&b versions of the Passenger / 777 smashers: What’s Down Low by Baitercell & Schumacher b/w Red Out.

What’s the biggest misconception about dance music?

‘Which one of you is Masterblaster ?’

What’s the worst trend in dance music?

Illegal downloading / bootlegging / piracy / internet sharing etc. It may not affect Elton John much but it ‘hurts’ us small record labels. If you are into our music and want to support it you can now buy cheap high quality downloads of our tracks on many sites – check http://www.aquasky.co.uk for a full listing. Also keep buying records!

What artists would you love to remix?

I can’t say for the others but I would love to get my hands on some original Vangellis and Frankie Goes To Hollywood multitrack tapes.

Who are some of your favorite DJs?

Chris Moyles is quite funny in the mornings on Radio 1.

What are some of your favorite records out now?

I recently got sent some real nice tunes by NAPT including a cover version of ‘Take Me Away’, which is real nice. Also we got sent a tune called ‘Revolution’ by Roshi coming out on Botchit which is also nice.

Do you have a favorite venue to play?

Before it was pulled down I did a couple of wicked gigs at a dingy club in Hamberg called the ‘Hafenclanger’.

Do you remember your first gig as Aquasky?

I remember the first time I DJ’ed in a club here in Bournemouth – it was the warm up spot and it was around 1996 and the only people listening were the bar staff!

Do you have a favorite restaurant in London?

No

What’s the biggest piece of advice that you can give to DJs just starting out?

This may not be any use but it’s probably easier to become a DJ by releasing a wicked tune and gain respect that way. Or become the resident at a local club(s)

Do you have anything else that you would like to add or comment on?

Check www.aquasky.co.uk We have a regular radio show archives and lots of DJ mixes to check out PLUS links to online shops to download our trax LEGALLY!