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Features
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| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! | | N-Kore talks Jean-Michel Jarre, unfinished tracks and fatherhood! | | Celebrating International Women’s Day and Ten Years of Psy-Sisters with Amaluna |
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Interview with new Heat Resident Ian Betts
Reported by Sharon B
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Submitted 29-04-04 09:35
In the spring of 2003 a murmur began to spread across the London club scene about a newly produced tune that had clubbers pricking up their ears and heading for the dance floors. No matter when or where it was played people couldn’t help jumping up and reaching out, singing along to the catchy and infectious vocal that struck a chord in all who heard it as if they had known it for years. One year later and that track is finally to be released on the newly created Masif label and will be available for all. The tune’s name: Love Resurrection, it’s producer: Ian Betts. With a new residency at Heat just recently announced, a set at the opening party for Cream at Amnesia in Ibiza for Ibizan Heat in June alongside of Armin Van Buuren and Tall Paul, a 3 hour exclusive on May 1st at the Fridge in Brixton for Twisted Air and plans for more productions to be released, the future looks very bright indeed for this amazingly talented DJ/Producer.
Ian Betts
It all started for Ian when he was inspired by the DJs at London's legendary Friday night at Turnmills 'The Gallery' in the late 90’s. Unable to afford decks because he was spending all his money on buying the tunes he loved, Ian learnt to mix on two hi-fi turntables and started to make mixtapes for his mates. Given plenty of encouragement in doing this he got his first gig at a small party which was held in the basement of a Mexican restaurant in Old Street and within a few short months he found himself playing regularly for promotions including Freedom at Bagleys, Feersum, Strawberry Sundae, Twisted, XLR8 and Just Groove, to name but a few! It was this sudden jump to prominence that not only spurred Ian into buying a proper set of decks but also into setting up the promotion Sleepless in November 1999. Held at Grays, the very first Sleepless line up consisted of Tim Seddon, Jasper, Matt Wilson and Ian Betts with Tim Seddon and Ian as both residents and promoters. A few parties later and Andy Harkin joined the team and the rest, as they say, is history. Starting off from very humble beginnings indeed (they even made their own flyers) Sleepless grew to be a favourite haunt of London clubbers, pulling in big name DJ’s and forming a loyal and devout following. However it soon became very clear that the star attraction of the night was Ian, with regulars soon dubbing his 4-6am set as “Bettsy Time”. Sleepless promoter Andy Harkin recalls, “At the very beginning of Ian's DJing career he started Sleepless as a place to vent his own creative energy. After the first few, it became clear that the last set was his own. There was no way anybody else could compete with the energy and style that was required to tear the roof off for the last 2 hours, as was witnessed so many times and talked about with such suggestion of legend. The entire club seemed to hold something back until 4am when the madness would ensue as soon as Ian hit the decks. Unlike a lot of Trance DJs, Ian projects a huge amount of personality through his selection and delivery of some of the genres finest tunes. Slipping a few underplayed classics into an energetic and uplifting set, he is now known for a few signature tunes that people demand to hear. It wasn't long before Ian was picked up by other parties and was able to show that he is a versatile and intelligent DJ, totally adept at reading a dancefloor perfectly, reacting by playing the precise pace and style of Trance that people wanted to hear. Never too fast too early, never too deep too late”
Ian at Heat at The Cross 2003
Ian’s success at Sleepless soon led to other residencies with Knowwhere and Twisted and had him playing at events all around the capital and abroad. In January of 2003 Ian embarked on a tour of Australia which was a resounding success. Such is his popularity in the southern hemisphere he was even approached whilst DJ’ing by enthusiastic fans who asked him to sign posters of himself that adorned their walls which they had brought along specially to the clubs he was playing out at. There are talks now of a return to Oz at the end of 2004/beginning 2005 and already a number of prestigious venues and events are clambering to get Ian on their line ups. It seems that most promoters both in London and abroad see Ian as a talent of tomorrow, and more than capable of keeping up with the big boys. When looking back at Ian’s days with Sleepless Andy Harkin says, “Throughout the life of Sleepless, as I was doing the promoter thing and walking round making sure everyone was bouncing happily, I was always tapped on the shoulder and asked "When's Bettsy playing?" Even with legends like Space Brothers and Man With No Name on the decks, some people were clearly only there for the last set.” It is this star quality that London’s best promoters have spotted and are keen to build upon. This Bank Holiday weekend will see Ian playing an exclusive 3 hour set for Twisted at the newly refurbished Fridge. Most Wanted PR Executive and Twisted promoter Kate Lynch is another Betts fan, and when asked about his upcoming set and what it is that gives him that extra edge she says, “Ian Betts is the biggest and most in demand trance DJ on the London scene. Over the past six years he’s built a hard core following through pure dedication and hard work. His 3 hour showcase is one of the most anticipated events on the London clubbing calendar and we are flattered that he chose Twisted above all other London clubs to play such a set. Ian’s set will be a true tour de trance! From the progressive melodic pumping sounds typical of a warm up set, through to the uplifting euphoric anthems and hard edged beats you’ve heard late in the night – Saturday May 1st will have it all” and if the pre-sales alone are an indicator of what is to come then Twisted Air will truly be an extravaganza not to be missed.
Twisted Air Flyer
It is precisely this type of enthusiasm for both Ian and his music that has caught the attention of Heat, who have just announced Ian as their new resident alongside original resident Marc French. For an event that has always been protective about its residencies and only ever had just one DJ representing it’s style and music, this is a huge honour and compliment for Ian. Heat promoter Damian Gelle explains the decision behind his choice; “to me Ian is more than just the best trance DJ in London, he is capable of turning it on anywhere in the world. When he toured Australia my phone didn't stop ringing. When he returned I immediately booked him three times just on gut instinct. The first time he played for me at Turnmills I don't think I've ever seen so much excitement in the T2 Room." Standing in the corner of that room at the time was legendary DJ and Producer Steve Hill, who when he heard Ian’s track knew immediately that he had a hit on his hands. “I first heard Love Resurrection when I headed down to the Trance room at Heat late last year. Ian comes on, drops it as his first record, and I thought it was the tune of the night crowd reaction wise. I loved it. So I rang him the next day to ask what it was and was surprised it hadn’t already been snapped up. If Ian keeps making tunes like that he's got a bright future!” So confident was Steve of both Ian and his production skills that he immediately offered to release the tune on the newly created Masif record label. When asked what it was about Ian that inspired Masif to make him one of their artists he replied, “Masif is all about good times, great music, and people that enjoy working together. Ian fits that bill perfectly! Ian is a very personable character and really approachable. Couple that with superb mixing skills, great programming, and tonnes of experience and you have a DJ that stands out...not many have all those attributes.”
When asked what it was that convinced him to take Ian on board and make him the new resident, Damian Gelle replied, “Watch him play, how could I say no to that! Ian as a DJ mixes flawlessly and with a great understanding of musical genres across the board. His breaks set at Starf*cker was one of the best I've ever seen. He brings a similar kind of energy to his production. It's a big room sound everyone is about to hear." Original Heat resident Marc French is also looking forward to having Ian on board the HeatUK Team. “I met Ian last summer before he had played a Heat gig and now a year later I am pleased to see him join me as resident at HeatUK. His outstanding performances and musical style (plus being a bit of a diamond geezer) have been qualities that have impressed myself and the Heat promoters”, he continues, “Since our meeting we have formed quite a bond and have been involved in a number of production projects including a Betts/French collaboration. Ian also engineered my remix of Killer Disco as well as producing his own trance mix. We have also now played a number of back to back sets, with a club classics DJ project on the horizon, plus studio dates planned to make some "future old school" tracks”. It certainly looks like the French/Betts collaboration will be a spectacular to witness and will certainly be building upon the great successes that Heat and Marc have had over the last 2 and a half years and with his debut Resident performance set for the Heat Legends party at Clapham Grand at the end of May London clubbers will be able to witness history in the making.
Heat promoter Damian Gelle and Ian Betts
Ian’s biggest set will be this June in Ibiza, when he plays at the opening party for Cream at Amnesia. Playing alongside one of the world’s top DJs Armin Van Buuren at the most famous club/venue in the world is a huge honour for Ian. It is through Heat that Ian has secured this amazing opportunity and it is just one of the many career building events that Heat have planned for their new resident. Working alongside original resident Marc French, Heat have huge plans for their party, both in the UK and internationally. One of their first coups of this year was to convince legendary up-market prestigious London venue Pacha to hold one of their events, resulting in a night that was a resounding success from all sides, but it was most certainly Ian that easily walked away with the set of the night. Alongside of London’s best DJ’s, including Marc French, Rob Tissera and Nick Sentience, it was clear from the reaction of the dance floor that Ian was the man of the moment. One of the clubbers at the event was Dominic Farrel, Nightlife Editor of Felix Magazine at Imperial College. From his review of Heat Dominic wrote, “Following on (from Brad Whitstock) was Ian Betts, upon which I will exercise my right as editor and rave about for the next five minutes. The man is a genius and already a living legend amongst the clubbers of London. His set was undoubtedly the best of the night and one of the best I have seen anyone play for a long time. A set full of uplifting, euphoric, happy, full on trance that had a by now pretty packed main room, bouncing like the floor was made of “ACME Super Bounce Rubber Floor Panelling – for the promoter who doesn’t want his punters to be able to stand still”. It’s been a long time since I saw any DJ get a reaction like Ian did, every tune, when the break came, upwards of 600 people threw their arms in the air, turned to face the DJ booth and jumped. When Ian said “jump” they said, “with pleasure”, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand and was loving every single second, stomping like a loon himself in the booth. I had a cheshire cat sized grin for the entire hour and a half he was playing, I recognised a single tune but it didn’t matter in the slightest, besides, that tune was ‘Love Resurrection’ one of his own compositions. I had heard plenty of people talk about this and was sure I must have heard it, but didn’t know what it sounded like, as soon as the vocal hook came in I knew what it was though. And my god what a tune. Glorious, uplifting, energetic trance with a vocal that claims “we alllll neeeeeeeeeed looooove”, it was easily among the tunes of the night and is set to be the tune of the year, if not mainstream, at least within the London scene, along with Ian himself who is rapidly making a name for himself as London’s best trance DJ. If you get a chance, go see him.”
Ian Betts - Heat at Cross 2003
So what exactly does the future hold for this bright young talent? Heat are investing a lot into their new resident and their plans for the coming year will see both Heat and Ian expanding their horizons to bigger events and far off shores. According to Damian Gelle this include the "opening party with Cream at Amnesia with Armin Van Buuren and Tall Paul, HeatUK Full Moon Party in Thailand this August, HeatUK 3rd Birthday at The Brixton Academy in September...that's just for starters!” Gelle stands 100% behind his new artist, and when asked what is was exactly that Ian brought to the mix with Heat he replied, "Ian brings trance energy to our events never seen before. I believe you see the best of Ian Betts at HeatUK events. This was no more evident than his afternoon performance at The Cross or his driving set at Pacha where he only played one piece of vinyl in between a cross selection of his own productions on CD. You're talking about the best trance DJ I've ever seen performing in front of one of the most receptive crowds in London." Fine praise indeed!
But it is not just the promoters who are bowled over by Ian’s talent and personality. All over London and around the world there are literally legions of fans knocking themselves over to come and watch him play, and when they do it is not just his talent behind the decks that gets them talking. With an extremely personable attitude and infectious humorous character Ian is one of the most down to earth people you could come across. Entertaining the crowds from behind the decks with his ‘slow motion dancing’ and impressions of Nick from Space (Channel 4 comedy series) as well as amusing fans when he is off the decks with his impersonations of Jimmy Saville and Mick Jagger, Ian has that rare quality that draws people to him, because at heart he is just like every other punter that goes out to events – he is a clubber who loves the music!
Heat Residents Marc French & Ian Betts
Having already spoken to several industry sources about Ian’s career and what they felt the future holds for him I decided to put a few questions to the man himself:
How does it feel to be made the new resident for HEAT? What was your reaction when you were first told that you were being lined up for such a prestigious residency?
It’s been exceptionally flattering to be asked to become a resident for Heat - I know that they have turned down some very big names wanting to become residents and so for them to ask me is really quite something. Once I’d picked my chin up off the floor after Damo had first told me he wanted me to be their only other resident in 2.5 years, I became unbelievably excited about the prospect of working more closely with Damo, Anton, Marc and everyone  The guys put in such hard work to their parties and the crowd they have is second to none – I’ve played three of my most memorable gigs for Heat, at Pacha, the Cross and the first time I played at Turnmills in the T2 room. Each time the atmosphere was amazing and it seemed to spur me on to play as well as I ever have done! It’s also wicked that I’m being made a resident alongside one of my best mates – Frenchy and I might well be causing some mayhem at future Heat parties  There is loads of very exciting stuff in the pipeline and I can’t wait to play my first proper gig there as the new resident, and of course playing at Amnesia beside Armin is going to be by far the biggest moment of my career to date
The Heat Boys - Marc, Damo & Ian
The last year has seen you literally explode onto the dance scene in terms of both DJing and Producing – How did it all start out for you? What got you interested in mixing and playing out and where did it all begin?
It all started for me at The Gallery at Turnmills many years ago now – I got introduced to dance music and clubbing though a friend who took me there one night shortly after it had opened. I hadn’t really been into dance music before then, although I loved stuff like the Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses. That first night was a real awakening for me, and although it was pretty empty in comparison to the same night these days, it was the start of something I never looked back from. From those very first moments I went to The Gallery every Friday for 3 years and met some of my closest friends there – the music and DJs were a huge inspiration for me. Steve Lee’s end of night sets were instrumental in shaping the music I play now. I used to badger him for mixtapes and the names of tunes all the time and would buy anything he played! That club has a lot to answer for – there is many a night I can remember dancing away on the steps down to the dancefloor with Phil Reynolds on one side of me and Will Paterson on the other!
Rumour has it you were once in an Indie band – has music always played a big part in your life?
Yeah music has always meant a lot to me, largely through my Mum’s influence. When I was barely 2 or 3 she used to let me play with the collection of 7” singles she had from when she was a teenager back in the 60s, and there are surreal photos of me sat on the floor spinning the records round on a spindle as if I were a DJ! I ruined those records by playing with them so much, they would probably be worth a small fortune now – sorry Mum! When I was a bit older I inherited her old Decca record player that had a speaker built into the lid – I used to sit there and play those same records for hours on end driving both my parents mad in the process! Finally my Mum gave me the guitar she had learnt to play on when she was young and I started to teach myself how to play. I used to play along to anything – Mum’s old records, the radio, the TV! By the time I was at school I had formed a band and we were recording our own (very shambolic) tunes – there is a tape of me aged 11 that very few people have heard….  I also learnt to play the drums and piano (I got bought a drum kit for one birthday much to the neighbours annoyance!) and was in several bands throughout school/university, all influenced by different genres of music – blues, 70s rock, 80s AOR, 90s indie, punk/ska. One band had a single released and we also headlined the Mean Fiddler and the Garage – in fact there’s a very flattering Melody Maker review that compared me to Johnny Marr, which I was very proud of I still get the guitar out every now and again if I’m feeling particularly brave!
Your first tune will be coming out shortly on the newly created Masif records. There has been so much positive response to love Resurrection and Steve Hill seems incredibly excited about your first release - can you tell us more about how your track came to be signed, other artists that will be appearing on the label with you and what this means for you as an artist to be linked to one of the best producers in the industry and being a Masif DJ/producer? What plans are there in terms of remixes and when will Love resurrection be available in shops?
Love Resurrection came from an idea I had when I first started to get to grips with teaching myself production. I knew it would be a track that would work on the dancefloor if it was given the right treatment and it has been over a year in the making, being given tweaks and polishes as I have learnt my way around sound engineering and my studio. I had been playing very rough versions of the track out for some time when I played it as my first tune at my first ever Heat gig in T2 at Turnmills. Unbeknown to me Steve Hill was in the crowd and loved it so much he called me next day to find out what it was and who it was by – when I told him it was my own tune and wasn’t signed he virtually tore off my arm to sign it to the label he was forming, so how could I refuse! Steve has completed his own remix with Guyver (which apparently took the roof off at the last Tidy Weekender!) and we are now looking at an end of May/start of June release date J It’s a real honour to be appearing with the likes of Steve, James Lawson, Matt Williams, Sharkboy and Mr Bishi on Masif - these guys are quite rightly held in such high regard for their production work, and if I can go even some way to emulating them I would be very happy indeed! Hopefully there will be collaborations between the Masif producers in the future, I’m sure it is going to be great fun to work with them and I’d be very excited to hear what we could come up with in a studio
Steve Hill and Ian Betts
Where do you get your inspiration from for writing tunes? How do you generally approach writing tracks – do you always have an idea in mind before you sit down or do you just start writing and see where it takes you?
I find that inspiration can come from anywhere – I was watching the TV once when I heard three notes played in the background of an airline advert and I had to run off to the studio to start writing a tune immediately based on that hook! I listen to lots of non-dance music at home and often get inspiration from there, and it is always good to listen to what your contemporaries are producing too. There are times when I’ve been walking down the road with my walkman on, have imagined a riff over the top of whatever I have been listening too at the time and have forced myself into trying to remember it until I got home and could write it into Logic (and with my memory you wouldn’t believe how hard that is!). I tend to approach writing a track very haphazardly, but I prefer the creativity that seems to inspire. I know lots of producers are very regimented about how they write but I will tend to start at the beginning, building the different parts up and arrange the track as I go (sounds obvious I know but you would be surprised how many producers don’t write that way!). Sometimes I’ll have the main riff already written so I’ll know how the breakdown is going to sound, other times I’ll try and create the main hook as I go. I’ve found it’s been very interesting trying to write different styles of music recently and have learnt a lot from doing this, breakbeats in particular.
You recently played an exclusive breakbeat set for Starf*cker at Herbal that has received rave reviews – do you enjoy spreading your creative wings and encompassing other genres? How did the set come about in the first place? How does it feel to know that promoters are confidant enough in your ability to allow you to be so diverse?
I was approached by Damo about that set at Starf*cker after he heard I dabbled in playing breakbeats, and I jumped at the chance of playing something different in such a cool venue. I’ve been a big fan of breakbeats for a while now having been introduced to them by Andy at Sleepless, and I buy the odd tracks that really hit the spot whenever I can. Starf*cker was the first opportunity I had to play breaks out and I have to say I loved it! Contrary to popular opinion I’m not just a trance lover and I really enjoy the chance I get to encompass all sorts of styles and genres when I play (and when I go out you’ll see me at lots of parties that don’t play trance!). I used to play at Bar Inigo on Thursday nights and they gave me free reign to play whatever I wanted, from classic piano anthems to breaks to trance, but for me the best nights (and those nights that got the best atmosphere) where when I brought such nuggets as Donna Summer “I Feel Love”, Aerosmith, Ram Jam “Black Betty”, Annie Lennox “Little Bird”, Shamen “Ebeneezer Goode” etc out of my collection I just wish I had more courage to play some of these at a proper club night – “Walking On Sunshine” in the middle of a set at The Fridge would be wicked (errrrr, wouldn’t it?!)
Starf*cker Flyer
Herbal is a relatively new venue for most clubbers on the hard dance scene but it stands out from a lot of places due to it’s unique atmosphere and scope of possibility – will you be doing any more sets/events at the venue? Rumour has it that you and Marc will be focusing on house sets for some events to be held at Herbal – can you tell us more about these?
I was really impressed with Herbal as a venue, the layout and the atmosphere make a real change from most clubs on the hard dance scene and as you say the scope of possibilities there is huge. I hope to be able to play more breaks sets there in the future both for Starf*cker and other promotions, and Marc and I are getting a new project off the ground playing proper classic house from back in the day and calling ourselves The Usual Suspects We are going to be looking at playing the likes of Herbal as there are some great venues out there that we wouldn’t ordinarily get the chance to play at, plus we’ll be taking on some second rooms at the more hard dance orientated promotions too
You have such big plans in the pipeline with some excellent gigs and production opportunities coming your way – how do you deal with all the pressure this must bring along with it? What keeps your feet on the ground when your career is moving ahead at such breakneck speed?
I love what I do and I realise that I am very lucky to be in the position I am so I try not to feel as though there is any pressure on me, but I’ve just recently had to start a day job again as I was struggling to make ends meet and have found that my time is becoming far more stretched. I’m exceptionally fortunate to have a great bunch of friends around me who make sure I don’t get carried away with it all and keep me well grounded (they know who they are and I can’t thank them enough for what they do ). I also have two very close friends who I am able to confide in and bounce ideas off of, whose advice I have huge respect for and who are quick to tell me if I get too big for my boots - they have provided invaluable support for me when things have become too much (they also know who they are and I love them both to bits ). The last year or so has felt like a real whirlwind at times and I still struggle to come to terms with just how much everything has kicked off and where everything is going – I’m by no means perfect and I have made and continue to make both mistakes and errors of judgement but my friends have been there to set me straight and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What tune are you most proud of writing and why?
Well Love Resurrection is obviously something I am incredibly proud of as it was an idea I first had a few years ago and to finally see it getting released sounding the way it does will be a real moment for me – it will remarkably be the first track I have had released and for that reason alone it will always be special and to see the reaction it gets whenever I play it is still a real buzz However the tune I am most proud of will never see the light of day as a proper release – I wrote it as a present for a friend who also DJs based on an idea they came up with when we were sitting in the Peace Gardens one Saturday morning and they have the only copy in existence. It’s not the usual sort of stuff I’d produce but each time I’ve heard it in a club it gives me goosebumps! I’m hoping I might be able to borrow it to play at Twisted 
Where do you get your inspiration from in terms of DJing? Which DJs do you admire/have always admired and why?
I have been lucky enough to listen to lots of different DJs and styles over the years, from my formative clubbing days at The Gallery, where I got treated to a weekly diet of Tall Paul and Steve Lee, right through to the legends of today. As I mentioned before Steve Lee was a huge influence me when I started DJing (in fact he was the reason I started DJing!) but I also remember clubs like Sanctuary at Grays and Sunny Side Up very fondly indeed where the young up-coming DJs of the time like Skol, Roosta, Carl Nicholson and Darren Poole used to play some of the best uplifting music I’d ever heard! The first time I heard Pete Wardman at SSU blew me away and Paul Van Dyk is still a hero of mine and one of the few DJs I would make a real effort to go and see. Anthony Dean and Tony Burt have been the two contemporaries of mine that have had most influence on me and more recently I’ve loved the sets I’ve seen Oliver Leighs play and I’m going to be banging on about John Askew to anyone who will listen over the next few months! In terms of sheer professionalism then Graham Gold is someone you have to take your hat off to – he has so much time for everyone and is always giving advice and feedback. But by far the biggest influences on me recently have been Sharon B and Marc French – the structure, the tunes and the way these guys play is seriously good and I have learnt a lot from both of them even though you wouldn’t at first necessarily make the connection to the sound I play. As I said before, it’s funny where the inspiration can come from
Anthony Dean & Ian Betts
You are going to be playing at Amnesia alongside of Armin Van Buuren and Tall Pall – this must be like a dream come true for you – did you ever imagine when you decided to become a DJ?Producer that you would achieve such success so quickly? What implication does this have for your career in terms of global recognition etc?
I can safely say that I would never have dreamed in a million years that I’d be playing alongside names like this at one of the best venues in the world, let alone this quickly! It’s an amazing opportunity for me and I’m incredibly flattered that both Heat and Cream feel I am the man for the job – experiences like this do not come along often but I hope to be able to grasp the opportunity with both hands and show everyone just what I’m made of and hopefully it will be the start of many more gigs like this. I’d have retired a happy man if I’d ever played the last set at The Gallery (still would in fact!) but this is something else entirely - I still have to remind myself that it is really happening I hope that such high profile gigs like Amnesia, playing at the new Euphoria CD launch with Ferry Corsten at Turnmills in May and my 3 hour showcase for Twisted at Fridge on Saturday will raise my profile abroad and in this country. I’m hoping to get more exposure outside of London in the rest of the UK, and whilst I have played gigs in Israel, Slovenia and Australia I would still like to play more international parties as well. Of course the internet is making global recognition more easier to attain than it used to be – I think internet radio will become a huge medium over the next few years and I know that I have friends in Australia and New Zealand who stay in tune with the scene over here through it. Being able to travel to amazing places doing a job you love must be one the best things that can happen to you
Cream Logo
So, have you thought of what you are going to play for your big set at Cream? This is obviously an opportunity of a lifetime for you – has this lead to months of preparation? Have you been thinking about what style/tunes you will play out when you get there or will you just bring an assortment and see how the evening develops?
I’m lucky in that I play a wide style of trance from the more progressive sounds of an early night set right through to the euphoric anthems of an end of night set, so putting together something suitable (hopefully!) won't be too much of a trauma, but I never tend to plan my sets when I play out, preferring the energy and excitement of creating a set on the fly, and to be completely honest the fact I’m actually playing alongside Armin and Paul at Amnesia is still sinking in, so although I am incredibly excited I’ve not really thought that much at all about what I will play! As it’s such a big gig for me I will no doubt try and have some idea of what sort of tunes I will play and try to cater for every eventuality with the records I take with me, but I will probably have no idea of exactly what I will play until that first record goes on the decks!
How did you get the set in the first place? Did the promoters come and see you play or go on word of mouth or did you have to submit a demo to secure the set?
I’ve already had to produce a demo for the promoters to be able get the gig in the first place, and that was quite a daunting experience in itself! Damian from Heat has done a lot of work in getting that set for me through his dealings with Cream as part of the Heat in Ibiza tour, and in bigging me up to the Cream promoters! When he first approached me with the notion that I might be playing for Cream at Amnesia I remember thinking that he was having a joke, but I soon realised he was deadly serious and that it was time to knuckle down to make it happen! He has continually done a lot of work behind the scenes in securing the slot and I had to send a couple of demo mixes to the Cream promoters so that they were happy I was up to the job and fitted in with the music policy of the night, which thankfully they were (and very complimentary they were about it too ). The relationship between Heat and Cream is something that I hope will grow beyond Ibiza – they are one of the biggest names in clubbing (think Oakenfold’s 2 year residency in the Courtyard) and having the opportunity to play for them is something not to be bestowed lightly.
Cream
What about other opportunities coming your way at the moment? Will you be doing internet radio as well as club gigs? Is that where you would like your career to progress to? Other artists such as Dave Pearce, Judge Jules, Pete Tong etc all have prominent roles on radio – is there where you would like to see yourself in the future?
I’m excited about internet radio and the potential audience it can reach and as I said before I think it is going to be a fast growing medium in the next few years - the global coverage it gives is something that normal radio cannot compete with. I’ve been involved with internet stations before and I’m going to be hosting the monthly Heat Radio Show on www.harddance.net starting very soon and featuring mixes from myself and Marc as well as guest Heat DJs amongst others. I’m not sure I can see myself as the next Dave Pearce or Judge Jules (for one thing I’ve not got a particular radio friendly voice ) but it is something I would like to try and develop further given the chance. Maybe with our knockabout banter Marc and I might get a cult following one day 
You have further plans for international sets in Thailand, Australia and New Zealand – can you tell us more about these?
I toured out in Australia in January last year and had simply the best experience I know lots of people over there from their time in the UK and I made even more friends when I was over there - the gigs I played were every bit as good as clubbing in London plus you get the glorious weather! I’m hoping to be over in Australia and New Zealand again next January, maybe as part of a Heat tour – the feelers are being put out now so if there are any promoters reading who would be interested then please get in touch I can’t wait to get back out there and from speaking to the likes of Steve Hill it sounds as though I could have a pretty big time! There are also plans for gigs in Thailand and Amsterdam amongst other places, all of which are looking as though they will be very special – the details are all still being finalised but I’m sure you will hear about them shortly
Most DJ’s at your level are under management of a DJ agency – would you join an agency if given the opportunity? What benefits are there to being part of an agency and what benefits are there to being your own boss/manager?
Being your own boss does have some advantages as it does in any other industry, but given the opportunity I would jump at joining an agency, although they would have to be the right agency, someone I knew and trusted. Being your own boss/manager is hard work especially if you have a day job as well – it’s a full time job in itself to be proactively getting gigs, getting tracks signed, promoting yourself, etc and remember this is all stuff on top of actually DJing and producing, it’s a side of the job that most people will never get to witness. That’s why if you are to take your career forward an agency is simply essential - they also take care of the business side of things, something that I have been notoriously bad about!
You are joining original Heat resident Marc French as part of the HeatUK team – how does it feel to be working alongside such a renowned hard dance artist and what can we expect to see from Heat in terms of French/Betts collaborations and sets?
Working alongside Marc is one of the reasons I said yes to Heat in the first place – I used to go and see him DJ years ago when he used to be a resident at a party friends of mine promoted at Grays called ‘Huge’ and at a bar in Clapham called Trainspotters, which was owned by another mate of mine. He was The Don back then and he’s still The Don today Our careers took similar paths since those days but crossed very rarely (I once played at Odyssey where he was resident, he played at Feersum where I was resident) and it was only in the last year or so that we got chatting properly but we hit it off straight away as we are pretty similar in character and we are now firm friends. We have already played back-to-back a couple of times, most recently at the BecomeOne 2nd Birthday, which was great fun – Marc can turn his hand to trance very adeptly (his record collection is huge!) and I’ve been known to bang out the odd hard dance tune, and as we know each other so well it seems to work brilliantly. We’re also planning on playing some more classic house sets like we did at Retox for Damo’s birthday a few months ago (which was a very debauched affair!) under “The Usual Suspects” guise We’ve also been working together in the studio - I’ve done a remix of Marc’s “Killer Disco” track and I also engineered a wicked re-edit of it that Marc has been playing out recently  We’ve been working on some original material as well which will hopefully see the light of day within the next month or two
Marc French & Ian Betts
Rapture TV use one of your tunes as a soundtrack to one of their shows – can you tell us more about this? Which show? How did it all come about and what has the reaction been from Rapture and it’s viewers to your music?
Rapture TV used a track I’ve made with Anthony Dean called “Inspiration” on a feature they ran on clubbing holidays. The track is coming out on Heat Vinyl and it was all setup through Kirk at Radical Escapes who not only runs the Heat in Ibiza holidays but also the Rapture TV snowboarding trips featured in the show. Kirk loved the track after he heard me play it at one of The Cross parties and so he asked if they could use it for the piece – it ended up getting played 5 times a day on Rapture for 2 months and was one of the most requested tracks they have ever played I was amazed at the reaction it got not only at The Cross party but also through Rapture and I’m hoping that when it finally gets released we will be able to feature footage of Heat as part of the promo material for use on stations like Rapture and MTV. The track is also going to be featured alongside footage of my set at The Cross that day on the “History Of Heat” DVD that is being planned.
You have also done a number of collaborations over the past year with other artists as well such as Todd Tobias, Tom Allen, Oliver Leighs, Matt Williams, Tin Tin (aka Oli Cassidy) etc – how do you find working with other producers when making new tunes and which artists have you yet to work with that you would like to produce a track with?
For me working with other producers has been a real learning experience – I’ve only been producing on my own for just over a year now having taught myself the basics of sound engineering by messing about in my studio at home, so being able to watch the likes of Todd and Matt in action has proved invaluable to me as they are both geniuses in the studio. Each time I was in the studio with them I was able to go back home and make my productions sound more polished and professional – I’m still learning all the time to be honest and when I listen to the stuff BK and Nick Sentience are coming up with at the moment I realise I’ve still got a long way to go! Working with the likes of Tom and Oli has been great fun for me and yet more good experience too as I was engineering the tracks as well as creating them, which is a different way for me to approach collaborations – I am hugely excited about the tracks I have made with everyone I have collaborated with and hope that I can work together with them again soon. There are lots of people I’ve yet to work with that I’d love to spend some time in the studio with, both to keep learning and for the sheer fun of it! People like John Askew and Steve Jones (Space Brothers, Chakra, etc) would be awesome to collaborate with, I’m a big fan of Tony Burt’s stuff on Above The Sky, I have a huge amount of respect for James Lawson, Nick Sentience and Ali Wilson’s productions and I can’t wait to do a track with Steve Hill!
Ian Betts and Tin Tin (aka Oli Cassidy)
With so much planned it looks like you have an amazing future ahead of you – where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time? How would you like your career to build from here?
That’s a really tough question for me to answer as I never expected things to ever get to this level for me, so to think about where they will be in five months time let alone five years is almost impossible! I’d obviously love to be able to give up my day job (I have had a taste of this for the last year or so and I think I could very happily handle making music and DJing full time!) and hope that I will be able to travel to some amazing cities and countries on the back of what I do as well as getting to play alongside and make tracks with the best DJs and producers there are. I’d love to be able to try and turn my hand to different types of music (like the break set I played at Starf*cker recently which I loved!) and to get involved in interesting projects with the people I admire. Hearing my tunes on radio and TV will always be pretty special, and having a tune played by someone like Paul Van Dyk would be amazing I seriously love what I do so simply being able to carry on playing for great parties like Heat and Twisted as well as making the music I love will be reward enough.
With a devout following of fans from both industry sources and clubbers alike, it looks like we will all see a lot more of this very talented DJ/Producer. Such is Ian’s popularity that in 2003 he was voted second on Harderfaster as Most Popular DJ – not a bad accomplishment for a trance DJ on what is essentially a hard dance website!! When asked what it is that makes Ian stand out and achieve such a level of popularity through such a varied cross-section of clubbers, Andy Harkin of Sleepless believes, “Ian is one of a rare breed of DJs that doesn't simply construct a set based on what the big boys play. He has his own inimitable style that is spawning a new breed of Bettsy fans and followers, with many DJs (including myself) looking and listening to see what they can emulate from his style. It's clear that his personality and love for Trance is beginning to shine through in his own productions, which I'm confident will sit comfortably amongst other DJ/producers such as Armin and Ferry Corsten.” Or, simply put - “A legend in the making.”
With thanks to:
Damian Gelle & Marc French - HeatUK
Kate Lynch - Twisted
Andy Harkin - Sleepless
Steve Hill - Masif Records
Dominic Farrel, Nightlife Editor of Felix Magazine at Imperial College
Photo’s Courtesy of Harderfaster, with special thanks to Amy Anders
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Other Features By Sharon B:
What's it all about? Alfie! - Getting Technikal with Alf Bamford
Heat UK presents....SW4!!! - Interview with Damian Gelle
Interview with TWIST promoter Steve Darragh
Interview with Innovate Resident Nick Sentience
Interview with Ferry Corsten
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: timmyd9 on 29th Apr 2004 14:15.12
One word: Legend I fully expect your career to take off this year with your forthcoming releases mate (even if you still insist on playing that trance nonsense )
From: Shaun on 29th Apr 2004 14:23.11
an absolute legend indeed! His residency at Heat and the massive gig at Amnesia are richly desevered!
Ps- Who is playing the opening night at Cream? Armin & Tall Paul or Tiesto? A bit confused???
From: Tom Allen on 29th Apr 2004 14:36.02
The finest DJ and producer playing in London today. Nuff said and loads of 
From: Not Marcus on 29th Apr 2004 14:37.51
wicked stuff everyone. just wicked
From: Jim Wild on 29th Apr 2004 14:51.54
Nice work mate
From: Richard Launch on 29th Apr 2004 14:55.43
Congratulations Bettsy.
From: Dom on 29th Apr 2004 14:58.50
What they said A pleasure, mate and utter liability all rolled into one
From: Benedict on 29th Apr 2004 15:18.34
It's just beginning to sink in what a big name he's becoming. I only really run across him on a personal level at the smaller parties so I hadn't quite twigged how much of a splash he was making out in the wider clubscene with the general public. Fully deserved though, a brilliant dj and an all round nice guy, he's earned everything he gets and more.
From: Gregology on 29th Apr 2004 15:20.52
One of the best Interviews I have read on HF. Good Luck for the future Ian.
From: carl nicholson on 29th Apr 2004 15:24.57
Fucking hell, i sitting in work and i have tears welling up! Bettsey i'm so fuckin proud of you son!
From: Nathan on 29th Apr 2004 15:33.05
IMHO there are none worthier of such accolades. Well done mate!
From: De-Cent on 29th Apr 2004 19:15.24
Good interview!! Well done Ian, very very deserving! You've done us all proud.......good to see you moving forward as well as you are.
From: The Scene on 30th Apr 2004 02:11.05
Richly deserved for one of the best DJs and nicest guys I have had the pleasure of knowing Will you be wearing those trainers in 'beefa Ian?
Great work son
From: Danny Gilligan on 30th Apr 2004 08:46.00
I am so delighted for you Ian, an exellent DJ / PRODUCER and a great bloke!
From: Pandora S-K on 30th Apr 2004 09:27.41
Nice one Ian, Well done!
From: James Lawson on 30th Apr 2004 09:48.13
Well done to da bettster! Well deserved!
From: Exiled Angel on 30th Apr 2004 10:03.35
The MAN, the LEGEND! Couldn't have gone to a nicer bloke, and there isn't anyone who could do it better! Congratulations honey!! 
From: Stevi D on 30th Apr 2004 11:31.17
Top bloke, classic dj, and round well respected lad!
From: ~deleted3264 on 30th Apr 2004 11:33.17
Congratulations indeed, top news and a top bloke
From: 00Frenchy on 30th Apr 2004 11:58.13
Dont forget to keep those payments up Ian, acc. 1122266778 sort 04-06-87 Mr M French
From: BottleofWater on 30th Apr 2004 12:16.49
Great interview/piece i must say. After whirlwind year, with its highs and lows you deserve all the sucess in the world mate 
From: Tin Tin on 30th Apr 2004 12:48.33
Ian your an inspiration mate! a true legend in every sense of the word, as a DJ, Producer and as a friend! Keep up the good work and i can't wait to watch you reach the top!
From: Ian Betts on 30th Apr 2004 13:36.00
Wow, thanks to everyone for their comments 
From: shazzabazza on 30th Apr 2004 13:50.48
From: LOZ on 30th Apr 2004 13:52.30
Well done babes
From: Red5 on 30th Apr 2004 14:37.37
brilliant interview and a top bloke. Very much looking forward to Twisted
From: Matt on 30th Apr 2004 14:56.10
Ian Betts Nuff said 
From: Hatsta on 30th Apr 2004 16:42.52
Ian who...... ?
From: littlemissgenki on 30th Apr 2004 16:57.28
"in fact there’s a very flattering Melody Maker review that compared me to Johnny Marr, which I was very proud of. I still get the guitar out every now and again if I’m feeling particularly brave!"
Looking forward to a Ian Betts world exclusive live pa, Prime Mover-style with guitar, some time soon! brilliant interview/ feature Shazza & Ian and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
From: Latex_Zebra on 30th Apr 2004 18:14.40
What a Dude.
From: Duracell Bunny on 1st May 2004 18:24.17
Congratulations Ian!!!
From: Anja on 2nd May 2004 10:40.19
Good work pal, that Timeless set in Melbourne last jan was quaaality
From: Oliver Leighs on 3rd May 2004 13:02.52
It makes a pleasant change to have actual talent rewarded in this industry..... it doesnt happen very often but when it does it's something special. It also makes it better when the talent is actually a genuinely nice guy. Looking forward to another collaboration soon and good luck on taking your career to the next level.... Oli
From: Dee on 3rd May 2004 17:28.00
...all that and a winning smile.
Brilliant write up, exciting times ahead. (Lucky I've started my Ian Betts Random Autographs Collection already eh.)
All the best Ian. 
From: Col* on 4th May 2004 10:04.37
Nice work Bettsy.
See you fellas when I get back to Blighty next month!
From: Phil Reynolds on 4th May 2004 15:06.44
It's been a long time since those days dancing at the Gallery!!! well done mate. I'm really pleased that all your hard work is starting to pay off.
From: SarRAAAH! on 4th May 2004 17:54.06
Well Done You! It couldn't have happened to a lovelier person!
Very well written piece too, Sharon!
From: Lizzie Curious on 4th May 2004 19:37.38
flipping heck - what a brilliant interview and what a brilliant guy who totally and utterly deserves all the success that is coming your way.
Hip hip hooray for the Superduper DJ/Producer that is Mr. Ian Betts!!
From: argh_01 on 5th May 2004 03:19.20
fuckin'ell! popular chap round here or what?
 bettsy
From: Ian Betts on 5th May 2004 11:00.00
Thanks again guys, totally bowled over by everyone's comments
And to Sharon for all the hard work she put into writing such a wicked piece
From: Paul Reeves on 5th May 2004 15:47.13
have to echo what has been said already, well done m8, not only are you now seeing the fruits of ur labour which are well deserved, but also a top bloke to boot just brush ur teeth more often cos ur breath stinks
From: Alix on 6th May 2004 12:15.40
From holding residencies in little back rooms at certain clubs to this... well it should've happened a lot sooner! It's good to see the capital has finally realised what a gift and talent the legendary Mr Betts has.... I'm sure this star will keep shining brighter and brighter....
From: Karl Alexander on 6th May 2004 18:02.07
Well done Ian ! All the hard work is paying off and it's great to see you finally getting the recognition you deserve.
Nice job on the interview Sharon
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