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Heat UK presents....SW4!!! - Interview with Damian Gelle Reported by Sharon B / Submitted 19-08-04 09:01 Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the last few weeks you will know that this weekend London stands witness to a 10,000 strong outdoor event entitled “SW4” promoted by Heat UK. With headliners Sasha and Erick Morillo playing to an up-for-it crowd at Clapham Common under the sun (hopefully!), this Saturday is going to be one extravaganza not to be missed. Having sold out on all tickets it seems that Heat UK are continuing to ride the crest of a very successful wave that has seen them expand their horizons in 2004 to include playing at London’s prestigious venue Pascha, taking 300 clubbers abroad on the Ibizan Heat holiday and have one of their residents, Ian Betts, play the opening and closing set for Cream at Amnesia. With original resident Marc French making serious waves in the production world with his tracks “Killer Disco” and “1,2,3,4” it seems that the Heat boys are doing very well indeed. Sharon B managed to catch up with Heat Promoter Damian Gelle to find out more about this weekend’s big event, his thoughts on the year gone by and his ambitions for the future. Sharon B: SW4 is by far and away the biggest venture that HeatUK have done so far, with an estimated 10,000 people descending on Clapham Common this weekend. How did the idea first come about and what has gone into putting on one of the most talked about dance events in London? Damian Gelle: To be honest, the seed of the idea probably developed from the first backyard party. It has always been about throwing the best party you possibly can at the time and outdoor events are so few and far between in London which makes this all the more special. The response has been so great because we filled a very big gap in the market. SB: What have you got planned for SW4? What can clubbers expect when they arrive at the common and what are you looking forward to in particular? DG: This is more than a clubbing event it’s a great day out. The one thing I liked about the Love Box event on Clapham Common was that it was social. You didn’t even have to be near the music to enjoy the day. At the same time there are certain things we would like to improve about our event – weather permitting! Ideally I’d like to see three arenas competing. If the people on Saturday don’t know which arena to stay in because they feel they may be missing out somewhere else then we’ve done our job. SB: Usually whenever there is an event of this magnitude there are problems with amenities for clubbers. Not enough toilets are put on, the sound system in a large space doesn’t always keep up with the pace of the music etc. What extra lengths have you gone to ensure that all the clubbers needs are met? DG: We are aiming to provide the best facilities for an event like this. Everyone knows that with outdoor events of this nature there are always going to be certain restrictions and problems that arise. Our belief is that we can replace those limitations with an awesome vibe. Everyone has been to an event which wasn’t perfect but they’ve had a great time. South West Four is about providing quality for the majority. We’ve also spent a great deal of time programming the event and sorting out the sound. Lovebox was heavily criticised over the toilet facilities when in fact the site manager actually provided many more than was legally required. I’m hoping that by playing someone as high profile as Erick Morillo early (1pm – 4pm) it will draw an early crowd and ease the queues. SW4 flyer SB: What about travel to and from the event? Will there be space for people to park their cars? What is the best route to get to the event? DG: Public transport is for me still the best and only way in London. It can be fun as well if you’re with a group. Lovebox was twice as big as this event and I had no problems parking in Clapham. I still advise public transport. SB: When you first threw the inaugral backyard party, did you ever think that you'd be throwing a 10,000 people party featuring the worlds biggest DJs on Clapham Common barely 3 years later? DG: The time has certainly flown by. That’s the great thing about London – any thing is possible and in a short space of time. SB: What about after the event? What else do you have planned for Heat clubbers this weekend? DG: There are two afterparties for this event. The first is one is one of my favourite nights which is Evolution @ Pacha. It’s our classics night with a difference where each DJ plays a specific year starting with the golden years of 1998 and moving through to the future with BK. The main room line-up is Ian Betts, Steve Blake, Spencer Freeland, Billy ‘Daniel’ Bunter, Marc French and BK. Between them they’ve been mixing for over 60 years and all have an awesome selection of classic records. The other afterparty is called SW4 @ The Telegraph which is aimed at the ‘house’ music lovers and will feature 4 of the main arena artists. We’re tight-lipped about who they are – but nobody’s going to be disappointed. SB: Once South West Four is over and you're sitting at home with a beer, do you think you might wonder how you will be able to better such a party? Do you see this as being the start of bigger things for Heat? DG: We’re already working on the next event like this. It’s a long way off and I’d rather not say until we get the green light. No point in disappointing anyone. SB: In the run up to South West Four, has it been exciting working with such world renown names whilst at the same time receiving such a huge buzz about the promotion as a whole? DG: It’s great working with massive artists like Sasha and Morillo. They have achieved so much and their reputations are so far reaching. The buzz around this event has been amazing. I think we sold nearly 3000 tickets in 4 days just on the word-of-mouth alone. I was in Ibiza at the time, when Ticketmaster phoned us through the first round of sales results we thought they had us mixed up with Creamfields. We’re really pleased clubbers have supported our decision to try something different. Sasha and Morillo SB: HeatUK has come a long way since its days as a back yard party into Walthamstow, this year alone you have managed to put on events at some of the most prestigious venues around the world including Pacha, Space and Amnesia in Ibiza. You have taken clubbers over to Amsterdam and sold out a 500 capacity boat party and still you have yet to celebrate your third birthday! What is it, do you think, about the dynamic of Heat UK that has helped you succeed and excel so much over the last few months? DG: There are many reasons why HeatUK has moved so quickly. Some of the mechanics behind our success we probably don’t even quite understand. In this sense there is still a very raw and underground feel to the club. We decide a lot on gut instinct and we’re not afraid of taking risks – there’s almost a belief that we can do anything. But behind that belief is a very dedicated team. Pat Cobb has been the backbone of the club for along time now. Anton compliments what I do in different ways. I remember once I was speaking to Mark Foster from Tidy DJ Management - and he thought I had all these personal assistants to call upon. When people see how small our team really is it becomes apparent how much ground we have covered in such a short time. Heat Resident Ian Betts SB: Earlier this year you took on your second resident, Ian Betts. What promoted you to take on another resident and why Ian? DG: A club has to keep moving with both style and talent. Ian is one of the most talented and hard working performers on the scene today. He also has his own sound and he’s not prepared to compromise. DJs like Marc French, Steve Blake and Spencer Freeland continue to thrill clubbers and it is our belief that Ian will soon (if not already) join their ranks. SB: HeatUK have really branched out in terms of their music policy. From Hard Dance we now get an array of Funky House, House, Trance, Hard Trance up to Hard House – what drove you into diversifying and what plans have you got coming up in these areas? DG: Turnmills made us diversify because we had to supply music for second and third rooms. I got fed up walking between them and hearing the same record twice. At the beginning of this year we took over the Retox Bar in Covent Garden every Thursday night where we program the DJs. It gives us a chance to catch up with friends and also play up and coming DJs on the house/funk tip. We’ve been pretty much experimenting ever since. SB: Heat UK have also put on other events under different names, such as Starf*cker – can you tell us more about it? DG: Starf*cker is about house, electro and breaks. There’s nothing really hard about it all except those bass bins in the main room at Herbal. We started the brand with Marcus Wallis who was telling me about a party he threw several years ago called Starf*cker, where everyone on the concession guest list was charged more. When people started to question this they were politely told they had been starf*cked. This is not our policy when we run the night, but it’s funny how the name of a night can just appear and flash like ‘Dirk Diggler’ green neon. ] Marcus Wallis at Heat SB: In June this year Ian Betts played at Cream at Amnesia in Ibiza under the Heat flag – that must have been quite a moment for you – to see your banner hanging from the wall of the most famous club in the world. What was going through your mind when you realised how far you had come in such a relatively short time? DG: I don’t think anything really quite compares to that club. The sound and atmosphere it creates is like nothing on planet earth. It’s a surreal experience and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the ultimate clubbing experience. Seeing Ian up there was the icing on the cake for my Ibiza trip. The Heat UK Banner hangs proud at Cream, Amnesia SB: Heat will be returning to Ibiza for the closing parties in September. This is the first time you have returned to the White Isle with the Heat events – what have you got planned and what can people expect from this holiday? DG: For the closing we’re taking a much smaller group than in June. Our accommodation is right next to bar Kanya which is one of the most relaxing spots on the island. At the same time there is still some great DJs joining us for the trip and this time round we’ll have some of our DJs playing the biggest club in the world - Manumission. You’re never too far from a great party in the closing week. The Boat Party in Ibiza 2004 SB: Recently you held a sold-out boat party catering to 500 clubbers which was a huge success. You have also taken clubbers abroad to Europe for a Heat event abroad, do you have any further plans for other boat parties or trips over the summer? DG: November 13 we’re repeating our trip to Amsterdam but this time we’re calling it ‘48 Hours In Amsterdam’. We’ve got accommodation this time round in the heart of the ‘Dam and we’ll be doing the afterparty for one of the HQ events. Can’t wait! SB: Obviously you and Anton work well together as a team. As Heat have expanded over the years have you found your roles differing greatly from the first party? How do you manage to keep your team together when the going gets tough and what do you attribute towards your success as a partnership? DG: I think the success of any partnership is being able to look at situations from different angles. Anton sees things in a very different light than me and thank-god for that, how boring it would be otherwise. He’s also a lot more rational than me. It’s great to have a healthy tug of war in any partnership. Heat Promoters Anton and Damian with Nick Sentience SB: People have always commented that Heat events differ from others because they always feel part of the Heat family. You always make an effort to remember everyone’s name and say hello to new faces – how do you remember all the clubbers who come through your doors and how important is it to you now that you have expanded so rapidly to keep the personal touch? DG: I believe it’s important to be partying constantly. No seriously, I don’t spend any time on the doors at events. It’s important to be where the action is and hear what is being played. All the admin and bullshit can wait. After all the hard work has been done the celebration is when the people come together. Just the same as I still answer most the calls for the club. I wouldn’t have it any other way SB: What plans do you have for your two residents, Marc French and Ian Betts, over the next 12 months or so? DG: I think that question should really be what do my two residents have planned for me. Frenchy is on fire with production at the moment. He’s only a month away from being able to play a whole set of his own music. Ian has got a record being released every month for the next year. We’ve several events next year which will individually showcase their skills. Heat Resident Marc French SB: How have things been going with the Heat Vinyl label? The first two releases Marc French’s awesome “Killer Disco” and Prime Mover’s “Evolution” have been very well received and we have heard the massive Nick Sentience remix on the 3rd release - how important do you think the label is for Heat as a promotion, what releases have you got planned and when are they due to be out in the shops? DG: The third release is due to come out after South West Four. Unfortunately with events of this size it has restricted us from doing what we have wanted to with the label. That will soon change as more people come on board the music side of things. I’m really happy with the first two releases. I love the sound and design of the sleeves. Both tracks have appeared on plenty of compilations. I couldn’t really ask for more from a young label. SB: You now have two of London's most experienced and favourite DJs as your residents in Marc French and Ian Betts, both of who are starting to have a prolific production output and are getting rave reviews for their tracks such as '1234', 'Love Resurrection', 'Liberation' and 'Night Rider' – how influential do you think they are to the Heat parties and in your eyes what do they bring to Heat as a promotion? DG: It’s great when you have total faith in the people playing up there. We’re talking about two of the most consistent DJs on the London circuit. I don’t have to speak to them before events. They understand the importance of performing continually. Neither has had an easy ride to where they are now. My belief is that the harder you work to get somewhere the longer it lasts. SB: With such a huge amount going on, how do you both manage the time to relax and chill out? DG: Good question. It’s not a typical lifestyle and often you do sacrifice a lot. I’m off to Australia in October for my sister’s wedding. That will be my downtime for this year. The problem is the beer and weather is so good in Australia. SB: What has been your favourite Heat party over the years? DG: Too many to mention, but recently the last few at Pacha and last weekend on the Silver Sturgeon were right up there. Both have been musically correct and had a great vibe. Upcoming Heat event SB: So where do you go from here? What have you got planned next and where do you see Heat in 12 months time? DG: We’re really excited about September 4 when we join forces with Tilt for the ‘mother of al day parties’. They’re a great promotion and it’s a party for all the right reasons. And of course, the third birthday celebration at the Academy September 25. Many thanks to all those bass hungry fiends out there who make this such a vibrant scene. Photo's courtesy of Tom Allen, Andy T and Pink Kitty from Harderfaster Photo Section Share this :: : : : Follow HarderFaster :: Other Features By Sharon B: What's it all about? Alfie! - Getting Technikal with Alf Bamford Interview with TWIST promoter Steve Darragh Interview with Innovate Resident Nick Sentience Interview with Ferry Corsten Talking to a Legend - Interview with the world's Number 1 DJ - Tiësto 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. Comments: From: Danny Gilligan on 19th Aug 2004 10:26.17 fantastic interview looking forward to Ibiza From: Mike Devine on 19th Aug 2004 10:59.24 Great interview... Keep it up Heat crew.... Prob my fav promotion... From: Richard Launch on 19th Aug 2004 11:07.49 Get in there Damo..! From: Ian Betts on 19th Aug 2004 11:30.09 It's an honour and privilge to be a resident for Heat, to work with Damo, Anton, Frenchy and Pat who are all legends of the highest order, and to get to play for the Heat crowd who are without doubt second to none! I've had a whiff of what's in store for the next 12 months - the boat party, South West Four, Ibiza and the 3rd birthday should give everyone a very good taste for what is to come From: Gordan on 19th Aug 2004 11:54.40 Always upfront - pushing boundaries - that's the way to go! As once said and many times repeated - JUST KEEP 'EM C()MING Damo! From: Dom on 19th Aug 2004 13:38.14 "I believe it’s important to be partying constantly. No seriously" No seriously From: Bachelor Burkle on 19th Aug 2004 14:09.48 Nice one Damo, SW4 promises to be a monster. From: Meena on 19th Aug 2004 14:15.56 Anton and Damo - some of my fondest memories have been made at Heat gigs. From Ibiza to Amsterdam, Turnmills to Camden and beyond - can't wait for SW4. Keep up the good work! From: Gordon Darley on 19th Aug 2004 16:05.28 Wicked interview. Gutted I'm not out to SW4 or Evolution this weekend. Hope all goes well though From: Maria on 20th Aug 2004 09:10.12 From: Aaron Baskerville on 20th Aug 2004 13:00.33 Damo you animal .... nice work from you and crew again ! From: DDK on 20th Aug 2004 15:42.36 From: ~deleted3264 on 21st Aug 2004 08:34.54 The mother of all promoters, and bloody good bloke. From: Prozak on 23rd Aug 2004 09:53.20 Very Very Nice One Guys, Keep Up The Good Work! From: DJChewy on 26th Aug 2004 10:24.35 Top event & well done to Damo, Anton & the Heat crew Look fwd to celebrating your 3rd birthday @ Brixton Academy next month

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