VIP Club Dance

Uros Umek is internationally acclaimed deejay and music producer from Slovenia, seducing the masses with his own music blend for more than a decade. Always on the look for new sounds and determined to challenge every existing cliché in music industry, he managed to define his own vision of vanguard techno. Sure, this would not happen without the support of his loyal peers who’ve joined him on the production platforms such as Recycled Loops, Consumer Recreation and Astrodisco, with which they defined “Slovenian techno sound” and successfully it as an important driving force on the global club scene. He started his journey to the stardome as an excellent athlete, running between two baskets, but it was Euterpe the Muse of music and poetry that paved Umek’s life-path. She got him totally unprepared, seduced him with no further notice, so he had no chance of getting out of her treads. He devoted his life, his heart, all of his passion and energy, to the sounds he discovered as a teenager. Pioneering the genre he became one of its most appreciated ambassadors with faithful worldwide audience simply known as The Father (of Slovenian techno).Sleeping on past achievements was never Umek’s thing. So it’s nosurprise he decided for complete renovation of his sound and live set performance though being steady member of Top 100 DJ lists for almost a decade. The year 2007 marks beginning of a new chapter in his music career. After spending enormous amount of time and artistic energy bringing his characteristic sound to the whole new level, he presented new international music therapy called 1605 — Sixteenofive. No doubt this was a very risky move. But it was the only way for him to stay on top of the game. And it seems he made the right decision at the crucial time: the response to his new vision of electronic dance music from his peers, critics, media and most importantly his fans is great and his production is supported by some top names in the industry.mK: Why people call you “Votter” in Slovenia?

Umek: Because I am on the scene for so long and I was one of the pioneers of the electronic scene here in Slovenia.mK: How things started with you and techno? How did you discover your sound?

Umek: It started with acid house a long time ago when I had 11 or 12 years. I just loved those sounds. Compared to music you could hear on our radio stations at that time the sound was very different. . Even years latter the electronic music was really rare on our radio stations. But things changed in the last few years, finally!!!!mK: What’s your fondest memory of a night on your first steps?

Umek: I still remember my first DJ experience. I was always watching a friend of mine while he was djing and one day he just asked me out of nowhere if I wanted to play. Of course I said yes so he gave me the headphones and he went to the bar.. I was so confused but somehow I managed to bring a set to the end .. hehehehe.mK: Who inspired you to pursue techno music as your production style?

Umek: I was really into Westbam´s early stuff and Surgeon´s work between 1996-97, but these days I get my musical inspiration from playing in clubs all around the world.mK: What’s your favorite piece of studio gear?

Umek: Definitely Logic and ReaktormK: What software do you use in the studio, Protools? Logic? Cubase?

Umek: Logic, Reaktor and a lot of soft synths. I am completely digital now.mK: What is the most frustrating aspect of production?

Umek: Not finding track parts when I need them:)mK: How did you react to Radio1 asking you to mix the latest Essential Mix? How did you choose the tracklisting?

Umek: I was really excited and I knew I had to do a really good mix. I do so many radio shows these days and I do not want to repeat the tracks so I had to be really careful with what I choose.

I was going for a mix with combined techno, electro and house as a base platform and with some minimal DJ tools on top. I think I managed to do what I intended and I am proud of it:)mK: Lately you’ve done the Oldies Goldies Event at Fun Factory in Slovenia, how was it? Which is your favorite gig location?

Umek: This event was great . It always is. Club was sold out and a lot of people could not get in at all. In Slovenia we do not have so many clubs but there are always K4 and Factory.mK: Who are some of your favorite producers on the scene?

Umek: Just check my charts hehehe. At the moment we have some new Slovenian producers which I think will go big soon: Andrew Technique, Tomy DeClerque, Aneuria, Robert G Roy…..

wait a bit and you will be surprised.mK: Is there an artist that you would like to work with?

Umek: I cannot think of one right now but I would love to do an interesting remix and I am always open for cooperation.mK: Do you prefer DJing or working in the studio?

Umek: I love both: cannot live without DJing and I cannot live without producing.mK: Everyone has a favorite song, one that they always “come back to” over time, what’s yours, and why?

Umek: That is changing all the time. I get bored of a certain track after a while.mK: What’s on your studio right now? Future releases include…

Umek: I did a lot of tracks lately so I will have some nice releases coming out within next months. EPs on Astrodisco, Renaissance, Circle Music, Pacha label and together with Matthew Hoag on Little Mountain……. a lot hehehemK: Is it true that you date policewomen?

Umek: hehehehmK: I know you’re a busy guy, whether you’re at work in the studio or DJing thanks a lot for your time.

Umek: No problem. I had fun doing itReferences: http://www.umek.si/, http://www.myspace.com/djumek, http://www.danceradio.gr/