HAUS DIGITAL

HAUS MIX – 005 Robert Wheeler

Robert Wheeler has been DJing off and on for around 10 years. As a young lad he would go to to Back to Basics and marvel at DJs such as Xpress2 on 3 decks and think “this is what i want to do”. The next year, two of his favourite tracks – Intro and Together came out. Immediatly he knew he became determined to mix them together. The next thing he knew he’d borrowed some old belt driven turntables from his cousin and was spending hours learning how to beat match. Then Robert spent a few years in Germany and met a guy called Adam. “His mixing was so tight and that’s when I thought ‘Ireally need to start putting in the hours.’ So I started putting mixes together.” Region 2, in York, gave me my first DJ slot and I’ve done a few other nights. What I really wanted to do was start putting on my own nights.

How did you get involved with FFKK?

It’s funny really; I was down to play at Melt at Fibbers alongside Paul Alker. However, I came down with Mumps, so I couldn’t play. We then got chatting on Facebook about Sound Pellegrino releases and I mentioned we should start a night in York.We did four FFKKs before we stopped for the summer and we had Harry Benson, Jera and Louis Louis on. All three have gone on to release stuff and be involved in big nights. The plan was to restart the night once the Universities restarted, however, York has seen a big change in Fibbers and Toyko. I think it’s great that they are able to pull in the big names, I just think it takes the spotlight off the smaller nights, which is shame really. Look at Herbal Mafia, though? They just keep getting stronger and stronger. Will be interesting to see how they get on at the Gallery. But there is a real lack of venues in York, which makes it tricky. But you know, I’m sure we’ll be back. We’re currently looking into starting a label to raise money for charity and it would great if we could do another FFKK!!  by the end of the year.

Why are your mixes called Exquisite waste of time?

Haha, finally someone asks! I should change it really but it started a few years ago when I was uploading mixes to the Erol Alkan forum and no one was leaving comments. So I was thinking “this is a waste of time” then Les Petits Pilous left a comment saying they like it and I just thought “oooh, what an exquisite waste of time”. I kind of like it and it’s a bit different.

Your team mate is Herman Munster, how come the Haloween references?

I think he did a Halloween night last year, and he called himself Herman Munster. We should start releasing music under Herman & George (my middle name) Haha! Yeah, I think it stems from that.

How was putting the mix together?

Yeah, I really enjoyed it. It was just great getting back on the decks again.  I’ve started doing a PGCE, so I haven’t had much free time lately.  I wanted to s get a few heavy tracks in there, especially the John Roman track – It’s so good. I’m pretty impressed with middle section, all the tracks seem to flow into one another with ease.  All building up to a few heavy dubstep tracks at the end, which I’m sure will please a few listeners.

Did you feel you had to make it pretty dark?

Im playing less heavy dubstep these days. Its all great playing that grinding machine sound but it can become a little repetitive and boring.  I’d rather play more housey/ Uk funky style. You can be more creative with direction you take. Don’t get me wrong though, the Go track by Zero G is Big! It’s one of my favourites at the moment.

What artists have you been listening to/ recommend?

I’m really into the Numbers label at the moment, so I’d recommend DJS like Jackmaster, Kavsrave and Redinho. I’ve actually been listening to Ludovico Einaudi a lot lately. But stuff like James Blake and Untold and the Number’s Podcasts seem to be always be on loop.