Beast interviews...Thomas

Another Beast interview and this time it’s with our newest resident DJ Thomas. The Beast headhunted him (no not in a slaying kind of way) after he showed off his musical talents by chance. Thomas is also known for his trail blazing work in lasers and visuals and helped the Beastly crew with a scrummy Lumia laser display at the Minotaur Sound no 2 party in Lakota in May 2017. He’s the kind of bloke who could turn average into spectacular with nothing more than a paperclip and a headlight. If he can do this with visuals/lasers then imagine what he’s like behind decks – oh yes, you’ll be finding out on Saturday 25^th at the Minotaur Sound 3 party. The Beast steps inside his head for some juicy insight…

Beast wants to know more about Thomas’s DJ’ing style and the artists that influence him the most…

“I first learned to DJ when predominantly listening to drum & bass and whilst I still enjoy a 170bpm night out, I never quite gelled with mixing big drops and breakdowns, much preferring the waves of energy you can build and ‘ride’ with techno and house. Having older siblings and friends has helped me look backwards for music as well as forwards also, so you can expect some classics to be pulled out of the record bag on the 25th! As for influences, I love what people like Denis Sulta, Robert & Lyric Hood (AKA Floorplan of course) and Solomun are doing at the moment, blending the gospel and disco vibes with the techy. It’s great when you have a really headsy crowd and can go super deep with the techno, but mixing it up and keeping things interesting but accessible can be so important if the room commands it.”

This greatly pleases the Beast. Keeping people on their toes yet giving them what they want is a great art. In this respect Thomas will have happy dancers in the palm of his hand.

Beast also wants to know what Thomas is listening to the most at the moment and why…

“I find myself listening to absolutely all sorts, very much depending on my whereabouts and the time of day. For the all too common 5am trips to Heathrow and beyond it’s either ambient electronica from labels like EM:T, or some Nils Frahm or Ludovico Einaudi. When at home it’s anything from folk to industrial metal to techno…”

Now we turn to Thomas’s main laser and visuals job and Beast is curious to know how there is cross over with music…

“Absolutely- not least that my business (Airdrawn) lends its name to Sasha’s second album! A long term love of music

plus a definite geeky side meant that starting airdrawn was a dream come true. To date I’ve provided the laser power and/or visuals for some huge names and had a great time doing it. Nowadays I’ve got a very talented number two taking the reins on many of the local club nights as I’m often out of the country working, but I’m ‘keeping a toe in’ as much as I can.”

Last but not least the Beast asks Thomas what he’s looking forward to the most at Minotaur Sound 3 - Saturday 25/11…

“If it’s anything like the last two then definitely the crowd. With all the lad culture so prevalent at club nights these days it’s really great to see ‘Beast creating such a safe, friendly environment’ which then breeds like-minded people. Add that to a stellar lineup and it’s not a night to miss is it?”

You heard it from Thomas here and you can come and hear him play in the Police Cells on Saturday. Come shake a leg early with Thomas as he warms up those ceramic tiled walls of the Police Cells on Saturday. He’ll be joined by Sarah Air and Tina Hart. In the main room you can catch the delights of Much Maligned, Lee Williams and Illy Noize jetted in just for you from Halle, Germany.

Grab your tickets here: http://hdfst.uk/E40640

Illy Noize and Lee Williams back in Bristol on 25/11/2017

In the space of time since Beast hosted the last epic Minotaur Sound night in May, hurricanes have raged and despots have declared war - this is nothing new to Beastie Minotaur - who some 2500 years bc lived that very existence, only back then there wasn't any techno or deep house.

Forward wind a few millennia and so the time has come to bring night no 3 to the glittery fore. In all its musical glory - back by demandus populus we are so happy to hail the return of the legendary Illy Noize from Halle to Bristol. Like a vortex we whisk him and other resident DJ's back into The Island Bristol Police Cells venue on Saturday November 25th 2017.

Tickets can be purchased here: http://hdfst.uk/E40640

The last time we were there a couple of us scuffled around to the tune of a lone tape recorder - actually no, those who were there will remember just how many molecules of brain matter were lost just dancing to Illy's set alone. The rampant vibrations of a night that shall be commended to memory forever. Even now some peeps can say 'yep, I was there'. So fear not, if you weren't there - now is your opportunity to put that right.

In the main room dishing out Techno and Deephouse to your heart's content we bring back Much Maligned (Donewrong), Lee Williams and Illy Noize and in Police Cell no 1 we welcome Thomas, Sarah Air and the sass of Tina Hart to take us on a journey of beats and treats - anything could happen in there. In Police Cell no 2 we welcome back the spunky chic and beauty of Naomi from We Creatures bringing as ever her glittery, horny entourage to shimmer and entertain. Art visuals as ever from the oceanically deep Stefan Goodchild from Triple Geek - who has a few surprises up his techie sleeves just for you.

Get your tickets on headfirst here for a guaranteed night of musical debauchery. Book the babysitter and dust off your dancing shoes. See you there you gorgeous loves xx

Beast interviews Naomi from We Creatures

You can imagine just how excited Beast would be to interview the insanely gorgeous Naomi who heads up her very own Horns, Headresses and Costume Design company aptly titled ‘We Creatures’. Naomi captivated Beast and his minions for last year’s Launch Party – after 3000 years of hibernation, Beasts horns were looking decidedly unhorny – just little nubbins that poked embarrassingly out of his head. Naomi lovingly made a beautiful new pair for him and Beast has been grateful to her ever since. Not only that – to add to Naomi’s incredibly dextrous talents she also performs regularly in her own creations – be it at festivals, art installations or photo shoots. She performs either by herself or in a troupe of other horned up lovelies.

Naomi from We Creatures
Photo credit @Robvoodoo

Beast was keen to catch up with Naomi again before the upcoming party - once again wanting to know what goodies she will be bringing“Hiya again Beast! Our team of fauns will be bringing ALL the fab and sass, glittering any and all party goers and supplying fantastical dress up pieces from your dreams!!” Beast is so excited he does a little victory dance and remembers what it was like at last year’s party – so many Minotaur guests came away with lovely handmade horns which they’d bought from Naomi to remind themselves of the Minotaur Sound launch party – they are perfect for festivals and parties! Beast wants to know why – “We’ve all been obsessed with dressing up from a young age, so we are natural creatures of the clubbing underground” – never has a truer word been said. One of the many reasons why Naomi and her fauns fit right in with the Minotaur crew. Naomi also adds “Personally as a maker, I love making the outlandish and avant garde a reality for people and developing comfortable and fantastical headpieces is something of an obsession at this point! Also I just really, really shamelessly love covering people in glitter!” Beast can’t wait to be one of the many to get glittered up on Saturday.

As much as Beast wishes he could keep Naomi as his personal indulgent secret, he knows he can’t do so. So if you want to check out We Creatures on Instagram take a look here: http://instagram.com/we.creatures and to gaze lovingly at Naomi’s handmade headdresses and horns go here – you will find them hard to resist: http://wecreaturescostume.etsy.com and http://wecreatures.co.uk.

As the interview comes to an end, Naomi and her fauns dance around The Beast, blow a kiss to his fuzzy face and dance out of his labyrinth “See you next Saturday Beast! Can’t wait to party with you in your Lakota den!” – Beast is delighted, it takes much to reduce this huge shaggy, mythical giant into a quivering heap of fuzzy giggles. Only a few more sleeps until Naomi and her fauns are back dancing alongside Minotaur guests and DJ’s Denis Horvat, Lee Williams, Kuba Drypher, Peasoup, Orion, Kagun, Nautz & Toppa, Ellis Odyssey and G Rowe with all the glitter that you could possibly imagine. Lakota will never have seen so many sassy sparkles! Get your tickets here: http://hdfst.uk/E36511

Beast interviews...G Rowe (again)

Back in February 2016 Minotaur Sound resident DJ G Rowe (George) was first on the bill (together with Donewrong) at the Launch Party. Take a look at his original interview here: http://minotaursound.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/g-rowe-minotaur-sound-dj-interview.html

His was a Pied Piper type role to lay down the tracks that would set the precedent for the evening ahead and bring all the Beast creatures out of their hiding places. He did such an amazing job with aplomb and glory that Beast was keen to get him back in for the May party. Beast was keen to find out what he had been up to since the Launch Party of dreams and wonderment. He asks him what other musical delights he has seen in the last year.

G Rowe with Donewrong at Minotaur Sound Launch Party

“The DirtyTalk night in November with DJ Sotofett was the best thing I’ve been to in years. So much goodness all night long!” Beast nods his horned head vigorously, DJ Sotofett is one that he has his eye on at the moment. Beast, ever in pursuit of knowledge wishes to feed his musical wisdom by asking G Rowe for advice as to how to become a DJ. He expects that G Rowe must have had to undergo Herculean feats of dextrous mastery that aimed to place him high on a pedestal in honour and glorification to the musical Gods – “Errrr no…just start? Dive straight in. I think I got a pirate version of Traktor and started pissing around trying to mix and recording my lame attempts, to play to friends. Eventually a friend was good/desperate enough to let me play at their night. Everyone gets desperate” …Beast is silent, a piece of tumbleweed drifts slowly between him and G Rowe, a toll bell rings out across the Minotaur court.

Beast shrugs off the momentary pause and asks George if he has any surprises in store for the May night – “My main surprise is that Neil (Donewrong) isn’t playing, so there will probably be some sort of equipment failure that I won’t know how to fix” – Beast is sad that Donewrong can’t play as he did at the Launch Party but he has other events planned for this year and will be ensuring that he returns to the decks to wow the crowd just as he did with G Rowe at the Launch Party.

Finally Beast wants to know if George has been up to anything else in the last year “I’ve made some flashy light content to put towards the next night (another interview will uncover who the mysterious person is behind the visuals for the May night) and also check out my Instagram for other visuals I’ve been making”. The marvels of being a multi faceted creative – Beast can’t wait to see George’s flashy light thing on Minotaur night – take a look at his Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/georgehenryrowe/

Soak G Rowe in by Techno osmosis at the next Minotaur Sound night in May together with Nautz & Toppa, Lee Williams, Denis Horvat and Kuba Drypher. Get your tickets here: http://hdfst.uk/E36511

Beast interviews...Hula-dancer Amy Darling

Beast is partial to a Performer or 2 – whilst his ancient roots dictate a particular fondness for enslaved performers, he realises that 3000 years have passed and that he can no longer keep them on chains for his viewing pleasure. However, when The Beast’s attention was drawn to the beautiful Amy Darling he got decidedly twitchy. Watch her in action here:

Amy will be bringing the hooping love to Beast’s May 13^th party at The Office, Deep Pit Road, Bristol BS5 7AW and Beast was keen to find out more about what hooping is all about and how she got into it. Whilst hula hooping of sorts has been around in different guises throughout history, it’s only been as early back as the 90’s where colourful displays have started to mesmerise modern day crowds.

Amy tells Beast that she has been hooping for just over a year. She got hoop hooked after one of her circus friends showed her a trick and instantly fell in love.

“I’m self-taught ever since” she tells Beast and goes on to explain how liberated she feels when she dances with her hoop. “I’ve always been a performer and I love to dance, so now when I hula hoop I can fully express myself. It’s a hobby that keeps on giving! Every day I learn a new trick and it feels amazing!”

Amy Darling mesmerises at Stonehenge

Beast is curious to know if others feel as hypnotised as he does when he watches Amy’s hoop twirl. Amy tells him “Hula hooping is quite a rare talent, so when people watch me they become entranced. It’s always such a positive reaction!” – Beast tries his best to snap out of the trance of Amy's colourful hoop twirling around and around and asks her to tell him what is the most unusual place where she has hula hooped. “I’ve hula hooped on top of a mountain in Nepal. All of the locals watched me in awe – I have to say that it was probably one of the best moments in my life!”

It’s at this point that Beast’s eyes reduce to a pinpoint and one of his minions has to rouse him out of his enchantment. It takes much to reduce our great big grizzly beast to this shadow of his former self. Come to the May 13^th party and watch a glittered up Amy twirl and spin her hula in hypnotic techno infused magic. Glitter, UV murals and horntastic muses will also be involved.

The Beast is very happy that Amy Darling will be joining the crew to add to the Techno and DnB magic. We can't wait to see her adding her flourish to what will be one of the top Bristol nights debuting Danish Dynamite Denis Horvat from Innervisions/Aeon and Afterlife.

 Get your tickets here: http://hdfst.uk/E36511

Beast interviews...Ellis Odyssey and Ollie (Nautz & Toppa):

The time has come for Beast to interview two of his newest DJ additions to the Minotaur court. Ellis Odyssey and Ollie (one half of the DJ duo Nautz & Toppa with Tom Whitakker) both of whom will be playing B2B at the Beast’s next May 13^th night. More details and tickets about Beast’s coveted event can be found here: http://hdfst.uk/E36511.

Ellis and Ollie met at college on a music production course, friendship was forged and a DJ alliance was decreed. They have been Dj’ing B2B since and are keen to transmit a sense of euphoria and escape to all those who listen and dance to them – this DJ passion caught Beast’s attention immediately. Ellis and Ollie explain that they have practiced their Dj’ing religiously and have dedicated that same passion throughout whether in a club or in their front room whilst drinking tea.

Ellis Odyssey

Beast is forever intrigued as to what makes someone suddenly want to DJ. Ellis explains that he got into serious DJ’ing when the tax man issued Ellis with a tax rebate and he was able to afford some Pioneer CDJ 1000 mk3’s and a DJM 800 mixer – Beast is surprised that tax rebates even happen. Where Beast comes from tax payments are only made in blood. Both Ollie and Ellis have lovingly collected and produced their only music too. Ellis collects and plays on vinyl as he was brought up hearing the rich sounds that only a vinyl record can transmit. Ollie tells Beast that he dedicates his dj’ing to creating a sense of euphoria and escape with his dance crowd – he’s fascinated by creating an essential musical connection between the DJ and the Crowd and will be re-creating that with Ellis at Minotaur Sound night on May 13^th.

Ollie has played at Apex and Nightowl and supported the likes of Dante, Darius Syrossian and Sidney Charles. Catch him at upcoming Home and Nozstock Festivals this year.

Ollie and Tom (Nautz & Toppa)

Beast is happy – so many wannabe DJ’s come forth, they play for a practice session and end up not connecting with the crowd – this is just plain selfish and Beast ends up chopping off their heads in retaliation. Beast teases out the secret to becoming a DJ – not just any DJ but a DJ that people can look up to and allow them to be lead on a musical journey. Ellis and Ollie explain that they are not in a position to give any advice to those wanting to DJ - but the only thing that they can say is that you must play what moves you, to dance and enjoy – it’s what the crowd will pick up the most. Also to get out there as much as you can, go to parties, meet people and keep collecting and writing music. Beast’s furry chin starts to quiver at Ellis and Ollie’s humility before he catches himself and swiftly returns to his dark Beastly self by downing a tankard of mead and belching loudly.

Ellis Odyssey and Ollie (Nautz and Toppa) will be energising the main Techno Minotaur room playing B2B on May 13th together with Lee Williams, Kuba Drypher, G Rowe and Denis Horvat.

Tune in to Nautz & Toppa SoundCloud’s here: https://soundcloud.com/nautzandtoppa

Beast Interviews...Lee Williams

Listen to Lee William's Minotaur Sound Promo Mix Part 1.

Lee Williams

The Beast receives lots of requests from those wanting to take part in his epic nights of shadowy dancefloor legend. By Minotaur decree, DJ appeals must be accompanied by mythical feats being performed to prove said talents – many an intrepid DJ has succumbed to fingers getting chopped off - such is the wrath of the Beast when demanding musical perfection. The day that Bournemouth DJ Lee Williams came forward to speak to The Beast, goes down in Minotaur Sound history. Lee had already made his mark securing bookings at some of the biggest events in the UK as well as in Europe. Working on the same bill as Sasha, Darren Emerson, Layo & Bushwaka, Dave Angel, Billy Nasty and Nick Muir to mention a few.

He’s appeared at Ministry of Sound, Pascha, Pulse Festival and The Egg as well as runs and headlines his night Terminal in Bournemouth. Masterful at wrapping his crowd in sound to scale heady musical heights and immersing them into the kind of nights that you never want to end. To say that Lee had Beast’s attention is an understatement. Beast was keen to share the DJ love and get Minotaur Sound fans learning about the hottest DJ Jedi in the Minotaur Lair.

Lee tells Beast that he bought his first set of turntables at the age of 13 and that as his Dad was also a DJ, his interest in music goes back as far as he can remember. For years he would collect records and practice on his turntables until one day, when another DJ pulled out of an event at the last minute, a request was made for Lee to make his debut appearance. He took the night by storm and never looked back.

Beast likes Lee’s dynamism – as a seasoned DJ he asks him what makes a good DJ? “I think a good DJ is someone that is original and true to themselves – delivering something exciting and unique to the people they play to. I think it’s very obvious to see if someone has a true love and passion for music. This energy resonates in the work they do in the club or studio – music lovers will see right through you if you’re not true to that.” True that! Beast will be spreading this message far and wide to future DJ’s coming forth.

Lee is inspired by so many artists – Beast can attest to this, the size of Lee’s musical hard drive makes everyone’s eyes water. At the moment Lee is inspired by Tin Man, Daniel Avery, Stephan Bodzin and Third Son. One day very soon he would love to appear on the same bill as Recondite or Ame.

Beast is left in such a cheery mood after interviewing Lee, he asks for another tasty titbit.

Lee tells Beast that stepping in to save the night has happened to him on a few occasions. Most recently when having to play at a gay bar in Cologne where another DJ had cancelled – it meant that, end to end he played for 7 hours, then gathered up his things and flew home. What a musical hero! Beast is so impressed that he wishes he could sacrifice a Virgin in his honor. Luckily the Minotaur Minions were able to stop him in time – mostly due to a lack of Virgins in the immediate area.

Catch Lee lubricating the airwaves and energizing the Beast’s techno court with Denis Horvat, G Rowe, Ellis Odyssey and Nautz & Toppa and Kuba Drypher at the next Minotaur night on May 13^th.
Get your tickets here.

Beast interviews…Kagun and Orion

Beast is at it again – bringing you the DJ juice.

Kagun

This time finding out more about back room DnB DJ’s and Producers Orion and Kagun. Beast headhunted (swords were not involved this time) the musical duo for the upcoming May gig – it’s just impossible not to hoof stomp to their bass riddled beats and Beast had to have them.

Beast just knows that Orion and Kagun are on track for big things - their talent and mutual love for bass can be palpably heard – check out their soundclouds below:


Orion: https://soundcloud.com/ori-tolkovsky

Kagun: https://soundcloud.com/kagundnb

Kagun has performed sets in Northampton, London and Bristol and is influenced by Fre4knc, Break and Amoss.

Orion is part of Bristol based Inkline Collective and Dorset based Nuphunk Collective and has played at numerous events in the South West to include alongside Xtrah – for which he won a much coveted music competition. He tells beast that he loves to mix and produce the whole spectrum of drum and bass and both he and Kagun delights the crew with a promise for B2B surprises and a journey into heavy basslines in May.

Orion

They tell Beast that they met at Bris-Tek whilst dancing at the front for the whole night and quickly realised that their musical talents were best pooled as one - in one of the most exciting DnB mandem duos to hit Bristol and the South West…watch out world. If you want to catch them before the next Minotaur night, head to Inkline at the Doghouse, Bristol this Thursday 23rd March 2017.

Beast asks them, if given the choice of DJ to get stuck on a desert island, who would this be? Orion tells Beast “I’d happily be stuck on a desert island with Calibre! The man is a genius. I look up to him so much because he makes a whole range of musical styles and is the most humble guy”. Kagun likes Calibre but says he would be most happiest stuck with Fre4knc to rinse out the riddims – Beast suddenly wants to get stuck on a desert island with Kagun, Orion, Calibre and Fre4knc but has to satisfy himself that getting stuck with them in the DnB back room dungeon with Peasoup at the upcoming Minotaur Sound Party on May 13^th 2017 will be amazingly rad and will have to suffice…for now.

Minotaur Sound Fam - get your tickets asap to catch Kagun and Orion providing an almighty back room DnB mood changer to the Techno main room with Denis Horvat, Lee Williams, Kuba Drypher, Ellis Odyssey, Nautz & Toppa and G Rowe on May 13th 2017 at The Office, Bristol: Click here for ticket and event details.

The Beast interviews…Peasoup

The beast invited DJ Peasoup to showcase his wares at the next Minotaur Sound party in May. Wrap your ears around a teaser mini mix created just for Beastie by Peasoup. Forever curious Beast wanted to know more as to what makes Peasoup’s metaphorical metronome tick the most.

Peasoup defines himself as a music lover and DJ from Bristol, into his Hip-hop, DnB & Breaks with anything else that takes his fancy. Beast and crew instantly fell in love with his versatility and the rich bassy sounds that have been emanating from his Technics over the last 16 years of his DJ’ing career.

Peasoup

He has DJ’d alongside Jon First (DMC World Champ) and DJ Rollz and has also played with Tek-One, Llaman and Goldie Lookin Chain. He was a regular at Big Chill and Thekla in Bristol and played at The Brits snowboarding festival in Tignes. He also co ran a clubnight in Leicester in the dubstep days.

Peasoup gets his musical inspiration drawing upon his hip hop background and spends a lot of time digging into past records and samples. “Every time you go back you find a new tangent to follow and expand your knowledge” he explains.

Peasoup tells the beast that if given the chance he would love to appear on the same lineup as A-Skilz for pure party vibes, DJ Premier for Hip Hop and Logistics for DnB. “I love DnB because it’s forever changing faces and assimilating new styles. I’ve never once got bored of it as a genre – it’s so broad and complex” …Beast stomps his hooves in agreement and asks Peasoup if he wants Minotaur Sound minions to know anything else about him…

“…just don’t ask me to play Beyonce”

Beast is relieved with this last statement and agrees that the B word is never to be uttered, let alone requested.

Catch Peasoup pleasing a discerning crowd in the planned Drum and Bass den. A beaty palate cleanser to the main Techno room at the May party. 

Also catch more of Peasoup's mixcloud here: https://www.mixcloud.com/Peasoup/

Denis Horvat and our next event Press Release.

Beast is back.

Denis Horvat

Hibernation was too much to hold him off. Minions and crew couldn't fend him off for much longer. To abate the hunger we decided to bring Denis Horvat for his Bristol debut. Denis is part of the well respected Aeon Audio and Innervisions record label and will be joining us on May 13th. He is joined by Lee Williams from Terminal, Kuba Drypher, Ellis Odyssey, Nautz and Toppa and just in case that's not enough a Drum and Bass den will be showcasing the wonderful wares of Peasoup, Kagun and Orion. Minotaur resident DJ's Donewrong and G Rowe will also be bringing in those mythical techno vibes.

Mythical Faun from We Creatures

As before, Naomi from We Creatures will bring in the glittering creature collective and Amy will mesmerise with her LED hoopla talents. Then there's beast's sexy labyrinth lair in BS5 7UZ, just you wait until you see that! For more details take a look at our official press release as below. If you would like the opportunity to get in touch for interviews, radio shows or any other media before May 13 please get in touch: catherine@minotaursound.co.uk.

Otherwise head to our event page here and ticket page here. Beast can guarantee lashings of mythical sleaze.

See you in May. Bring your horns.

Our official Press Release here.