INTERVIEW: Erol Alkan

EROL ALKAN has made quite a reputable name for himself. He's previously been nominated by Mixmag as DJ of the year, has seen himself on the lineup for some huge festivals, has supported some massive names (such as Daft Punk) and started up Trash - London's favourite and influential Monday indie club night!

With such success under his belt, we were lucky enough to catch up with the man himself in the lead up to his Field Day appearance!

You’re playing Field Day in Sydney on New Years Day and this will be the second time you’ve played the festival. What were some of your highlights of last time?

I really enjoyed playing Sydney. By that point on the tour, I kind of got to know everyone. Also, what happened was I made a remix for TAME IMPALA and that was the track I started my set with on the tour and I got to meet them that day because they were playing as well. It was nice because I remember turning around and seeing Jay from the band. As the track was playing, he came over and gave me the thumbs up. It was just cool because I really care about what other people think when it comes to my music. The fact that he didn't hate it was a big deal.

The first time you toured Australia was in 2009 for the national Parklife festival. Since then you’ve become a bit of a regular. Why did it originally take you quite some time to visit?

Well, I had a problem with flying which is the reason why it took so long. The Parklife tour I really enjoyed because some of my close friends were there.

Throughout your career you have produced material for some well known indie bands including the KLAXONS, MYSTERY JETS & LATE OF THE PIER. You and BOYS NOIZE have also collaborated together on a number of tracks. Which artists would you like to work with in the future and why?

I never anticipated working with the bands I have worked with. It just happened in the sense that it seemed to be a good idea. I always find it difficult to answer this question because I've never really sat down and thought about it. What I mean is, it's all based on impulse. I don't know who the next person will be that I'll work with but that's what I find exciting about it.

In 2009, during AEROPLANE’s DJ set at Parklife in Adelaide, yourself, TIGA and BUSY P accompanied them on stage and played some improvised percussion along to the music. How did this come about and have you been involved in anything recently that was equally as spontaneous and entertaining?

[Laughs] I think that just came about because we were on the stage. What AEROPLANE were doing at the time really excited the whole musical climate, you know. Everyone was so, so excited. We were all just like fans. It ended up on YouTube right?

Yeah, it's also on a few different blog sites. It was very cool to watch! I think it was the last Parklife on that tour so you were all probably having a bit of a party, is that right?

I think so. I think that's what would have done it.

You're a regular DJ at Soulwaxmas, which is a series of UK club nights curated by the one and only SOULWAX. What is it like to play at these events?

It's really fun. They are like a family to me and for Soulwaxmas they bring together lots of brillant bands and DJs. It's a bit similar I suppose to the Parklife festival.

Who would you consider to be the best electronic producer in the world at the moment?

That's a tough one! Right now, one of the producers who I'd rate the most would be MATTHEW DEAR.

During almost a two decade career, you've created over 40 remixes, reworks and re-edits, as well as a few original tracks with a number of different collaborators. Have you ever thought about doing an EROL ALKAN album made up of your own original tracks?

[Laughs] You know what, I need to do one so that people stop asking me that question.

Finally, do you have any new years resolutions you'd like to try and commit to for 2013?

No, never!

Thanks for your time Erol and best of luck with your shows in Australia.

Thank you. No problem at all.

Words by Tony Kingston, check out his street on POSSE.COM

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