Q-BiK - DOA / SERATO Feature Mix + Q & A - AUG 2009

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   DOA/SERATO MIX SERIES #3: Q-BiK
   

In this edition of the Dogs On Acid/Serato Mix Series, we got in touch with Q-BiK, who represented New Zealand until about three years ago, when he moved to Perth, Australia. Q has been putting in work over the last eight years, tearing down crowds with his dancefloor-flavored mixes, producing some hip-shaking material on Vibe'z, Basswerk and Planet Funk, who signed his massively-appreciated "My House", which was a favorite of both Crissy Criss and Influx UK. He's also the man behind Frequency Agency, an artist management/booking agency that has represented a host of top-notch producers out there! With all of that under his belt, Q-BiK is still pushing ahead, and his introduction to Scratch Live will only help further his craft in the DnB scene!
   

DOA: What's your history with DJ equipment? Have you spun vinyl and CDs in the past?

Q-BiK: I started out on vinyl in 2000 and moved onto CDs and vinyl in 2004/2005.

DOA: Do you remember the first time you'd heard about Serato's Scratch Live program? What were your initial thoughts about the idea of mixing tracks using your computer?

Q-BiK: I remember a mate purchased the first Serato Scratch Live a few years back. I thought it was a revolutionary idea and a turning point in the DJ culture. I am an embracer of new technology, and feel the idea of mixing using a program like Serato is a great leap forward in DJing in the 21st Century! Whats next!?!?!

DOA: Take us through your set-up of Serato – what equipment were you using (turntables, computer, mixer, etc.)? How easy was it to get installed, up and running out of the box?

Q-BiK: My setup was as follows: Toshiba Dual Core with 2GB Ram, 2 x Technics 1200s, 1 x Pinoeer DJM 800, 2 x CDJ 1000s and 2 x Mackie HR824 studio monitors for mixing. This was so easy to set-up and install - pretty much plug and play! Definitely a win on that one!

DOA: What are some of your favorite features of Scratch Live?

Q-BiK: I love the ease of finding tracks once you have them loaded in Serato, as well as the ability to easily switch between vinyl and Serato with out even changing a cord or flicking a line/phono switch, as I tend to play older tracks not available on digital format.

DOA: Are there any features that you feel could be expanded on, or things that should be added, in future releases?

Q-BiK: I'm still learning and exploring all of the features on Serato, but the ability to have 4 decks would be pretty cool, as I often play on 3 decks or more for fast cueing and quick mixing.

DOA: How will the use of Scratch Live impact your touring?


Q-BiK: This will make touring and DJing much easier than lugging around a crate or records and CDs to play, making my life easier, and making Q-Bzy a happy camper!

DOA: Speaking of touring, I know you were on tour earlier in 2009; do you have any plans to tour during the second half of 2009?

Q-BiK: I am doing an Australian Tour throughout October and Nov of '09, as well as a host of big shows and festivals dotted around the Australian continent and Asia. I do plan on being in UK and EU in Feb. and March of 2010, and the USA at the end of March for WMC and a mini US tour.

DOA: What are some of your favorite cities or venues to spin at, and why?

Q-BiK: I have so many fond memories of events and cities around the world I've played at so far, its hard to pick! In saying that, I still haven’t been to UK/EU and USA yet, so my picks are Shanghai, Perth, Christchurch, Queenstown and Hong  Kong.

DOA: Now, you've been busy on the decks, but have also been getting your production prowess up as well, right? Your tune "My House" on Planet Funk got a lot of spins from some heavy-hitters – how did it feel to have the acclaim for one of your tracks?

Q-BiK: Thanks for the lovely intro... hahah! Hearing "My House" played by some of the people I looked up to early in my career was a great feeling! It's like all your Xmas' at once. I've been very fortunate enough to have great support for it, and also has certainly raised the profile a notch. Recently it was also licensed for released on the latest DNBA Summer Selection compilation. This was a compilation spanning the last 10 Years of Drum & Bass Summer anthems, and to be included among the biggest names in DnB was a feat I only dreamed of accomplishing!

DOA: What can the people expect from you, release-wise, in the near future?

Q-BiK: Well, "My House" is out now digitally and on 12". I just had a bootleg I did of a Tears for Fears song ("Shout") which has just hit the shelves over the last week or so, and is already doing very well. Next up is a remix I've done for a Electro 80s Pop group called VAHN entitled "Never Enough", which should see the light of day in the coming month or 2. Following that should see "Let The Music" be released on Cutterz Choice in September or October, then "Moving On" not long after that on Cutterz Choice aswell, and a few other bits like, "Dance Machine", "The Chase", "Around You" and "In 2 Deep" scheduled for late this year or early next year, all receiving massive amounts of support from the A-listers and all over BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra.

DOA: Can we get a current top 10 from you?

Q-BiK: In no particular order -

Follow the Light – Subfocus
Crackdown (ShockOne Remix) – Brookes Brothers
Task Master – Furlonge
The Chase – Q-BiK & Seeka
Rage – Jmajik
Do You Wanna - Nero
Go Global – Dc Breaks
Messages (Brookes Brothers Remix) - Filthy Dukes
Tapestry – Marky & Spy
Screw Up (Upbeats Rmx) – Ewun

DOA: How's the scene down in Australia/New Zealand? Any producers from your town that you're currently rinsing right now?

Q-BiK: The scene down here is alive and vibing! New Zealand and Australia have definitely come into their own over the last 5 years with our producers and sound, and we are showing no signs of stopping!! I'm based in Perth, Australia now after migrating from NZ almost 3 years ago. With out a doubt, Perth is the biggest and strongest city for DnB in Australia and NZ, with Christchurch a close 2nd! As for producers locally from Perth, there's a few, like ShockOne, Phetsta, Rregula and Greg Packer that do receive plays from me in my sets.

DOA: What can heads expect from the exclusive DOA/Serato mix that you put together for us?

Q-BiK: The Headz can expect a full spectrum mix covering the bases of DnB. My sets always tend to be energetic, funky and soulful, whilst remaining dancefloor and hard-hitting. You can expect a bunch of fresh and unreleased tunes from across the globe and down under that are tearing up the dance worldwide!

DOA: Can we get any final thoughts on Serato, or any tips on Scratch Live that you’d like to give heads who might want to try out the program?

Q-BiK: If you have often thought about digitizing your collection, or can't afford the costs of vinyl on a regular basis, or just want see what all the fuss is about, I eagerly suggest getting in touch with your local Serato rep or dealer and giving it a whirl! It may be the best decision you ever make! I know moving to Serato Scratch Live was for me!

And without further adieu, check the latest installment from the Dogs On Acid/Serato Mix Series, featuring the talented Mr. Q-BiK tearing it down for 45+ minutes, featuring his own productions, some fresh current favorites and some serious dubplates from varying producers and labels, all mixed using Serato's Scratch Live software!