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Steve Porter showing Definite Form
In the year 2003, Steve Porter made himself a household name in the world of Progressive. Steve is certainly no Johnny come lately however, and has been making great tracks for many years now, from his early successes such as ‘Sensor’ on Fade Records to his latest hits such as ‘Definite Form’. As well as his original productions, Steve has been very popular for artists looking for that perfect remix, just ask Iio, Amber and Everything But The Girl.
While continuing to perfect his production skills, Steve has performed the difficult but always enjoyable task of continuing to juggle a DJ career as well. It’s that side of the coin that is bringing Steve Porter, for the first time, to perform in Australia for 2 gigs in Melbourne and Sydney, and as such we thought it was the perfect time to have a word with Steve to find out a little more about the most promising DJ and Producer to come out of the US in the last few years.
2003 was a big year for you. How was it finally getting the recognition you deserved?
It's definitely a great feeling to see results after putting so much work into something. I've never been one to sit back and examine my success but I'd have to say that it's so rewarding to communicate with people around the world via the musical medium. Music is a fun language to share with people.
Were you a DJ or Producer first? And which one dominates your lifestyle now?
I started both around the same time during my senior year in high school. I first DJ'ed at school dances playing everything pop however I did try to sneak in what I deemed to be underground house music at the time. My first production program was this mod-tracker freeware called "Player Pro". It's a completely ghetto program but if you can get your head around it you can put together some marginally decent stuff. It was a good enough program for me to realize that I wanted to take things up a notch on the production tip.
Currently, I'd have to say that my DJ’ing and Production lifestyles are evenly balanced, just as they were in the beginning. I enjoy how one feeds the other and visa versa.
What forthcoming production material can we expect to see in the stores in the near future?
I have various things on the way. Of the Alias stuff there are some new "Agent 001" things looming. Keep an eye out for "Jabba Jaw" and "Mystic Disco" as well as "Bubble Bath". A funky house project I have under the moniker "HDF" (hidden disco fetish) is going well. The new HDF and Bons singles "Sucka" and "Frique" will be out by the WMC. As for my personal stuff, I have some remixes coming out and an album on the way. Not very sure about how the release of the album will go yet, depending on what label I sign on will determine whether the singles or mixed version will come out first. You can always check my website for updates too. It's always a cluttered desk at my studio.
Do you plan on making an artist album or perhaps a DJ mixed album any time soon?
I do plan on doing a DJ mix album when the offer is right. I was so focused on finishing my artist album last year that DJ compilations were on the back burner. My artist album is actually very much a DJ mixed compilation.
You are making your first performance in Australia very shortly. What can we expect from your sets in Sydney and Melbourne?
I like to bring funk to the forefront. I really try to DJ as if I was trying to make myself dance. I play all sorts of stuff and I guess I just bastardize it all together. It's always an experiment.
Who were your early influences that persuaded you to take up this DJ and Production game?
Friends in high school were my biggest influences in the beginning. The introduction to DJ "mixtapes" and the underground sound of dance music was so intriguing to me. I also felt that I could make a difference, I felt like there was a void that I could fill. I became somewhat addicted to all forms of dance music, commercial and underground. It's a good thing to have a wide range of influences.
Can you name a few of your all time favourite tracks that you perhaps wish you had made?
Some early techno-trance-house tracks I wished I had made:
Pump up the Volume by Colorbox
Pilgrimage to Paradise by Sourmash
Radiate by Brother Grim
Pump up the Jam by Technotronic
Two Full Moons and a Trout by Union Jack
Way too many good songs by Too many to mention :)
What plans outside music do you have when you visit Australia?
We'll have to see when I get there. First and foremost I'm going to enjoy the scenery and culture, that's a definite. I'm also looking forward to summer time again, it's frrrreeeeezing here in NYC. I'd like to check out some cheesy tourist things because well..... I'm going to be a cheesy tourist I guess :) I'm really looking forward to the trip, it'll be something to tell my mom about.
Steve Porter plays Sydney Friday February 27 @ Liberty's first Birthday party and Melbourne Saturday 28 @ Private Function.
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Published / Wednesday, 04 February 2004
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