Chris Lake is just 20 years of age. In an industry where DJ’s and Producers are getting older, it is refreshing to see a young man churning out quality productions and tearing up dancefloors on a regular basis. And at such a young age, it would be no exaggeration to say that it’s only early days for this bright talent.

Master of the rework, Chris has put his own interpretations in the studio to tunes such as Leftfield’s “Phat Planet”, Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams” and Prodigy’s “Climbatize”. His rewards have not only come in the form of remixes, with “Santiago De Cuba” receiving much praise recently for it’s big room appeal.

His production talent was noticed after his talents behind the decks. It only took him 6 months to secure his first residency after discovering his passion for the music he loves, that place being Passion in Aberdeen. DJ’ing, as with his production, is clearly a talent that comes naturally to Mr. Lake. Chris recently took a few moments out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions RA could throw in his direction.

To those unaware of your work - how would you describe the Chris Lake sound?

Hmmmm..... Energetic, tough, emotive and directional dance music

Some of your latest tracks under your Cristophe D'abuc alias (Climbatize & Sweet Dreams) have been very successful of late. Is there a reason in particular why you have not used your real name on these tunes? And why do you think Climbatize especially has become such a favourite amongst many?

I basically chose not to use my real name because I was worried that, 1. Nobody would like the remixes and 2. I didn't want to get into any trouble with the Prodigy and Eurythmics!!!

I think Climbatize has been so popular because nobody thought anything could be done with that track. I just woke up one morning, put that track on, and it just clicked! 'Why hasn't anyone remixed this track before???" I just got on the case straight away and the mix was finished in a couple of days. These remixes/bootlegs you have done of Eurythmics, Prodigy and Leftfield just to name a few have gained solid popularity.

How do you compare these tracks to your original productions such as Santiago De Cuba?

Most of them are a bit of fun for me. I enjoy doing them. It isn't out of disrespect to the original artist. Quite the opposite! I enjoy the challenge of taking a track and trying to remix it with out having the separate parts. Writing an original track can be very difficult for me sometimes though!!! Santiago de Cuba took me ages to finish, but then again, that was my first proper track I had written, and I was getting to grips with moving over to computer sequencers, instead of hardware sequencers. It was quite a jump for me.

What productions can we expect from you in the near future?

I have completed remixes for iNtra records (Spoiled pres. Stoler - 3am), and a brace of mixes for Minimal records (Filta - Abuse). I am also currently collaborating with Joshua Collins, which I am very excited about! I am also remixing one of his tracks. It is sounding very epic!!! Also remixing another track for Minimal, and Pangea recordings. I am very busy at the moment!!!

How do you compare DJ'ing and Production? What would you like to focus on in the near future?

Dj’ing is the reward for my Production work. A chance for me to see how people react to my mixes. I plan to concentrate more on my DJ’ing in the next year.

Do you think that achieving the amount of success you have at such a young age will help you in your career in the future?

I hope so! I am certainly in this long term. I have grown up writing music, and I don't plan to stop. I have spent the past 18 months finding my feet in the industry. It has been difficult sometimes to get people to take me seriously because of my age, but now people are realizing I am capable of things, so this is becoming less of a problem

What other DJ's/Producers have influenced what you do today?

I don't have a favourite DJ. I like many, but I don't have a favourite. As for producers, Timo Maas and Sander Kleinenberg have amazed me from the start! Also, quite an obvious one, The Prodigy. Amazing producers!

What are your favourite albums and mix cd's

Not sure about my favourite mix CD, but my favourite Album is still Fat of the land! I love it!

Outside the studio and clubs - what do you like to get up with in your spare time?

Watching footie! I play a lot of pool/snooker. It usually helps me relax, unless I am playing shit and I get a bit pissed off!!!! But, most of my time is spent with my Girlfriend. She is joined to my hip!