Written by Ian Blechschmidt

As one of the kings of the UK underground scene, Carl Nicholson has rocked some of the biggest venues with some of the biggest names around. But he’s still in it for himself — and the love of the game. Carl talks about himself, his music, and the Tony de Vit Trust.

What got you interested in music?

My interest in music spans back over 24 years — when I was only 5, my mother used to play artists like Jean Michel Jarre, Vangelis and Alan Parsons Project. This is what got me into the electronic age!

Is there a particular thing that led you to dance music (as opposed to rock or hip hop for example)?

Dance music in my opinion is the only universal language this world has. It breaks down the boundaries of class, colour and creed, which in turn makes us (dance musicians) a more accessible genre.

Your bio mentions the idea of “playing from the heart.” What does it mean to play from the heart? Why is that important to you?

To play from the heart means to play the tunes that you love. Anyone can jump on the Johnny anthem bandwagon but then in my opinion you are being false and the set you are playing does not represent the real you anymore!

Why do you prefer to avoid playing “who’s the fastest DJ” (as your bio puts it)?

People who speed tracks up far beyond their original pitch often don’t realize that they are killing all the wicked little noises that some poor engineer has sat there for hours tweaking to perfection. Plus, when you play too fast it leaves very little room for progression, which I feel is the whole concept of the set!!!

Where do you draw your samples/beats/etc. (or the ideas for them) from?

Samples come from far and wide, I mainly get them from Films or on the net

Who do you consider your influences? On your sound? On your career?

My influence on my sound would have been Moonman (Old Ferry Corsten guise) — so much energy and passion in the riffs, absolutely mind blowing!

Can you describe the feeling you get when you get a crowd moving?

“ Complete” I think would be the word that I would use. I connect very easily with the dancefloor, but sometimes that connection creates an electric atmosphere that is so intense, you can almost see it!

You’ve played alongside some pretty high-profile people — Fatboy Slim, Chemical Brothers — and in some pretty high-profile places. Do you have a favourite show/experience so far in your career?

Favourite show would have been the first Brixton Academy TDV Memorial — 5000 people and an atmosphere that I am yet to see again in a club!

One of the things that drives music’s evolution (I think, anyway) is technology — is there a technology that you think is driving music right now? Is there one you’re particularly excited/concerned about?

There is a new prog called Ableton Live, it’s changing the boundaries in which our business was limited to — the future is bright!

Can you tell us a bit about the Tony de Vit trust/about the organizations that are its benefactors and why they’re important to you?

The TDV trust was set up after Tony died to do something constructive in his name. This consisted of yearly memorials, (from) which all profits were donated to Charity!!!

Okay, quick, without thinking: name your top five albums of all time:

Whats the story (Morning Glory) — Oasis
Deep Forest
Jean Michel Jarre — Oxygene
Daniel Bedingfield — Gotta Get Thru This
Mike Oldfield — Tubular Bells

What’s in your CD player right now?

Carl Nicholson — Lift (The Album)

Have you got anything big coming up that you’d like people to know about?

I have a couple of new tracks signed to Tidy Trax, Elasticman, Oblivion coming out beginning of next year so keep ya eyes peeled!

Bonus Question: which is better, vinyl, CD, or MP3?

CD for quality, Vinyl for Passion, MP3 for digital splendour!