Very special release here, the debut on the label after all these years working together. We can’t even recall how long it has been for us to know Paul Neary in professional and personal way, but I can tell you that he had couple of podcast shows so far, and a perfect remix for John Haden & Pete Laskis track ‘Freakshow‘ back in 2017. So for 2020 we are coming in full force with Paul Neary, Rosper and Elmar Strathe for ‘Defect’ EP, due to public on Friday, the 13th of March on Beatport, Spotify and all other online music shops.

Paul Neary is a DJ and Producer based in Kent, England. He specializes in minimal techno, where he pushes the boundaries through unique sound design, with the drums and the bass taking center stage. “Less is more” is his concept, with tracks steadily gaining pace and building tension through the use of evolving minimal sounds. His commitment to time in the studio is unquestionable as he spends most of his time in his recently refurbished haven. Paul’s tracks tend to take on a dark and spooky minimal style, fusing haunting percussion and delays which carry the melody. His stripped back style enables listeners to focus on intricate details which continuously transform. But these are dry facts, so we got together with Paul to see what is really behind the music and computer screen, see his interview below.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

Honestly I can’t recall, but I think it was a veterinarian.

What was the worst job you have ever had?

It was tele-sales at the age 16.

Can you name a movement, or people who pushed you to where you are now?

Firstly it was friends, family, and music artists I follow.

Try to imagine, what you would be doing if music was never been introduced to you?

I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Aside from music, what do you like to do in your free time?

Produce, produce, produce. I also like hanging out with friends and talking music as well 😉

Tell us about your city, what kind of music scene does it have?

Kent has a scene, but its very house music-driven. Not many, if any from Minimal and Techno heads like myself.

What is your favourite time of the year, and how does it influence your creativity?

Summer, as I can make music in the garden and out and about, rather than just in my studio surrounded by nature.

What do you do before and after your set?

Prepare and then party!

What does your typical week usually look like?

Producing music relentlessly throughout the week.

Where did you spent this New Year’s Eve?

At an event in my home town. It was a house night, my friends were playing.

What does music mean to you?

It is everything, it shapes us all as people.

Can you tell us about your debut as a DJ, how did it go?

Very nervous if I can remember, but it went really well.

Are there any particular memories (good or bad) as a DJ, or as attendee?

Good is always playing to decent crowds regardless of numbers. Bad when the sound system can let DJs down.

What is the biggest challenge or sacrifice you have made or have to make in doing what you do?

Limiting my time seeing my family and friends due to the amount of time im in the studio.

Which artists would you say have influenced your sound directly?

Richie Hawtin and Dubfire without a doubt.

Things could go rough, how do you keep yourself motivated creatively?

Its hard, producers suffer rejection more than people know. Its just about staying positive and keep pushing it because you love to do it, plus I feel my music has somthing to say!

How do you usually prepare before a gig, how much space do you leave for improvisation in your sets?

I don’t prepare, I have a few playlists and maybe the intro and first track in my mind, but other than that its all in the moment!

What is your standard or most preferred technical setup for the performance?

It is Traktor with 4 decks, Ableton Live, Allen & Heath Xone K2 controllers and Ableton Push.

Can you name your favourite venue that you have performed in?

Sudpol in Hamburg, it was moody and insane!

Where do you think the scene is heading? One year from now, five years from now?

It is moving so fast right now, there seems to be a big shift in music thats being played. Me personally I would love to see the trippy sounds come back, as a lot of big artists seem to be playing nothing that is ground breaking.

Is there anything that bugs you about the today’s DJ scene?

there’s a few things, but it is best to stay positive.

For the last one, name three artists that currently inspire you!

Of course Hawtin and Dubfire mainly, but new artists like Damien Fisher, Elmar Strathe keeps me on my toes haha!

The current climate emergency is now very real. What steps do you think the music industry can take to reduce their impact on this problem in the coming years?

Tough question, they all need to catch flights regularly to keep up with busy schedules.

What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?

Josh Wink – Don’t Laugh (Richie Hawtin Remix)

Do you still find the time to party and enjoy the scene when usually being on the other side of the decks?

Yes, for sure!

What moments would you consider as your breakthrough in your career so far?

2018-19 was incredible, seeing Hawtin play my music everywhere around the globe. But for me Timewarp in floor 2 to be on that dance floor while he dropped 3 of my tracks was out of this world. If you know about floor 2 you know its one of the best arenas in the world!

What do you think makes a great DJ?

Someone who takes time to look for good music, dig deep into promos, or Beatport to find those underground gems.

What advice could you give for aspiring DJs?

Produce music – without it you will only ever DJ locally to where you live.

You have been managind Source Bar down in Maidstone, now for 7 years, if I’m correct. Can you please tell us how did it all started, how was the first and the latest event? What have you planned for this venue and the city’s underground scene in 2020?

It is a party called Bunkerbound, we are into our 8th year now. It started small and we have always been up against it due to Maidstone being a House scene, but every party we manage to have it packed out with happy faces listening to Techno! I think the fact we give a different option is what people enjoy, it is music they probably haven’t heard before.

We noticed that you have been chosen by Dubfire for his mentoring. Tell us all about it: when, where, how long, what are the details and what are you willing to achieve after this master class?

Yes it was good news, since the competition I have been in regular contact, he is giving feedback on my demos and hopefully will have some music on SCI+TEC.

Plazma has signed your debut EP with them. How long it take you to get here, why you chosen these specific remixers? What is the creative idea behind the ‘Defect’ EP?

The tracks actully were written around 1.5 years ago, but I have been sitting on them, waiting for the right time and label, and I thought Plazma was a perfect fit. Elmar and Rosper are artists that I think are great, so it was a no brainer to get them involved!

Give us a hint of what to expect from you, as a producer and/or a DJ, during 2020?

Lots of new music I have in the vault, and that will be continuing, more events throughout the year as well – it is looking busy!