Denney has come a long way since we talked with him last April. He has gone on to release his very own BBC Essential Mix (we will go into further detail later!) and has delivered a towering record in the form of his brand new ‘Harry Romero – Street Knowledge’ Remix, which is forthcoming on Under No Illusion. Ahead of his return to the Irish capital with Lee Foss on February 19th, he took the time to chat with local talent Elliot (who’ll also be spinning on the night), giving a more personal insight into the DJ lifestyle.
Elliot: Thanks for joining us Denney! How are things?
Good thanks, just got back off holiday in Mexico so feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the year!
Elliot: Do you take any sugars in your tea? And if so how many…
I don’t but I’m really into Chai tea with honey…
Elliot: You mentioned when you were 13 years of age listening to the “Essential Mix” & it has always been a dream to build your own. You have done that in a glorious manner. How does it feel?
It feels amazing and was a massive personal milestone for me; I put so much time and effort into it so I’m really happy with how incredible the response has been.
Elliot: When it comes to a producing block where you struggle to get any ideas out or lack any push for it. What or where would be your main source of inspiration?
I usually just walk out the studio and do something else like search for music or go through old records in my vinyl collection, you can sit there all day trying to force something but it will never sound good. Go and do something else and try again the next day…that’s the formula which works for me.
Elliot: During your established career, Did you at any point have thoughts on throwing the towel in and just quitting it all?
I have done twice when things got very tough financially but luckily had my amazing family and friends who supported me and pushed me to keep going… I’m eternally grateful they did!
Elliot: Do you feel the underground scene is moving in a positive direction?
I think it always will to be honest. People in the underground do their thing and are constantly evolving as well as digging through old records and pulling out hidden gems. It sounds like a cliché but the underground will never die.
Elliot: After all of the shows & gigs etc. Is there ever any sense of loneliness in the DJ travelling life?
Absolutely, that is one of the main downsides…you are on your own a lot and sometimes it gets hard being on the other side of the world sat in an airport away from the people you love.
Elliot: In the position you’re in now do you feel you’re playing music for the crowd or for yourself?
I try and get a good balance, I hope the crowd trusts me enough to go with me, I play a lot of party basslines with the odd cheeky vocals so usually the crowd are into it either at a festival on a big stage or in an intimate club.
Elliot: Is there a point where it changes for an emerging DJ when they can start to lead the crowd with the sounds of their choice or is their always a need to satisfy?
I think to stand out as a DJ you need to have your own sound and just playing to the crowd you will never get that. The best advice I’ve ever had was from James Holroyd who told me many years ago “Just be fearless”. This has stuck with me as dropping certain records at the right time can create real magic moments even if sometimes you are unsure how they will go down. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t but when it does you won’t half know about it!
Elliot: What can Dubliners expect from your upcoming show?
A straight up party with Lee Foss and myself at the helm, I’m really looking forward to it!
Elliot: What are you most looking forward to on your trip to Ireland?
I love coming to Ireland, Dublin especially so looking forward to being back in the city and having a proper pint of Guinness!