GET TO KNOW: Low Steppa

What age did you start out as a DJ?

I started learning to DJ when I was 18 with vinyl of course and started playing out about 6 months later.

What inspired you to get into this business and how did you achieve it?

I was obsessed with the idea of DJing after hearing rave tapes that were passed round school and knew I had to have a go!

How did you learn to produce and DJ?

I taught myself, there weren't as many DJs back then so I didn't know any so just had to teach myself. I learnt by mixing the Daft Punk Homework album together and practicing that way.

Which Djs have influenced your style of producing?

Big influences have been Armand Van Helden, Grant Nelson, Basement Jaxx, Bump and Flex and then all the guys doin it now like Dusky, Shadow Child and Hector Couto.

Which 3 DJs do you listen to the most?

I don't tend to listen to other djs mixes as im always listening to productions, but i listen to a lot of tracks by T.E.E.D, Shadow Child and Eats Everything.

What's your favourite song of all time?

Thats a tough question, it wouldn't be anything to do with house music tho, would be something by the likes of The Beatles, Prince or Bowie, something classic like that.

What would be your dream venue to play at?

Well having played at some huge parties under my other projects it would be something different. Id love to play some smaller parties of around 200 people where you feel you can do whatever you want and it was just a party and everyone was just vibing. No feeling that you had to just try and please the crowd.

Do you listen to other genres off the house scene? If so what?

As I said above I listen to loads of all stuff, Thin Lizzy, Prince, Peter Gabriel, Buggles and I love stuff like Oasis and The Kooks. Also love stuff like M83 and Passion Pit.

What was the first record you bought?

The first piece of vinyl i bought was a Tuff Jam track I think but that was so long ago!!

Best live moment so far in your career?

The most magical moment was probably playing at EDC in Los Angeles in 2009, played before Major Lazer in front of thousands of mad raver kids.

Taking into account the rapid rise in popularity of house music over the course of this year, what do you think about the house scene currently?

I think music hasn't been this good and exciting for a while, its a really great time for music.

What advice would you give up and coming producers?

I would say just put the time in, don't be lazy and pay someone to make your music like a lot of people do. Learn to do it yourself!!

Are there any up and coming producers you tip to make it big time?

I'd say some of the local lads like Marc Spence and Blck Shdw.

How do you rate 90s house music with todays?

Well the late nineties was my favorite as it was the garage era for me, and thats the main influence for my music at the moment, mixing that vibe with a modern feel.

What track would you play to rescue a dance floor?

It would have to be the Waze and Odyssey mix for bump and grind!!! People love it!

Where do you dream of being in 5 years time?

Happy! Thats the dream!

What next for you?

Working on more EPs, pushing my Simma Black label and experimenting with fresh sounds, keeping the Low Steppa sound evolving.

Upcoming gigs

-19/10/13

Twisted @ Prince Albert, Wolverhampton

Footwork @ Mk11, Milton Keynes

-26/10/13

Hi Five @ Clublounge, Cannock

Sleepin is Cheatin @ Mission, Leeds

-02/11/13

Ayr, Scotland

-15/11/13

The Egg, London

-16/11/13

Timbuk2, Bristol

-23/11/13

2.31 @ The Rainbow, Birmingham

-30/11/13

Twisted Carnival, Wolverhampton