Words by Jules Mari

Nick Warren's talent is consistent in his ability to select and create tunes that grab attention. Be it DJing to a crowd of thousands or a few hundred, manning the helm behind the decks for another of his massively successful mix CDs (he's a Global Underground favorite), or sitting snug in his London studio - perhaps with his Way Out West collaborator Jody - creating another unforgettable dancefloor tune, Nick Warren continues to peak as a force shaping the electronic music scene both in the US and around the world.

His latest release for Global Underground is Shanghai #028 a two CD mix of tastefully chosen emotive electronica that has been keenly mixed with forethought to allow for subtle buildup, climax, and dropdown.  Nick Warren has chosen the gamut of tracks from ambient to smooth to breaks to 80's-tinged electro-pop and methodically placed them to have a cohesive mix that makes the ride to Shanghai a smooth one.   Nick Warren continues to amaze with how well he is able to obtain tracks from various genres and intertwine those tracks into an emotive, continually morphing mix. 

The opportunity to have Nick Warren answer a few questions was not one to be missed! Here's what he had to say...


Jules Mari: With so many DJs heading towards the digital realm/MP3 format, what media format do you currently mostly use to DJ, what is your preferred media, and for what reasons?

Nick Warren: At the moment I am using mainly cds, with a few vinyls as well , I use ableton for mix cd's and editing tracks before I burn them to cd , I still like the physical side of mixing.


Your mixes convey a strong emotive force that many DJs are unable to achieve in their mixes.  What is your secret?

The secret is to look for tracks that interest the head as well as the feet.


What is your primary method of discovering new tracks (Submissions? Downloads? Tracks handed to you directly?)

It really is a mixture of all those things, I also hand pick some of my favourite producers and ask them to write tracks for me.


On average, how long is the life of a track (from first play out to removal from your track selections) in your rotation?

It really does vary, some tracks (such as Chris Source "Hugs and Kisses") stay in my box for months, some only get to be played once or twice.


What are your thoughts on hearing protection, especially due to the volume levels within a club?

All people are different, I have never used ear protection, some dj's allways use it, horses for courses I suppose.


What are the differences in how you approach a remix versus approaching your own productions?

With a remix there is template to work on and a certain key to work in, whereas with an original piece of music you follow your nose until an idea sounds good.


Many thanks to Nick Warren for taking the time to answer some questions!

CATCH NICK WARREN LIVE!
For all his upcoming dates and more info
visit http://nickwarren.info