Meet Mr. Edit. No, that's not his real or DJ name, but this producer and passionately experimental DJ creates a signature style for himself by re-editing versions of songs, making a Luke Fair set (live or recorded) a truly unique listening experience. This talent also made him the perfect choice to mix a Balance Series release, not overlooking that he'd already released mix compilations on Yoshitoshi and Bedrock, and had landed on every major radio show across the world! Now he's been dropped here on DJfix.com for this exclusive interview...

YOUR NEW BALANCE CD!! What did you think when you got asked to do one for this series?

I was pretty excited. It's such a great series and all the past releases have been really creative. I knew I had to put a lot of time into it as the bar was definitely set pretty high from previous mixes.

What was the first thing you thought when it was finally finished?

I was really pleased with how it turned out. I made sure to put a lot of time into so I didn't have any regrets. The guys at Balance did an amazing job clearing almost everything I asked for. I was expecting to get 1/3 of my track requests rejected, but only one came back with a 'no.’

How long did it take you to put together?

Actually mixing it didn't take long, but I spent months looking for music for it. I'd usually put in about 3-4 hours a day scouring all the online record and mp3 shops. I went through the back stock as well as the new releases. I'd say start to finish it took around 4-5 months.

Given the diversity of the music you play and produce, how did you decide on what kind of music you were going to use for this release?

I knew the mix was going to be housey. I wanted to make a house mix of everything I'd play in a club night, if I was able to go from open until close.

Where did you get the records you used in your mix?

Pretty much every record on the CD is released. I think there's one or two that aren't. Most of them were found in record shops and online stores.

What were some tracks that didn't make the cut and why?

I had a list of about 50 records that I knew I wanted to use, but obviously couldn't use that many. Records were cut either because the mood of it compromised the flow, or maybe it was in a weird key and was tough to fit in mix.

Speaking of cutting... you are known for editing tracks you play. How much of that went on in this mix?

Pretty much every track is edited in some way or another. Most are minor ones, either extending the outro or cutting out a vocal I didn't like. There's a few though where I took about 3 minutes of a track and turned it into a full song, as I only liked a few minutes worth.

What was THE song you knew had to be on there — or was there one that started the vibe that you built the rest of the mix knowing you wanted to include that one song?

There's a couple, but the one I really wanted to use was Humate - Curious. It's one of my all time favorite songs and when I realized it was cleared for use, I was so happy. I also really wanted to make sure the Tom Middleton mix of Schwab - DJs In A Row was on as well.

Do you still keep in touch with Digweed?

Yeah. He's someone who's really helped with my career from the very start, up until now. He's probably the person I most respect in the industry, for everything he's accomplished and is still one of the hardest working guys in the business.

Where are you living now – and why there?

I'm in Toronto and have been here my whole life. Can't imagine living anywhere else, it's a great city.

I'm sure there are few fans who'd like to know if you have a girlfriend?

Haha... yes I do. For the last 7 years!

Do you have any special tricks or rituals you do to keep going/happy when you are out touring?

The only thing I ask for when I'm traveling is internet in the room for my laptop. It makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family at home. I also just bought this thing called a Slingbox, so I could watch my beloved Toronto Raptors in the NBA playoffs. It's this amazing piece of hardware that lets me watch my home tv from my laptop from anywhere in the world.

If someone produced a track they think that you'd like to DJ, how would be the best way for them to get it to your ears?

They can find me on AOL/ichat. Username is lukefair1.

Anything else you'd like to say?

I'd like to thank the Academy... just kidding. Watch out for the next release on my Electraluxe label, coming out soon. Arcade Mode - "Telesto" is the name!

Thanks so much, we can't wait!!!

LUKE FAIR NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

June 1 Boston, MA @ Rise
June 2 Chicago, IL @ Vision
June 8 San Diego, CA @ Belo
June 9 Los Angeles, CA @ Giant at Vanguard
June 10 Las Vegas, NV @ Revolution Lounge
June 13 Niagara Falls Ontario @ Dragon Fly
June 16 New York, NY @ Sullivan Room

More tour dates in Denver, Miami, Washington DC, San Francisco TBA – go to www.lukefair.com