1. Hi there Neal, how's everything, what can You tell me about Yourself as a person and also as an artist ?
Neal Scarborough: Hi. I am good thanks. I am 27 years old, from Dublin, Ireland. I have been a DJ since I was 18 and I have been producing music for the last 6 years. I have releases on Fraction Records, Armada, Discover, Conspiracy and Enhanced Recordings.
2. A few days ago You have been to Planet Love 2009 held in Ireland. How did that come about and can You tell us a little more about the experience ?
Neal Scarborough: It's a festival that is held in Ireland every year and that was the second time I have played at it. Despite the weather the festival was amazing. It's always great to play in front of your home crowd. The Irish are always up for it and they create a great atmosphere. I was playing in the Irish Legends Arena from 18.45 - 20:00. It was awesome! I really enjoyed it.
3. You know... back in the days, what kind of music and artists did You listen to growing up ?
Neal Scarborough: I have always been into a lot of different types of music as I studied it all the way through school. As I got older my musical taste was changing all the time. I used to listen to anything from Guns n Roses, Beatles, Stone Roses to UB40 and Bob Marley. I got into dance music when I was 16. I was on holiday in Ibiza and went to Cream at Amnesia to see Paul Van Dyk. That was the first time I heard Trance and I fell in love with it straight away. From then on I immersed myself in it.
4. So, if You recall, when did You first start being an active EDM producer/Dj ?
Neal Scarborough: I started playing pirate radio stations around Dublin when I was 18. That got me into buying records every week and sourcing tunes. Eventually I got to play in various clubs around Dublin and it has just gone on from there. When I got into DJing I always knew I would try and produce music as I was inspired by artists like Paul Van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Armin van Buuren and Nu NRG. I was fascinated with their work. I spent some time in a studio called Raff Da Gaff learning about synths and familiarizing myself with the workings of a studio. After that I bought myself a computer and started learning how to make music.
5. What about Your studio, when and with what equipment did You record Your first EDM tune ?
Neal Scarborough: Now I use Cubase 4 on a windows operating system. I don't currently use any hardware as I have everything I need within the soft synths I use. The first EDM tune I made was with John O'Callaghan on a laptop using Reason. It was the first mix we ever made of "Inertia – The Emerald". At the time we called it "Exertion – The Emerald". I think that was around 2001/2002. I can't remember exactly.
6. You were formerly known as "Inertia", being one of the half of it, along John O'Callaghan. When did You become "Neal Scarborough" ?
Neal Scarborough: I first used the artist name Neal Scarborough in 2005 for my first solo tune "Stung On The River".
7. Tell us more about Your one of Your latest track released, called “Tiberium” and where people can find it ?
Neal Scarborough: It's on Conspiracy Recordings and has got 2 great remixes by Activa and David Forbes. It's available now on all dance music portals. It's been doing really well. Support from Paul van Dyk, John O'Callaghan and Ferry Corsten. It has been getting a great reaction in my sets too.
8. You know, the year of 2009 gave You a lot of recognition and exposure with Your own tech–tinged destroyer "Panama" on Fraction Recordings. What can You tell me about it ?
Neal Scarborough: When I left Discover Records last year I decided I wanted to create some music totally different to what I had been making. I had an idea for "Panama" and just went with it. I was really happy with how it turned out and it has exceeded all my expectations. I called it Panama because I stopped off there on my way to Columbia.
9. In terms of Your own show, what can You reveal to all readers about Your monthly show called "Creation" ? When and where would fans be able to listen to it ?
Neal Scarborough: My show "Creation" has just had its 6th episode. You can listen to it live on the 2nd Thursday of every month on ETN.fm and it is also available as a podcast through iTunes. It's a fusion of the newest progressive, trance and tech tunes of the last month.
10. What do You think the biggest difference is between EDM Djs and producers trying to make it 10 years ago and today's ones ? Is it easier, harder, what do You reckon ?
Neal Scarborough: I think it is harder now as there are a lot more talented producers out there trying to break through.
11. What should fans expect from Neal Scarborough in summer of 2009 and where can fans learn or else read more about You ?
Neal Scarborough: I will be working hard in the studio on more original music and maybe 1 or 2 remixes. I have just finished a collaboration with a very talented Irish producer called Gary Maguire so that will be doing the rounds shortly. You can subscribe to my monthly newsletter on my official website or MySpace profile.
12. Any final words You would like to share to the growing community of TranceSound.net around the world, or anyone else reading this exclusive interview ?
Neal Scarborough: Thanks everyone for supporting my music and thanks to you TranceSound.net for inviting me to do this interview. All the Best from Dublin. Neal J
Interview made by Cosmin Lukacs (TranceSound.net admin/founder)
Links:
Neal Scarborough official website
Neal Scarborough @ MySpace
Cosmin Lukacs official website
Cosmin Lukacs @ MySpace
