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The Sound of Garuda: Mixed By Gareth Emery

Derek The Bandit Interview










We chat to Derek The Bandit about being a Barney Simon fan, Falling asleep on the Job and his time in the Scene




Q:
You've been involved with Dance music and Radio for close on 20 years, Tell us a bit about life before that...
A:
before that I was a kid at school!, Always wanted to work in radio since the age of 13...so just followed my passion!
Q:
How did Dance music come across your path?

A:
it all started on my first weekend show on 5FM called The Late, Late Early Show......I introduced the first hour of the show as Totally Dance..

Q:
What could we typically find in a Teenage Derek "The Bandits" bedroom?

A:
Pictures of the band Japan & David Sylvian, was brought up listening to Barney Simon, so I have strong background in Alternative music...

Q:
You are without a doubt an integral part of The Scene in South Africa, you know it from every possible side,
what are the things you both love and hate most about the South African Clubbing Scene...

A:
I loved my time in the scene, it was full of excitement..... but things change and you have to move on!

Q:
You're quite famously a fan of both Paul Van Dyk & Graham Gold, what is it about them that stands out for you? is it purely about the music...or is there more to it?

A:
Graham Gold is like my big brother that I never had, did my show from Kiss 100 London, twice while he was still there and he just a great bloke. Paul Van Dyk has always been an inspiration, had the pleasure of playing with him 3 times and numerous interviews....

Q:
What is the story behind "The Bandit"? how did that come about?

A:
nickname from school, let's face it Richardson isn't the best radio name! Hahah

Q:
You took what was essentially quite an underground movement and brought it to National Radio at least once a week, and quite honestly had a huge hand in the building of the scene we know today... did you ever feel like an outsider...as in that guy from the Radio on the Club DJ's turf? or was it smooth sailing all the way?

A:
Oh there was always bitchiness and jealously but you just have to get on with it!

Q:
You were responsible for helping some of todays best known DJ's get that essential foot in the door... who
is your favourite discovery?

A:
Roger Goode!

Q:
Any embaressing DJ stories?

A:
Falling asleep while doing the 2am to 6am radio show....only happened once, never again :-)

Q:
You've shared stages with some of the world's best DJ's and acts... who has stood out for you most and why?


A:
Just too many to say really, but obviously Paul Van Dyk


Q:
There is a season for everything, and for a very big part of your life DJ'ing, clubbing and Dance music was that season,please forgive me if I'm wrong... but it seems your clubbing days are over for good... what would have to happen for you to get back into it?

A:
You have to face reality in life, I had a fantastic platform on 5FM which now belongs to Roger Goode... The Bandit will continue to live online through my monthly Podcasts! When it comes to club gigs I wouldn't mind doing one or two here and there........

Q:
A lot of SA's original pioneering DJ's have moved on to other things... Do you have any advise for Young DJ's who are struggling to get in to the scene...

A:
Don't think you can be a DJ forever, always have a back up plan!


Q:
What is your current top track?

A:
Tim Berg - Bromance (Aviciis Arena Mix)


Q:
Best Gig you ever played?


A:
Best gigs ever were Mother, ICE & Camel Experience

Q:

Where do you see Dance Music both in SA and Internationally going in the future?

A:
There will always be a dance scene it's just evolving all the time.....

Q:
What is playing in your Mp3 player right now?

A:
My podcast!

Q:
What was the first album you ever bought?

A:
Queen single

Q:
The last album you bought?


A:
Faithless, love those guys!


Q:
Lastly what does the future look like for "The Bandit"?


A:
Find The Bandit online -
www.soundrepublic.co.za

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