| Matt’s
illustrious association with the global phenomenon that is
Gatecrasher
is something which has been well documented. Such association
would be seen by many as an accomplishment in it’s own
right. It has seen Matt to play some of the greatest events
the world of clubbing has to offer. Whether it be playing
at the sell-out Don Valley stadium
gig in front of 28,000 people on New Years
Eve 2000 or playing to 15,000 people at the amazing Gatecrasher
NEC events- Matt has seen it all. However,
in the last two years the artist has risen, not only to play
a pivotal role in the Gatecrasher fold but to become an internationally
recognised artist in his own right. Matt’s
growing reputation really came to the fore only as recent
as the beginning of 2002 with the completion of his first
Radio 1 Essential Mix.
The mix struck a chord with clubbers and promoters the world
over. Demand for Matt in the clubs was on the increase and
he soon found himself playing for all the high profile organisations
within the UK scene. Further, his international diary became
ever more hectic. To date he has enjoyed successful tours
throughout Asia, South America,
Australia, Africa, Europe and the USA.
This has enabled him to play prestigious venues the world-over,
including Home in Sydney
and the prestigious Limelight
in New York.
Such
a growing repertoire did not go unnoticed. When Simon Berry
the Platipus records
impresario was looking for, in his words a “rising
star,” to mix their coveted tenth compilation mix
CD- guess who he called first. With over 40 tracks a mixes
from which to chose Matt came up with a fluid mix of progressive
trance that won plaudits across the board.
Matt’s
next challenge came in the shape of the world-renowned Gatecrasher
compilations which need no introduction to fans of dance
music. The Resident Transmission
series was launched in October 2002. The press and public
reaction to Matt’s contribution to the package is
something that Matt is very proud of. The success of the
compilation was swiftly followed up by Matt debuting in
DJ Mag’s top 100 DJs
at a number 58. Early 2003 saw Matt further consolidate
his growing DJ reputation with the completion of the second
Resident Transmission mix.
All
this aside, it is perhaps Matt’s production profile
which will come to the fore in the coming months. His collaboration
with production duo Smith
& Pledger, entitled Day
One, has already won support from the likes
of Dj Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren,
Ferry Corsten and Scott Bond and has been
snapped up by the highly prestigious Anjuna
Beats label with a release date pencilled
in for October. Production Gurus Above
and Beyond have taken the remix responsibility.
This is an accolade in itself as the boys are very particular
about who they remix- they are currently doing a mix for
Madonna!!
The track has, in addition, been included on a number of
high profile compilations- including the prestigious Ministry
of Sound-Ibiza annual.
Matt
is currently working on a follow up single with the guys
that will see them recording under the name Shadowlands.
Following up their first single will be no mean feat- but
Matt believes that the follow up could be even bigger!!
With
another Gatecrasher compilation planned before the end of
the year and the production side of his career moving into
overdrive we are left in little doubt that the coming months
will be ever more hectic for Matt.
By
Julia Williams |
