Name(s): Oliver Smith and Mark Pledger AKA Smith & Pledger

Age(s): 22 (Smith) and 23 (Pledger)

From: London, UK.

How old were you when you each started producing music?

Smith:
We've both been involved in music from a very young age. I started playing around with music software when I got my first computer (a Commodore C64) over ten years ago. I also studied Music and took piano lessons for a while. Ever since I started I knew that music was what I wanted to do for a living!

Pledger:
I've been producing music for over eight years and have been involved in a number of projects over the years. I've also had some experience working for a record label.

What was your inspiration to become producers?

Smith:
My inspiration to become a producer was probably the electronic music that was around in the early to mid nineties. Everything from Underworld through to Orbital as well as Drum n Bass and some more underground house and
techno, but also good music in general.

Pledger:
I've been into the Gatecrasher sound from the beginning but I also draw influences from the progressive and tribal scenes.

Was the music you each produced at the outset in a similar vein to what you produce together today?

Smith:
I started out doing some house and techno and moved through doing drum n bass, chill-out and trip hop as well as trance. When I met Mark (Pledger) we decided to concentrate on trance and progressive house. Our sound has just developed from there really.

Were you ever keen clubbers back then and if so which clubs did you go to?

Pledger:

I mainly go to Gatecrasher at the Republic as well as Passion in Coalville. I've also been to Bedrock, Gods Kitchen and Renaissance amongst others.

How did you come to produce together and did things come together quickly?

Smith:
Right from the beginning we got on quite well in the studio. We had both been making tracks for some time before we met so we were able to come up with some good results even from the first tune we did together. I've found we compliment each other well in the studio, as we are both able to play to our strengths.

What is the track you are most proud of to date?

Smith:
I think "Day One" (a collaboration with Matt Hardwick, out soon on Anjunabeats) is one of our best tracks yet. It's got a nice vibe and goes off well in the clubs.

What project are you currently working on?

Smith:
We're just completing a remix for Mondo records and we're also working on some more Smith & Pledger tracks which should be seeing a release later in the year.

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?

Smith:
Hopefully we'll still be writing and producing top quality music as well as DJing. I'd love to be making albums as well.

Tell us an amusing studio story.

Pledger:
Once, we had a late night session at my studio and me and Olie got drunk with Paavo and Jono from Anjunabeats. After a long night Paavo finally fell asleep. Eventually, we woke him up and sent him off in a taxi. What Paavo didn't know was that we had decided to put some of my girlfriends' makeup on him - much to the amusement of the taxi driver!

And finally, any advise to aspiring producers?

Smith:
Don't be impatient and take your time learning all of the elements of the studio, software etc. It can take years and years to reach a professional standard and there's always something new to learn. Also, don't forget that a little music theory is useful so that you can work out chords harmonies etc. Above all, try and make music that moves you and says something new.

www.smithandpledger.com

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