Hot Since 82 Interview

There’s no wonder why Daley Padley decided on the moniker Hot Since 82. From a young boy raving in his mum’s living room to an in-demand DJ in clubs in Ibiza to the USA, he has been at the forefront of house music. Clearly passionate about what he does, he even took an early retirement from the scene when he decided it was no longer for him, but came back bigger and stronger than before. Making his return to Australia for Stereosonic, we caught up with the Yorkshireman to discuss his inception into dance music, how he kept busy during his brief hiatus and what to expect from him now.

Hi Daley how are you?
I’m good thanks, been a crazy year!

Where are you right now?
At home in Yorkshire.

Was there a big house scene where you were growing up in South Yorkshire?
Yes, the north of England has always had a big house scene that has never really gone away. Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, proper rave cities!

What was the first club night you ever went to?
My living room with my brother playing early ’90s rave tunes off one 1210!

You’ve commented before on your tough upbringing and that realistically you shouldn’t be doing this; so how did you overcome that obstacle and get into music?
It’s not an obstacle, but more character defining. I think my background is the same as many but I think it’s helped in my understanding of what I want to achieve and do, and also feeling blessed when I get to see the world as part of my job!

As a ‘90s teenager, would you say you were heavily influenced by the explosion of Acid House or were there other genres that got you interested in house?
Acid House was a big deal for me, people just hadn’t heard anything like it before and it was happening all around us plus you’d hear stories of the older kids going to illegal raves – exciting times! Hip hop was also huge for me; I would stay up watching Yo MTV raps, Wu Tang, Biggie & 2Pac. I used to love all that stuff, and still do to be fair.

You did in fact retire from DJing and producing in the mid 2000s, what did you do during your hiatus?
True story I actually did up a couple of houses! That and partying in Leeds, it was fun and got my head back to where I wanted it to be.

So, you started to hate the music you were playing; how can you ensure that doesn’t happen again? Is it easier for you to play what you want to now?
I didn’t hate the music I was playing; I would never play a record I hate. It was more the scene I was in that I fell out of love with. I’d be playing certain parties and then be meeting up with friends at DC10 and going a little deeper and darker. I’ve always loved DJing.

Creating your own label, Knee Deep In Sound, must enable you to do so… Why was now the right time to go independent?
I’ve always wanted to run my own label. It was just right with how my career was going. I was being sent so many amazing promos and unsigned records that I just had to do something otherwise so much music was not going to see the light of day. I’m lucky to be in a position now where if I sign something people will actually listen, plus I love road testing the stuff too!

You said that you were sent through a lot of amazing music and wanted to sign the majority of it; what exactly is it that you look for?
There’s no science to it, it’s just got to have a groove and jump out at me and, of course, needs to pass the road testing!

You make a return to Australia for Stereosonic this month, what memories do you have of last year’s event?
I had a great time last year, so many great people involved in the festival, also I have lots of friends in Sydney and Melbourne in particular. Australians definitely get the British sense of humour also which is important for me.

What can ticket-holders expect of a Hot Since 82 set?
Well, I often get asked if I play differently for clubs and festivals, but the truth is I just do my thing and that’s what I’ll do at Stereosonic. The usual mix of fresh house and techno, but this time I’ll be in the sun!

You played Brixton Academy on New Year’s Eve last year; where will you be this year?
Heading to Dubai with Groove Armada, should be fun. Again, more winter sun!

If you could collaborate with any other artist in the world, alive or dead, whom would you pick?
Madonna or Michael Jackson. I’m a huge MJ fan but I think a collaboration with Madonna would work better!

If you could ask any other DJ one question, who and what would it be?
Larry Levan: Do you have a time machine? I want to go to the Paradise Garage!

Thanks, Daley!