Flavouring their music with definite qurikyness and originality, The Squatters have been an force to be reckoned with in 2011. Not just for the awesomeness of their music, but the crossover appeal it has. Meeting the approval of everyone from Annie Mac to Steve Aoki and in between, The Squatters have a diversity to their sound which transcends genres. They make music that will lift the roof – simple.
A homecoming of sorts, Oliver Portamento and Alex Powell will be supporting Fatboy Slim in their home town of Bridlington this Friday night as part of his ‘One Night Stand’ tour. I caught up with them for a quick chat on the eve of their next big triumph.
Hi guys, thanks for talking to me today for Pumped Audio! Since your K2 remix this year you’ve really been buzzing on the radar so to speak. Has it all been a bit of a whirlwind for you both or have you had time to sit back and take stock of the years events?
Ola! PUMPED, Ever since day one we have worked and played in a whirlwind, as everyone knows you’re only here once and on borrowed time so we make the most of everything we do… even boiling the kettle more than 3 times before we use it… We are constantly doing things hence why Oli got Shingles and the doc told him to slow down last year! But on the flip side we love travelling and appreciate every experience and event we do.
Of course having your remix snapped up by a label like Musical Freedom must have been an awesome happening and to have the backing of someone as influential as Tiesto. What were your feelings at the time?
This was a great feeling and we were over the moon! However we were more exited to know we can play our tracks in a set and they can stand out more than some of the other tracks we play.. As producers and DJs it means so much more playing something you have made.
If Tiesto came up to us personally and said “Great work on the remix” that would be a different answer to this question.
And gig-wise, where have you played this year that’s been a complete eye-opener?
Judgement Sundays Ibiza @ Eden (we can’t describe it, you have to go)
Let’s talk about your new label, ‘What’s Your Status’. You’re renowned for having a very eclectic music policy, is the label ethos be a reflection of this?
The label has developed so we and other artists can project our work on a faster less paperwork and fast release scale, not just things we like personally but things that work on the dance floors in our sets too. We are great lovers of all music and we have 4 ears so you can imagine we differ but always meet in the middle when it comes to quality and ideas or the style of music we choose to release.
And tell us, what’s behind the label name?
Although everyone is equal, everyone has a status that can be expressed or hidden, even changed. Making their own choice or influenced by others. Our influence has always been the music, event, fans and the artists. So ask yourself “What’s Your Status?”
You’re taking yourselves off on a tour of Australia, New Zealand & the US next year. Electronic music has really emerged from underground, exploding in popularity this year in the US. It’s a really exciting time to be planning a tour, can you tell our readers in the US what you have in store for them?
The best part of planning the tour is the “locked in the studio time”, as the events and tours take a lot of planning which gives us time to work on our sets and the music production required to present to the crowds! Because we have never visited these countries we are using the inspiration and excitement about visiting and playing them to create the big ass sounds people and we love!
What’s been the highlight of your year so far?
Being part of the Judgement Sundays Team was amazing, playing alongside some of the legendary artists who have inspired us to this day.
A big gig coming up for both of you on Friday in Bridlington supporting Fatboy Slim on his ‘Five Night Stand’ tour. What kind of preparation goes into your set for a gig like this?
This is going to be an epic event! As it’s our hometown, we can’t believe how big scale this event is for the UK, never mind seaside town of Bridlington. Also knowing half the audience including our Mums! So it’s very important we both read off the same page and deliver a true sound we believe in and fans demand. This doesn’t take a few days but goes back to when we started as The Squatters. Each time we perform the set gets stronger with experience and we re-edit tracks to enhance the set.
What would your superhero powers be and how would you use them?
Oli: I think I would have Super Healing Powers to help those in need! (Obviously X-ray vision did cross my mind, I’m a guy )
Alex: Just a Storm Trooper please
Finally, anything you’d like to say to your fans?
A BIG F%*KING THANKYOU!!!
Especially to those who support and shout about us! Also knowing we are down to earth guys doing what we love.
You’re only here once… Let’s do this!
Catch The Squatters tommorrow night at Fatboy Slim’s ‘One Night Stand’ Bridlington Spa. Gna be a big one!
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Owner, Editor & Reviewer @ Pumped Audio I am _ boss @pumpedaudio .. electronic music anorak .. shoe hound .. writer.. trancefamily .. part time geek .. more . bass . please
