DJ Steve Richards

When did you first get involved in DJ’ing?
I first learnt to mix when I was 15 and went professional at 22 when I launched my first clubbing brand.

What do you like to play and has your taste changed a lot over the years?
My passion is most definitely house music; I’ve liked many forms of it over the years starting with hard house, but have warmed to the slower more uplifting styles as the years have passed by, such as funky, tech and progressive.

What can people expect from your set at the Yacht Club on April 8?
It will be a journey filled with moments of energy, elation, hands in the air and maybe the odd scream – hopefully the crowd will join in too!

Have you visited Abu Dhabi before?
I’ve never been to Abu Dhabi before so I’m very much looking forward to this event. I hear the scene is quite diverse with an up-for-it crowd.

What other DJs or producers have you worked with?
I’ve worked with many over the years such as Tiesto, PVD, Judge Jules, Soul Avengerz, Mark Knight and most of the world’s top 100, whether it’s through DJ’ing on the same event, booking them for one of my events or re-mixing a track together.

What is your current ‘blow-the-roof-off’ favourite track?
I have many favourite tracks – it depends on the crowd and what happens on the night. Sometimes I like really hard stuff to mount up the energy, sometimes I like really soft, emotional stuff where you get goosebumps. So yeah, it depends.

Who are your favourite artists, musicians or bands? Who has influenced your career?
I’m fortunate to have a very wide appreciation of music, from rock bands to solo artists, hip hop to house music. My initial influence came from my big brother in my very early teens by introducing me to the underground house music scene and showing me the bare basics of putting two tracks together. Since playing, I’d say I’ve preferred some work by Cirez D, Sultan & Ned Sheppard for their uplifting beats, and of course some Elektrik Disko for their funky vocal mixes with high energy. On the whole I like anything with a good rhythm – if it makes me move, I like it!

What word or phrase do you use far too often?
‘Basically’ – don’t ask me why but I always seem to say this word.

What’s the most surprising thing that’s ever happened to you?
In the early days of my career I entered a DJ competition called ‘Battle of the DJ’s’ in conjunction with The Gallery at Turnmills in London in 2003. First prize (after four rounds) was a warm-up slot in the main room for Tall Paul. However, by the end of the first round and before the competition had even finished, I was approached by the manager of The Gallery asking if I wanted to warm up for Tiesto – to say I was surprised is an understatement!