Citizen Interview: Birmingham is one of those cities I love returning to

It's getting closer and closer to when Face turn four on Saturday 19th October (check out our insight into that and their other upcoming events in our Promoter Focus here), and as arguably the strongest house and techno extravaganza in the Midlands it's certainly an event worthy of your consideration. 2013's most alluring house music super-group Apollonia headline, with Krystal Klear, Detroit Swindle and Citizen all offering breathtaking support when they hit one of Birmingham's most talked about venues, the Rainbow Complex.

We caught up with the latter ahead of the event, who as well as knocking out the kind of silky garage infused hybrid that has seen support come form the likes of Pete Tong (check him playing it on the Essential Selection below) is also renowned for his video work.

Are you looking forward to playing the Face Birthday? How many times have you played the city before?

Most definitely, Birmingham is one of those cities I love returning to, the vibe is awesome and some of my earliest support has been form there so it's always a pleasure to keep being asked back. Plus the venue is amazing.

You’re from the Midlands, though slightly east of Birmingham in another Middle England hot spot of house, Nottingham. What is it about this part of the country that aids a good, cohesive DIY house music aesthetic?

I think we just had a great education through the various clubs on offer. Where I'm from there's this amazing club called Stealth which basically schooled me from when I started going at 16 to eventually working there and throwing parties - from the ground up there has just been an influx of quality music coming in through that venue, electronic and otherwise.

Also I feel like the attention isn't really there until something amazing happens, everybody knows the musical hotspot for the UK is London so it forces people from outside to work harder, dig a little deeper.

Where else have you been playing recently?

Everywhere I think! I don't remember it's all a massive blur to me sometimes.  

You’ve already had the chance to work with one of your heroes in Kerri Chandler and his Madtech imprint. Is there any other dream collaborators or inspirations you’d love to seek out?

Wookie, Miley (Cyrus), Levon Vincent.  Got em' tatooed.

What remixes and productions news can you let us in on?

Been collaborating with a bunch of amazing people for a super exciting release I'm not really even supposed to be speaking about - but it's taking up most of my time in the studio at the moment.

Outside of the club realms, what music have you been digging recently and would recommend to our readers?

Inc's new record is amazing. It's perfect travelling music - also Hiatus Kaiyote have really been doing it for me over the past year, really mellow boho-neo-folk-soul vibes from Australia.

You are also a dab hand at video production, having made videos for the likes of AlunaGeorge in the past. Is this still something you keep on top of and can you ever see yourself presenting an audio-visual show?

Yes! been working on so many videos recently including pre-production for some of my own as well. We're actually up for an UKMVA award for our work with Alunageorge. yay.

And finally, what else lies in the future for you?

Alcoholics Anonymous...

Head here for further information on the Face 4th birthday where Citizen plays on Saturday 19th October, alongside Apollonia, Detroit Swindle and Krystal Klear.

Keep on top of the news at the Rainbow Venues - join the group here.

Like this? Check Promoter Focus: Face.

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