DJ Bone Interview: True Detroit style

Image credit: Marie Staggat

DJ Bone consistently goes against the grain in regards to music. Never succumbing to the the 'popular' DJ blueprint, he is triumphantly independent and relies purely on his skills which have gained him the reputation as one of Detroit techno's finest artists. 

Bone is one of the city's most praised vinyl experts, he takes complete control, effortlessly adding his own personal touch to performances with scratching, back-spinning and seamlessly blending. He is a true master of his trade. 

He arrives in Liverpool this weekend for a special 'Buyers Club Influences' event. The sporadic parties will showcase artists that have influenced those behind the venue, with the aim of bringing guests to the space that wouldn't be found elsewhere in the city.

As one of the most respected names in the techno scene, DJ Bone's penchant for high BPM pulsating dance music will be the ultimate launch for the Buyers Club next venture. We caught up with the headline act ahead of the party.

You have history in Liverpool, having played a number of times at the legendary Voodoo with Dave Clarke and many others. Do you have any particular memories of your times in the city?

I've had many great times in Liverpool. I first played a party called T-Funkshion in the early 2000s. I eventually became a resident at Voodoo. Great memories include receiving a Liverpool Jersey with B O N E on the back, playing NYE with Dave Clarke and just the nights in general. It's a special vibe in Liverpool. I love it cause the people will definitely show you they love it.

It's amazing that still to this day people in places all across the globe are dancing to (and loving) Detroit Techno when it's played in a true Detroit style. I attribute it to two things... the timeless music that has been coming out of Detroit for over 30 years, and the immensely skilled DJs who grew up immersed in the city's culture, both good and bad.

And as long as strong Detroit producers strive to remain relevant and create new masterpieces the legacy will add chapters for decades to come.

Looking at your busy schedule this Spring/Summer, you can be found in both large scale festivals like Bloc and Awakenings, while also stopping in at more intimate shows like this weekend in Liverpool, how do you find your approach to DJing differs from festival to club?

I used to not really like big festivals to be honest. It's virtually impossible to create a vibe unless there's one main area. But I've adjusted to more of a showcasing of skills kind of set at festivals. Making people dance their asses off while showing/giving them something different as well.

This makes for an atmosphere full of energy and anticipation for what's going to happen next. And in clubs I love creating a vibe that can kind of encompass the whole room or club. As if everyone is on the same wavelength and really feeling what's happening.

You have now been DJing for over 20 years, how have you found your approach to DJing change over that time? I can imagine the changing technology in equipment available to DJs has made a difference?

My approach hasn't changed. Neither has my style. I never program my sets ahead of time and I always push the envelope. All technology does for me is allow me to handily carry more music and make it easier for me to not mess up when I try something risky. USBs and CDs don't skip like vinyl.

But I've never rejoiced at the idea of a crowd reacting to effects, delays, knob-twisting, etc more than they react to the actual music I'm playing. I want them to still receive the essence of the music itself. Now skill is a different thing.

There are DJs with phenomenal skill who can mutate and mold any track into something unheard or unexpected without the use of effects, shortcut technology or stuff like that. As for me, I like to keep as much of my skill-set, my vibe and my soul involved in my sets as possible. That's real to me.

When I described the fact that the CDJs make it easier I wasn't saying that as a good thing. I was referring to how it has lowered the bar as far as true skills are concerned. They've removed any danger that creates a level of difficulty when DJing. Imagine if gymnastics suddenly had everyone strapped to harnesses and wires which made it virtually impossible for any athlete to mess up or go off balance. That's what certain technology brought to DJing.

But I've never received any backlash. People know I love playing vinyl but they also understand that I need to use CDJs so I can play promos and unreleased material. Now if we start talking laptops, that's a whole different issue! Haha

Often we find that DJs who have been around the block tend to look at different genres and styles as their career progresses. As you have been intrinsically involved in techno for over two decades, how do you manage to keep it feeling fresh?

Around the block? [laughs] It's easy for me because I've been dedicated to Detroit techno from day one. So, since Detroit techno for me ranges from Moodymann to Juan Atkins and all the way up to Drexciya and DJ Assault,  this means that my palette/spectrum is pretty vast.

That, coupled with how timeless a lot of Detroit music is, allows me to play unfamiliar sounds alongside classics and even throw an accapella over the top if I want to. Therefore I think that my Techno way of thinking is very different from most and that's a huge advantage for me. I want to influence people with the known as well as the unknown. I don't want to be boring/usual/predictable or play it safe.

What is next for DJ Bone? 

Coming soon I'll be playing a few extended sets (6+ hours) and I think this will also enlighten people as to what else I'm capable of. Along with playing extended sets I have quite a few projects coming this year.

I have an album as DIFFER-ENT that will be released on the Don't Be Afraid label. I also will be releasing a DJ Bone album on Subject Detroit Records. Then there's a very special project called The Storytellers which begins with a split-release by DJ Bone and Deetron. We are also doing a DJ tour as The Storytellers.

Also, be on the lookout for The Detroit EP part two as well as the Subject Detroit Retrospective.

Tickets for DJ Bone at the Buyers Club are available from the box below.

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