Harvey McKay interview: House and techno fit the people of Glasgow

Bedrock's annual Easter parties are the stuff of legend. Centred around an extended set from label head honcho John Digweed and a high pedigree supporting cast (check out this year's line up here), they stand as celebrations of the type of dynamic and effervescent house and techno Digweed and the label have become synonymous with over the past twenty plus years.

Among the guests at Fire London on Thursday 17th April this year is Glasgow wunderkind Harvey Mckay, someone who has been at the forefront of our attention here (he's also got a debut lined up for Yousef's epnoymous party Circus) over the past few months.

He's had records released on Soma and Drumcode, as well as Bedrock itself with the Carlo Lio collaboration 'F-+k Jack' (stream above) and crafts the kind of up for it house and techno which has been an integral part of the scene of the city he resides in, the obvious connection to Slam, Sub Club and The Arches ringing through his grooves.

Ahead of the party we caught up with him for a quick chat about his relationship with Bedrock, excitement at heading to Liverpool shortly and the secret behind Glasgow's continued success within dance music.

What’s your relationship with Bedrock as a label like? 

It's Great. I talk with Scott, who runs the label, most days - we have a similar sense of humour, and it's a very laid back way of working. They are great to work with, and I have some more music in the pipe line with them.

Having been a product of Glasgow’s underground scene, why do you think the city remains to hold such an enduring fascination with house music? Do you think it’s a legacy of the presence of a strong cultural backbone that goes against the curve of popular society at times, such as the art and media schools?

I think it's quite a hard city. That's not to be confused with unfriendly, as I would say its one of the friendliest on the planet. The people here really know how to party on another level, and also as the weather pretty much sucks it's a good reason to get wasted and party to good music. House and techno fit the attitude of the people of Glasgow to a tee.  

How is the rest of 2014 shaping up for you? Have you plans for Ibiza and the festival circuit you can let us know about at present?

Yea I have so much going on booking's and EP wise, it's all going a bit crazy. As for Ibiza I am playing Space twice and there are a fair few other things in the pipeline over there. I am also playing a few festivals in Europe as well so its all looking healthy.

We’ve also noticed a show at Circus in Liverpool next May. Have you played the city before?

Nope! You know its one place I have not been to or played, so super excited to see what its like down there. It has a such a reputation so I'm really looking forward to playing it.

What production news have you got forthcoming you can reveal?

At the moment and in the pipeline I have a remix for Max Cooper , a remix for Mark Reeve , an EP on Carl Cox's Intec label and then an EP on Bedrock all to come.

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