Q&A: Eddie Halliwell on Creamfields, Ibiza, and 'EDM'

You have always been very much associated with trance music, however over the last couple of years your music has changed and now incorporates more house and progressive house sounds. Do you think this is just the natural course for trance music / trance artists these days? What was the reason behind the change in direction?
I’ve always been open-minded with music and have always played a variety of styles. I like to embrace new music and EDM is evolving rapidly. When it comes to music I’ve never been a purist, I just enjoy playing good music that’s full of energy.

Where do you find inspiration for your music?
Online – I find myself constantly listening to new music day in day out.

You’re working more and more in the studio these days. Was that a natural progression from your DJing?
Yes, I’ve always said that I was a DJ first, but with technology developing so much over the last few years, I can now do everything from my laptop whilst I’m traveling, which allows me to produce on the go.

Are you working on anything at the moment? If so, tell us about it?
At the moment I’m working on some new tracks for my FIU Label as well as currently road testing my Remix of the classic Planet Perfecto track, ‘Bullet in the Gun’.

How do you go about remixing a track, where do you start?
For me the most important thing is to first like the track you have to remix. After this, I then go through parts I get sent and pull out the key elements I want to use. After this it's just a case of being creative and jamming with a few ideas in Ableton.

Can we expect a studio album from you soon?
This isn’t something at the forefront of my mind at the mo.

You’re headlining the very first ‘Fire It Up’ Arena at Creamfields this year. !hat’s the essence behind the Fire It Up brand?
Everybody seems to ask me this, so I suppose the phrase that best describes the Fire It Up brand is ‘Bringing the party to the people with fun, high energy music’. It's all about enjoying what you're doing and making sure the crowd enjoy as much as you do too.

What can punters expect from the FIU Arena at Creamfields this year?
Quite simply - Great artists, great music, great production and a shed load of SFX!

What can you see the electronic dance music scene being like in 10 years?
Technology is already, and will continue to influence EDM massively, but who knows where things will be in five years never mind 10!

You’re a firm fixture at Creamfields. What do you think is so special about the festival?
For me, the thing that makes Creamfields so special is the crowd… they're always up for it!

How was your experience at Creamfields last year?
Personally, despite the rain, I think it was one of the best – the rain certainly didn’t affect the crowd, and of course, my set was recorded live for BBC Radio 1’s essential mix.

What advice would you give to a Creamfields virgin attending this year?
Pace yourself.

What’s your festival essential?
It’s got to be a packed lunch!

What's the one track you always have in your DJ Box?
A good one…

You’re back in Ibiza this year for Cream, how do you keep your residency fresh year on year?
The most important thing for me is to evolve musically and play a variety of set times. I like to mix things up a bit and it was great to play on the terrace this year for Laidback Luke’s ‘Super You & Me’ brand which was something different for me.

There’s a story that Ibiza is magnetic and that’s why people continually return there. Does the island have that pull on you?
Yes, Ibiza is one of my favourite places to play in the world, so I certainly am drawn back every year.

What's so special about the clubs in Ibiza?
The crowds – it’s full of people actually going to party and for the music which creates and atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world!

What advice would you give an Ibiza virgin?
Get to Cream at Amnesia on a Thursday night!

You planked with Laidback Luke last year, jumped on the decks with AN21 at the opening party this year, what next?
Who knows...

What's been your most embarrassing / cringeworthy moment?
I’d have to say being dressed as ‘Robin’ whilst DJing on the Terrace for Super You & Me this year.

Which artists/DJs are exciting you at the moment?
Knife Party, Michael Woods and Nicky Romero.

What’s the last album you listened to?
Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto.

Cream is twenty years old this year; can you tell us your favourite Cream story as a punter and as a DJ playing there?
As a DJ, my favourite memory has got to have been the first time I played at Cream Amnesia in 2005 – it was a night that I will never forget.

Have you got any advice for aspiring DJs that you wish someone had told you when you started out?
Be confident that you will deliver on any opportunity that you’re given. Make sure you can give 100% before committing yourself and take the opportunities that are right for you.

Is the glass half full or half empty?
Half full, normally of Jaeger.

Paul van Dyk recently said that the latest ‘dance/rnb’ crossover releases will always be cheesy pop. How do you feel about the sudden boom in electronic music amongst popstars such as Cheryl Cole, Alexandra Burke, Rihanna and Usher?
I honestly believe that the more people on board with dance music the better!

Where were you last happiest?
Probably last week in Ibiza with my pals!

Eddie Halliwell headlines the Fire It Up Arena at Creamfields on Saturday 25th August 2012. Info and tickets

Eddie Halliwell also plays Cream at Amnesia in Ibiza on Thursday 23rd August & 6th September. Cream Ibiza takes place every Thursday from 14th June – 20th September. Buy Cream Ibiza tickets

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