Cut La Roc – real name Lee Potter – has established himself as one of the world’s premier purveyors of adventurous ‘anything goes’ breaks. In addition to a string of well-received cuts released on the UK’s revered Skint Records (home to Fatboy Slim, Midfield General and Lo Fidelity Allstars) throughout the mid to late 90s and early noughties – including his debut album ‘La Roc Rocs’ – Lee has released original productions and remixes on labels like Finger Lickin’, Echo, Astralwerks, Sound Of Spectrum, and his own successful Rocstar Recordings imprint. About to embark on his latest Australian tour – where he will again wow crowds with his adventurous DJ sets which blend the best of old and new hip-hop with the fattest beats around – Lee took time to shoot the breeze with ITM’s Tim McNamara.

You’ve been a regular visitor to our shores, most recently with Deadly Avenger. How do you find Australia audiences?

Great! I’ve had some amazing shows in Australia. The scene over there has become more eclectic now as well, which is good. A few years back I would be constantly hassled to “just play breaks”, but now the scene has improved and I can be more versatile with my sets.

Do you think Australian punters are a clued-up bunch with good musical knowledge?

Oh yes, especially with the digital revolution. It’s a lot easier for the punters and local DJs to get hold of new music now. When I first toured Australia years back the local DJs were relying on local record shops to try and get the vinyl they needed; that’s all changed now.

What has been the reaction to your latest album, ‘Nemesis’?

It’s had a very positive reaction. I’ve had loads of people contact me via MySpace to tell me how much they love it, which is nice. The full album is out on CD and digital via iTunes, as well as the other usual digital outlets.

What is coming up next for Rocstar Recordings?

Our next big project is Parker, a dope producer from Bristol who makes real funky beats. We hooked him up with a load of talented vocalists, including Rasco from the USA, and he’s churned out the most amazing LP! Check him out at www.myspace.com/djparker; you can watch his new video, which accompanies the debut release ‘Sugar Coated’, featuring Sarah Scott.

How have you found the success of your label given the current industry mood with regards to vinyl vs digital? Is it a hard slog to get a niche label off the ground?

It’s been immensely difficult to get our music to the right people and to get radio play. Yes, the industry is in a bit of a changing phase right now, but we’ve still achieved what we intended to, which was to bring fresh new music to the world. We’ll continue to find new talent and get it out there in 2008!

You released music on Rocstar by Gold Coast’s own Beat Traffikers, do you still keep in touch with the guys?

There is talent everywhere, you just need a good ear. Dan and Beau (Beat Traffiker) are unfortunately no longer working together and have gone their separate ways. Dan has set up 9 Lives The Cat as his artist name and is currently releasing material on various labels, and I think Beau is in a punk rock band right now.

Where do you stand in the whole vinyl vs CD debate?

I think the whole debate is a little bit silly really. To be honest, every record label I know is pretty much only using MP3 mail-outs to promo their music, so unless I buy a vinyl lathe and cut my own vinyl copies I have to burn them onto CD and play them like that! I love vinyl and love the feel of it when DJing, [but] the best way to get round this is to buy Serato or a similar program to DJ with. I’ve not had the time to check it out yet, [but] lots of our artists use Serato.

Does your reputation as one of Skint’s uber-artists create any pressure for you when your name is commonly uttered in the same sentence as Fatboy Slim?

Haha, yes. Uncle Norm has always been at the forefront of most things I’ve been involved in; that’s one of the reasons I set up Rocstar Recordings! To be honest though, we produce similar music but our styles are totally different, especially in a DJ environment. Fatboy has done a lot of good work for the dance scene and we’re very proud of him, but, yes… I do hear his name a hell of a lot.

Your world-record playing on 8 decks, do you ever find some people (read: clowns) expect you to show up at a club and play on 8 decks?

Nah, not really. Stunts like 8 decks or 20 CDJs are just for fun [and as] promo stunts. I recently DJed out with 20 CDJs and, really, it ain’t that interesting. I’d rather rock a crowd and tear the roof off using 2 decks, a mixer and 2 CDJs anyday!

You heard the man! Catch the sounds of Cut La Roc as he wings his way around the country this month. Don’t miss one of the world’s best behind the decks in your own backyard!

Check this video of Cut La Roc breaking the world record for DJing with 20 CDJs and 10 mixers!