inthemix | Features | Richard Dinsdale: Toolroom technician

There’s no doubt that Toolroom Records is one of the hottest house labels on the planet, so when they name the up-and-coming artists they believe are worthy of getting the spotlight in the years to come, you can be sure the choices are going to be credible ones. That’s exactly what happened with Richard Dinsdale, when the crew from Toolroom launched of their Leaders of the New School sub-label and chose him as one of the first names to represent their new imprint. As he told ITM, he’s someone who’s enthused by the current state of underground house. “Things are going underground again. Up-and-coming producers are driving the scene and people are starting to pick up on new styles like electro and European sounds rather than plain old house music,” he says. “Commercial house isn’t so popular anymore, and the people going out clubbing now are the ones who are truly into it so much more.”

Dinsdale is now a fully-fledged ‘Toolroom technician’, and things have been on the up and up for this UK DJ/producer, reflected in the fact that later this month he’ll be heading back to Australia for the third time in 18 months. This time he’s here as one of the headliners for the brand new Freedom Festival. Here he chats with ITM.

For those who haven’t experienced your live show, tell us, what can fans expect to see from your live shows?

When I start my sets I like to get into it straight away by playing the most current and uplifting house music. I usually go a bit techy after that. but still like to drop a few classics which I know will get the crowd pumping. But most of all, I make sure the crowd never gets bored.

Have you had a chance to see who else is on the Freedom Festival lineup and who are you keen to check out?

I haven’t had a good look at the line-up yet but my good friend Michael Gray is playing also so I will definitely be checking out his set and supporting him. His sets are very energetic and never bore me.

Can you tell us about your strangest or most stand out live show you’ve experienced?

It would have to be back in the day when I was first going to Ministry of Sound and I saw Eric Morillo play for the first time, and he dropped Bob Sinclair Feel For You. It was amazing seeing the crowd react so well with so much energy, and I will never forget this moment or feeling.

Tell us about your latest release?

It’s a three track EP which will be released in August on Toolroom Records. It contains a vocal track featuring Viveen Wray (vocalist in Pulling Me Under) which is quite soulful and uplifting whereas the other two tracks are more underground and techy.

What are your tips for attending Music Festivals?

1. Pace yourself!!
2. Dress appropriately for the weather (Girls, less is not more).
3. Never touch the toilet seat.
4. Go with a smaller group of friends. Less people to lose along the way
5. If you’re keen on seeing a specific act, give yourself plenty of time to get to the right stage

What’s your favourite music festival?

My favourite music festival is Homelands Music Festival at Winchester Bowl, because they had the best lineups and I have great memories of attending these festivals as a punter, not a DJ. My favourite festival I’ve actually played at is Glastonbury. Playing to 15,000 people outdoors in the rain was amazing.

Whats your ideal music festival lineup?

1. Chemical brothers
2. The Prodigy
3. Carl Cox
4. Unkle
5. Mark Knight
6. Oliver Huntermann

Favourite artist you’ve seen at a Music Festival?

That’s a very tough question as I have seen so many brilliant acts. Among the best have been Chemical Brothers, 2 Many DJs and Carl Cox.

Richard Dinsdale will be playing at Freedom Festival in Sydney on August 23rd, check out his mix in ITM-FM and stay tuned for details on his other gigs around the country!