South West Seven Welcomes Pete Herbert!

After his excellent remix of our own track 'Mels Pockets' on Carry On, we thought it would be good to get to know the London based DJ/Producer a little better. Pete Herbert is a man who needs little introduction. Having produced under various aliases and collaborations; Cuica, L.S.B. and Reverso 68...Pete has made quite a name for himself on the UK house scene over the last few years.

Just back from being on tour, he's kindly agreed to an interview for our wee blog! We give you, Pete Herbert...

So we hear you're touring the southern hemisphere at the moment. Where are you currently and how have things been going?

Yes actually just back from my pan-asian adventure, which was amazing! great gigs in Australia and Bali, and the perfect time to go, escaping the London winter..

I'm sure the majority of our readers will know quite a bit about you, but for those that don't and the rest of us who want to know more, where did it all begin musically for you?

Pirate radio stations in London were a big influence on me back in the day, and swapping cassettes with friends at school... then heading up to the west end of London on a saturday to get the latest import 12's from shops like Groove and Beat Street - hip hop, house and rare groove was mostly my thing then...

You've released some quality music over the years under various monikers, such as Cuica, L.S.B and Reverso 68. Looking back, which project or particular tracks are you most proud of?

I'd have to say at the time of doing them all i was really happy, and in the results generally. Early Reverso 68 tracks we did around a great time with the whole new dare-i-say-it balearic thing happening, and our early LSB edits were a real buzz to do, make them during the day, then play them out that evening..

You started your own label Maxi Discs a few years ago. How has that been going and what's lined up for the label over 2011?

Yes i started up Maxi Discs with Dicky Trisco who also runs Disco Deviance amongst some other fine labels.. It was originally with a view to release our own productions with the dancefloor in mind, and also to get on board some other likeminded producers/friends.. Coming up are some releases from the very talented Marius from Oslo and some new productions from me and DT.

What are your personal thoughts on the ever popular debate of 'Vinyl vs. Digital' and how does it affect you as a producer aswell as a DJ?

these days i'm playing CD's, which came about more from a travelling point of view, and not having to lug huge bags about...but also to be able to play new tracks straight away, rather than wait for the vinyl release.. Though there's something to be said for playing off vinyl thats quite special.. and my take on it all is that its all about the end product. If someone plays a great set, i'm not bothered if its played off a laptop, vinyl or spoons!!

Your recent productions have an amazing and very distinct sound. What's your studio set up?

Pretty basic really... A mac book, and a bucket load of plug ins!

Speaking of productions, you've just remixed our new track 'Mels Pockets'. How did you approach the mix?

Loved the original track, and just thought i could hear an uptempo version of it straight away...added to the vocals that were really atmopsheric, and tried to make it something i would play in my sets.. which i have.. quite a lot!

* Finally, some quick fire questions to round of:

Tea or Coffee? tea junkie.

Sushi or Sandwich? it should be sushi, but i'm a bread junkie too.

Sun or Snow? Sun for sure.

Walk or Cycle? i havent riden a bike for about 20 years!

Jeans or Trousers? Edwin jeans.

Berlin or London? The east end of London is the place i love to leave on trips, but i'm always happy to come home to.

NYC or Tokyo? Never been to Japan..one day.

House or Techno? definitely not tech house.

Rock or Classical? Classical Fm in the car.

CD or Vinyl? Cds when it comes to moving house.

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