Angel interview: Gavyn Mitchell

How are you Gav?
I’m good thanks, just a bit tired from the weekend. I have just woken up after DJing with Ferry Corsten twice - Friday at The Gallery, Ministry of Sound and the other was on Saturday night for Passions 14th birthday. Both were fantastic parties!

Talking of birthday The Gallery is also celebrating its 14th birthday this month. How would you describe your experience at The Gallery the last few years and what have you prepared for the anniversary party on April 21?
I remember going there as a clubber on the 5th birthday, working in the promotions team on the 6th birthday and then finally DJing on the 7th birthday. I have been involved in all the birthdays since then. The vibe is brilliant all the old regulars come out for it as well which gives me time to catch up… Most have families now and only go out once or twice a year! Really looking forward to the 14th birthday we have Armin Van Buuren, Judge Jules, Tall Paul, Menno De Jong its going to be massive! I’m playing first so I will prepare a nice warm up vibe with a few progressive classics in there to get the party started.

For the coming party in HK, Ricky Stone is also a headliner of the gig. Do you know Ricky in person?
I met Ricky for the first time in February when he played for us at The Gallery. We had dinner before so it was nice to meet and have a chat. He is from the north of England like me so we clicked straight away. Top Man.

Who are your best friends in the DJ circle then?
I get on really well with John Askew but he lives out of London these days so I don’t get time to see him much. I also hang around with Tall Paul as well mainly cadging a few drinks.

What are some of the hottest tracks behind your CDJs these days?
I’m loving Guy Gerber’s Timing, 2000 and One’s Spanish Fly and Andersen & Borelli feat. Björk - Hidden Place. They went off at the weekend.
Vinyl, CD and laptop music – which one do you prefer and why?
I love playing with CDs ‘coz they are lighter to carry. I am not really into playing on the laptop… I did get out some old vinyl the other week which was cool to get back into but ruined my shoulder when carrying.

Do you still go clubbing when you are not DJing?
I go out 3 or 4 times a year mainly to Fabric in London when John Digweed is playing or to see Sasha at Ministry of Sound on the Saturday night, just with a small group of friends. We hit the dance floor and go crazy!

After DJing all over the world for so many years, have you experienced any “mid-life” crisis yet?
No midlife crisis yet! I guess I want to travel to every country in the world before I die, then I would be happy.

Any last words for HK before arriving…?
I am really excited to be playing over there. I have been to the city before and really enjoyed it. It's a very clean city from what I recall last time I went, plus I got a photo of the Bruce Lee memorial. Brilliant!

Catch Gavyn Mitchell, Ricky Stone, Dee Montero, Jason F and VJ Donkie at Club PP (Units 3-5, UG2 Chinachem golden Plaza, 77 Mody Rd, TST East, 2739 1084) on April 3. Party starts at 11pm and entry is $250 with men with two drinks and $150 for ladies with two drinks.

DJ Visaal @ Verligo

What do you do when you are not DJing?
Work part-time at a bar called Lost in LKF.

You also DJ at Buddha Lounge. How will the club night at Vertigo sound different from that at Buddha Lounge?
The two venues are totally different from each other. Vertigo is very large and spacious with luxurious surroundings and many facilities whereas Buddha Lounge is a bit tiny but loads of fun to be at. The great thing is that both venues have beautiful sound and lighting systems perfect for my music.

Have you noticed any difference between the crowds in Central and Wanchai?
The crowd for me is pretty much the same. The people at Buddha Lounge are crazy for electro music. Vertigo is a new place – more people are starting to party at and appreciate this venue, especially with the models. Actually, the location doesn’t really matter. The people come for the love of electro music.

What are the hottest tracks from your deck right now?
Beautiful Lie (Keemo & Tim Royko feat.CosmoKlein), Silver Surfer (Dave Darrel) and Silence (Lissat & Voltaxx Mix).

Who is your favourite DJ and why?
Internationally, it would be Spencer&Hill and Deadmau5 because they have the best progressive and electro tracks for the type of music I play. I also prefer Thierry’s breakbeat music in Hong Kong. Some of his tracks are pretty cool.

What was your most memorable club gig?
I still remember the New Year’s Eve at Buddha Lounge. When I got there, I could hardly get in. It took me five minutes to get to the DJ booth. It was one of my best nights. We finished at 11am the next morning.

Describe yourself in a few words.
I would say creative, positive, and crazy for house/electro music.

DJ Visaal spins at Vertigo Ultralounge
(26/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2575 8980) for the newly launched Electronite every Thursday from 10pm till late. Free entry for members, models and guest lists – email info@vertigohk.com for reservations.