TLM Talk to Calvertron
Following a string of speaker rattling productions and highly acclaimed remixes, Alex Calver aka Calvertron has found himself the subject of attention from some of the biggest and best artists and record labels in the business. His tracks are consistently seen at the very heights of Beatport's charts and, featured across the UK’s national radio stations, are spreading like a pandemic - with his unique sound gaining support from a diverse selection of the world's most influential DJs, including the likes of Fatboy Slim, Tiesto, Busy P, Benny Benassi, Eric Morrillo, Roger Sanchez, Diplo, and John Digweed.
Formerly the producer/engineer behind one of the UK's most groundbreaking music duo's 'Twocker’, Alex’s versatility knows no bounds. From bass driven house music to Jacking, Electro, Minimal Techno and Tech House, Alex has become one of the leaders on the global scene and has already had the honour of remixing such legends as Laidback Luke, Armand Van Helden and Sander Kleinenberg.
It's no surprise then that Alex's work can be found on many of the world’s most established and most exciting labels, from the likes of Cr2, Ministry of Sound, Toolroom and Champion Records, across to Trouble & Bass, Potty Mouth Music, Play Me, Dim Mak, Vacation, and Bugeyed. Not to mention the rising success of his own label, Jack Knife Records. A label which, along with Alex, has now enjoyed consistent success regularly reaching the highest heights of Beatport's charts.
Becoming renowned for sets that mirror his diverse production sounds, Calvertron is an internationally accomplished DJ. Impossible to pigeonhole and quickly becoming one of the forefront names for the ever growing international bass music scene. His sets are in high demand and he regularly headlines clubs all over the world, touring in every continent bar Antarctica - but if there was a club down there he'd definitely be partying with the penguins!
Recent highlights have included his latest Jack Knife Records branded America and Canada tours, as well as an Asia tour, and playing at some of Europe's best loved venues.
Fun, exciting, and unique, Calvertron has already established himself as one of the hottest DJs and producers around, and with his chameleon like ability to chop and change his musical identity, there's plenty more surprises to come.
So Alex what inspired you to start producing?
I started out playing guitar in my early teens which progressed to playing gigs in a metal band from about 16. I got turned onto sampling and electronic producing from a friend who used to be in the band.
What music past or present do you draw inspiration from?
I love all kinds of music, thrash metal, rock, hip hop, drum n bass, house, techno, dubstep, trance etc etc. It’s all interested me at some point enough to have a go at making it.
If you could remix any track which one would you choose?
Probably a Pantera tune. Walk or Cemetary Gates maybe.
You have done a few collaborations but who would you really like to work with?
Hard question as there are so many, too many to mention in Electronic music.
I guess MF Doom would be really amazing to make a track with.
What production software do you use?
Cubase is my main programme been using it for donkey’s years, since the Atari ST days.
What is your favourite piece of studio kit?
A cup of tea.
What other producers/DJ’s do you rate?
Kill The Noise, Feed Me, Misanthrop, Phace, Noisia, Downlink, Datsik, Excision, Dillon Francis, Alvin Risk, Skrillex, Koven, Dodge & Fuski, Koan Sound, Skism, Knife Party, Zomboy, Doctor P, Cookie Monsta, Flux Pavilion, I could go on all day, there’s so much good music about at the moment!
Where have you had your best DJ experience to date?
Been playing a lot of great gigs in Europe recently, Moulin Rouge in Paris last weekend was awesome, I got a black eye from Stage diving.
What’s your favourite club?
I’ve never played there but would love to one day, Amnesia in Ibiza.
What’s happening for you in the next few months?
I’ve been working on some original stuff that should be ready to release soon, lots of gigs in Europe, USA and Canada etc
And lastly if you were not a DJ/Producer what else would you being doing?
Never really thought about it to be honest, fuck knows. Probably go fishing and play golf.
