TEN 4… HEDCHEF
1… Who is Hedchef?
I make + spin a variety of bass-techno-electro-breaks clangs. Representing Deep Cover and Circular Jaw all day. Widely discredited. I look like a melted waxwork of Sharon Osbourne.
2… How have you found lockdown so far?
A relentless barrage of beautiful new music discoveries, over-ambitious lunches and crushing existential angst.
3… How has the Oxford scene influenced your musical taste and development as an artist?
Having the privilege of regularly DJing at The Cellar (R.I.P) completely shaped my identity as a musician - for most of my production career, I've made music specifically designed for that dancefloor. Without the passion and reckless abandon found in that place, I don't know where I'd be right now. I'd probably look about 5 years younger.
4… You’ve had some pretty big co-signs recently - I hate models, Madam X etc. - seeing these artists play your tunes out must be pretty surreal. What other moments stand out for you as personal career highlights?
One that stands out is passing the headphones to Goldie at a Deep Cover night back in 2015. I made the decision to drop Mary J Blige 'Family Affair' as my last track, and watched that sly grin spread over Goldie's face. That could've gone one way or the other. Aside from that, I'm still gobsmacked anytime a DJ spins my stuff in a mix - I still can't comprehend that anyone actually listens to my music.
5… Despite your upcoming profile across the UK, you’ve chosen to make Australia your home for the time being. How would you characterise the differences between the dance music scenes of each country?
Australia (well, Melbourne) has a wicked scene and I think the lack of reverence for the past here breeds a special kind of creativity. The electro/breaks scene here has produced some insane talents - Roza Terenzi, Jensen Interceptor, Shedbug, Reptant... Having said that, the UK has such a restless creative spirit and throws up a new style every 5 minutes, and you can't compete with that.
6… Tell us about Voltage.
Voltage is my attempt to throw some debauched, DIY parties in Melbourne, playing relentless electro and showcasing the best DJs in the city. Obviously that's all on hold at the moment, but best believe there'll be some antics later on in the year.
7… It seems like lately we’ve finally seen you spread your wings in the public as a great remix artist and collaborator. Do you have a favourite piece you’ve worked on?
My remix for Pluralist on Circular Jaw earlier this year was a joy to put together - Pluralist is really going places, and for good reason. It was also a pleasure to remix Mike Drones & Loepa for the Deep Cover release last year. Myself and 9TRANE have got a couple of collab bits at the moment that are sounding lethal - look out for those in the coming months.
8… And who else is on the list of dream collabs?
The ultimate collab would be one of the OG UK techno legends - to sit down in a studio with Surgeon & Regis would be a dream.
9… What’s on the menu for Hedchef’s post-lockdown dinner party?
Langoustine tails, caper salad and beer batter wafers, then a Greek-style lamb stew. Several bottles of malbec. Creme brulée and a nice armagnac. You're all invited.
10… What have you got coming up that we should look out for?
I'm extremely pleased to have a track imminently on Ecke Records' upcoming compilation, as well as a remix for Indexlife. The rest, I'm afraid, is under wraps. Watch this space.
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