He’s been around the block and persistently climbed the ranks with a distinctive sound that has made him a one of the most in demand DJ’s around. With sets at renowned clubs such as Amnesia and Privilege in Ibiza to releasing tracks on some of the most well respected labels in the world, Paul Bingham has made his mark and continues to do so on dancefloors throughout South Africa. He’s now joining forces with Brian Cross this coming weekend at two events which promise to be kick ass! We got to chat with Paul in the run up to these events and this is what he had to tell us…

Paul Bingham, a name very familiar to us all. Tell us what you do and what you call yourself?
DJ/Producer/Label Owner/Promoter; there are many different titles that can be associated with what I’m about at this present time but I prefer being seen as someone who is there to make a difference within the Electronic Music Scene.  As a DJ, I have played at many places in the world and played at some great clubs including the legendary Amnesia and Privilege in Ibiza. As a producer I have released in excess of 45 releases on labels from Juicy Music, Black Hole Recordings, Funktion Recordings and my own label Chameleon Muzik (CM). From the Label perspective CM is now 40 releases strong and the momentum continues to build with new releases every month. CM is a great platform for new artists to get their music out there and I love signing new artists especially the SA guys. On the promotions side we have been doing a few events under the name “Superstar Music” which is going very well. Our latest event includes Amnesia’s Resident DJ “Brian Cross” from Ibiza this Fri @ Stones, Centurion & Sat @ Nicci Beach which are both set to be huge…

When did your career in full time dance music start? Tell us a little bit about that.
In 2007 I relocated to the UK to explore what Europe had to offer. The experience I gained from being there was great and I was fortunate enough to play at some great places including Pacha and Ministry of Sound, but the most memorable experience was playing a summer residency at Privilege “The World’s Biggest Club” in Ibiza with Robbie Rivera.

What would you say the genre that you now play is called?
I play a range of different sounds which I adjust according to the club and people that are there. Usually a fusion of tech house, techno and mainstream (I call it mainstream as its usually pretty much most of the popular genres but it’s what the bigger guys would play at the festivals). Everyone usually has heard the tracks in a club before, it’s the music that is not underground but not commercial – somewhere in between that. In addition I have developed a love for deep techno and minimal which I am producing under my alias "Richard Sharp". I'll also be doing some after hours events to push this sound very soon...

What was the dance scene like when you started DJ'ing? How does it compare to now?
The sound has evolved and gone back to what it was in the early times of dance music and to me it’s all just music. You can tell a good solid track no matter what the genre and most of the time you can hear elements of many different genres in one track. One has more range to use different styles in a set and play something for everyone within the set.
The digital age with MP3’s and digital music sites has made music more accessible to listeners and DJ’s. From a promotion perspective, exposing yourself as an artist is easier than before where one would have to mail 100’s of CD’s out to the record companies, now a download link is acceptable. The only downside is file sharing which can often hurt an artists sales but I suppose if their music is getting out there it’s a good thing. As a rule I pay for the tracks I play but on occasion it does happen that one ends up with a track through a different source but generally to buy music is the right way.  You wouldn’t want your latest hit to be leaked to the world and then get no remuneration that you deserve so why do it to other artists.
Technology with digital Djing systems has also evolved from the days of vinyl and the different techniques that can be used with these systems only makes things more creative for the DJ. The nice thing is that one can still keep the feel of a CD player/Turntable and have added effects to heighten the experience to the lister.

At some stage you started producing music, and making some great sounds with a few great labels. Have you always continued to DJ, and where have you performed around the world?
It started with Djing and playing other artists music which is great but the satisfaction you receive when playing your own music that you know has taken many hours and great thought to produce is an experience by itself. When people buy it and you see it play listed by a big DJ you feel that you are making a contribution to everyone's enjoyment. To me making music is really an opportunity for me to connect and tell a story to the listener on an emotional level whether it be with a melodic track or a driving powerful one or even something that has groove and energy.

Most memorable event that you played at?
The SA gig that really stands out for me is when I played at H2O in 2009 after being in Ibiza for 4 months. I really put a lot of preparation into the set and it took about a week to do all the bootlegs. I felt so inspired by the previous 4 months spending my time on the island and being exposed to so many genres, artists and clubs. In addition playing at the two Ibiza clubs Privilege and Amnesia, was a highlight for me as these are regarded amongst the best in the world.

Event you would most like to play at?
Global Gathering in the UK! When I make it to the main stage one day I will know all the effort has been worth it it…

The labels you worked with have stretched from Juicy to now mostly Chameleon. How does it feel to print your first track with a large label, and see it for sale on such places as beatport.com?
The first track that was signed is called “Buzz”, which Robbie Rivera picked it up and remixed it twice. It was pressed on vinyl and sold digitally. It was released on over six compilations and featured in Mixmag in Erick Morillo’s Top 10. I was in disbelief when I saw it in Sander Kleinenberg’s play list from Sensation White Amsterdam in 2006 – he played it to 20 000 people! This proves that it’s all about getting your music out there to the right people then the tracks success will carry it’s self.  The feeling is awesome, it only make you hungry for more. The saying “the harder you try the luckier you get” is so true because the more success you get, the more effort you seem to put in, as only makes you want it more…

Studying your production history there are some great collaborations with artists such as Robbie Riviera and even Brian Cross. You are playing with Brian Cross this weekend in Pretoria/Johannesburg, how long has your working relationship been with Brian?
I have known Brian for four years and have been involved with him in many gigs whilst I was in europe, playing in Barcelona and at Fabrik in Madrid. He is a forward thinking DJ with great success to date, playing over twelve gigs a month in many different countries. I have also done some remix work for him of his single “Paradise” which was released on Marco V’s “In Charge” label.

Tell us about the events that are organised this weekend, how did this all come together? Anything more in store for us fans here in South Africa?
The idea with the “Ibiza Experience” is to showcase one of Ibiza’s successful DJ’s to the SA market on a more intimate level. Most internationals that come over will play at events to over 1000 people. We decided to split the gig over two medium sized events just under 1000 each to make it more intimate. This also covers both sides of Gauteng as each club is located at different ends covering a wider audience.

Tell me, you are no stranger to the Spencerites, we are glad to see that your name is still in the headlines. What is Paul up to this year?
I am based in SA again for a while as I am working on my artist album. This is a mamoth task thus focus, creativity and continious effort is required and being based in SA enables me to keep funding the project through established income streams.  I will see where things go to from there but my aim is to be based in SA and travel to Europe for 1 or 2 month tours at a time.

How do your friends and family feel about your success? What does your mother  say for example?
My friends and family have always been behind me from the start, this has helped me keep at it as it’s not easy making things happen. The important thing is to remember who put you there and never be too proud to give your time and gratitude to anyone who supports what you are doing.
Although my Mom is far away in the UK, she always shows her support in my music and is proud of where I am.
My goal is to give an emotional experience to all that hear me play or listen to my music , and leave them feeling good and inspired to be the best that they can be…

Links:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PAUL-BINGHAM/11066097174
www.paulbingham.co.uk
Bookings: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Submissions for the Chameleon Muzik Label: http://soundcloud.com/paulbingham/dropbox/profile