Ben Sims - Steaming it up!

When he first came out to Australia, Ben Sims was barely known in this country. Aside from some references to his memorable label Killa Bite, few people knew what to expect. It's incredible what difference a few short months can make. In July 2000 Sims' name is the one on everyone's lips. After recent visits to Australia by The Advent, Jamie Bismire (Space DJz), Claude Young, Steve Bicknell and Chris Liebing - all of whom referred to Ben Sims as the producer to look out for - it's time for his return, and this time around people are more aware of what to expect. We found out the small details behind Ben Sims.

To a novice who'd never before been to a club or a warehouse party, and certainly hadn't read Mixmag, how would you describe the sounds you make and the sounds you play-
"Hard groove, funk-based, tough-edged body music."

Speaking of Mixmag, do you think you or your peers involved in the more cerebral or banging side of techno get decent coverage in the British dance music press-
"To be honest. I wouldn't describe my music as 'banging' at all. I think the commercial end of techno does tend to get write ups, but at the moment the British press is preoccupied with the evil that is 'trance'... personally, I can't remember my name even being mentioned in Mixmag."

Which fellow producers do you most admire, and why-
"Jeff Mills - for being at the top of the scene for so long and musically guiding it's direction. Underground Resistance - for sticking to what they believe in and producing amazing music. Surgeon - for continually flying the flag for quality UK techno. Carl Craig - for being a genius. And Derrick May, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson and Blake Baxter - for exposing the world to the new generation."

What five records take pride-of-place in your record box-
"At the moment the Oliver Ho LP on Meta, James Ruskin's LP on Tresor, the Spirit EP on Cosmic, Peace Division's LP on Low Pressings, and Surgeon's double-pack on Dynamic Tension."

During the course of a Ben Sims set, which producers are most likely to crop up-
"Oliver Ho, James Ruskin, Surgeon, Jeff Mills, Brian Varga, Richard Polson, Steve Bicknell, Paul Mac, Peace Division, Alexander Koning, Mark Broom, Grain, Frank Hunter..."

What's happening with your own labels-
"This year I have plans for a mix CD on Theory, more Native singles, two more Hardgrooves, and two Symbolism [releases]."

What's the experience like running the labels, and is it really worthwhile as a producer yourself-
"I feel it's important for the labels you release music on to have an identity that you can relate to; the best way to do this is to create the identity yourself. I enjoy running my labels, and in my experience it's been very worthwhile."

I've heard it said that fellow DJ/producers like Surgeon, Advent, Umek, Claude Young, Simon Coyle, Will E Tell, Simon Coyle and Space DJz all heavily respect you - in fact some of these guys have inferred that you're the only artist to have invented a distinctly new form of techno in quite some time. How do you feel about such plaudits-
"Of course it's very flattering when your peers have even heard of you - let alone respect what you do. Personally, I felt there was room for the sound I wanted to make. I don't think I'm one of the only ones to create it, but I'm really happy that people have welcomed what I do. In many ways, everyone's sound is unique because of their influences. I don't feel that I've invented any new way of doing it, but maybe just exposed a sound that was new to others."

What was your experience like the last time you came down to Australia-
"Yeah, it was really cool - the people were really into what I do, and it was a positive tour."

Did you leave our shores with any particularly memorable moment...-
"...a group of people in Melbourne saying how tired they were, but that they just couldn't stop dancin Tags

• Ben Sims