Nick Warren on breakups, hold ups and beautiful melodies
Author: Michelle Pirovich
Monday, January 5, 2004
Nick Warren had just arrived in Buenos Aires as part of his South American tour and was enjoying a local game of football on TV when I called. Nick was delighted to be back in the festive city and was looking forward to catching up with John Digweed and co. for dinner later that night.
"When we are all together we talk about normal people stuff, we aren't a bunch of wanky trainspotters," chuckles Nick.
Having divided his time between the new 'Way Out West' album, an exhaustive world tour and a spot of Marlin fishing, 2003 was a big year for Nick.
"All of my gigs have been great. I toured Asia, America and Eastern Europe where the parties were for 10,000+ people. I got to vary the music I played too, Australia are big into breaks but here in South America they hate it, if I was to play three breaks records in a row, the place would stand still. I'm also a mad keen Marlin fisherman, so I went fishing when I could."
In what Nick describes as 'very breaks lead', the new 'Way Out West' album is nearing completion. Way out West is Nick Warren and Jody Wisternoff. The pair came together in 1994, was signed to Deconstruction and had their first success with 'Ajare'. Next came 'The Gift', a track which resulted in an appearance on 'Top of the Pops' and worldwide acclaim for the pair. Their last album 'Intensify' was a highly praised body of work that clearly represented their immense talent and experience.
Sampling 'Ol Dirty Bastard', their next single 'Muthaf**ka', is receiving comments such as, "if this track was any bigger it would have to be put out on 14" ", (FACE). I ask Nick how the new album compares to 'Intensify' to which he reassuringly replies.
"I think it's much better. It reminds me of our earlier stuff, but a bit more spacey, very breaks lead and downtempo as well. I'm chuffed to bits with it actually. This is much better than Intensify."
Including a collaboration with German producer Ulrich Schnauss (Nobody's Home, GU24) and featuring Bristolian vocalist Umi and Aly Kennon (Intensify), Nick explains how a broken relationship helped him to create the album.
"They always say that pain brings out the best in your music. I split up with my wife nearly two years ago and I wrote everything after that. I think that the emotion really helped the music. She won't be pleased with me saying this, but it's the best thing I have ever done, so at least some good has come from it," laughs Nick.
Possessing a sound that combines driving percussion with soaring musicality, Nick, who grew up on punk, reggae and pop was spinning downbeat Balearic records before catching the attention of Massive Attack, with whom he toured throughout America. Today Nick finds himself going back to his roots.
"I have definitely gone back to basslines and melody, the downtempo is very beautiful and the breaks are very melodic, I chose to stay away from dark and gnarly. That's where Way Out West started and that's what we are best at I think."
Having solved previous management issues, Nick excitedly explains the structure for the next Way Out West tour, which will actually include Nick himself.
"Our last tour was a bit silly. I should have been there, I mean we were doing a live show, you don't go and see U2 without Bono, it was a ridiculous situation. Since then we have found ourselves new management who are keen for us to do a proper live tour in 2004, in the style of Faithless. We will have a full live band, with a drummer, several musicians and Omi on vocals. I think though that I might have to bring my records so I can do a little impromptu set somewhere."
The conversation turns to Nick minus Way Out West and how he gauges his own success.
"As a DJ it's about filling clubs. I have never been into the Top DJ polls,< Tags