Bedrock 10 Feature: Part Five / Danny Howells

Danny Howells has been one of the longest affiliated individuals to Bedrock, emerging from the same native Hastings as John Digweed and being responsible for warming up many of the legendary Bedrock nights. Now as the 10th anniversary looms, he returns to contribute an updated version of one of the label´s first releases, his own ´Repercussion´ under the Science Department alias for the Bedrock 10 album. Danny drops by to share his thoughts on the past 10 years of Bedrock, the nights, the label and talks about his touring plans, the recent release of his new compilation and the pending launch of his very own record label.

1. Progressive-Sounds: What was your first experience or association with Bedrock?
   Danny Howells: I´d been to some of the first Bedrocks at the Crypt in Hastings around the time I started DJing in 1991. Shortly after that, one of my friends handed Digweed one of my mix tapes and it was only a short while later that I got a call with the offer of warming up for John and Pete Tong at Bedrock on Hastings Pier. That was probably one of the most nerve-racking gigs of my life but it led to me playing at the Bedrock nights throughout the 90s, in both Hastings and later when it moved to Heaven in London, as well as the Bedrock parties at The Beach in Brighton. Some of these parties remain among the best nights I´ve ever had.

2. Progressive-Sounds: How would you describe the track or reinterpretation you have presented for the Bedrock 10 album project and how do you feel it compares to the original version of the track? What other tracks from the label would you revisit if given the chance?
   Danny Howells: The original version of ´Repercussion´ was quite a deep, groovy house track. The new version is more of an update than a complete overhaul. It´s something I´d wanted to do for ages as I always liked the original but felt the production wasn´t good enough by today´s standards to play out now. I think it stands up to the original really well and hopefully people will like it!

3. Progressive-Sounds: How did you feel when contacted to be asked to contribute to the 10th anniversary project?
   Danny Howells: Really pleased. Bedrock was my first big break and I have no clue what I would be doing now if I hadn´t had that platform. Playing with John for all those years also taught me a lot, especially in terms of shaping a night and it´s this experience that enables me to do what I do now especially with things like the Dig Deeper nights, so it´s obviously an honour to be asked to contribute to this project.

4. Progressive-Sounds: What are your thoughts on the new venue Matter where the 10th Anniversary party is being held, and what do you feel a state of the art live music venue such as this brings to the global club scene?
   Danny Howells: I haven´t seen it but it certainly seems to have come at the right time. Plus by all accounts it´s a stunning venue, and the line-ups look extremely solid.
   
   
5. Progressive-Sounds: What other projects have are you currently involved with and what are your plans for the coming months?
   Danny Howells: My new mix CD for Renaissance is just out so the rest of 2008 is going to be spent travelling in support of that. North and South America, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Asia as well as many European dates. Plus I´m launching my Dig Deeper label so once my touring is done, my focus is going to be in the studio.