Ahead of his set at The Haunting at Rainbow, Birmingham this weekend we caught up with Argy for a quick chat..
Hey Argy, Hope your well, how’s the summer in Ibiza been?
Very intense but a bit too long i must say. 6 months without proper internet and a proper recording studio was a big test for me.
I would have never made so many new friends though any other way, by just coming in and out, so i am grateful for connecting with so many people from different backgrounds.
You were resident at one of dance music’s most recognised club nights, Tribal Sessions, what is it that’s made this night last for so long? Its been running almost 20 years now right?
Its got character and quirky ideologies just like Manchester’s legendary Hacienda. Its an original concept and thats why it has its own life in a way!
And did you feel pressure having to keep the standards up, matching all those legendary artists that have come before you?
For me the challenge was playing weekly and trying to be different every week and instead of playing my usual peak time set that the promoters book me for, having to play random slots which of course demands a variety of music which i had to source and get comfortable with.
With the relationship you have with Sankeys, will we see you back there next summer?
For the moment nothing is signed but that was the last feedback i got. Lets see, ibiza is such an emotional roller-coaster. Things change within minutes.
You spend have the year in Berlin, how do you think it contrasts with Ibiza, having visited both the too seem worlds apart, do you prefer one to the other or is it nice to divide your time between both cities?
I split my time between London mainly, Berlin and Ibiza. I need this combination of different cultures, life speeds, pros and cons to keep myself sane. Berlin is the best place to be creative and of course the ultimate goal is to retire in Greece at some point when i am old!
Do you have much lined up for the winter months? A lot of DJs lock themselves away in the studio, do you have similar plans or is it non-stop touring all year around?
I try to do everything at the same time, its hard to say no to shows and you want to keep everyone happy. There is a lot of competition and you can’t help being thankful for the offers you get so i personally try to squeeze studio between monday and thursday. I tend to take end of January off but in order to really relax i reckon you need a good 2 months of doing nothing.
On the subject of releases, your last one dropped on Bedrock, will you be working with this label again or focusing more on your own label and releasing on that?
I love the guys at Bedrock so for sure i want to give them another records at some point, when the right record comes naturally. I think we are a good fit in an awkward way! But yes the focus right now is my own label These Days.
Which do you prefer, is there more satisfaction in putting out music on your own “These Days” label?
Well, there is music that doesn’t really fit anywhere and strangely enough when thats the case its amazing how well it fits my own imprint. Its usually very clear what comes out there and what belongs to another label.
You have experience of both releasing your own music and stuff from other people, which is easier; can you be more objective with other people’s music than your own?
Its much easier releasing other people’s music when something good comes along. Even if my music is good i get nightmares until i either ditch it or eventually release it!
Last one, when can we catch you over in the UK next?
I am playing in Birmingham for Halloween at Blackbox! Cant wait to see Adam Shelton and the guys again!
Argy plays The Haunting at Rainbow, Birmingham this weekend.