An Evening With Krafty Kuts

In the build up to his recent breaks night An Evening with Krafty Kuts at London’s Matter club in March, the man also known as Martin Reeves told us to expect ‘a plethora of beats and bass, with some of the world’s biggest talent, including hip hop royalty DJ Premier, one half of Gang Starr, and a rare appearance from award-winning drum ‘n’ bass legend Roni Size.’

The Brit breakbeat DJ and producer, never short of heavyweight friends, was up to his usual club antics alongside The Nextmen, Will Bailey, Utah Saints, Futurecast and Adsorb, with an exclusive A Skillz and Krafty Kuts four-deck, 3-CD masterclass thrown in for good measure. His popularity with the punters alike has seen him voted the Best DJ at Breakspoll three years in a row.

Now, following a massive New Year tour Downunder, the Brighton-based crowd-pleaser is back on home turf to fill us in on his summer festival plans and to chew the fat on all things London: ‘I love being close to the sea. I do however spend a lot of time in London, whether it be in the studio or work-related meetings and business bits and pieces with my management team.’

What do you love and loathe most about London?

‘I love the London culture: the diversity, the food, the music and the history. The architecture still never fails to take my breath away. What I don’t like is the stress that comes with the hustle and bustle, a bit too much crazy hecticness for my liking.’

What was the highlight of your Downunder tour, and how do your Australasian fans compare to those in Europe?

‘Australia is like a second home to me with some of the best fans in the world and I’m always made to feel welcome. Having said that, the highlight of the tour would have to be New Zealand’s Rhythm and Vines festival; seeing in the New Year to 25,000 people!’

What do you miss most about home when you’re away?

‘My family, the football and the best club scene in the world.’

Who inspires you creatively?

‘There’s no single person. But good music from forward-thinking people combined with old school influences of funk, disco and electro will always inspire me.’

What would your ideal night out in London involve?

‘A nice show up West with the kids and bit of Sushi. Can’t ask for much more.’

Who is the most exciting DJ in the world right now?

‘A Skillz has been for a long time now. He always entertains his crowd and puts a smile on faces. Combined with his immense technical ability, he’s the complete DJ.’

Any summer festival plans for 2010?

‘Yeah, I’ve got a busy summer ahead. First up is the Eden Project on 7 May. I’m also playing T in the Park, Nass festival, a festival in Hungary in July, my own stage at Glade Festival, Audiotistic in LA, both V [Festival] north and south, a festival in Essex for my buddy Eddy Temple-Morris, Electric Picnic and a festival in Austen, Texas.

‘I also can’t wait for Glastonbury this year, I’ve decided not to play as I’ve played the last few years but I’m very excited to see one of my all time favourites Stevie Wonder.’

Any other projects in the pipeline?

‘Right now I’m working on organising more Evening with Krafty Kuts nights around the world. But most importantly, I’m very close to finishing the new LP, showcasing all my new music including collaborations with some of the hottest players in the game, together with a whole host of remixes.’

www.myspace.com/djkraftykuts