Neil Quigley

Bedrock, Renaissance, Urbantorque

2007.10.30 ::: Words by Gregor Davidson

You see it everywhere. From Facebook to Myspace, there are a thousand wannabe DJs with pages proclaiming that they are the true incarnate of Ozymandias, King of Kings. With impressive looking schedules and countless friends, these self publicists almost have us fooled. But peel back the layers of those would be Emperors new clothes, and you start to realise that in this world dominated by style over substance, talent is now nothing more than a colloquialism for the way we look. Neil Quigley has talent – in abundance, but more importantly in the traditional sense as well.

As a DJ he can build a set that is laced with the uplifting, joyous moments we have all shared in the past, whilst still delivering the sounds we demand from our future. Not one to be swayed by today’s sliced bread, Neil has crafted a sound, something he refers to as ‘Electronic House with Soul’, that has made a number of important people stand up and take notice. The first real big name to make a telling difference was John Digweed, who invited Neil to open for him at his world famous Bedrock parties. The opportunity, born from Digweed naming Neil as his one to watch in the last two DJ Mag top 100 polls, has allowed him to take centre stage in venues such as Fabric and the Miami Winter Music Conference.

It doesn’t just stop with Bedrock. Neil has also become somewhat of a regular at Renaissance, both in the UK and globally as well. Around about the same time, Urbantorque records – a favourite of Neil’s from the early releases that appeared on Deep Dish’s Yoshiesque album – offered Neil the opportunity to source new music for the label. Not only was his talent as a DJ being respected by one of the very best in the world, a successful label was now offering him the chance to mould the way their sound would grow over time. It was with this latter connection that Neil is now able to broaden his horizons, moving beyond being someone who plays other people’s music to now breaking his own tunes on the grandest of stages.

In this cart before the horse world, upcoming DJs are rarely booked on their ability alone. Now it is the producers who hold the power when clubs come to book their line ups. You will soon see two releases with Neil’s name splashed across the record sleeve, both due out on Urbantorque in the latter half of 2007. The first is a collaboration with Digweed’s long time sparing partner, and one half of Bedrock productions, Nick Muir. ‘Feedback from the city’, due out in August, has already been charted by some of the world’s top DJs, and with the response to Feedback all looking favourable, much is expected from this partnership already. Neil has also joined forces with the ever popular Milton Jackson on a track titled ‘Tijuana’ that once again has garnered some favourable support, being aired on a number of radio shows including John Digweed’s very own Kiss programme.

Success is something we all measure differently, however it is fair to say that what you or I may consider to be a success, Neil Quigley see as another wrung on the ladder of what, will ultimately, lead to something very big. With the support of the DJs, record labels and now producers, Neil’s stock will continue to rise for as long as electronic house music with soul is around.

Nocturnal: Give us a brief summary of the beginnings of Neil Quigley, DJ / Producer?
Neil: It began purely as a labour of love, making mixes for me and my friends… but soon evolved into bar gigs in and around London, and finally to my first proper gig at The Cross in London, where it’s fair to say I had my epiphany. Coincidentally Saturday was my last gig there (it’s closing at Xmas as the whole area is being redeveloped) which was a very bitter-sweet occasion for me, I’m really gonna miss the place. The party rocked though!

Nocturnal: It must be a great honour to be associated with brands such as Bedrock, Renaissance and Urbantorque, but it also must carry a lot of expectation and responsibility. How do you handle such pressure?
Neil: To be honest, most of any pressure I feel is self imposed; I have very high expectations of myself! It is indeed an honour to be part of that trinity, but I earned it and am confident I can justify their faith in me; I’ll just keep working hard.

Nocturnal: I love the first paragraph in your bio, especially the last line…"you start to realize that in this world dominated by style over substance, talent is now nothing more than a colloquialism for the way we look." So true in my opinion, can you expand upon this in terms of the EDM scene?
Neil: Firsty, I cannot take credit for such an eloquently written bio; that goes to my good friend Chris King. It’s fairly obvious that since EDM became a ‘business’ that image/notoriety can be a quicker route up the ladder than musical ability/integrity, it’s all about numbers through the door at the end of the day. But I do feel that the latter route is ultimately the more fulfilling, and longer lasting.

Nocturnal: Our crew caught your awesome (but way too short) set at the Proton Party in Miami this year; how has the WMC helped your career?
Neil: WMC has been very helpful, not in terms of gigs which have been frustratingly low over on your side of the pond (this WILL be addressed next year!), but in other ways. I’ve made lots of friends, particularly the Proton crew whose enthusiasm inspires me, and it’s given me a strong motivation to conquer the Americas, which is essential to further my career.

Nocturnal: Lastly here are some quick shots:
Nocturnal: Favourite football club?
Neil: Arsenal.
Nocturnal: Coffee or Tea?
Neil: Tea.
Nocturnal: The UK's relationship with the US?
Neil: Submissive, unfortunately…but never let politics get in the way of a good party.
Nocturnal: The future of dance music?
Neil: Bright!

::: Related Links

::: www.neilquigley.com

::: www.myspace.com/djneilquigley

::: www.bedrock.org.uk

::: www.urbantorque.com

::: 2007.10.19 » EXPOSED @ Mod Club Photos

::: Mod Club Listings