Q&A: DJ Sneak

Did you seriously think Todd had a ghostwriter?

It's weird to even say it, but you never know. People in New York were doing that forever. I know all y'all in Europe do it. A lot of people say that about me, but I do everything myself, too. And to see Todd work was just incredible. We were laughing the whole time, buzzing off ideas. We're talking about other projects now, too. He's a workhorse and he comes up with the craziest ideas. It's the same when I'm with Kenny Dope. We vibe!

Magnetic Records is re-releasing '10 Years of Beats'. Did the launch coincide with that last time everyone was saying that house was dead?

Well actually it started in 2001 but we started pushing it out hard in 2004/5 during that period of electro and really bad music: yeah! We stuck to our guns and I've developed a great catalogue of beautiful house music. So we're revisiting, remixing, remastering and reintroducing it again. A lot of the new kids might not know these records, so I want to make sure they're available.

What's the difference between Magnetic and House Gangster?

Magnetic is the big sister. House Gangster is the mischievous little brother. Straight, raw music: just a solid groove, maybe a little slower and funkier. A lot of tracks could go out on both. But with all these things, it's a feeling, right? And there'll be a lot more new talent coming through on both labels. There's a whole generation of new talent who get it. They know that feeling and can translate it in the studio. Not the trendy ones, but the ones who know how to make something timeless. Not shitty and disposable. It doesn't matter about hitting the charts or being Beatport number one. It's about making something real. Like with my new album.

A new album?

It's about eighty per cent done. I'm collecting the feelings I've experienced over the last twenty years and working with the most talented musicians and singers to make music that's relevant, timeless, enjoyable and a far cry from the shit I hear too much of. It's about real music. Always has been. Always will be.

'DJ Sneak Presents Magnetic Cuts V1, V2 & V3' is out on Magnetic now