Hi Owen, so…you are from Australia but now reside in London, people normally go the other way! Why the change?
Hello, Yeah I’m an Australian citizen but I’m actually born in the UK. My family moved out to Oz when I was really young but I’ve ended up back here to live and study and obviously for the music scene!! It’s been the perfect place to meet like minded people, set up our label and get things going.
Which came first for you, the production or the DJing?
Definitely decks, I had my first pair when I was 15 and some decent ones shortly after, that said, back then I listened to a lot of hip hop and jungle and didn’t mix much and when I did it was pretty shockin!
To what extent has producing increased your profile as a DJ?
It seems to have a bit, I’ve been over to Malta to play at a party by a friend who I’ve produced some tracks with a bit and I’ve just
recently been featured on Mixmag. In some cases the 2 go hand in hand I suppose.
You recently released your EP “Zipped Up” on Zipped Records, how is the EP doing?
Great mate I’m really pleased, It popped up at number 8 on the Beatport deep house chart(despite not being very deep housey!) Hopefully it’s keeps going!
You have done an exclusive mix for The Underground, what was the feeling/mood behind it?
It’s a nice hour with some deep house and more housey stuff, a few well known tracks perhaps mixed with some lesser known ones. Being a podcast I didn’t wanna go hard as I guess people are more likely to listen to it on the way to work rather than at 4am in the morning!
What motivates you as an artist?
London’s a great inspiration, I love this city! And also music of all shapes and forms
With so much competition out there what are you doing to make your name heard?
Just focusing on what I want to achieve this year and keeping my head down really. I’m 2 years into a music degree so cracking on with that’s important too!
You are part of “shades of grey” but what can you tell us about it?
Shades of Grey is a label started by me, Duct, Fybe One & Trinomic in May. We run a monthly basement party in Brixton at Plan B with people like Sigha, 2 inch punch, Pariah and many more, Bass heavy underground electronic music really.
On Jan 16th we had our first release which was Fybe One’s HARP EP and so far the reactions been great. In late 2011 he had ‘so what’ off the EP played by Mary Anne Hobbs on XFM which is a great start.
Tell us about your favourite gig?
Warming up for Sigha was a good one, a nice 2 hour set the started very quiet and got busier and busier, It’s great when you get a chance to build things up.
What is your ultimate goal?
To win! I’m currently sporting the nick name no-win, gotta shake that one..
Club party or after-party?
After party!
We know you have a few releases lined up for 2012, please tell us more
Yeah I’ve got a few that I’m really excited about
Feb 20th – Owen Howells & Claytonsane – Men Beat Their Drums EP (Sounds of Juan)
April – Owen Howells – You EP, w/ Saytek & DJ DA remixes (Trendy Mullet)
TBC – Spoken Softly EP – (Nutation)
Across these 3 EP’s there’s a few different styles, the Nutation one is quite heavy and techno orientated with Bass’ey b side which is my first crack at anything not so house & techno. The ‘You’ EP is deep house & techno with some stunning remixes!
