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 With a father figure like Graham Gold its no surprise that Ben is making the breakthrough into the Trance scene with hereditary DJ skills and some very hot productions. i:Vibes had the chance to see how things are going...
At just 24 years old Ben Gold is one of the most multi talented names in the electronic dance scene. Ben combines a highly acclaimed career as a leading studio engineer with that of one of the brightest young stars in the trance scene, djing at some of the worlds leading clubs alongside world class dj's who all regularly fill their cd wallets with his latest work.
A versatile producer who has seen tracks featured on leading compilations such as Ministry Of Sound's Trance Nation Harder, Trance Nation Deeper and Europe's biggest dance compilation, Dream Dance. As well as regularly winning plaudits such as Armin Van Buuren's 'Tune Of The Week', Above and Beyond's 'Tune of the Week' and often featured in Mixmag as their 'Tune Of The Month', Ben’s productions are also consistently featured on leading radio stations such as Radio 1, Galaxyand on leading radio shows, including ASOT by Armin van Buuren, Club Life by Tiesto and TATW by Above and Beyond. Ben’s productions are played by djs as far reaching as Armin van Buuren to Sander Van Doorn, Paul van Dyk to Marco V, leading to plaudits such as "Ben Gold is a talented young producer and definitely one to watchout for in the future", by none other than Paul Oakenfold!
Recent releases such as collaboration with Senadee, 'Say the Words' picked up ASOT tune of the week, Mixmag tune of the month whilst 'Life' was picked by world number one dj Armin van Buuren as not only Future Favourite on ASOT but also Tune of the Week
Recent dj appearances have led Ben all over the globe including notable sets at The Gallery, Ministry of Sound in London, BCM in Mallorca and Cork in Ireland. With a packed release schedule including new material under the 'Benjamin' and 'Be:Gold' guise's, as well as remixes for Spinnin, 2009 looks set to be the year that Ben Gold comes of age.
This multi faceted dj and producer will bring a breathe of fresh air to a scene which demands the same high quality and excellence that Ben has regularly achieved even at such a young age, the only way is to the very top.
i:Vibes: Ben thanks for taking some time to talk to www.ivibes. How is your summer going? How has the 2009 UK summer been in comparison to other years and what can one do on a rainy day in the UK in summer? Dabble in the studio?
Ben: Haha. Plenty of rainy days in this country. I'm a studio engineer full time, so spend almost everyday in the studio. 2009 in general has been really good. Had a couple of projects released so far, with quite a few in the pipeline, almost ready to go. Have been DJ'ing alot over the last few months. 3 trips to Poland where I played a total of 8 shows. Also here in UK, including The Gallery, Digital Society and Amplified. Finally, I have a nice chunk of time where I will be working solely on originals, possibly an album..!
i:Vibes: Where exactly are you from in the UK and what was your childhood like?
Ben: I'm based in Watford (just North of North London). 20 mins by tube gets me into central London. I had a pretty regular childhood I suppose. I Left school at 16, went to college and studied Music Technology, and since then, well almost, I have been able to make music for a living.
i:Vibes: Mostly DJS become producers, but how was it with you? Were you a producer before you became a DJ and how did this help your career?
Ben: True. I was a DJ first. I got my first set of decks (Gemini Direct drive turntables) at 15. College got me involved with the production side of things, however, my course taught me how to record a band, music management, acoustic calculations etc, which has recently helped me out actually, I have moved out of home and into a place with a basement, where my studio is. But the sound is being reflected all over the place, so I am having to treat it with bass traps and acoustic panels. Tricky job to get right. Hopefully I can.
i:Vibes: You seem to have a very funky sound. I would not solely classify you as a trance artist. How would you define the Ben Gold sound of 2009?
Ben: Thanks. I'm not sure you know?! I got my name with Discover, producing high energy trance, but I suppose I didn't have enough enthusiasm about the genre any more, so dropped down a few bpm, and tried something different. I'd like my music to have attitude, be dance floor friendly, and memorable. Not sure if that defines it though!!
i:Vibes: Your track “Life” became a future favorite and tune of the week with Armin van Buurens radio show. It seems when listening to your tracks as if the total track from beginning to end tells a story which is not always the feeling when listening to tracks in general. How difficult was it getting “Life” perfect for your ears?
Ben: Thanks. "Life" was written in a few different parts. The main acid line in the track I had previously created for another track, about 6 months previous, but I wasn't happy with it. I had the body "Life" written for a while before I came up with the theme that I wanted. I was driving with the radio on, and this rock/Indie track was on, I don't know the name, as they didn't say it, but the vocal top line was where I got the idea for the leadline. The acid line was in the same key as the theme. So once I put the theme in, then the acid, It pretty much all slotted into place
i:Vibes: My favourite track is “Today”. That is really a beautiful piece of music. What was it like working with Senadee. What makes his voice so special and perfect for “Today”?
Ben: Senna is a really cool songwriter, with potential to go mainstream. A friend introduced us online. We chatted for a few days, then went in the studio and wrote "Say The Words" almost straight away. We also recorded something else inbetween "Say The Words" & "Today" that we wasn't happy with. Hence why it has taken longer than expected for the single to get released. But, its out in August with remixes from Filo & Peri & Thomas Datt.
i:Vibes: What further releases can we await from you in 2009?
Ben: Be:Gold - Starstruck has just been released on Music Madness, with a great remix from Jochen Miller. Ben Gold feat. Senadee - Today is out in August. I am remixing "Out Of Nowhere" for John O'Callaghan right now. I have an E.P forth coming on Infrasonic Recordings under the alias "Benjamin", then the new Ben Gold single, which right now I'm not sure when a release date is, as it isnt quite finished!!
i:Vibes: You are also a DJ. What could we expect from a 3 hour Ben Gold DJ set?
Ben: I would love to play a 3 hour set. I'm lucky when I get a 2 hour set. My radio show is a 2 hour show. I much prefer playing longer sets, as you can play different styles at different times, to keep the dance floor moving. My radio shows can be downloaded here: www.amplifiedonline.co.uk/bengold.html .
i:Vibes: With what producer would you like to be locked up with in a studio for 24 hours and why?
Ben: Just one? Hmm.. Gareth Emery, Rank 1 or John O'Callaghan.
Thanks Ben for the chat. Good luck with your music!!
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