26/02/11
First of all Ed, I would like thank you for speaking to us.No problems at all.
Ed, you’re a DJ and a producer; what would you say you enjoy most?I love making rib-shaking music first and foremost. I can DJ, but I love being in the lab.
Can you tell me about the first big event you played at?It was called Spiral Tribe and it was crazy! They would put a sound-system up anywhere and let everyone know. They were responsible for some of the biggest free parties in the land.
The first track that got you really got noticed was ‘Something in your Eyes’ featuring Shelley Nelson, which hit the UK top 40 and is an Old Skool garage classic. Did you know that it would be such a hit?Not at all; when she came to the studio it was the first time I had ever worked with a live singer. At that point I was just using a cappella samples from other records. She is extremely talented and she blessed the music with a special magic.
You are well known as being one of the main pioneers of the garage scene and have been described by NME as a “UK garage legend”, how do you feel about this? I love the fact I have had the chance to get my music to many ears. Not many musicians have this opportunity and I feel very lucky to have been making garage at the right time.
Ed, you’re well known for the remix you did for Gorillaz, of their song Clint Eastwood; how did this come about?I was in a studio next door to them so when I was asked to listen to the album I chose that track because I thought I could make a fast version with Sweetie Irie on it. Their original mix was quite slow and it deffo needed a jumped up version. I’m glad it went so well.
What other artists have you done remixes for and who would you say you enjoyed working with the most?Destiny’s Child, Gabrielle, Beenie Man, Misteeq… I have worked with a lot of people. I can’t really say a favourite because they are all very talented artists. They are all amazing people.
You have a track out at the moment which is in the 1xtra garage charts, which is a bass-line remix of an Old Skool garage track you did with Oggie; how did this come about?I got a Myspace message from Oggie saying check out my page and so I did, and was very impressed. We hooked up in the studio the following weekend and wrote the song in no time.
What’s the best thing you like about your job?When you make a piece of magic.
So what are you working on at the moment?I am working on an album for a live project as well as looking after both my labels Funklife and Quality Control.
Finally, have you ever been to Norwich before?Nope!
Nick Harvey
You can catch Ed Case doing an Old Skool garage set with live P.A. by Oggie and special guests at Traffik, Farmers Avenue, Norwich. Admission price £5.00. For more info on this event go to www.myspace.com/traffikbar_norwich