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It seems like I keep bumping into Spektre’s Paul Maddox every year at Amsterdam Dance Event. This week in the MY FIRST GIG series the British DJ/producer duo Spektre, a.k.a. Paul Maddox and Rich Wakley. Paul: “Suddenly, I was pushed forward.” Rich: “I had at least six pints before I started my set.”
Paul: “My first gig was during the very first Tidy Weekender in Prestatyn (UK). I got to open the main area on Sunday night. I was about 18 or 19 at the time.”
Baptism of fire
“I was super nervous! I was originally scheduled to play in a much smaller area, but one of the other DJs dropped out, and I was bumped up to cover their slot. What a baptism of fire!”
Three-day events
“The Weekenders were three-day events, so Sundays would start out slow. Everyone had already been partying for two full days and nights. I didn’t mind though. I had prepped my set, but since I was supposed to play much later, I had to come up with a new plan on the spot. The area gradually filled up during my set. I didn’t really have a mentor to guide or support me, but a lot of my friends were there, which helped a lot.”
No drama
“In the end, the gig went well. I made a couple of small mistakes, but nothing dramatic happened. Looking back, I was quite satisfied.”
“What did I learn from that first time? Well, I definitely learned a lot about how to warm up a room – not just that time but every time I had to open. It was educational to experience a big room right away. It made every gig after that feel less intimidating.”
Rich: “I was sixteen when I played my first gig. It took place at Rosies Club in Solihull (UK). Back in school, it was the local bar with a club in the back – my first real introduction to electronic music. It was basically the only place in town where everyone went to party. The kind of place you’d make a fake ID for just to get in.”
Six pints
“I was pretty nervous before my first set. I had at least six pints before I got behind the decks. But once I got through that first mix, I felt great. Honestly, if you’re not at least a little nervous before a gig, you’re probably not human.”
Mega-OCD
“Did I prepare my set at home? Well, I was spinning vinyl, so prep meant knowing every record inside and out and organizing my record bag. It helps if the records are in the right sleeves – and luckily, I’ve got mega-OCD.” (laughs) “Back then, your record bag would often stay the same for months. You’d only add new ones occasionally. So you really knew your music.”
No girls
“The crowd was full of young people and lots of my college friends. And – so cool – my mom came along! No, I wasn’t trying to impress any girls. Back then, it was all about the music!” (laughs)
“Looking back, I’d say my first gig was a success. I didn’t make any big mistakes – apart from maybe my hairstyle at the time.” (laughs) “And here’s a good tip I’d like to share: always bring your headphones!”
This interview with Spektre was originally published in September 2018 on This Is Our House.
Who are Spektre?
After beginning life as an experimental side-project for members Paul Maddox and Rich Wakley, Spektre find themselves over a decade later as established and respected features of the Techno landscape.
As a production outfit, Spektre have released on such imprints as Drumcode, Elevate, Filth on Acid and Unrilis (as well as their own Respekt Recordings) to the acclaim of their peers, with the likes of Adam Beyer, Carl Cox and Alan Fitzpatrick among their plaudits.
In 2018, Spektre have had a near-permanent presence at the top of the techno download charts as one of Kraftek’s core artists, with “Another Life” and their remix of “Mystery Land” both hitting Beatport’s Top 3. Label boss Pleasurekraft says: “In the techno musical ocean of similar sounding mediocrity, Spektre are a shining beacon of originality; transcending hype and gimmicks, they are the real deal. Period.”
As performers, Spektre’s unique sound has taken them to some of the biggest and most highly regarded venues worldwide, with frequent bookings by the likes of Space Ibiza, Exit Festival, Pacha Buenos Aires and Burning Man.
On stage, Spektre’s long-standing chemistry and constant desire to experiment always results in an exciting spectacle. Spektre’s live exploits are also documented alongside guest slots from esteemed cohorts in their regular Mutual Respekt Podcast.
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