While the future of nightlife remains clouded by the smoke of uncertainty – with the ripple effect of lockdowns, strict council regulations and financial demands from landlords leading to the shuttering of 65 UK clubs in 2024 – our dance floors have never been more exciting. Inside 10 Men Issue 61, we spotlight a series of DJs that are experts in their craft, taking eclectic sonics born on the British Isles to the biggest stages globally and providing soundtracks to the sort of nights out you’ll be telling your grandchildren about.
Interplanetary Criminal might already have a UK number 1 under his belt – with the summer ’22 anthem B.O.T.A. (Baddest of Them All) with Eliza Rose – yet he’s showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The Mancunian DJ and producer has headlined tours across the UK, Australia and the US. A Rinse FM resident and co-label boss of ATW records, he is the champion of UK garage’s new resurgence.
Interplanetary Criminal wears BURBERRY
What’s one track that’ll never leave your USB?
I’ve had Point G’s Sidewalkin’ on my USB since I ripped it back in 2015. Dungeon Meat has been a staple label in my collection since its first release… this track is bumpy, moody. I’m still playing it to this day, just a lot faster.
What track never fails to fill a dance floor?
I’ve got an unreleased Pump Up the Jam bootleg [a cover of the 1989 Technotronic classic] that does the damage.
What makes a great DJ?
Someone who takes their craft seriously but also loves to dance and be authentic. Also, being receptive to the crowd, looking for good music and taking lots of multivitamins on the road.
What’s been the best night out of your life?
I’ve had a lot of pivotal nights in the club, but one that comes to mind was a few years back at The Warehouse Project’s Rinse [FM] takeover. I had just gone as a punter. It was the first time I met Oli [aka the producer Skream] too – we were there early and stayed to the end. He played two of my tracks and gave me a shout-out in my own city, it was surreal. A couple of weeks later we played our first b2b.
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?
Hard question. When I listen to stuff I’ve made over the years it always takes me back to certain moments, things I had been influenced by or what sort of artist I was trying to be. This year I was extremely proud to put out a debut EP on my label ATW called Gunman. It was my intention to take it back to the clubs and the three tracks I put out are still staples of my set. Also the ATW002 record with Main Phase we did felt like we were pushing the 4×4 speed garage agenda at the time.
What shaped your musical tastes?
For me 2011/12 was the start. There was such amazing forward-thinking, post-future garage, deep house/tech house. We were obsessed with the way this music made us feel. I spent my entire years at uni digging, looking into history, deep-diving into the influences and what came before. To this day I will spend a fortune on records that I’ve been hunting down for years. I’m just fascinated with music and mood, and I still love to go out and listen to music in this way.
What makes a great night out?
Great company, good music and dark, smoky rooms.
Taken from 10 Men Issue 61 – MUSIC, TALENT, CREATIVE – on newsstands now. Order your copy here.
THE FLOOR FILLERS
Creative Editor and Text PAUL TONER
Portrait ELLIOTT MORGAN
Fashion assistant GEORGIA EDWARDS
Production ZAC APOSTOLOU and SONYA MAZURYK
