Artist Interview

...more often than not I’m building 3-4 layers of sound and atmospheres by looping and holding tracks in for longer...

Hi, Please introduce yourself to those unfamiliar with your DJ life.

Hi Little South, I’m Ben Chandler, i’m 31 and i’m from North Cornwall. I’ve loved electronic music since secondary school, it started with Trance/Hardhouse and other various genres but i’ve actually being a part of the South West electronic music scene for over 10 years now, but have been immersed in the local techno scene for the last 5 years or so and have now happily found myself to be a part of the Cornish based techno brand SiN (strength in numbers) which was founded by my very talented friend and DJ ‘Simmer’ alongside an amazing group of friends and resident DJs (Dave Hunt, Pat McGrath and Jewel).

Over the past 4-5 years SiN have played and held stages at some of the South Wests finest underground parties and festivals including: The Masked Ball, Frendzy, Kynance Party, Lizard Party and other private parties and secret events but more recently the fantastic ‘Orbital Gathering’ where we at SiN will all be playing again in August (get your tickets here www.orbitalgathering.co.uk you don’t want to miss this one) It’s ran by our good friend Paul ‘Jinal’ Bevan who’s an absolute local hero of the scene in Kernow. 

SiN definitely bring the proper techno sound to Cornwall and i feel proud to be a part of the crew here in the deep depths of Cornwall, I also feel equally fortunate enough to have shared the stage across the country at various locations with techno heavyweights Gary Beck, Spektre and The Yellowheads in previous years, but i have to say, last years Halloween Masked Ball at Flambards was one of the best parties i’d ever played at, the room was at capacity from very early on and as it was the first one in at least 2 years the whole crowd was so up for it right from the off, with a banging rig from Jack at Jam First Soundsystem. i played 1-3am just before Simmer and it was absolutely rocking then we ended up closing it together, i can thank my good friends and crew Simmer, Sloan Ranger and Jinal for the opportunity for that one, it really got me motivated after such a long time away due to covid.

Describe your DJ sound.

I feel over the last 2 years my sound has evolved and progressed quite substantially to be fair, whereas it seems now lots of ‘big name’ or ‘mainstream’ techno DJs and producers are toning it down or mellowing out bit, I’m yearning for the energy and the drive behind it. I always try to use my experiences from being a raver myself on the dancefloor at various big festivals and parties around the world, i try replicate the feeling and energy that the music gives me into my dj sets. Currently the DJs I’m really into are DJ Rush, Speedy J, 999999999, Luke Slater, Setaoc Mass, Richie Hawtin and many more. if i could describe my dj sound in 3 words it would be: Trippy, Tough, Energy but up until around 2 years ago i struggled for a while to mimic the sounds and feelings i got from my favourite DJs when i was just mixing one track into the next with 2 tracks, this evolution in my sound came from upgrading my setup in my studio which now consists of 3 CDJs and my RMX1000 unit so more often than not I’m building 3-4 layers of sound and atmospheres by looping and holding tracks in for longer that in my opinion really add to the whole listening experience and keep me involved more.

It's all on the fly, i don’t really pre plan...