It's a big place. In fact, that should read ‘absolutely massive'.
And if you're talking about making your way in London's world beating music scene, competition is serious, not just expansive. So when Stuart Geddes got together with Rob Star to host the first Mulletover bash in 2004, they knew it had to be good.
Nearly a decade later and the brand is one of London's best loved, hosting events in Ibiza, stages at BLOC Weekend, and countless sold-out warehouses along the way. Comparatively Geddes has made waves of his own, turning subtle ripples into something of a micro-empire.
There's his imprint, Murmur, which, though still in its infancy, has become highly successful with a little help from names like Simon Baker and Matt Tolfrey. Then No Fit State was born, an intimate party offering heartfelt deep house music to faithful fans and newcomers alike.
Elsewhere the man with a few fingers in many pies is fast becoming a recognised face too, as his ever-burgeoning European club calendar proves. A name to watch closely then, with plenty pencilled in over the coming months. Intrigued, we called for a chat to try and ascertain exactly what to expect…
Spotlight: There's a lot going on in your life. Give us a breakdown of what you're involved in?
Geddes: “Well, my longest running project is Mulletover, which has been going for about seven or eight years, and it's like the Daddy of everything else.
“It's a success story, I suppose, starting off with me and Rob kind of wanting to put on a party. And it had the right ingredients to be something more than a party, kicking off at the right time in London, when East London especially, and the surrounding area, was really just being discovered.
“So we were in the right place, at the right time, with the right people around us who made that happen. It was very much a family affair. So, from there, three or four years ago I started the label, Murmur, which has also been successful in its own right, so far anyway.
“And then there's also a little thing that spawned from that called No Fit State. That's more about taking it back to the intimate, friends and family vibe, which, for me, is especially important to touch base with. Oh, and there's a new project that I'm doing called Electric State, with my friend Dolan from Electric Minds, which again is a small event.”
How did this all begin for you?
“Er, a love of dance music really. I got into hardcore, drum n bass, and was going raving really young, and it was just the whole nightlife thing that got me. Also, I had a pretty strong influence of music in a social situation from when I was growing up.
“My family always loved a party, and a drink, and I think that had a profound effect on me. So about the age of 19 or 20 I started going to house clubs, and that's when I made the decision I was going to forge a career from it all. It was definitely house that did it for me.”
How did Mulletover come about?
“Well, I had my ideas of starting an event, and Rob had his too. Mine were really, I suppose, you know- I loved playing records, but was struggling to find anywhere I could play what I was buying. So I suppose that's one of the reasons most nights start out, at ground level. I've just been lucky that it has taken off. But we did have a vision.”
Why do you think it has become such a popular name in clubland?
“By being different, and putting our balls on the line to do them, and having a vision. When you have a clear vision about what you want you can generally achieve it- just go for it. I think this is a prime example of making that happen. Try anything, just put your mind to it.”
In terms of Murmur, what made you think about starting a label?
“It was a natural progression really. I mean, I never even thought about starting a label. But I did. And I initially started it with a friend of mine; we thought it would be a good idea. I no longer work with him, it's just me, and it's been an interesting journey that I have enjoyed.
“It's a labour of love at times. And there's not much reward, in terms of business. But then if you're running a label I think it's impossible to consider it a business. But it's fun, and it has been fun being creative, when you hit the nail on the head and people are buzzing about what you're doing, someone you have signed, or whatever.”
Promoting nights and putting out records- both arms are about introducing people to new music, is there a difference in approach?
“You know, unless you have a pool of people around you that supply you with music, and you're creating a label as a hub for that, then sometimes it's hard to keep with an idea of what you want. I find it hard anyway. I always went into it saying I'd put out music I'd play, so that's the ethos.
“I'm quite a diverse DJ anyway, even though people know me as playing house, I will go all over the place within that, chop up the tempo and stuff. So I suppose that's reflected in what we have released on Murmur.”
Do you plan for the future, or still take each day as it comes?
“I kind of like to see what comes from things, of their own accord. You know, there are some plans for Mulletover- a compilation in October, recorded by me, and possibly someone else. But we've kind of gone back to the less is more thing, so events wise we only have three this year.
“As for the label things are just starting to pick up there again. Over the last six months it has fallen behind while I recorded the No Fit State compilation, which took a lot of time. So we weren't signing or releasing much.
“There's some really exciting things to come on Murmur over the summer though. A guy called Hamid, who is a resident at Half Baked, has an amazing EP. And also a remix from Jay Shepheard, which I haven't got yet, but I'm excited to hear as he's one of my favourite producers at the moment. So that's ticking along.
Finally, do you have any advice for someone planning on following some or all of the routes you have taken?
“I think you really have to be committed to it. Be prepared for highs and lows with everything. There will be months sometimes, especially when you're just starting out, when it's really tough.
“Like I really wanted to follow my DJ career, but to do that I had to give up a full-time job, and work in a bar for two or three years before I could sustain any king of living at all. And for that you need passion. I remember, when I was trying to DJ at first, I'd send out demos left, right and centre, and sometimes get a gig but it was hard work.
“Now I have young up and comers sending in mixes, and it's so difficult to fit people in that I'm friends with, let alone these new guys, so it makes me think how hard it is to make it in this game. The days of just being a good DJ are gone, now you have to have a couple of strings to your bow- make music, maybe put on a popular party.
“Whatever, it needs to help you stick out from the rest of the crowd. I'm really lucky because I do this full time, and have for a long time, but even then it's still difficult- so full on
commitment basically. If you go out there with a strong vision of where you're going you can make it. I put everything into this, and if you do that you'll get somewhere.”
