Welcome to the latest edition of Six Questions With..., a regular short and sharp interview with a live music figure. Email james.hanley@futurenet.com if you would like to take part or recommend someone for inclusion.
This week's Q&A is with Soul Divide's Daniel Back, of UK promoter Love Amplified, which presents its debut Ibiza event at Benimussa Park on Friday, July 26, featuring Heidi, Dusky, Josh Butler and Melé.
What was your first job in music?
I guess the first time that I felt I was properly part of the industry was back in 2007 when I started the Love Amplified dream in my hometown of Portsmouth. At the time, I was also a guest DJ for different events in the city but wanted to create something for myself and friends to DJ more regularly, I played back then under the name Solis. My job was pretty much what it is now – promoting and playing records, but now it’s on a much larger scale! Though I still don’t feel that sharing quality house music with friends in a small venue has ever really felt like a job.
How long have you been in your current role?
Well it’s been 12 years since we started Love Amplified and we’re still going strong – I’d consider that a good stint so far! The industry has changed a lot during that time, and as promoters we’ve had to embrace entirely new ways of promoting events – social media being the obvious one. It’s all part of the journey though and you’ve got to just roll with the changes or get left behind.
What is your favourite thing about working in the live music industry?
The buzz of DJing is what got me into this job so that’s always going to be number one, that and promoting parties – you can’t beat the feeling of seeing a packed club at 2am when everything is in full swing. Also, something which has come as a side effect of success in other areas is being able to support and help other artists develop – whether that’s through sets at our events or signing a release to our label, Amplified Records.
What is the one thing you would like to change about the live business?
Tough one, if we got rid of all the parts we didn’t like, the successes might not be so sweet! One thing that does frustrate me though is how some people can seem be bitter and always want you to fail - this industry is tough enough as it is, there’s nothing wrong with some healthy competition but if everyone would work in harmony it could be amazing.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There have been many over the years but the real highlight for me is that Love Amplified is still going; we have had ups and downs, and at some points I've wanted to throw in the towel, but I’ve always seen the potential and loved how it's developed over the years from a small party for friends to what it is now – an international party coming to Ibiza in 2019.
What's the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Live: Bestival 2007 – The Chemical Brothers blew me away! Club: It has got be We Love Sundays at Space Ibiza back in July 2001. It was my first time on the Island and that terrace back then was so, so, so special.
