Bill Patrick: "I don’t want to see a live stream of a bunch of sycophants dancing behind a DJ"

There’s a good chance you have heard of American Bill Patrick, which is no mean feat, because he has never had his name next to a big hit record and has never closely been associated with any specific crew. Thats because he is a DJ, someone who values the art of building a set from the ground up, someone who digs deep, isn’t afraid to take risks and is someone who knows exactly what to drop and when to drop it. He learnt his trade in New York, where he co founded the much loved Robot party, but is now Berlin based, has his own radio show and is a regular guest for Marco Carola’s Music On and Guy Gerber’s Rumors party. He plays with both in the US and Ibiza, and is a favourite at places like DC10 and fabric. In this interview we quiz bill about the art of DJing, about who the modern underground works and about the ups and downs of being a DJ always on the road. With the new year looming it’s often a time when people reflect on the past 12 months. What is your standout memory of 2014?

It’s been a crazy year on so many levels. Good and bad. Super intense but also very inspiring. My gigs in Ibiza were a lot of fun. Getting to play the terrace of Amnesia three times for Music On was definitely a highlight. They have a great thing going there and I really hope the night continues at that club. The vibe is incredible and I don’t think it can be matched anywhere else on the island. So it’d have to be my time in Ibiza.

The summer feels an age away as the temperature drops. Do you prefer outdoors and terrace parties or are you more a club man?

It really depends on the venue and crowd. I really enjoyed playing outdoor venues this summer like Classic Club in Rimini and Kiesgrube in Neuss, Germany but have also had some shitty outdoor gigs over the years.. I remember one in Napoli where there were probably thirty people and twenty five of them were over 55 years old. It was so fucking awkward. I couldn’t even make eye contact with anyone. I think I managed to clear them from the dance floor in around 45 minutes. I played another 15 minutes and then went home. It was better for everyone.

Of course the same goes for night clubs, there’s good nights and bad nights. I can’t really say I prefer one over the other but if I had to choose then I would pick clubs because I think the style of music I play is best suited for a dark club.

Speaking of clubs, do you miss being a resident? What do you think the role of a good resident DJ is nowadays?

Yeah I do miss having a residency. I’ve always enjoyed playing warm up slots and building the night from the start. I think a good resident should know the crowd, know the system and keep his/ her ego in check. Don’t try to outshine the headliner – if your job is opening up – and be respectful of the hour you play and how many people are in the club. Sounds pretty obvious, right? I can’t tell you how many idiots have been banging it out at 12am thinking they are killing it. Just chill the fuck out and learn how to have some range. Yeah that’s an important one, be versatile.

Do you think the art of the DJ is getting lost? Are shorter sets, sync buttons, Boiler Room and so on ruining the skill of building a set?

I don’t know. Are these people even DJs? I mean, what even constitutes a DJ these days? Anyone can basically do it now. I read things about pre-recorded sets, sync buttons and all that shit but I don’t know what to believe. These people don’t concern me. It’s a whole other world I really don’t care about. I do have friends who use the sync button but I know they have like 18 other things going on so it makes sense for them.

As for Boiler Room, wow, what a nightmare. It’s so embarrassing. I honestly get uncomfortable watching those things for more than 2 minutes. The concept to me is ridiculous. I don’t want to see a live stream of a bunch of sycophants dancing behind a DJ. Just standing there trying to get as much airtime as possible. Honestly, what are you doing with your life? But that’s just me. Obviously there’s a lot of people who want to watch that sort of thing but I just don’t see the appeal. The whole thing is a scam. They go and ask a promoter if they would be interested in having them host a Boiler Room and then charge some ludicrous amount of money. They don’t pay for flights, don’t pay any artist’s fees, nothing. Boiler Room gets all the content and there’s hardly any out of pocket expense. For what? An internet connection? They’re making a killing. They have the platform but that’s it and honestly, that audience is the worst. Yeah, I’m not a fan of Boiler Room! [Laughs] Having said that, I did enjoy the Anklepants one. It’s bad enough you have to see a bunch of people trying to be cool in the booth next to a DJ in a club. I really get uncomfortable with that stuff. I don’t mind having a few friends in there while I’m playing but there are girls who really enjoy standing and dancing right next to you. Like literally touching you and getting in the way of the turntables and mixer. I don’t care how hot you are, please stay the fuck out of my way. First off, it’s so cheesy and cliché. Secondly, I’m actually using the equipment so back up. I’ve gone off on a tangent here, but whatever. It needed to be said.

What were you even asking me? Jesus. Yes, the art of DJing. I’m not worried about it. There’s still plenty of people who are doing it right and plenty more who are interested in keeping that art alive.

It’s been said recently that many people think the road to the top is too short nowadays – someone has a throwaway hit and then they’re on the DJ circuit. What are your thoughts on this.

Yeah there are plenty of people who haven’t paid their dues but that’s with anything in life. I can’t get too bent out of shape over it. Everyone has their own path. I know the path I took was long and tedious and I sacrificed a lot to get to where I am. So that makes me really appreciate everything on a different level. We all have help along the way and I am super grateful for everyone who supported me and helped push my career forward. I’ve always done things on my own terms which is something I’m proud of.

The “top” is a tricky place. Once you get there you start getting maybe a bit paranoid and insecure because you know it’s not going to last forever. All of a sudden you have all these new friends, you’re the man of the moment, you are super in demand, expectations are high and you start playing bigger venues. So maybe you start changing your style, compromising your sound in order to please 5000 people instead of 500. I’ve seen it happen a million times. I’m not at the top so I don’t have to worry about that stuff. I don’t envy that shit at all. There’s people out there doing it right, though. Sticking to their sound and what they believe in. But I have seen the pressure get to others.

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