Laidback Luke wants Muppets for Xmas Number One

Posted on 12 December 2009
By Andy Johnson
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Hidden away inside his superproducer’s underground lair turned studio Laidback Luke is hard at work on his next masterplan move to take over the world with music.

This year saw him play a legend in his own lunchtime set at Creamfields with eager fans falling out the sides of the tent trying to hear his unique blend of beats.

Luke has been tearing up dancefloors across the globe with a series of massive colaborations with the likes of Diplo, Gregor Salto and his now annual mashup with heavies Swedish House Mafia.

Laidback aka Luke van Scheppingen has made a name for himself as a producer and took time out to tell us how to knock X Factor off the top of the Christmas charts.

He’s excited about working off his turkey and stuffing by playing at the legendary home of Cream for their traditional Boxing Night extravaganza.

The Hey star kicked things off by explaining what’s up with his name, anybody who’s seen him play knows its anything but a laidback affair.

“I was looking for a double letter name like Carl Cox and Todd Terry.

“But Lucky Luke was already taken, so I kept on searching and it just hit me when I was listening to Snoop Dogg’s Gin N’ Juice.

“Laidback is perfect for me – because I am relaxed about everything except music.

“Hip hop is what got me into DJing. In the early days it had so much energy, it made me want to take on the world with my decks. I would love to see more hip hop fused with house, like the Black Eyed Peas stuff I have just done.

“My ideal co-laboration would be with Cypress Hill, that would be amazing. If you’re out there give me a shout.

“But house has taken over as the music having the pure energy today – there’s nothing better.”

Laidback said that these rapidly changing digital days we are living in has made the world a much smaller place for DJs, enabling them to keep in constant contact, swapping tips on equipment and tracks in real time.

“Twitter is a great way to stay in touch with other DJs on the road. The world’s so much smaller now. Even the biggest names in music, you can be in touch and know what they’re doing and what they’re palying and working on.”

The My G*O*D star could barely contain his excitement at playing Cream, following their sell out birthday show and his mates’ Swedish House Mafia showcase at the Brixton Academy.

“Cream is legendary, the whole phenomonon has spread across the world and every DJ wants to play at the place where it all started.

“I’ll be bringing the hard ass Laidback Luke remix machine to pump out all the best dirty house music in my head. I’ll be keeping my set gritty and grimy.

“I’m very excited about playing alongside Sander Van Doorn and Above and Beyond – they are legends. Also it will be great to be able to hang out – often it is the only chance I get to see other people play and I want to catch up with Calvin Harris.

“DJs should each other Christmas cards, I always have the thought, but then forget them until its too late.

“I’ll be playing some Dutch gigs near Christmas, so I can drive home and spend it with my family.”

Luke also believes dance music stars should band together to make a Christmas House tune and backed The Muppets to beat the inevitable onslaught of X Factor in the battle for the festive Number One.

“I saw The Muppets doing Bohemian Rhapsody on YouTube – genius, they should make it to Christmas Number One.

“What a great idea it would be for DJs and dance acts to get together and make a Christmas tune. It would be a sure fire winner.”

Laughing in his trademark Laidback giggle, “I must call Calvin Harris and make it happen.”

This year has brought Luke’s biggest success, scorching clubs across the world with his massive tunes, so what’s on the horizon for him?

“Next year should be big for music, there’s so much talent emerging and I’m delighted to be a part of it.

“For me, I’ll be hard at work in the studio working on my artist album and perhaps a mix compilation of my singles.

“It’s going to be a crazy year, with Ibiza already looking good – so bring it on!”

The Leave The World Behind star also gave us in parting, his tips for being laidback under pressure.

“You’ve just got to keep your cool. For me its about how you perceive handling a tough situation.

“Think about what is the worst that can happen, but then know that and go into it being very positive. I always go for the kill. Works for me.”

Laidback Luke plays Cream at Nation on Boxing Night alongside Calvin Harris (DJ set), Above and & Beyond, Sander Van Doorn, Arno Cost & Norman Doray.

Doors open 10pm-6am. Tickets £28

www.cream.co.uk

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