For many readers, Gordon Darley will be a more than familiar face. A stalwart of the London scene and Puzzle Project promoter and resident DJ, a year ago Gordon hung up his headphones for a sabbatical to concentrate on other interests. The Puzzle crew had only just removed the black armbands when after a year Mr Darley decided to make a return to the scene – he was of course welcomed back with open arms and makes his debut set as returning resident DJ at Puzzle Project’s first party of the new year on 23rd January. Fellow brand new ressie Ali Cantor caught up with Gordon to see what he’s been up to and what he’s got in store for us.
So Gordon, you’re a pretty well known character on the London scene and have been for a number of years. For those who don’t know you, can you quickly give everyone a bit of background of how you became involved with the scene and your DJ career so far?I’ve always been into music and some element of performing and creativity. My old man was in a pretty well established folk band many, many moons ago and brought me up to love music in all its forms. At school I used to play rhythm and bass guitar in a band but that all changed when I went Peach at Camden Palace for my birthday in 2000 when I saw Guy Ornadel play trance more than properly! I ended clubbing regularly with people like Greg Brookman, and Seany Sean (for those who remember him!) and their passion for DJing rubbed off on me. I had my first set playing hard house back to back with Sean at a bar in Croydon and I’ve never looked back since experiencing that buzz!
I’ve been involved in promoting since the days of the original Peach Goes Hard events when I helped putting line ups together and hosting for them which led to 123 at SSB which was Saturday pre party to events such as Tasty and Frantic etc and got involved in Puzzle about 3 events from the start when 123’s venue closed.
In terms of my DJ career so far, I’ve been lucky enough to play at some of the main venues in London like Camden Palace (and since it changed to Koko), SE1 and Brixton Academy etc for some of the biggest events and brands in the country, which is nice.
You’re returning as a resident DJ following an absence of a year, can you tell us a little about the reasons for your decision to take some time off?
It wasn’t an easy decision to be honest, in fact I didn’t realise how important the scene is to me until I took the time out to wind things down for a while to concentrate on other things in life. I wasn’t completely absent from it though, I played a few sets and continued writing the hard dance reviews for iDJ magazine. I was also thinking about trying out a couple of different musical avenues but alas, nothing quite hit the spot.
And after all this time, Puzzle welcomes back its prodigal son for it’s first party of the year on 23rd January – what a start to the new year! What made you decide to rejoin the crew and get stuck in once more?
Missing it immensely is the main reason. And I feel the time has come to push my DJing again and Puzzle is the perfect outlet as although we’re not a hard dance party, our open minded, forward thinking music policy fits with the kind of hard house I play.
Aside from rejoining Puzzle Project, can we expect any other returns to the fray? Any gigs planned for other promotions so far?
Yeah, there’s a few things lined up which I won’t jinx by spilling the details just yet. But I’m in talks with a few promoters outside of London to help spread my wings, there’s a little side project coming up in the form of a new after party for one of my favourite events other than Puzzle, and I’ll be in the studio with the likes of Alex Mac and Zeebra Kid, HiFreak1c, and hopefully Riggsy again at some stage if he’ll have me back after an event involving me, my novelty flip-flops and a bottle of beer resulted in his mixing desk being soaked.
What styles of music are you currently digging? Has your sabbatical seen any changes to your DJing style?
As I mentioned earlier, I love music in all forms and dig just about everything. I’m falling in love with trance again and love the psychedelic stuff thanks to Phil Lankester really opening my eyes to it. I’m also really digging techno and tech house right now, but my main passion is still for hard house.
So what can the Puzzle faithful expect from your set on 23rd January?
Tough, groove-laden intelligent hard house made to make the hips shake.
On a lighter note, a smattering of trivia. What’s the best thing you’ve ever seen with your own eyes?
Jeremy Guscott scoring against the French at Twickenham. That or boobs.
Good choices. And the worst thing you’ve ever seen with your own eyes?
Snot and bogeys. I don’t get queasy over blood and guts, but just thinking about the green stuff makes me heave.
Most embarrassing moment ever?
I have very little shame so don’t get embarrassed too easily
Dream date?
Cally Gage and another DJ called Janette Slack, in a posh restaurant by the sea fighting over which one loves me more whilst I cop off with the bird who plays Stacey Slater in ‘Enders… a man can dream, right?
Favorite food?
No idea what it’s called, but diced chicken in a cream and wholegrain mustard sauce.
Ideal superpower?
I’d like to be able to freeze time.
Hero of 2009?
Frankie Boyle - funniest man on earth.
Villain of 2009?
I wouldn’t want to get myself into trouble so I won’t answer that one.
Very diplomatic Gordon! Thanks for your time and I’ll see you on 23rd!
