Krysko

Biography

Of Ukraine descent but born & breed in Yorkshire, England. Krysko was brought up on a musical diet of funk, soul, jazz and of course house music. Mainly due to his uncles influence who was a player in the early London house/techno scene. Having been dj’ing for nearly 16 years he’s developed taste in a wide spectrum of musical styles.

In 2001 Krysko became resident at The Redlight, Sankeys soap and over the last 4 years he’s played alongside most of his musical heroes, including – Francois K, Masters at Work, Dj Sneak, Jeff Mills, Frankie Knuckles, Todd Terry, Deep Dish, Theo Parrish, Groove Armada, Danny Krivit & Joe Claussell, Dimitri from Paris, Jazzy Jeff and has even managed a rare short back to back set with the Chicago legend… Derrick Carter.

Soon after joining Sankeys as resident another one of his ambitions was fulfilled by following on in the footsteps of the original TG legendary residents; Jeff Mills, Carl Cox, Sven Vath, Sasha & Gayle Sann by becoming Tribal Gathering resident for the new generation. Krysko has played both Tribal Gathering weekenders, the last included a LIVE RADIO 1 ESSENTIAL MIX and the huge Warehouse party for 10,000 people, which won many awards as event of the year in 2003 and has closed the RADIO 1 stage at the GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL in 2003 & 2004. Other RADIO 1 appearances have included regular guest slots on THE ESSENTIAL SELECTION with Pete Tong including both live mixes and interviews. Other festivals include – LOVEBOX 2006 at Victoria Park, London playing the main stage.

Krysko has had great props from people such as … Groove Armada’s Tom Findlay “one of the most exciting of the new crop of DJ’s I’ve heard, will be booking Krysko for Lovebox” … Erick Morillo (ok I know but it’s still prop!) who said in DJ Magazine “he’s my favourite DJ in the UK, he’s got great ears and he’s really talented” … and DJ Sneak who said “…he’s bad ass!!”

In September 2004 Sankeys Soap celebrated it’s 10th anniversary by releasing a double compilation CD mixed live by Krysko & Vickers which went on to sell nearly 5000 copies in the first 4 weeks and was awarded 10/10 & mix compilation of the month in DJ Magazine. As well as Sankeys & The Warehouse Project, Krysko has over the last 8 years played and blown apart clubs such as Stompaphunk, The End, Electric Chair, Back II Basics, The Egg, Notting Hill Carnival, café Mambo & Somny in Ibiza and clubs all over the UK.

Since leaving Sankeys Soap in 2006 Krysko became resident at the hugely successful Warehouse Project www.thewarehouseproject.com and played alongside artists as diverse as Underground Resistance, Laurent Garnier, Jamie Lidell, Spanky Wilson & The Quantic Soul Orchestra and Hot Chip. This is to continue into 2008 with the WHP07, this will also include another LIVE RADIO 1 ESSENTIAL MIX on 29th September.

Other projects include – rita and sue – as a duo playing many festivals and backrooms from soul, funk, jazz, nu soul, disco and Balearic-ness… this project has led to a current monthly residency at the legendary Back to Basics.

He’s recently had his first production release with Paul Woolford on Chicago’s Peaches label, which is the first of many to come.

How do you feel about coming to play in Lancaster?!

I know this’ll probably sound like a staple answer but I’m really looking forward to it. Other than Manchester I’ve mainly been playing down south the further north I can get will be a nice change! Also I have played up there before and you always have a very responsive crowd.

What DJs and producers are pushing your buttons right now?

Jesus! There are so many at the moment. I love music right across the board but the obvious ones still never fail i.e. Moodyman. Aardvarck from the Dam is a great producer, Carl Craig is back on form with his last couple of remixes, Paul Woolford, Buckly from Basics has just given me a great track that he’s signed to get physical, and on and on…

You have been resident for Tribal Gathering, how does it compare to other festivals in the UK such as Creamfields or Global Gathering?

Of the events I was involved with it was extremely different to the major festivals of the time. The first being the warehouse party 2003 which was the best event I’ve ever been to or played at, it was immense. The other Tribal Gatherings were the weekenders, so it felt like loads of smaller parties over 2 days as apposed to a big out door event. They were all quite different that’s why they worked.

Being a former resident of Sankeys Soap, what made you make the switch to The Warehouse Project?

Just a natural progression I suppose, I mean the way to keep things interesting for even just yourself is to change, move on and try something different.

You have played alongside your musical heroes such as Francois K, Masters at Work, DJ Sneak, Jeff Mills, Frankie Knuckles, Todd Terry, Deep Dish, Groove Armada, Dimitri from Paris, Jazzy Jeff & Derrick Carter, What did it feel like? Did any of them not live up to your expectations in person?

Obviously the earlier in my career I was far more nervous playing with any of these guys but the more you do it and especially with the diversity of the people I have played with you grow a confidence and to be honest it’s far more enjoyable when you can just almost relax, have a beer, then play after them!

Having done Live Radio 1 Essential Mixes with another to follow on 29th September, Does it make a difference to what you play knowing there are millions listening on the radio?

Error yes! It’s pretty nerve racking to be honest. Once again the one I just did from The Warehouse Project 07 and I found it slightly easier mainly because I knew what to expect. The only thing different about doing an essential mix to any other set is that it’s planned. Normally I love playing off the cuff but with these it’s best to have a good idea of your track listings.

You had your first production released with Paul Woolford on Chicago’s Peaches label, any more in the pipeline?

That was quite a while ago but I’m in Chicago at the end of November and myself and Justin Long have set aside a day or two to get in the studio… I can’t wait.

What is you biggest pet peeve within the music industry?

To be honest I really don’t have many… the only one that really gets me is the constant need to pigeon hole and give new music a ‘name’… there’s two types of music in the world – good music and bad music (I think Ray Charles said that).

What was the first record you ever bought?

Nothing too rare – Think it was Michael Jackson – Bad album. I learnt all the moves on the inner sleeve!

And finally… CD’s or Vinyl?

Easy… vinyl.