This Is Guernsey

Krafty Kuts is looking forward to performing in the dance tent at Guernsey Live on Saturday. (0572101)

MARTIN Reeves, aka Krafty Kuts, is without a doubt one of the world’s most popular DJs. Worshipped in the UK, adored in Australia and praised in the States, he is guaranteed to cause a riot with his skills wherever he plays.

So news that he is to play at Guernsey Live is music to our ears.

To date his impressive career has gained him some of dance music’s top honours, including Breakspoll’s Face of Breaks 2003, Best Breaks DJ at the M8 Ibiza awards 2006, Best International DJ at the Australian Dance Music Awards and a stunning pull at Breakspoll 2007, which saw him claiming Best Album for his first LP, Freakshow, Best DJ for a third consecutive year and Outstanding Contribution to Breakbeat.

Krafty will be hitting the dance tent at Guernsey Live on Saturday, promising to throw out a set we won’t forget.

‘I’m really excited,’ he said.

‘I love the Channel Islands. I have played in Jersey a few times and I thought it was beautiful – lovely beaches, little beach cafes and it has a really interesting heritage.

‘I have been fortunate enough to travel to many interesting places, from Italy to Australia, and I always make sure I take time out to check out the country and the history. And that’s what I am hoping to do in Guernsey, as well as facing a new challenge, having a good time and making new friends.’

Having played in Jersey before, he has got to know the organisers of Guernsey Live well.

‘They are a really nice couple of guys,’ he said

‘They believe in what they do and they really feel strongly for the community – they make the most of it and don’t look at it as another job. When I have been to Jersey, I have always had a warm welcome, so it wasn’t a problem being asked to play at Guernsey Live.’

Known for his eclectic collection of records, Krafty’s sets can range from hip-hop infused to funk and breaks. He promises his set on Saturday will be no different.

‘My aim over the next couple of days is to spend loads of time in the studio,’ he explained.

‘Get myself right up to date with loads of fresh tunes. I’ll be bringing over some new tracks as well and, believe me, I am really excited about it.

I also have my own takes on Justice’s Phantom and House of Pain’s Jump Around to showcase too.

‘I am very much a crowd-reactor DJ and I am hoping to get a great crowd reaction on Saturday – really get them going. I don’t know much about the Guernsey scene as I haven’t played here before, so I am planning on testing the waters first, come in fully charged with breaks, switch it up, throw in a hip-hop mix – trust me, I have a record bag full of gems, giving the crowd something to remember me by and if it all goes well, I’ll be looking to return without a shadow of a doubt.

‘At the end of the day, as a DJ you’re an entertainer,’ he explained.

‘You’ll find some people who are really anal about it and it having to be about them. But when I’m on stage, it’s not about me, it’s about them [the audience] – for me to play the best and give them what they want to hear.’