Darren Price on Underworld Influences and His ‘Everybody Jack’ EP
We caught up with Underworld’s tour DJ Darren Price in the lead-up to his ‘Everybody Jack EP’ on the brand-new label, Kilsha Music. From his origins as the resident tour DJ in 1993 to his role as the band’s long-standing engineer, Price remains a central figure in the evolution of the Underworld live experience.
How has your 2018 been so far, Darren Price?
Darren Price: Very good thanks, partly due to all the sunshine! Working for Underworld four days a week, trying to do my own productions, and also being a good family man and living life.
What was the vision behind the ‘Everybody Jack EP’ on Kilsha Music?
Darren Price: The โEverybody Jack UW Live Maschine Mixโ was made back in 2011 for the promotional release of Maschine, then went on to be in Underworld’s live show until 2014. Itโs nice to get it out there after all the online requests over the years! โCharm Offensive & This Is House Musicโ are more recent productions. It’s just nice to get some of my own tunes out there again.
How did your collaboration with Underworld begin?
Darren Price: Iโve been lucky enough to work with Underworld for many years, originally from 1993 as their Resident Tour DJ and for the last 15 years as their engineer as well. Weโve played to some of the biggest crowds in the world from the Hollywood Bowl to Mount Fuji… itโs been a great journey.
How has your sound progressed over the last 20 years?
Darren Price: I’ve bought more equipment and read more manuals which has helped, but also, my tempo has gone down as my age has gone up! A healthy mix of new and old equipment always keeps things fresh. Technology is better now for sureโless on-stage breakdowns and โmidi momentsโ compared to when we were on tape.
What are your top 3 albums of all time?
Darren Price: This is such a hard question to answer, but tonight Iโll go for: Bob Marley & The Wailers โ Exodus; Afrika Bambaataa and The Soulsonic Force โ Planet Rock; and Marvin Gaye โ Whatโs Going On.
What advice would you give to young musicians starting now?
Darren Price: Stick to your guns, be yourself and if at first you donโt succeed, try, try and try again.
