A pioneer of the tech-funk sound, one of the first producers to mash together techno, house, breaks and electro, Meat Katie has been at the forefront of cutting edge dance music for nearly a decade now. Chew The Fat caught up with him in advance of his set at The End this month...

You're one of the forefathers of the breakbeat scene. How has it changed in the time you've been associated with it?

I wouldn't call myself a forefather; I have been involved in it for a while though. People seem to be a lot more open-minded recently and not so dismissive of other genres, which is really healthy. It's no secret breakbeat is on its arse at the moment, but I'm sure it will have a moment again, all music goes in cycles. Having said that, all this 'keep real breaks in breaks' bullshit that is flying around at the moment is simply an outdated view of the genre, unless you want to be producing/playing music that was cool 10 years ago! I think it's time for some new ideas. Fuck, I do actually have an opinion on breaks.

Was there ever a particular point in your life when dance music ‘made sense' to you for the first time?

I don't really want it to make sense, it would be a 9-5 if it did!

What do you think of tech funk as a genre tag to describe the music that artists like yourself and Elite Force make?

No its not a genre, its just a term used for a handful of producer/DJs and labels that didn't really fit into the 'breakbeat' box properly. It actually seems to be growing.

Is there anything more fitting that you'd like your chosen sound to be referred to as?

Technohouseelectrobreaks...... with a percussive edge!

Your productions have a very distinct feel to them. How do you approach the production process?

I just sit in my studio and write music that sounds good to me,†unfortunately I don't have a game plan, I try to be honest when writing music and just go with what seems right there and then. Saying that you can be influenced by something you heard at the weekend or something someone has played you.

What about other genres that you aren't usually associated with - do you find yourself drawing inspiration from them?

I listen to a lot of indie stuff; I'm a sucker for a decent live band. More to the point skate-punk!

Are there any artists you've turn down the opportunity to work with outside of your usual circles?

Nope.

If you could sum up your DJing style in five words, what would they be?

A fuck off†roller-coaster ride........ he he! Is that 6 words?

What are your interests outside of the field of music?

I have children so when I'm not making or playing music I tend to hang out in parks, zoos or swimming pools. With my kids of course.

Do you have any special tracks that you're looking forward to playing at Chew The Fat?

Nah, im just there to thrash out some beats for a few hours, and pick up some cash........................ well maybe a couple of things that might be considered special, wait and see.

In terms of DJs/producers, is there anyone you're tipping to watch in 2008?

I think Armin van Buren is going to be big this year.

Beer, wine or spirit, which is your preferred drink?

I like wine and whisky, not together though!

Finally, complete the sentence - "Meat Katie  is....."

A wanker.