Jaimie Fanatic interviews Lee Mortimer

We could spend ages interviewing the DJs we’ve booked to play at Chew the Fat!

Or we could just put a tiny clause in their contracts that if they don’t do it themselves they won’t get paid.

Here’s what happened when Wearhouse artist Jaimie Fanatic spoke to Wearhouse boss Lee Mortimer.

Who are you and what is the reason you choose this artist name?
Lee Mortimer. I was born with it!

What is your age?
29

How long are you active in the scene?
My first 12″ was released in 2005, so I guess properly since then

Who or what has been the biggest influence in you’re life?
All the original ‘Fidget’ house heads. Dave Taylor, Trevor Loveys, Jesse Rose.

What have been up to lately and what can we expect from you over the next couple of months?
I’ve just finished a track with Laidback Luke which we’re really happy with. It’s been getting great reactions for both of us. I’ve been working in the studio with Foamo and we’ve come up with something hot! It should see the light of day soon. Another interesting collaboration is with a band called Crystal Fighters whose first release is coming out on Kitsune. I’ve recorded some stuff with them that I’m producing and arranging right now.

I’ve also been doing on a lot of interesting remixes. I’ve just done one for Franz Ferdinand, Armand Van Helden, Dre Skull ft. Sizzla (the Reggae and Dancehall legend), Sam Young ft. Aphletik (who won a Diesel U-Music award), Indo ‘R U Sleeping’ (the Garage classic) and other surprises.

My label, Wearhouse Music has been taking up a lot of my time as there are some exciting releases coming up from the likes of Tee’ Ski (AKA Trevor Loveys) & Shab Ruffcut, Dem Slackers, Calvertron, Lars Moston & Phillipe de Boyar and Zodiac Cartel. My latest EP called Champion Sound has just dropped too which has been my first original outing on Wearhouse Music for about 10 months or so.

My DJ diary is really busy too with some big Festival dates at Glastonbury, Creamfields, Bestival and Glade. And I’ve got an Australian tour coming up in May.

Which one do you enjoy the most, DJing or producing?
DJing- it’s the best fun in the world! Producing is often hard, but there are still great rewards to be had. The best thing is when someone else plays your tracks. That’s a great feeling for me.

What do you see as your main strengths as a producer?
I always like to use new synths and noises in tracks. I think I manage to keep things sounding fresh. I don’t like to re-use anything I’ve used before in another track and I like to think I have a good ability to keep coming up with new sounds. A lot of electro can use similar bass lines but I like to hit people with something they’ve never heard before.

Who is your all time musical hero?
Prince is a legend. Also Stevie Wonder. You’ve got to go back to their early music to get the best stuff. Anyone that’s not listened to Stevie Wonder’s ‘Innervisions’ album should do so right now!

Which party had the most impact for you as deejay?
‘Slide’ in Oxford where I now live was the first night I regularly used to go to as it was full of great people and great music. I’m now resident there! In more recent times ‘Filth’ at Mint Club, Leeds is like no other party I’ve ever been to. It’s just ridiculous… in a very good way!

Is there an all-time favourite track you wish you’d produced?
I’ve never really wished I produced any track, but I have a favourite- ‘Raspberry Beret’ by Prince

Is there something that you don’t like about this scene or things that pissed you off along the way?
Not really, I’ve got nothing to complain about. Life is good!

What kind of music do you listen at home when you are alone?
It may sound strange but I don’t really listen to music outside of when I’m DJing or producing. I hear so much house music that it’s good to give the ears a rest when I’m not working! My girlfriend is really into music too and she’s introduced me to some great artists like Lightspeed Champion, Glasvegas and Vampire Weekend.

Who was your hero as a child?
John Barnes. Liverpool FC legend.

What do you do for fun when you are not at work?
Watch as much comedy as possible. Flight of the Conchords is my current favourite. If you don’t know it then get to know!

Are you single?
No. I’m in loooooove.

What is the most embarrassing moment in you’re life?
I don’t remember. Nothing’s really worth getting embarrassed about.

What is you’re favourite food?
Pasta (with anything)!