Velvet Interview: Nick Bridges

Nick Bridges is one half of the talented production duo Bodyrox, whose smash hit ‘Yeah Yeah’ charted in over 30 countries landing them an Ivor Novello nomination in 2007. Their latest hit, ‘We Dance On’ featuring N-Dubz, entered the UK chart last month at number 6 and featured on the soundtrack of the box office number one film Streetdance 3D. When he’s not producing hits and touring all over the world, Nick still lives near Newmarket, and continues to play at The Fez Club in Cambridge, a residency he’s held since The Fez opened 12 years ago. We caught up with him for a drink one evening last month.

Your latest single ‘We Dance On’ was featured on the soundtrack for the film Streetdance 3D. How did this come about?
We originally signed the track to Vertigo films for Streetdance 3D. When Universal signed the soundtrack, we asked them if Tulisa from N-Dubz would be interested in featuring on the record alongside our singer Luciana. Universal loved the demo so much that they asked if we’d mind using Dappy and Fazer too. It was only meant to go on the soundtrack, but there was such a huge demand for it when the soundtrack was released that it went straight into the top 10 without any radio support. It’s now been playlisted on all major radio stations and looks like it will chart in a number of countries.
What’s next for Bodyrox?
Our album has just been signed and should be out at the start of 2011. In the meantime, we have a few more singles ready to go, including ‘Pretty Young Things’ which featured on the last series of Skins and Noel Clarke’s new film, 4.3.2 1.  We also have another single called ‘Throw The Paint’ which should be out this summer. We’re also working on a massive live show for festivals in the UK and abroad.
Are you currently working on any solo projects?
Yes, I’ve just finished a track with Chipmunk called ‘You Love Your Sneakers’ which also features in Streetdance. That should be out this summer. I’m flying to Holland next week to remix it with Fedde Le Grand too.
Give us an idea of what it’s like to be one of the most in-demand DJs in the UK.
It’s pretty hectic and not as glamorous as it seems. I’ve just got back from playing at the Wakestock Festival in Wales, then I go to Bali on Saturday, Greece Monday, Portugal Thursday and then back to Cambridge on Saturday for my residency at the Fez. Bali is a long way to go for one night!
 ‘Yeah Yeah’ was widely considered as one of the biggest electro anthems ever. Can you predict the summer anthem of 2010?
Hopefully my new track with Chipmunk, ‘You Love Your Sneakers’! I’m really impressed with some of the new Dutch DJs that have come through this year like Chuckie, Afrojack and Sidney Samson.
What is your favourite club in the world?
Probably Fabric and Ministry of Sound in London or Amnesia in Ibiza. I’ve been lucky enough to have been resident at all three. I love playing at Macumba in Madrid too, and Space in Ibiza.
Are residencies like the Fez important?
Yes definitely. I started playing at the Fez way before I started producing. A lot of the clubbers have followed my career over the years and continue to come every month, as well as an army of new fans that only know me as ‘Bodyrox’. It feels more like a private house party than a club night, I know so many of them.
Do you think any other clubbing destination can rival Ibiza?
Never!  Ibiza has really taken a knock in the last few years, but it is still the best clubbing destination in the world by far. There are a lot of fantastic clubs all over the world, but nowhere can compete with the size and concentration of amazing clubs in Ibiza.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played?
There are too many! I guess the opening of Tiesto at Privilege last year was pretty mad with 10,000 people or the Freedom Festival in Sydney. Australian festivals generally are amazing because the club scene is still fresh like it was in England 8 or 9 years ago. People are still really enthusiastic about dance music and clubbing over there. I’m going back to Australia again in August for a three-week tour, which means I won’t be at the Fez club in August, but I’ll be back in September to continue my residency.
Catch Nick Bridges at The Fez Club, Cambridge on 18th September.
www.myspace.com/djnickbridges
www.bodyrox.co.uk