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QX talks to Ian AKA Cactushead, resident DJ at Beefmince, the Friday bear night at The RVT. He’s flying high on the success of his recent releases, so we asked him to tell us what’s been going on. 

Hey Ian, you’ve been resident at Hot Fuzz and now Beefmince for 10 years, playing to a capacity Bear crowd at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern. What do you put that longevity down to? 

I’ve been so lucky to be a resident at Hot Fuzz, then Beefmince for the last ten years. It’s been an organic, beautiful journey, finding my feet and relentlessly listening and responding to the crowd and trying to stay fresh. Our longevity is down to our teamwork and our varied music styles which keeps everyone guessing, our super hot crowd and of course, being based at the iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern. It’s an honour to be behind those decks.

Cactushead

Your recent debut single featured Rowetta, from Happy Mondays. That’s been a very successful release. How did that collaboration come about? 

Ro and I met on the set of Twenty Four Hour people over twenty years ago, an experience as extraordinary as the film itself. Ro’s a force of nature, both vocally and in life. Quite possibly our best bonding moment was rifling through a famous actor’s wardrobe together at the Venice Film Festival! I’m a massive Talk Talk fan and was surprised that this song, with its positive message and meaty lyrics hadn’t already been turned into the house anthem it deserved to be. I’m forever grateful for Ro for taking a chance on me, an unproven quantity here.

Cactushead

You’re currently releasing your second single on the back of that success. What can we expect? 

I’m so thrilled to work with Dorian Wood on this. Dorian is a beautiful genderfluid multi-disciplinarist from Los Angeles witha a voice which cuts straight into your soul. They have a Patreon full of the most amazing material. We both both loved the deep cut Rotary Connection track that this is based on and I was absolutely determined to take its catchy refrain with the thoughtful message about the complexities of love to the dancefloor. It’s designed to both move you and make you move.

CactusheadDo you have any advice for DJs who are looking for success in the recording studio? 

Get a great team behind you. I work with Paramour, an engineer extraordinaire who keeps me on the right path for example. Collaborate, be open and honest with one another and don’t stop until you feel it, one hundred percent. Most importantly, get out of bed and try.

How do you see your next 10 years panning out?

I cherish every new morning, every friendship, every experience and struggle to think ahead sometimes. I guess I would like my next ten years to comprise bringing positive energy to the world through music and entertainment and emotional connection.

Join Cactushead at Beefmince, the attitude free Friday club night for bears and their friends. It’s on twice a month at the RVT.

Next date: 20 May, 10pm-4am. Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY.

Cactushead

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