Originally signed and released by Fubar Club Records in 1995, 'Keep The Dream Alive' was my first ever finished track. I had been writing/recording with non other than dance music genius Paul 'Wand' Masterson (Hi-Gate / Sleazesisters / Candygirls / Yomanda etc) for a couple of years.
I started DJing in 1988 at the age of 13, doing local birthday parties and under 18 events. By the time I was 16, I was regularly playing in Clubs in my hometown and neighbouring towns. It was around the time when I was 15 years old, I remember having the dream of having my own record. Not just a song, but the physical record in my hands. Vinyl has always been a huge part of my life, and it remains strong even today. As you can imagine, that dream was often laughed at and dismissed in my school days. I suppose now, I can look back and see why. However, I stood confident that one day it would happen.
Just before my 18th birthday, I met Paul Masterson when he came into the record shop that I worked in. We soon became friends, and not long after I was in his recording studio to start putting down some of my ideas.
KTDA was just over a year in the making. This was in and out of the studio every couple of weeks. Thinking back, I was probably an absolute nightmare... always wanting just a 'few more hours' to finish it off. Anyway, the track did get finished, and we also managed to do a remix with my friend and fellow DJ Cliff McKay.
After a few months of sending the track off to various labels, I got the call from Fubar. Fubar were/are a massive nightclub in Stirling, Scotland. They had just started a record label to promote local talent. Those of you involved in the dance scene will know that the Scottish/Irish bond was unbreakable in the 90's, where the rave scene was concerned.
I signed to Fubar Club Records, and the rest is my history.
It has now been 25 years since the track hit the dance floors. I'm under no illusion that the record only touched the shores of Ireland and Scotland. It was never a huge hit. It was never meant to be. This was a bucket list item. My only one at that time. Job done. However, it has been said many times over the years from plenty of DJ's and dance music fans, that this record remains something special to them. It's all about those memories!
As a huge Pet Shop Boys fan, I was delighted that JCRZ (a very well known PSB fan and remixer of their tracks) said he would remix the track for its 25th Anniversary. This all happened through a chance meeting at the Royal Opera House for a PSB gig, in 2016. Jose worked his magic and sent me the final product.
There is far more to this story, but I've kept it as short as I possibly can.
credits
released March 21, 2020
Stevie Nicholl, Catherine Lewis, Paul Masterson, JCRZ.
Expansive four-track EP from the electronic-leaning solo project of Lee Malcolm, a founding member of experimental band Vessels. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 4, 2024
