Freemasons are infamously named after the Brighton pub quite near to the studio where the duo started productions nearly 4 years ago. They first came to clubland’s’ attention with the much loved, Jackie Moore sampling - "Love On My Mind" which quickly made the quantum leap from UK Dancefloors, into the charts and the Freemasons were off to a running start. A second top 20 hit “Watchin” also featuring the extremely talented Amanda Wilson cemented their name with clubbers and industry alike and as the remixes started to flood in, it soon became apparent to everyone that the Freemasons were definitely much more than a one trick pony. We caught up with our fellow Brightonians for a quick chat…

Firstly we know that Freemasons are 1 half Russell Small (Phats & Small) and 1 half James Wiltshire, but how would you say your individual musical endeavors in the past, your skills and personal tastes in music, attribute to the massive success of this joint venture?
"We are the classic combination of DJ and Studio-head - Its a time honored tradition and it really works for us - we both have our strengths and weaknesses but we never argue and we always support each other in work and life - I cannot over-stress just how important this is to our success as we are a solid working unit. Musically we have completely the same ideals - We love music, melody , harmony and vocals - there are so many people that are good at underground music we leave it to them - We've forged our own Niche over the years and it really suits us - I think the best advice to anyone else is always do what you want to do and make the music that moves you - we've been very very lucky that other people seem to love what we do too"

Technology wise, Ableton seems to be the biggest hit with DJing live (Deadmau5, Hot Chip, Daft Punk, Sasha), why do you think this is and are there any new bits of software coming out you're excited about?
"Ableton started off as a midi based improvisation looper but as soon as it's audio engine was written with it's ability to keep everything in time with everything else, it's use as DJ tool Started and soon gathered pace . I still remember hearing a DJ in Fabric cutting up disco with a very early version .. A lot of DJ purists are absolutely against it and if someone is just pressing play I can understand why, but tools change - it's about entertaining clubbers, not your technical abilities. Everything requires a new skill set. Technology is moving on every week - Traktor has now really come of age, and watching the likes of Carl Cox use it, it becomes apparent just how powerful the new Djing software is .. On a production level Logic is now really starting to become the professionals’ choice for creative work. Due in no small part to Apple’s direct involvement."



You’re signed with Loaded (&Skint) records & have been for a few years but don’t you also run Freemaison?? How do you decide which track goes where & how essential is it to have a great relationship with your labels & reps?
"Freemaison is just really a vehicle for us to get a few bits and pieces out .. It's been quiet for a while as we are re-developing our sound , but things happen very naturally .. We always try and keep a great relationship with everyone we work with - Our label contacts are friends and partners to us . Our singers are also very special to us ... It's an industry under threat these days , so in our view the only way to do business is to treat everyone the same way we like to be treated"

Brighton (& Hove!) are proud to have you guys pop up on it's google searches as the most successful DJ's and remixers in recent years. Are you proud to be from here, if so why and what are your favourite parts of the town?
"Russell is Born and Bred in the area , I'm an import from London/Hampshire but there is no place in England quite like Brighton - Just like it's micro-climate caused by the South Downs that lay behind the city , it has a unique atmosphere and social circle , and one that you can be exactly who and what you want without any pressure to fit in . It's been a party town since the Prince Regent set up his party palace and has a hedonistic streak running right through it, but it's the quirks that set this town apart from anywhere else in the UK - I still remember walking down St James' street on an August Bank holiday to see a guy riding an original penny farthing up the street in full 1850's clobber - Only in Brighton. Best place in town - If you're a Breakfast lover you have to go to Bills' in the North Laines - I've never tasted Scrambled eggs like it !!"

We think it's great you guys will still DJ in smaller Brighton venues (Honey Club 6th March) after DJing to some massive crowds, what are your reasons behind this or are you just really nice guys!?
"To be honest we never concern ourselves with venue or crowd sizes - it's all about the quality of the gig and the people coming. The Honey club has been a great local Venue to play and we fill it, so everyone's happy .. Nothing beats a hometown gig now and again and we're really looking forward to being at the Honey club once more."

You have also DJ'd at Wild Fruit, a regular gay event in Brighton, did you think you'd generate such a big gay following when you started this project and are they the best crowds to play to?
"We had no idea our music would end up meaning so much to Gay communities across the world and we are exceptionally proud to have been asked to play at some incredible parties .. Gay crowds are some of the most rewarding to play to as the atmosphere is always based on a love for the music and for dancing - something that can be missing in straight venues . To hear a crowd singing your chorus back at you really is quite special."



What exciting things does 2010 hold for Freemasons? More new tracks?!
"We stepped back last year from Productions as some major changes were happening within dance and electronic based music. Urban suddenly collided with dance and pop and the likes of Lady Gaga came along and fused everything together. At the same time we noticed club move back underground with minimal styles and tech coming much more to the forefront . Whilst all this was going on we decided to completely revamp the way we work , our production techniques and some of the style we will work in - It's been one of the most bizarre times but now we are really firing on all cylinders and will be presenting some brand new material late spring - It's gonna be unique and a real change but still with our in built musicality - you have to move forward and cherry pick the parts of new sounds you like if you're going to keep going and having success , and although everyone bucks against change initially it's been the most rewarding six months of work I think we've done"

We know you love your singers and it shows in the quality of vocals you use (Katherine Ellis, Amanda Wilson, Bailey Tzuke etc etc)... Who has been the easiest to record and collaborate with and have you spotted any new vocalists you're thinking of working with in the future?!
"They have all been a joy to record as they are all extremely talented - nothing beats being in a studio with a singer who really can perform. Recently we've just met Wynter Gordon from NYC - An incredible singer with a unique and emotional voice. .. the fruits of this collaboration will hopefully be out very soon"

How did you celebrate releasing your first Beyonce remix and then a Kelly Rowland too and if it wasn't one of these moments, what has been you biggest career highlight so far?
"The fondest memories are mainly gigs as we are able to get an instant reaction to all the hard studio days we spend crafting the tracks and remixes ... I think Sydney Mardi Gras last year was one of our finest moments - not only was the gig incredible, but we had a tribute float with 150 dancers marching behind us with choreographed routine to a loop of our remixes - amazing ... Also our first New York gig just recently - On govenors Island ( just in front of Liberty Island) looking into the financial district - we really felt we'd arrived in NYC that night .. Personally though nothing tops the moment I text'd my father and told him we'd been nominated for a Grammy Over the first Beyonce remix - He was so, so proud."

James, you were spotted at 2009 Brighton Pride in an Aston Martin, enjoying all your hard work? For each you what has been each of your most lavish purchases so far?
"That was certainly not my Aston - I was asked to sit in it by a friend who works for a local entrepreneur - The man behind Foxy's rotisserie by hove Station. My friend was supposed to be in it but his girlfriend was expected to go into labour that afternoon!! ... Also the braking system failed three times on the parade and the clutch was toast by the end of it. Amazing way to see the parade though - you gotta love Brighton when it’s Pride - everyone comes out of the closet. My most lavish purchase has been the recent complete revamp of our studio - I'm a complete gear-slut (easy now) and as part of our re-development for our forthcoming album we've gone hardware as well as software"

Were you Born To Dance or have you two left feet when it comes to hearing your work on the dancefloor?!
"I do love a dance, but recently being mostly in the booth my skills are somewhat lacking - will endevour to put this right in 2010"

Meet you in the pub (Freemasons) in 5 mins?
"As long as you don't bring Bully and Gav (McCall) ( ha ha)"