FOLD Invites Gareth Wild + Interview
Gareth Wild is well-versed in perhaps all the best of genres, but it’s techno that he’s mainly known for after his 25 years of playing. Attending his first rave at the age of 13 in Milton Keynes, Gareth developed a thirst for the rave scene and went through jungle, hardcore, dnb and more before settling into his current stride, conveying his broad knowledge of music over the years into his selective skills. With so many years in the game, it’s no surprise that he’s headed his own showcase label for outstanding techno ‘EarToGround’ for 9 years, as well as co-owning ‘LDNwht’, with both projects still bearing a fortuitous release schedule despite this challenging time. With ETG due to release Gareth’s next EP in due course, alongside a forthcoming remix on Skyrptom for French artist Ayls on April 24th and a LDNwht VA that includes several of our residents, Gareth sent over a rowdy exclusive mix and spoke to us about how he’s been with FOLD since the very beginning.
Tell us more about your relationship with FOLD over the years. How did you land your residency, and what have been some memorable moments from the club?
I’ve known Seb and Lash [Voicedrone] for years before FOLD from our time at Shapes. Soon after my stint at Jaded, Lash told me he’d found a space in Canning Town and to come and have a look. The dance-floor was full of leftovers from the printing company who had just vacated. It was a state!
I helped Lash here and there with the floor plan and getting a few things rolling; I’m a Sound Engineer by trade so was able to assist with the initial direction of the the sound and lighting. I introduced Lasha and Seb to James Newmarch [now our Technical Manager] – soon we had everything up and running with additional tech support from myself, James Rail and Ben [7XINS]. My residency’s been a natural progression. Lash knows what I’m about and my involvement with techno in London and beyond – he’s also one of my best, trusted friends.
What has been your favourite set at FOLD and why?
There’s been a lot of moments so far. Warming up for Lash for Seleccion Natural last year was sick. Handing over the decks over to the likes of Oscar Mulero and Reeko was a bit of a landmark.
This year, the standouts for me were my sets at MORD, Ilian Tape and taking over the decks from Dax J after his 8 hours. Each time the place was absolutely rammed. Taking over from Dax was especially poignant; his performance was a culmination of so many things. Seb, Lash, Dax and I all started off at Shape in Hackney Wick so for us all to be back under one roof again for a sold out party was something special. I’d also just got married a month before - Dax was my best man. Literally everyone was there for Dax’s party at FOLD: my wife and all the crew.
How have you been dealing with the lockdown and what have you found has helped to keep you connected to others during this time?
Keeping a routine is paramount for me. My wife and I are temporarily home due to lockdown. She’s busy working from home and I’ve been catching up on label stuff & making music. It’s been productive! Otherwise I’ve been cleaning loads, exercising, cooking and staying connected with Facetime.
Once the pandemic is over, what would be the first track that you’d drop at the first party back?
EXTERMINATE by DM.S, or maybe Pac Man by Ed Rush and Optical. Either way, it'll be something sick!
What have you found has been the most important thing in keeping momentum in your musical career, and why?
You just have to keep pushing. When I started ETG in 2011 I wanted to see techno as the strongest genre in the world. Now I think it's safe to say it is, but we need to keep it there and keep it sick.
I try to involve myself in releases, artists and projects that I feel will make a difference to the scene. FOLD is a perfect example of that as is ETG. I'm extremely proud of the people I work with and I’ll always push them to push themselves.
Repetition is the mother of all skill.
Words by Emily Rose