Words by Art Jefferson
Photography courtesy of Prok & Fitch
When Prok & Fitch release a piece of music, that track typically skyrockets on the Beatport Charts, DJs get excited, dance floors get packed…simple. The reasoning, again, simple…quality and consistency. These two things are what Brighton-based Ben Prok and James Fitch have built a firm reputation on throughout the world of electronic music.
Whether working with legendary Roger Sanchez for the 2012 track ‘Take You There’ or releasing various cuts such as ‘Freekshow’, ‘Dope Drop’ and ‘Rebound’ on Mark Knight’s Toolroom Records, Prok & Fitch’s music has stood the test of time, gaining support from the likes of Pete Tong, Carl Cox and loads more. Through their imprint Floorplay Music, the pair have released records by Golden Girls, Rober Gaez and Will Gold, just to name a few. Their sound has penetrated the underground and mainstream alike, establishing equal amounts of respect, which is why crowds flock in droves to see the two play. From Ministry of Sound in London to Space in Ibiza on down to festivals such as Ultra in Miami, Prok & Fitch continue to wow fans worldwide.
Returning to Toolroom Records, Prok & Fitch, along with Eelke Kleijn and Boris, have mixed the new Toolroom Live 02 compilation. Like the quality that one has grown to expect from the UK outfit, their selection is packed with some of the finest house and techno grooves around, bringing the listener a slice of the energy and excitement that so many have enjoyed in their sets.
I read that you two met in a record shop in Brighton. At what point did you decide to actually form a production team?
Prok & Fitch – Almost instantly, we had a mutual love for a track (‘Outro Lugar’) and started working together soon after meeting. Our first track was well received, and we thought we could be on to something good, so we gave it a go and haven’t looked back.
The record shop in itself has always been a vital part of the DJ and production community. Surprisingly, many young producers won’t share some of the experiences that would normally occur in the record shop. What are your thoughts on the disappearance of many of these seminal stores?
Prok & Fitch – It’s a huge shame that side of the industry really suffered with the advance in digital music, it was one of the highlights of playing records. As a DJ you’re week was planned around delivery’s from different distributors, and building good relationships with the guys working in the shop. To get tracks upfront is what everyone wanted, and also the social side of meeting up with mates and going to different record shops was a great part of the culture, which like many DJ’s we both really miss.
You two have always been consistent with producing big sounding grooves that go well in main room venues and festivals. Were the both of you longtime ravers before hand?
Prok & Fitch – Yeah, we had both been going out clubbing since we were 15. In the early days mixing it up between legendary south coast clubs like Zap, Sterns, Escape, and raves of the illegal variety. Most of our fondest clubbing memories come from those early days. Travelling the country with best mates going to amazing parties and having great times.
Did you both know that you had something pretty special in the beginning stages your production together? You seemed to have generated a lot of support early on from what I remember.
Prok & Fitch – I think we got pretty lucky early on. Having such a legendary respected name like Roger Sanchez strongly backing us from day one, we were on to a good thing. It’s our biggest break to date and something we’ll always be extremely grateful for.
What’s the creative process like when you two are in the studio? Are there times when you are pulling in different directions, and if so, how do you come to a middle ground?
Prok & Fitch – We always base new tracks around a hook, whether it’s a bass line, lead or a sample. We often get these ideas when we’re on the road, and then develop them when we’re back home in the studio. It’s a major benefit having two of us in the studio, we’re rarely stuck for ideas and have a very health work flow. Obviously sometimes there can be a difference’s in opinions, but we always try both ideas, and the tracks always end up being stronger because of this. Often the finished product will end up being a combination of the two ideas.
Talk about your relationship with Toolroom Records, because you have done work with the label for a good portion of your career.
Prok & Fitch – They’ve always been a pivotal label to us. Before we even met, we were both playing Toolroom records in our sets. Some of our favourite releases over the years have included ‘Columbian Soul’, ‘Roadkill’, ‘At Night’, ‘Amplified & From The Speaker’. We released our first EP with them back in 2009, and since then we’ve had a brilliant relationship with the Toolroom gang. They’ve given us some great opportunities & we definitely feel at home releasing our music with them. We’ve got some very exciting stuff planned with the label over the cause of this year, so watch this space.
Your selection for the new Toolroom Live 02 compilation is really energetic. With this mix, was the intention to give the listener an audible experience similar to the energy that you bring in the clubs?
Prok & Fitch – We wanted the whole mix to reflect what we’re personally into, and what you can expect us to play if you’re listening to us live. From the slightly deeper grooves, to the more banging main room tracks. Toolroom Live 02 is definitely a true representation of where we are musically at the moment, and what you can expect to hear from us going forward.
What do you have forthcoming in terms of gigs and projects?
Prok & Fitch – This year has been our most productive studio year to date. We’re extremely comfortable with what’s coming out of our studio at the moment, and seem to be enjoying a great purple patch. For the rest of the year, expect some good quality, timeless house music. Gig wise the diary is looking pretty healthy, as ever looking forward to the summer festivals worldwide, and of course Ibiza!
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