“Ant, the other half of H Unit, and I decided after DJing together it was time that we got into the studio. It was then that I realised not only did I want to be a DJ, I also wanted to produce tracks so I could play my music to others.”

The bonus for Diavlo wasn’t having just a number one on the Beatport must-hear house tunes chart, but that he had made an impression on non-other than Michael Woods and was instantly signed to his record label Diffused Music. With huge backing from the likes of David Jones, Gary Beck, Sonny Wharton and Andi Durrant, he was definitely making an impression.

“It really was a great feeling to have huge support from the very beginning, there are many great music producers on the scene and so this was a fantastic achievement. It is amazing when you get the final product out of the studio then see it getting enjoyed and played by some of the head honchos in the industry.”

In recent years, the dubstep genre has taken over and exploded into mainstream phenomenon. As it did, many believed House music would suffer and feel the full effect of this new genre. But Diavlo didn’t take long to quash those rumours.

“Music is always changing with new sub-genres coming out and a new flavour of the month but house music always comes back no matter what,” he said. “If you take a look in the Top 40 now there are more and more 4/4 style tracks creeping in from the likes of David Guetta, Example and Calvin Harris, all doing the damage.”

Obviously the perceived set back failed to stop Diavlo in his quest for House music fame, as world renowned record label Cr2 Records were next to sign the talented producer for his latest release, Changes. Since those days in the attic Diavlo has seen Cr2 as his label of choice.

“They put out some really great music and have great respect in the music industry,” he told me. “It is always important to choose the labels that portrays the right image of you as an artist. You need to establish your identity so that people know what to expect from you when both DJing and producing.”

No one can say the Coventry born producer hasn’t 'been there, done it'. But after years of experience and hardship, he still can’t quite believe what’s happened and is happening.

“The best thing is travelling the world playing my own music to crowds and seeing their reaction. It is such an amazing thing, meeting great people, doing something that you love and the best part is getting paid for it.”

In a world of ever evolving technology, the barriers between musical genres are constantly being eroded by the relentless rise of the digital age. With the latest hardware and software being widely available, it’s normal behaviour for producers to follow the latest trends.

“With the technology available to people I think it is easier to make music,” he said before quickly offering some words of advice for the budding producers out there.

“You can't teach someone to be a producer but you can teach someone how to be an engineer. As a producer you need to have the creativity and the ideas along with the skills to create those ideas and turn it into music.

“Don't set out straight away to make a certain style of music, experiment you might find you are really cut out for something that you didn't intend, which isn't a bad thing. Go with what comes natural to you when making music. Whether that’s a groovy bass-line or a new twist on a genre or style” he said, before revealing one main tip to those already in the process of making music.

“One trick for giving more bounce to your tracks is side-chaining elements, like your bass-lines. Also adding slight delays and reverbs on vocal parts and percussion elements can take a track to the next level.”

In terms of DJing though every gig is different, the Coventry based DJ explained. “You need to be able to read a crowd. I mean the last thing you want to do is turn up to a gig and clear the dance floor, which I have seen done on more than one occasion. Knowing your audience in the club is the biggest advice I can give for aspiring DJs.”

Like many other producers though, progression is as important as ever and the 28-year-old creator has already got some exciting new projects in the pipeline for 2012.

“I am currently working on several new EP's one for MAR186, Matteo DiMarr's Label, a single for Factomania,Wally Lopez's label and the rest are for ammunition for next year’s take over,” he chuckled. “I am also working on an EP with Ant Brooks, which is going to be massive and I’m in the mist of working with Ralph Berr.”

But as he continues to make waves in the House music world, Diavlo still remembers the days spent with Ant at the very beginning of the journey.

“My main influence I would say has got to be Steve Lawler, David Hererro, Wally Lopez and of cause Ant. We are close friends and have worked together several times, with hopefully many more successful tracks to come.”


Exclusive mix for House Bandits by Diavlo

Tracklist:

One last track

Favourite end of the night anthem - Tori Amos ‘Professional Widow (Armand Van Helden Remix)'
Must have song in your set - Four4 a track from my latest EP on Muzik Xpress
Song that got you into house music - Happy Clappers ‘I Believe’
Favourite song of all time – BK ‘Revolution’. I heard at it Global Gathering in 2002 and it was amazing.

Diavlo's music is available on Beatport now