Growing up with both parents involved in music, Matthew Dekay was always going to have a musical element in to his life. Taking up the piano, Mathew was already writing his own songs by the age of 12! Years later his unique sound was picked up by ACE records in Amsterdam with Matthew joining them as an engineer and producer. Still not completely happy with the sound he was being recognised for he joined forces with Dutchman, Erick E and started producing music based on his own taste.

As one of the leading figures in the European dance scene and with his unique sound, Matthew Dekay has forged an outstanding career for himself. His musical diversity can be seen in the support his production work receives from some of the world's greatest and most innovative DJs such as Sasha, Deep Dish, Sander Kleinenberg, Danny Tenaglia, Hernan Cattaneo and Timo Maas.

His sound is best described as straight down housey yet pumping as well as incorporating the more progressive/tribal flavour. Prior to his upcoming gig in Sydney at Sweetchilli this Saturday (11 September 2004), Resident Advisor took the opportunity to chat to Dekay and find out where he is currently at.

RA: Having been brought up in a musical household you started your musical career by taking piano lessons as a young boy. How did this help in getting you to the point that you are today?
MDK: It helped me a lot and still even in these days where knowledge about technology is as much as important.

RA: Was it your own decision or did your parents give you that "push" towards the musical side of life?
MDK: No they didn’t push me at all. My father use to play in a band. He played bass guitar and I just think it was stimulating me to do something as well. But I never felt he was pushing me to play an instrument.

RA: Deep down did you have a goal that you wanted to achieve or did you just go with the flow and let fate pave the way?
MDK: I always knew what I wanted. It’s kind of strange but I wasn’t really interested in doing other things at a very young age. I just wanted to be better everyday in playing the piano and learn more about studio’s. I also wanted to be better every day in making arrangements and writing songs. It was and still is an addiction. So I think I started some engine or something and that brought me to the point I am today.

RA: You are known as a producer, DJ, designer, composer and musician in one. Which do you prefer to be called?
MDK: A regular guy from Holland who has a passion for all. ;-)

RA: At what age did you decide that you wanted to take your music to the next level and move with the technology and purchase a keyboard?
MDK: I was 12 years old. I was tired of playing the piano only. At this age synthesizers where much cooler and so I started to learn about synthesis and stuff like that.

RA: Did this help you decide which style of music you preferred?
MDK: I think it did. I heard the first “house music” on one of the music conferences like in Frankfurt and also on the Music and Harmony conferences in Holland.

RA: Having formed the "Matthew Dekay" band, have you found that you feel more comfortable working alone or do you enjoy working as a team?
MDK: It doesn’t matter. I like to work with many different musicians cause it’s always feeds your creativity. And sometimes I just like to create my perfect world and I really enjoy being alone in the studio.

RA: Last year you announced the release of an album from the band. How is it going and when can we expect it to be released?
MDK: We worked on few new tracks so far. I’m not in a hurry cause I like to take my time for it. It’s going to be my first album and I just want to be satisfied with the result. Which is very hard cause I’m getting more critical every day. So I’m sorry, I don’t know when it’s coming out.

RA: How does it make you feel to have a lot of the tracks that you produce "caned" by some of the most well known progressive DJ's across the globe? It must give you a great feeling of satisfaction?
MDK: It’s absolutely a great thing. Even though I’m afraid of getting a progressive stamp on my name. I don’t see any musical boundaries when I’m producing tracks. I’m happy to see how the dj scene is involving and they just pick music by what they feel and not by label anymore.

RA: Where has been your favourite place to perform during your career?
MDK: Easy question. I love Hungary in Europe. For me it’s the best place on earth to perform. The reason is that the people are so open minded over there.