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Our man Neil Fawle posed a few questions to Bazil the man behind Fruity Antics and the Deep House sound of The Rurals
How did Fruity Antics come about?
Fruity came about from the demise of our free parties due to the Criminal Justice Bill; we still needed to party - we just had to move it to the clubs. Our first was a residency at Lakota with DIY around 94/95.
What were you doing before you started Fruity?
The legendary Lazy House free parties mainly, I also had a reggae sound system called Notorious, and I was in a band called Boomshak; we used to play at free parties and raves in the South West.
What could someone who has never been to one of your nights expect?
A beautiful nite of attitude free, antic filled, Funky House music, with the best House DJs from all over the world. All in the lovely environment of a coverted cargo ship called the Thekla.
Over the years you've had many top Deep House names playing at Fruity, could you pick out a favourite night or set?
Ooh very difficult, theres been so many in 7 years... heres a few: Fred Everything, Ralph Lawson, Andy Cato, Toko, DIY, and The Rurals.
What was the last record you heard which really stood out?
Theres a tune about to come out called "Reckless Girl" by Absolute Beginers its gonna be massive, and of course anything by The Rurals and The Cue Kids
There seems to be many club nights in Bristol which have come and gone, why do you think Fruity Antics has stood the test of time?
With Fruity its always about the music. We've had the same music policy for 7 years, its not what you look like but what you listen to. Theres always such a good atmosphere.
Are you involved with anything outside of Fruity Antics?
Yes, I'm a record producer with the Rurals, The Cue Kids and the Satinmen. I also have a DJ residency on pulseradio.net on Thursdays at 8.00pm onwards. Just finished remixes of "I Feel You" and "Melody" by the Blak Beatniks from Chicago.
What do you think of House music at the moment; do you think its progressing?
I think House music is the best its ever been, theres so many good artists out there now; but I think its become a bit more commercially viable, which means it gets exploited sometimes... but like hip hop it has the ability to survive commercially and underground.
What can we expect from Fruity in the future?
We are looking for more opportunities to take Fruity out and about like residencys at other clubs and a few festivals in the summer and more of the best House music and DJs.
Bazil Top Ten?
1. Reckless Girl - Absolute Beginers [BMG]
2. The Rurals - Habits [Peng]
3. The Blak Beatniks - I Feel You [Melodious Fonk]
4. The Cue Kids - The Cue Kids EP [DIY Discs]
5. Jon Ciaffone - Everyday [Boombastic]
6. Miguel Migs - Dreamin [Transport]
7. Big Moses - Soulful Strings [Subliminal Soul]
8. Dajae and Full Intention - What Do You [Essence]
9. Inland Knights - 17 Days Remix [Drop Music]
10. Telepop Music - Breathe [Chrysalis]
Check Digs & Woosh (DIY) @ the next Fruity Antics on Saturday April 13th