The pair promote some of London’s most popular dance events including Southcity and Grin Recordings which spawned an electro house label of the same name and DJ at some of the coolest club nights around the world and recently rocked the house at Big In Ibiza’s biggest event to date, February Flex at The White House.

Mark Batch

Mark Batch embarked on his musical journey during college where he started promoting a night showcasing everything from old skool to drum ‘n’ bass, garage, hip-hop and jungle, booking acts like Adam F. After spending his student loan on a pair of Technics Mark was fully hooked, and was soon DJing alongside legends such as The Scratch Perverts, The Dream Team and Nicky Blackmarket with his style of uplifting, feel good electronic house and electro with occasional dark twists seeing him become a firm crowd favourite wherever he plays as can be heard in his huge electro anthem Jack Michaels & Mark Batch – R.I.D. on Big In Ibiza.

After rocking Ibiza this summer with Ibiza heat and Grin Recordings, James Edwards returned to London with sets at The Gallery @ Ministry of Sound, Fabric & the SW4 After Party with Eric Prydz. If this wasn’t enough his track ‘Bed Time Story’ with Natalie Parker hit #23 in the Dance Chart on Swedish based PR Records and has a storming summer ahead this year with gigs lined up in London, Sweden Gothenburg, Sydney, Melbourne and Ibiza. Teaming up with Dave Minns (Ministry of Sound / The White House) James Edwards scores his first signing to Big In Ibiza under their So Called Scumbags guise with “The Morning Session” which is shaping up to be a Miami BOMB!

James Edwards

1. What are you working on at the moment?

MB: My production & Logic. I also organize marketing campaigns for Record Labels, Events & Festivals for some really cool brands like SW4, Ministry of Sound and Carl Cox with datatransmission.co.uk
Also outside of the dance scene, I’m helping organizing a big School Reunion to celebrate its 50 Year Anniversary, which I hope goes well.

JE: Spending most of my time working in the studio. Working and collaborating with other producers and live musicians. I love it. Also working on this summers Southcity parties at DEX in Brixton. London’s answer to the Ibiza workers parties. Get stuck in they are awesome. www.southcityuk.com

2. Where do you see dance music going in 2010?

MB: Indie Electro & Nu Rave seem to have done well in 2009. In 2010 artists like Sub Focus, Chase & Status and Deadmau5 are mashing up some brilliant stuff with their tight production and they are going to be key in bringing Dubstep to the masses in the Dance scene this year. Expect lots of bass wobbling LFO action.

JE: Well that would depend on who is making it. Big room fast stabs and groove bass lines are what get me going so more of that please.

3. What makes a good DJ?

MB: Someone that can entertain people with their performance, tune selection and bring a good energy and vibe to a party.

JE: The obvious would be great music and skillful mixing. But I Love to see a DJ feeling his/her music on the decks. Going for it like a mad man! Too many DJ’s hide behind DJ booths with a blank face. Some would say this is a “cool DJ persona” and just let the music do the talking. BOLLOCKS! I don’t have time for boring DJ’s, next please!

4. What’s your favourite bit of kit, and how does it sit in your overall set-up?

MB: My MacBook Pro… (She’s called Annie) Im hoping to integrate my DJ sets with my MacBook in someway. I’ve just been sent a VCI 100 by Vestax and am planning to give it a test when I get home. (I’m thinking I might not give it back – it’s really pretty!)

JE: For live DJ’ing, im loving the pioneer EFX 1000. It has an awesome feedback feature on the echo that you can use in so many ways. In the studio I’m getting new plug-ins all the time but recently worked with a tiny little device called the APOGEE ONE. A fantastically crisp portable sound card with built in Mic. It’s tasty 

5. Tune of 2009/Most influential artist of 2009?

MB: My hero at the moment is Moguai, a German that I hope breaks through on the UK scene this year. He’s style gives me a lot of confidence in what I want to do. Tune is ‘Future Shock’ by Rob Peng. (Think Breaky, Old School vibe, Dirty & Pumping.

JE: My Favorite producer of 2009 was defiantly David Penn. Everything he touched was brilliant. His sound defiantly inspired me and made me want to make music! Favorite tune of the year would have to be Erick Morillo – I Get Lifted (Richard Grey RMX)

Mark Batch

6. What can we expect from you in the future?

MB: I’m planning to become a hermit this year as much as possible and spend time focusing on Production. Hopefully by next year I will have a nice Library of tunes that I am fully happy with.

JE: The future is long, expect everything! But for 2010 the So Called Scumbags have some big releases coming out and some great gigs lined up in Sweden, Australia and Ibiza.

7. How did you get into DJing?

MB: I started promoting nights in the bar at Uni, then spent my Student Loan on a Pair of 1200’s

JE: I started going on family holidays to Ibiza at the age of 14 staying in a little town called Cala Llonga. By my 3rd trip I ventured out to Pacha and saw Erick Morillo turn Pacha into a fantasyland! That was all I needed to make me purchase my first set of belt drive turntables.

8. Favourite gig you have ever played?

MB: It would have to be a Peak Time Set at Inigo last Year in March… I got to play everything that I wanted to play and felt like I was on fire.

JE: Feb 2009. I played 4am in the bar at Ministry Of Sound. We had played twice in the Box before but the atmosphere on this night was electric. Boy George was supposed to headline but he was put under house arrest that day, so we ended up playing until 7am to a packed room. We caught the whole thing on camera. It was incredible! Thanks George.

9. Event of 2009?

MB: The Amsterdam Dance Event and seeing Chase & Status live is what really sold me on these guys. (Actually, come to think of it… I swear remember seeing some members of the Big in Ibiza office at this gig looking rather shifty by the stairs!)

JE: Tiesto in Victoria Park. Surprised me as it’s not my music taste but the stage production blew me away.

10. Twitter or Facebook?

MB: I love Facebook, but you should still join my Twitter as I need more followers to monitor what I’ve just eaten or when I last farted.

JE: Facebook. Call mea twit but I’m not on Twitter……..;-)

James Edwards

11. What is your most prized posession?

MB: Annie My MacBook Pro and my girlfriend… (in no particular order)

JE: My Pioneer CDJ’s. Would be lost without them

12. What tunes are on your playlist at the moment?

MB: These have always been winners in the last few months
Broken Records – Michaels & Lizzie Curious (James Edwards & Mark Batch Mix)
Dedicated To The People – (Nasty Does Evissa Remix)
Who Wants to be Alone – Tiesto ft Nelly Furtado (Robbie Rivera Mix)
Are We On – Mr Groove & Vergas Ft Jillian (Homeaffairs Mix)
Southcity – Mark Batch & Alf Bamford

JE: Dim Chris – Love Can’t Get You Wrong (Afrojack)
James Edwards & Natalie Parker – Set You Free
Marc Vedo – Liquid Spirit (So Called Scumbags)
Patrick Hagenaar – We Feel The Same (Michael Woods)
So Called Scumbags – The Morning Session

13. Cats or Dogs?

MB: I’m a cat lover – My favourite animal is the Cheetah

JE: I have both and love both so can’t choose……..Dogs

14. What is the weirdest experience you’ve ever had behind the decks?

MB: Must be at my Birthday a couple of years ago, when I got over excited and lost the use of full vision before my set and had to guess my way around the blurred mixer. (Not a good look at all!)

JE: A girl came into the DJ box and asked me if I was single. I was at the time so I smiled and said yes. She got down on her knees and undid my fly’s. My Smile grew and so did other things! I looked up and she then pored her full whisky and coke down there. My smile faded……so did other things.

15. What do you do in your time off?

MB: Stream Wrestling on the internet. It helps me wind down and have a giggle. This link keeps me sane http://www.dailymotion.com/WrestlingChamp619

JE: Eat, Sleep, Football, Tennis and of course my girlfriend

Mark Batch

16. Have you ever received strange gifts from fans?

MB: Not really but, if there are any hot young ladies out there that wish to send me their smalls, please feel free.

JE: A bra soaked in Champagne at a student party

17. What would be your ultimate holiday?

MB: Going to Disneyland

JE: To Rent a car and drive across the whole of North Ameria. Finish off in Canada and go skiing.

18. What would you say is your best trait?

MB: Thinking of others before myself!? Either that or I have been told I have a nice little bum

JE: To be able to go over the top but still be in control.

19. Is Ibiza still the home of dance music?

MB: Yes

JE: Yes, Musically and spiritually

20. Has it ever all gone completely wrong?

MB: Yeah that will happen from time to time, but the key is to look for the positives in each situation

JE: Hell yeah. Working as your own boss is tough. There is no one else to blame. You have good days and bad days. When you have the bad days just try to remember the good ones

Thank you to Mark Batch & James Edwards

James Edwards

MySpace: www.markbatch.com
Facebook: http://profile.to/markbatch
DJ FanPage: www.facebook.com/djmarkbatch
Twitter: www.twitter.com/markbatch

www.myspace.com/jamesfunkinedwards
www.myspace.com/thesocalledscumbags
www.socalledscumbags.com

storming summer ahead with Gigs lined up in London, Gothenburg, Sydney, Melbourne and Ibiza.


Click here for James Edwards on Facebook


Join the So Called Scumbags on MySpace




CLICK HERE FOR THE BIG IN IBIZA PODCAST EPISODE 003


Big In Ibiza Podcast Episode 003 Tracklisting:
1. James Edwards & Alex Blanco – Dub Tech (Grin Recordings)
Download the track here


2. Filth & Splendour – Hot Pick (CR2)
Download the track here


3. Peter Brown – Vermella (Big In Ibiza)
Peter Brown on iTunes


4. So Called Scumbags – The Morning Session (White Label)
The So Called Scumbags on myspace


5. Matt Smallwood – Debut (Big In Ibiza)
Download the track here


6. Jack Michaels & Lizzie Curious – Broken Records (James Edwards &
Mark Batch RMX) (Grin Records)
Download the track here


7. Phil Crawf – Deadbeat (Big In Ibiza)
8th March
Phil Crawf on iTunes


8. Chris Mimo – Electric Nights (Big In Ibiza)
Download the track here


9. James Edwards – Morning Sax (PR Records)
James Edwards on Track It Down


10. Mark Batch & Alf Bamford – Southcity (1980 Recordings)
Mark Batch on iTunes

Kicking off proceedings LiNAS & Young made their mark yet again impressing everyone including their loyal fanbase and are looking strong to headline forthcoming Big In Ibiza events after delivering a 3 hour set ranging from grooving laid back beats to jacked up peak time anthems with some of their own bootlegs thrown in to boot. They setup the night perfectly, entertaining the crowd and getting them in the mood for a full on hands in the air session that is the trademark of Bii events.

Next up Bii residents Love Assassins took control and ramped up the dials to 11 dropping the biggest club anthems alongside some hot new productions and remixes fresh from the Big In Ibiza studios including Clock “Whoomph! (There It Is)” (Cut & Splice Manic Dub). Tune of the night had to be Cut & Splice’s bootleg of Eric Prydz vs The Killers “Somebody Told Me (Pjanoo)” with Ellie Goulding “Starry Eyed” (Remix) coming in a close second spun by James Edwards.

The Brothers Grin aka James Edwards and Mark Batch completed the night in their own style plugging in the mic and hyping the crowd with their full on party grooves sending them into a frenzy till the venue tried to close at 4pm to the chant of… One more tune! One more tune! Although following the age old rule of always leave them gagging for more The White House pulled the plug on another fantastic night.

But don’t despair! Big In Ibiza will return on Friday 12th March for The White House’s 10 birthday celebrations and present Basement Jaxx alongside Bii residents Love Assassins and Cut & Splice as well as Ben Sowton, DJ Bappa D and Mike Chadwick 7pm-6am.

Details for Big In Ibiza present Basement Jaxx

Check out the pics…

Date: 19^th February 2010 (9pm – 4am)
Address: The White House, 65 Clapham Park Road, Clapham SW4 7EH
Entrance: £6 before 11pm, £8 after (£5 concessions)

Launching our 2010 events calendar, Big In Ibiza’s London residency enjoyed a hugely successful January event at the award winning The White House. If you were lucky enough to be there, then I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again at this one! For those of you who somehow managed to miss out, then make sure you get down on the Big In Ibiza February Flex…Another night of top quality house music, trend setting décor and dancefloor fun.

DJs on the night include:
The Brothers Grin: James Edwards & Mark Batch
Love Assassins
LiNAS & Young

For all guestlist and other enquiries please email events@biginibiza.com Or call +44 (0) 207 720 7266

Download your free Brothers Grin DJ mix here

See you on the dancefloor!

http://www.thewhitehouselondon.co.uk

Launching our 2010 events calendar, Big In Ibiza’s London residency enjoyed a hugely successful January event at the award winning The White House. If you were lucky enough to be there, then I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again at this one! For those of you who somehow managed to miss out, then make sure you get down on the Big In Ibiza February Flex…Another night of top quality house music, trend setting décor and dancefloor fun.

DJs on the night include:

James Edwards & Mark Batch
Love Assassins
LiNAS & Young

For all guestlist and other enquiries please email events@biginibiza.com
Or call +44 (0) 207 720 7266

See you on the dancefloor!
www.thewhitehouselondon.co.uk

This was our third and definitely best party at The White House, particularly as we expected nobody to have any money post-christmas and to be in the old January stupor. But no. You proved once again that nothing will stop you from having a party and shaking your stuff to our particular brand of groove and euphoria. Thanks to all our friends who made the trek its always appreciated.

The “January Sale” event kicked off with a massive two hour DJ set from debut Big In Ibiza DJs, LiNAS & Young. As you know, it’s got to be a special kinda set that gets the dancefloor going, but as soon as the guys started spinning their tunes people started moving and the room started shaking to their grooving beats. With a whole arsenal of tunes up their sleeves, LiNAS & Young built the night from deep and grooving House up to the euphoric and fun vocal tracks that Big In Ibiza events have never shied away from and that have always proved to be a winner with clubbers and a surefire way for the dancefloor to start shaking.

Following on from that came Love Assassins whose big, chunky vocal records continued to keep the dancefloor going (even playing the recent hit by Sidney Samson “Riverside” – which came as a huge shock to all who know them!). After hammering Big In Ibiza’s Christmas event at The White House, Cut & Splice once again took a peak time slot to showcase their unique blend of mash ups and bootlegs. Their set went down a storm and afterwards they were yet again mauled by admirers of their style, wanting to know all the secrets that make up a Cut & Splice set. If you haven’t caught these guys yet, make sure you do at one of Big In Ibiza’s up and coming events – it’s an experience like no other and always a massive crowd pleaser when they mash up your favourite tunes in ways you’d never even imagine.

Finishing up the event were headliners James Edwards and Mark Batch, who have understandably become renowned and respected DJs on the London club circuit with their slick sets that make sure everyone in the place knows they are there to have a good time. Getting truly stuck in to Big In Ibiza’s fun music policy, James and Mark mixed up some of the underground’s biggest records alongside dance classics and big vocals that worked the crowd into a frenzy.

Make sure you all get yourselves down to The White House on the 19th of February for another massive night of the biggest tunes and DJs – it’s now a monthly night, and trust us when we say there are some HUGE names coming up this year that’ll shake the place to its very foundations. Keep your eyes peeled, as always the first place to hear all the latest is right here at http://biginibiza.com, and for any guestlist or questions about BII events, just email josh(at)biginibiza.com

“Thanks for having James & Myself down to your party…Again it was a really up for it crowd and we really enjoyed playing” – Mark Batch